One Bag Packed & To-Do Lists

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another." 1 Peter 4:10

Last night I was up pretty late playing Tetris with my stuff...shoes fit here...beads go there...row by row, one of my bags is packed. But still I'm a bit stressed that I'm not going to get everything done. Based on yesterday's meetings and to-do lists, I have a feeling that this week is going to be pretty 'packed.'
When I get into work, the first thing I do is look at my calendar. I have it color coded, labeled, circled, and past events scribbled out. I'd call it 'Mental Vomit' if my desk were a gallery exhibition. The OCD part of my brain needs a list of tasks to mark out, but the spiritual side of me is wanting peace. Or at least a blank piece of paper. I think what I'm searching for is time to process. Or time to create. I have the urge to do something organic that moves outside of boxes, structures and calendar dates.
My devotion this morning was about serving one another. I especially liked the prayer listed, "Lord, you have no needs. Show me how to serve you by meeting the needs of those around me." So this morning, I'm trying to harness all the mental chaos in order to see the needs of those around me today. It's so easy to get overwhelmed with everything on my to-do list. But God isn't concerned with to-do lists. May God bless today with opportunities to love his people and meet their needs.

Nov. 27-29

Good afternoon friends!

This past weekend was pretty relaxing. Tammy, Tracy and I went out Saturday morning to Kalk Bay to window shop and walk around. That afternoon everyone did their own thing..I took a long nap! I've been exhausted lately. I think my body is ready for the holidays in order to shut down for a little bit. Saturday night, the three of us went to the Toad (Tracy needed to be introduced to our favorite hang out spot!) Great day with great friends!

Kalk Bay

Tammy (L) and Tracy (R)

On Sunday we went to church in the A.M. then decided to relax in the afternoon. That evening we went to Hillsong for their final service in the Cape Town International Convention Center (CTICC.) The CTICC has been Hillsong's 'home' for the last two years. Next week is the first Sunday in their brand new building! I'm so excited to see this new house. 

Today has been pretty busy with a management meeting and yearly planning meeting this morning. I spoke with Louis about our collaboration project. He is working on some sketches that I will look at tomorrow afternoon. I'm really looking forward to seeing what he has in mind. It should be interesting to see how much we can complete in 4 days! I will keep it well documented for you all to see the progress. The end goal is for him to have photos to add to his portfolio as well as some income for the week. Please be in prayer that I am able to accomplish a lot this final week here. This time next week I'll be (hopefully) all packed and getting mentally prepared for the 21 hour flight home. Crazy!

Giving Thanks

Hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving!

I enjoyed a wonderful lunch hosted by Living Hope's Life Skills Educators. They acted out the first Thanksgiving..which I have to say was hilarious. The South Africans did a noble job of trying to understand our Thanksgiving, but I am truly thankful that the Americans did the cooking! I needed a good dose of comfort food.

Yum!

I am thankful for my time here. Only a week and 2 days left. It's crazy how the time flew by! I am thankful for my new friends here and everything that the Lord has taught me. I literally needed to be taken out of my busy, loud, constantly going, stressful life in order to be still and listen to God.

My South African Family

Faith is...We Do What?

"Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?"
-James 2: 15-16

Faith is more than something you just feel. Many people confuse emotions and feelings with faith. They come to church and they're moved emotionally, maybe even inspired, but that doesn't mean they're walking in faith. The Bible says faith is something we do, not just what we feel. An example would be, if I were on the streets of New York City and see someone homeless. Let's say that I am able to see beyond the possible addictions, mental disease, proof of poor life choices or result of the terrible economy. What I see is someone who is hungry, cold, in need of clothing and shelter. Am I showing great faith, not generosity, but FAITH if in passing tell him to "Cheer up!" "Don't worry, God is good!"????
No.
Faith carries compassion. Faith is doing anything I can to stop the hurt. Jesus was moved with compassion for people. Broken people. Jesus showed us faith in practical means: food, clothing and shelter. You and I show faith by what we do. Our actions. What we can do may not make a difference to everybody, but it will make a difference to those we help.
Great opportunities to serve God often come as small opportunities to serve those around us who are in need.
(Adaptation of Rick Warren's daily devotional Faith is Something We Do.)

I am especially convicted by this today. Yes I followed a calling to serve in Africa, but was I obedient showing faith in New York City? I might of passed someone my leftover lunch on the way to the subway, but did I get the barefoot man outside of my building a pair of shoes? Or ask him if he knew where a shelter was? I didn't even take the time to consider finding out where a shelter was to direct someone if necessary. Most times on the subway when the 'crazy' lady asking for change walked by I'd turn my I-pod volume up and look at the floor. Also, I would avoid eye contact. Because eye contact is personal. When you look at someone in the eyes you are acknowledging their presence and humanity.
This is yet another wall that God is tearing down in my heart in order to build up compassion. It's easier for me to go to Africa than to look those in my community in the eye. I am grateful for this time for God to open my eyes...along with my ears. I pray that he continues to prune me. Refine my actions. And open my heart to fully love like he loves. It hurts sometimes (OK, most of the time) to be transformed, but I am thankful.

