Live From South Africa

T PLUS one month.

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Swanson) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 19:57:00 +0000

Generally you go with the minus...because you're counting down to something. But I am counting away from my South African adventure.

Today I have officially been home for one month. Ugh.

My heart beats just a little bit slower knowing that.

I look back on my last post and laugh a little bit at my own faith and wisdom that originally made coming back home seem like an okay thing to do, even though no fiber of my being wanted to.

When I came home I had a voicemail. It was the head of admissions from the University of Michigan's School of Nursing. She wanted me to give her a transcript...because it was the last piece of information they needed before they could officially offer me a spot as an admitted student for the Fall of 2010.

God doing's oh how I know. The Africa chapter closed and a new seemingly larger chapter opened...Nursing School. At a school that is accepting me an entire year earlier than I was originally being admitted at Oakland. A spot that was given to me, that only 4 other people out of 200 were given.

As I am sitting here on my bed I am underneath an African tapestry and Zebra spoons. I miss my Africa so dearly. But this is the life that will lead me back there. So there is no more sad. There is no looking back- only forward. That's all I'm allowing for, because we are now one month out.

I would like to invite you to read my new blog..something I started since being back. A commitment to finding God's beauty in my life. The gifts he has given me everyday. The web address is...

http://youcanmoveeverything.tumblr.com

Thanks ya'll. It's been fantastic.

The part I've been ignoring.

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Swanson) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 18:37:00 +0000

If you are a reader of this blog who knows me pretty well, you may be aware of the fact that I have a slight issue with denial. If I don’t like something I tend not to acknowledge it’s existence; and even the fact that I used the adjective “slight” to describe my issue with denial is telling of my syndrome. And I know it, but I deny that further still….and thus the cycle continues.

So I’m facing the part of the trip I have so far been denying…it’s conclusion.

First of all, I feel the need to point out the fact that this trip didn’t start on April 16 for me, it started way back in January when I committed to going. From that point on, a new part of my life began that included some fundraising, packing, lots and lots of counting, and a fellowship of eleven people joined together for a unique and meaningful purpose. A purpose that we were able to accomplish with an overwhelming margin of success, and joy. All in all this trip has been more than a simple experience; it has been a chapter in my life.

But this too must end. And on the eve of my departure from South Africa, I am all packed and ready for our long trek back home… and kind of left wondering, what’s next?

I’ve spent so much time loving it here, and all the phases I went through to get here. I loved it too much, and therefore I have been having a very hard day getting ready to leave it all behind. Yes I know all the practical reasons I need to go home: job, continuing education…blah blah blah. When you’ve spent two weeks without those things, you are given the time and grace to figure out there is more to life. And that a different way of living life really does exist. Something maybe I could really fit into, and find happiness within.

But I’ve given it some thought and found some strength in my struggle. First of all in knowing that all of my “blah blah blahs” really are important. I may find them daunting at times but my life at home is what allows me to come here and be part of a solution. Going back to my place in the world will allow me to replenish and build upon the tools God has given me to make a difference, “here and there.”

More importantly, it’s time for a new chapter. For the last few months I have clung to this trip as my one true North. (even though I went way South.) The thing I was working toward, even when I wasn’t directly working on it. And I did it. And it was amazing, in so many ways. But God has made me ready to bring on something new. And I have no idea what that may be.

If you also know me well, you may know that I have a little trouble coming to grips with the unknown, but I consider a bible passage that I have really come to really appreciate from Job 42:1-3.

“ I know that you can do all things, no plan of yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.”

And so officially ending this chapter means starting a new one- that I know will be filled with things too wonderful for me to know. And for that… I’m excited!

When.

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Swanson) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 17:20:00 +0000

(I wrote this on Saturday, but the internet is touch and go so this is the first I've been able to post it)

I hereby officially declare that I am saying “when”.