Wishing you the Happiest of Thanksgivings!

Go and Rebuild the Broken

I wanted to share some of what God is doing in my life this past week, especially this past weekend.

I have been in prayer over the decision for where I am supposed to go and what job I need to take. I feel that God is very clearly telling me to wait. I am not excited about returning to the fashion industry doing the same thing I did before. God is wanting me to be intentional about my decisions. I do however have the urge to go back to the City, but it will be a very different City. I have been asking that God would give me the eyes to see how he sees. And there are areas of brokenness and hurt from the last two years that he is still mending. I'm finally at a point that I'm allowing him to break down walls and heal wounds. I'm also at a place of beginning to forgive myself for mistakes that I've carried with me.
That said, this weekend, the Lord has taken a lot of opportunities to speak to me. He continues to break my heart in order to teach me the ways his heart breaks. The sermon on Sunday morning was about discouragement and the lies the devil uses. We were reading Nehemiah 4:1-15. The key points of the sermon were:
*God is wanting us to be prepared
*Get Ready. God is getting ready to build you up.
*Who is your foundation? How solid is your foundation?
*Common man with a unique position
*Walls were broken
*God called him and he wanted to go

The phrase that I immediately responded to was: Go and rebuild what is broken. 
(It's amazing how God meets us exactly where we are.)
Sunday afternoon, I woke up from a nap with the phrase Tear down what needs to be rebuilt.
I am praying to God to continue to tear down walls in my life that need to be rebuilt by him. I'm very excited to experience these changes he's making!

Last night, Isaiah 61:1 really spoke to the brokenness being mended in my life and how I am to GO and love the brokenhearted through the experiences God allowed me to go through. I am encouraged that he is calling me to be a voice in the church and in the arts to tackle the 'taboo' topics that everyone struggles with. 

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners.

Thank you for allowing me to share all of this with you. I am so grateful and humbled to have each of you to hold me accountable in my Christian walk.
Much love!


Romans 15:4 "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope."

Micro Finance in a Material World

Because of my involvement with the group up in Red Hill and bead work at Living Grace, I have been doing a lot of research on micro finance organizations working with artisans to start businesses. The organizations below are only a handful of a long list of non profits doing wonderful things in their respective communities.

The first is Quazi Design, a jewelry company specializing in paper and Eco-conscious accessories. The paper beads themselves aren't the best I've seen, but the marketing idea is amazing! (http://www.pureswazi.com/eshop/index.php?cPath=33)

Paper Bead Earrings (LOVE this!)

Another organization in South Africa, is Learn to Earn in Khayelitsha and Hermanus (Khayelitsha is the largest township in Cape Town.) Similar to Living Way, Learn to Earn works to teach skills training but also focuses on job creation (http://www.learntoearn.org.za/) I'm not in love with their designs but I really like what the organization is doing for local artisans. Also check out "The Feel Good Store. Based in Claremont, Cape Town, the store has been trading since 7 May 2009. Stocking re-conditioned customer returns, limited samples, rejects and over-runs from the various Foschini Group brands, the project aims to fight poverty by training unemployed people in skills relevant to the retail supply chain. In addition to the retail shop, there is also a warehousing and production component to the project. Steady sales, successful recruitment and retention of previously unemployed people in all aspects of the project, positive customer feedback as well as the fact that every cent made goes back into the project, makes this initiative a sustainable model for success." (http://www.tfg.co.za/csi/projects/tfgs.asp)

Of the many organizations I've looked at one US non profit stood out in regard to micro finance for arts in developing countries: Aid to Artisans in West Hartford, CT (http://www.aidtoartisans.org/)

Pressed Leaf Card from El Salvador

Short list of other organizations worth checking out:
Women Thrive Worldwide http://www.womenthrive.org/
Mercy Corps http://www.mercycorps.org/
Opportunity International http://www.opportunity.org/
HOPE International http://www.hopeinternational.org/site/PageServer
CARE http://www.care.org/
ONE http://www.one.org/us/

This afternoon, I am headed back up to Red Hill to lead a follow up skills/business training course. They are setting up a table at Living Hope to sell jewelry during a fundraiser event this weekend. They need some marketing help as well as basic business (expenses, sales..) I'm honestly a bit disappointed in their choice of buying beads instead of making them, it's not the most sustainable option for their community. I am interested in seeing how much thought they have put into the reality of starting a business. Most importantly they are excited, so be praying that they do well in order to maintain enthusiasm for creating work to sell.

Update Nov. 21, 2010: I just spoke with Al (long term volunteer) and asked how the sale went this weekend. Apparently the ladies didn't sell anything, not because the work wasn't good, but because they were more interested in walking around to see the other tables were selling. So I am encouraged that they saw what the market is like and were able to walk to mall to see how expensive beads really are. They said that this was a good experience and they want to learn how to make recycled beads as well as set up a road side stand near the bus stop (at the bottom of Red Hill.) I will be making one more trip up there before I leave Cape Town to teach a bead making workshop/business training and marketing follow up session.

Empty home in Red Hill

Church next to the Living Hope container (Middle Camp)

Tammy (6 mo. Volunteer) and me with some of the Red Hill kids!

In Between Old and New

I have been doing a lot of reflecting on this 'new' life that God is calling me to. Because the details haven't been made known, I'm feeling very much in a limbo between two lives, the old (NYC) and the new (Africa? TN? NYC? Wherever..) I sense God 'stirring the pot' but nothing has been completely revealed as to what the next step is. I am encouraged during this time as he is the light unto my path. Over the past couple of weeks I have been praying specifically that the Lord will provide the foundation for these next steps when I get home...or wherever I am. Please be praying that when I'm presented with opportunities that I will have the wisdom to discern whether it is from God or not. And if something is not from God, it will be made very clear to me.

My devotion this morning was "speaking the truth in love." To do this requires both courage and compassion in order to maximize the impact of our service to his people.

Ephesians 4:15-32
"So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.
That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." 

God has called me to be a missionary to serve his people, whether that is in the continent of Africa, the homeless shelters and community centers of Manhattan, or asking the cashier how their day is at the checkout line at Wal-Mart. I have definitely learned during my time in Cape Town that regardless of where I am, I am to be connected within the community. I need to be in tune with God in order to love and value those who I see daily. I need to make myself available to his people. 

Ephesians 5:1-2
"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

Nov. 8-10

 Well, I just said goodbye to the Low Country Church Team. We had a wonderful week and half together, and now it's time to be back with my Living Way family tomorrow. To catch you all up, on Monday a few of us ladies went to the Living Hope clinic to visit with some of the patients. We ended up doing their nails and putting lotion on their hands and feet. I can't even describe how humbling it was for me to put lotion on one of the patients feet. My dad made the comment that when he goes to Sudan that he sees God is every person that he is able to care for. I know what that is now. I saw Jesus in that patient.
Yesterday, we started the morning at Living Grace. Living Grace is another ministry under Living Hope that serves the homeless. We participated in devotions and singing hymns then we split them into two groups for crafts. I was able to lead my group in jewelry making! We beaded bracelets, necklaces and earrings. I had a blast! Joan (she and her husband run LG) asked if I can come every Tuesday morning to teach jewelry making...especially the bracelets made out of cardboard and magazines (pics to come.)

Those who are making the jewelry are hoping to get a booth in a craft fair that is coming up. Joan is going to help sell their work. The group was so motivated and excited to learn new things! Before leaving we served them lunch. One of the homeless men approached me after eating and said, "You know why I like you?"
I asked him why. He answered, "Because you have holes in your shoes!"

That afternoon we went up to Red Hill for Kids Club. Here are some pics. The kids are adorable!

Love their little feet!

Today was more relaxed with skills training in the afternoon along with Kids Club. It was a joy and pleasure to work with the LCC team! God bless them with safe travel tomorrow as they fly home.

Nov. 5-7

My dad and I had a wonderful time catching up these past few days! Friday was much calmer than Thursday, and we were able to spend some father/daughter time shopping and walking around. I took him to meet my bakery friends and to see where I am working at Living Way. Everyone was pretty insistent that I belonged there and not in Red Hill, but I will be back soon enough. It does feel good to be missed though! Even Louis had stopped by the office while I was gone to ask if I was still around. Apparently he was worried that I had gone back to the States. I'm glad to hear he's well and looking forward to catching up with him later this week.
For lunch on Friday, we met up with Casey and Sarah Prince. They are long term missionaries in Ocean View (another township down the road from Masi.) It was great introducing dad to them; they are awesome!

Saturday we went site seeing with the SC team. It was fun to be tourists for a day. We went to the outdoor market, Kirstenbosch Gardens, and Table Mountain. We finished the day having dinner with a few of the other volunteers. The Toad, of course. Fantastic end to a perfect day. Then I said goodbye to dad at the airport last night. Please continue to keep him in your prayers for safe travels. His final flight gets into Knoxville tonight around 9pm EST. I'm sure he's going to be wiped out. I know I am! And it's only Sunday night..

Kirstenbosch Gardens

At the top of Table Mountain

Collection fabrics/materials sneak peek!

Have a happy Monday! Love you!!

God is Real, In Red Hill

Starting this week, I have been working with a team from Hilton Head, SC (Low Country Church) in the Red Hill Township. We have done kids club and leadership training as well as door to door ministry. It has been a breath of fresh air! I love getting involved within the community and meeting those who live there. Of course the kids are adorable!
AND my dad arrived safely around 4:10pm this afternoon. He is exhausted but doing well. It's so surreal to have him here...and I'm loving every minute of it! Tomorrow is a very busy day with painting/construction projects, leadership development training, kids club and a community celebration. I absolutely cannot wait! On Friday dad and I will be spending the day at Living Way so he can meet my family there. I am praising God for this time with him and the opportunity to minister in Red Hill.