I am sore to the touch, and ambling around like an old man after the clinic we had today. 250 total children, who arrived by the never-ending busload with dirty little ear canals. Every time I looked outside searching for a light at the end of the tunnel it seemed as though even MORE inquisitive little faces would peer around the doorway anxiously wanting to get in Grace Evangelical Church.

Being the person who took every single little patient’s vitals with an ear thermometer and the assistant at the ear wash station I thought a lot today about dirty little ears. Although I learned a contradiction to my cultural hygienic upbringing - dirty ears are healthy ears. Acidic wax keeps us from getting bugs in our ears as well as bacteria that cause ear infections. Thus unless the wax is causing pain or auditory damage…it stays.

At patient number 215 I had caught up with the docs on vitals and got to sit in with a very exhausted Dr. Andy as he checked off the last few kids. With the exception of a case of Impetigo, which was routinely treated with antibiotics, we had all basically healthy kids. I would kind of laugh at the awkward silence in the sheet-walled exam rooms as the kids realized that they waited in line for 6 hrs with their cardstock “chart” only to have this guy write on it that I’m perfectly fine. And yeah, maybe today would have been a much easier and shorter day had we only seen the ones who could actually be classified as sick. But there’s beauty in healthy kids that blows finding a true ailment completely out of the water. Not to mention the benefit of giving all of these kids multivitamins, a community based prevention of worms, a sticker, a sandwich, and a day to sit and play with their friends in a house of God to find out that Jesus and these crazy Americans in the funny clothes called scrubs love them.

There hasn’t been a clinic day with 250 people in a few years; we try to cap it at 150. And this time it happened there was about half the amount of doctors available to supply the demand. So I guess it’s safe to say that God heard my prayer about exhausting our team within the very last molecule of ATP. But this is what we prayed so diligently for the opportunity to do, so the work and exhaustion is met with satisfaction and welcoming. I think we were meant to see everyone who came through those doors today, because had we not faced so much adversity with setting up these clinics I don’t think a 250 clinic with half the required staff would have gone quite so smoothly.

I will be lucky if I make it through my spaghetti dinner without falling asleep in it.

firsts.

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Swanson) — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 05:47:00 +0000

Okay, so I need to do this pretty quickly because our incredibly competitive game of Phase 10 went just a little too long and it’s getting pretty late. (pretty late being 10:20…) But also you should know that the reason 10:20 is super late is because I started wanting to go to bed around 5:45.

In the last few days… I have had my first dip in the Indian Ocean, I played my first cord on the guitar (E minor- which I’ve heard is rarely ever actually used, but counts nonetheless) and also had my first experience playing soccer on the beach (which taught me the importance of looking out for rocks).

And most importantly, today was our first clinic.

Today we were finally able to do what we came here to do. It was long awaited and frustrating to get to this point, but it was a great day. I walked out of the house at 8:20 and there were already at least 75 people lined up outside the clinic doors. I took what felt like a million blood pressures, a few baby temps, a lunch break, and then started all over again.

I think my favorite part of the day was the last twenty minutes, after I was done taking pre-doctor vitals and I got to sit in with one of the docs as he diagnosed a couple patients. This also led to another first: hearing my first heart murmur. Reviewing the state of health this particular person was in, this was a sad, less exhilarating first.

The electricity went out, as it tends to do here, so after our long day we didn’t even get showers… and had to make dinner in the dark. But we’re so used to it by now it didn’t faze anyone. I’m not looking forward to the reverse culture shock that I’m sure is waiting for me at home… paved roads, the ability to pet dogs, seatbelts, and cell phones? I’ve only been here a week and I’m quite avidly adjusted to living without all of the above. Here, the only day of the week that you need to know is Sunday, and the timed out events are based on “before dark” or “after dark”, and I’ve grown quite fond of every aspect of it.

It’s a good time to get going, everyone is sleeping and ready to do it all again tomorrow, Peds style! Yup, tomorrow we see the Zulu babies…who could light up even the darkest of days with one smile or the beautiful tunes they sing to praise God ☺.

A constant state of dirty feet.

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Swanson) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 20:13:00 +0000

So, there are a few things that are different in Africa. Title- inspiring being the fact that my feet are always dirty. (I’m sure my mother is having a small heart attack knowing that I would even put that up on the internet)…but it’s true. Normally at home this would incessantly bother me to my very core, but here my attitude can be summed up with one expression- “eh”. Maintaining cleanly feet in South Africa would kind of be an unending battle, and much water wasted…so I accept it, embrace it. Africa me has very dirty feet.

There are a few things that I wanted to write about. I swear my brain has gained a few pounds with all of the thinking I’ve been doing… or lost a few due to intense work out, however you’d like to think of it. Thus I’m introducing a series that may or may not have three elements. The trouble is not that I’ve never had this much time to think…I’m an avid thinker no matter my geographic location, but never before had so much that I felt I wanted, needed to share.

Subgroup A: Perspectives.

I would like to start out with some stats… We brought with us a thousand pounds of meds in our luggage that we checked. Everything has come to into the country in it’s original packaging…but once we get here, our Kirkland brands bottles of 750 need to broken down into something a little bit more practical for handing out at clinic.

To solve our problem we consulted a great historical duo, Sharpies and the Ziploc bag.

125,000 tablets of ibuprofen rationed into Ziploc bags of 100 tablets equates to 1,240 bags. Divided by 10 people is roughly 124 bags per person to count. And then if you have a more specialized job like me, the bag-writer, you are strictly writing the phrase

“ Ibuprofen 500 mg #100.”

1,240 times. And that’s just the Ibuprofen.

The following is the numerical amounts for our top 4 med groups. But may I reiterate that this is just the TOP four.

80,000 paracetamol /100 800 bags
60,000 diphenhydramine/ 60 1,000 bags
24,000 children’s multivitamin/ 60 400 bags.

This is what we have been up to the last two days folks. Two days. Lots of counting, and creating rules that involve never ever counting outloud and games like the “the Perfect Hundred”. These last two days have given a whole new meaning to what it is to serve God. A whole new perspective.

Mission trips are hard, and I don’t think people go into them really expecting them to be a walk in the park… but you don’t know what God is going to make part of your mission until you’re in it. And this has been a marathon of painstaking, detailed, and mind-numbing service. Service to God. Service to our supporters…those who sent us here, and those who need us here.

I haven’t gotten to the clinic part yet. So this part of the trip is hard for me… but I’m also one of few newbies on this trip- and people have come back year after year after year. The trials of “sorting” were a surprise to only me, Carmen, Dan and Anna. Everyone else knew… and expected it- and come every year knowing exactly what they’re getting themselves into. For Sarah and Sharon…seven years in a row.

Counting pills doesn’t make you feel alive. It almost makes you want to die. But there’s so much more to this.

really live from South Africa now.

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Swanson) — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 17:04:00 +0000

Up until this point this blog has been a little bit of a misconception because really it has been livefromrochesterhillsmi. But now it's the real deal. I'm feeling spoiled in the moment because I still have access to the pearly white keys I'm used to with my mac at home.

Yup, we're here. It is... 19:04 here, on Sunday night. 1 pm your time.

Time is kind of a crazy thing, so I'm actually doing my best not to concern myself with it too much. Getting here was kind of a blur now that I look back. A: because time kept changing at our in-between destinations so a real hourly count would take some backtracking that I'm not willing to do. and B: I was in a state of half-awake-half-asleep unknowing daze that I couldn't seem to shake. My body had been awake for 40 hrs straight and wasn't really giving in to sleep. So I had a rough time, but I'm thankful because I'm pretty sure I was having the worst time of it out of all of the people in our group and it really wasn't that bad. This is my first experience with Jet Lag, so I'm doing my best to keep the side effects to a minimum. But all of the travels went exceedingly well. Planes left on time, bags got where they were meant to be, and through customs without a second glance..

Sarah took the moment to note, sometimes you can just stop and think that making it through customs with 1,000 pounds of donated medications with no back up plan as a cool little coincidence, and sometimes you can just stop and think "hey God, that was awesome- Thank you for being here with us, on this day, in this moment".

Today we did a lot of church. Went on a bumpy and exciting car ride to Empembeni to sing our praises, hear testimony, and Rev Rob's guest sermon on love. It was quite an amazing first experience to have. (Literally my first experience in Africa)

Theres a huge language and cultural barrier, and the constant battle of fighting jet lag, but I sat there and felt just as connected, if not more in my plastic lawn chair to the Zulu words as I did last Sunday in the hearty wooden pews at Genesis. And the weekend before at my dear Kensington.

The music is unreal. These people have been given a gift to sing...and I think they just might know it. Music that moves- made from no more than the voices, hands and feet that they've been given. No sound checks, no lyrical support...everyone just knows, and everyone just sings. Even me.

As Rev Rob was getting ready to go up, one of the South African girls came up to Sarah and I and said, "Excuse me, I don't mean to bother you- but would you like to teach Sunday school?" Anna piped up with a yes, so Anna and Sarah taught 10 zulu babies about Noah's Ark, while I sat in back to watch. I had a feeling that this situation had entertainment potential, and I'd have to say it was quite the jack pot.

We did the same at Grace Evangelical Church a few hours later, (minus the impromptu Sunday School) which is the Mafu's church right across the street. The only sad thing about church today was not being able to announce our medical clinics... Trying to remain flexible about the wrinkles we have not had the opportunity to smooth out, we were only able to bring the people our smiling faces today.

The afternoon demanded some down time, and then we went to the Beach. Probably not the type of Beach you're picturing... probably about twice as cool though. Mcepseni caught a crab, and let me hold it. We were digging it up, and I reached for it- but apparently I was trying to grab it by it's one huge claw, which is really not the way to attempt it. So I was to wait until he had it dug up to hold it.

Everyone is in the room behind me counting meds (one pill at a time, mind you) so the time has come to join my team. I'm sure I will be able to blog again soon.

Sala kahle.
(Stay Well)

Uphi my worship book?

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Swanson) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:27:00 +0000

I'm gonna let the words of our lovely and loving leader Sarah Roberston rock this post. Via email copy and paste.

The weather in Durban (check me, Cathy!) is in the high 70s and sunny. Yippee!!
Don't eat any salty foods for the next few days. It'll make your flying experience better.
Drink lots of water over the next few days. Same reason.
Start those malaria meds - and bring them with you.
Locate your passport right now. Don't lose it!
Locate your Bible right now. Don't lose it!!

And let's all be praying together for the following:

Safe travel, smooth border crossings, and welcoming hearts from the officials that greet us at every airport

Safety and protection as we travel around South Africa, for us and the Mafus and the team of Zulu friends that will be helping us

The blessing and chance to put on our clinics

Sufficient medicine to serve the people we will see

That unity, peace, joy and forgiveness might reign over our team in the next two weeks

Protection and support for those we are leaving behind

God's will.

the difference between here and there.

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Swanson) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 21:51:00 +0000

So you have something in mind. A date. An event. Something that makes you use statements like, "until then..." or "after that", or even just letting yourself be excited for it. Because eventually it will be there.

You make plans.

But more often than not, at least in my life anyway, something comes through to re-route those plans. Because things get cancelled, the money you had set aside has gone toward something else, you forgot about a detail, you didn't get the job, or he sat you down and told you he doesn't want to marry you anymore.

And then suddently when you actually arrive at that day where you are supposed to be at your metaphorical destination...you're not at all where you once thought you'd be. Sometimes it's a good thing, because where you wanted to be was really no good anyway. But sometimes it sucks.

You can think of the place you thought you'd be, and surely long for it. But whatever route was going to get you there has developed a road block... and all of your ever loving plans are out the window. You're left with dissapointment, and the only option still viable is to keep your chin up and try again another day.

But sometimes.
Every now and then.
Maybe when you were just about to give up.

You get to your destination.

Because you wanted it, you worked, you hoped and prayed...and you got there! And getting there, lets you know that this is exactly where you're supposed to be. And maybe without all of those roadblocks down other paths you might not have made it.

For all the dissapointment, and unlaid plans I've ever run to on my own path- I have, for the first time in my life, reached my destination.

I am going to South Africa on Friday.

I am going to South Africa on Friday.

I am going to South Africa on Friday.

go time, baby.

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Swanson) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 22:30:00 +0000

Well we're in the final stages... 6 days! My fingers so very badly want to blog about everything that's going on right now: Pack-ups, Dinners, changing people's minds about venison. But sadly they have to do homework, study, fill out paperwork from the car accident I was in yesteday (thanks for that one, Oh Evil One). So much is taking me away from the thing I want to do most.

I don't have time to breathe. But I said to someone yesterday, "I think I will breathe better in South Africa". So I focus on the sun on my face, the green trees, and needing patients I will see...and do my best to power through all the very-un-important-feeling-stuff.

The next six days will be about powering through...and I will breathe when I get there.

I pray...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Swanson) — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 16:02:00 +0000

I am blogging from my Blackberry right now! This either makes me incredibly cool, or a huge tool...I'll just leave it up to you to decide! But being the avid blogger that I am (my own personal blog is http://jessswanson.blogspot.com) I find this new bridge of technology very exciting. And also I apologize if there are lots of typos, it's a very tiny screen!

Anyway, I felt like a very major follow up from my last posting was due after our team met yesterday. In our very dreary and cold basement, under an afternoon thunderstorm, the team sat around a circular table "like dinner!" I exclaimed when I realized what we were doing, with one of Sarah's absolutely delicious brownies still half-masticated in my mouth. Always a lady.

Anyway, we passed around charts from last year. A huge stack from just one day of last year's work. When it got to me I said "alright God, pick me a good one!", moved my hand from the one I was going to grab and chose another. We all went around, butchered our patient's lovely Zulu names into our own unrecognizable English version of their names. We lifted them up to God, prayed for that person.

At first I contemplated saying "I can't do this" when it became my turn. I couldn't pronounce her name, and furthermore I didn't know what to say. But strength was summoned from inside, and just enough was there to get it out. She was remarkably ill, they all were. But looking at this list of symptoms, and most heartbreaking, her age- I knew I couldn't pray for her comfort or her healing in the way everyone had just done for their patient.

With shaky hands and eyes very very desperately holding back tears I just prayed for that would God would usher her to His side.

The same fate that I have happily accepted for my own life. Scares me very deeply for this woman. I've prayed that prayer a million times for myself, and through out life when death inevitably makes its way back into my life. But it's never felt like that. Never quite like that. Praying for a piece of paper. The name upon which I couldn't even read.

I will not claim that I don't cry. But I am unrelenting when it comes to sticking to my life-long identity of being the girl who slaps a smile on everything. I went through 8 years of braces, and also its a pretty handy coping mechanism. I realized yesterday that I will not be slapping a smile on this trip. These people are going to see me cry, probably a lot.

I want to meet my piece-of-paper lady. I want to pray open-handedly with her, I WANT HER TO TEACH ME HOW TO SAY HER NAME, and as the theme of this post dictates, I want to get the chance to cry with her, even better: to laugh.

She has no idea, wherever she is. But she is changing my life. From a piece of paper.

Thy Will Be Done

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Swanson) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:00:00 +0000

Today is the first day of April, which means we have officially entered the month in which we leave! I took a deep shaky breath on March 16th when I realized I had a month. But today, I embrace it with arms thrown into the air and a big smile on my face. A: because I'm excited, and B: because I'm a lot more ready now. Shots done, Letter to the bank, Scrubs bought, Gifts bought, Bags semi-packed. Oh yeah, and My Last Will and Testament written.

Mine was pretty short and sweet, a text message to my best friend Katie saying.

Hey, I need to write my will before I go to South Africa. This is it: If I die, you get my Mac. Save this text.

Oh, the epitome of lame. I know. But the thing is I don't have that much to leave behind. With the exception of my small amount of Credit Card Debt, and my very expensive laptop...which has been known to help Katie out with her Teaching Homework for OU.

It's not that I don't take death seriously, or think that I am invincible. It's just that I'm really not that scared of it. If I die, I go home. To be with God, my maker and all of those who came before me. I'm pretty fierce about guarding the ones I love, and loving them way too much here on earth. So I can only imagine I would make a formidable Guardian Angel.

But in all seriousness, I trust God.

It's a heavy statement. Try saying it out loud. I trust God. And when he wants me where he wants me I will go. Faithfully. Fearlessly. Even out of this world.

Maybe, its the Easter season. Maybe it's my limited knowledge of the Bible. But I am posting from the Message version of John 14:1-7.

Don't let this throw you. You trust God, don't you? Trust me. There is plenty of room for you in my Father's home. If that weren't so, would I have told you that I'm on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I'm on my way to get your room ready, I'll come back and get you so you can live where I live. And you already know the road I'm taking."

5Thomas said, "Master, we have no idea where you're going. How do you expect us to know the road?"

6-7Jesus said, "I am the Road, also the Truth, also the Life. No one gets to the Father apart from me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him. You've even seen him!"

So anyway, the point of today's post: Write Your Will! and Happy Easter :)

"Enlarge my Faith"

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Swanson) — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 18:22:00 +0000

I'm a bit of note-taker. It helps me take things in, and apply them later in life when I really need them.

Our team met yesterday, and sat down and talked about the future of our trip. One of the things that Sharon said I found particularly note worthy was the concept of "Enlarge my Faith". Father God, put a huge obstacle in our way, and help us to overcome it proving once again that nothing is greater than You. Thus our faith is restored.

We're still going to go, and do the things we set out to do. Taking good use of the strength and courage we've been given; and also downsizing our luggage capacity just a tad.

I'm quite sure Peter says it best.

4:(12) Dear Friends do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering as though something strange were happening to you. (13) But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

(15) If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. (16) However if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

(19) So then those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

It's long, but incredibly lovely and inspirational. I've always thought that overcoming hurdles is a very unique way to get close to someone. Our team together deciding to address this hurdle with our great Faith allows for incredible closeness. There was a great energy while our little group packed Meds and prayed yesterday, and it will serve us well in the time to come.

Adversity.

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Swanson) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 02:43:00 +0000

The day I decided to go to South Africa was also one of the worst days of my life. Waking up angry, to getting to a point where I was so ridden with anger, frustration and sorrow I could barely handle sitting in my own skin. Looking back I also see it as a day God intervened to help one of His children with a momentarily broken soul.

Not only did He send this opportunity my way, by what felt like complete chance, He took care of a lot of my hurdles. Being able to take all of my exams early, the fact that school ends the day before we leave, getting the time covered from work, and that one last plane ticket that happened to be reserved. From day one, I have felt like this is my way to serve God- because He told me so.

So I thought that was it. All my obstacles were taken care of, I am going to South Africa!

For a long time I have been thinking that this trip has been something to help save me. I didn't realize until today (and a lot of thinking) that REALLY it has been something to challenge me.

I still believe God put me on this path, but I'm going to have to fight to stay on it. Fight with Love, Faith, Prayer and Hope. We all have to.

We spoke about adversity in each of our own lives at our last meeting. In moments of bringing some of our fears and challenges to the surface, our seemingly small team got that much closer. Now we face adversity as a team, in an unexpected way that has potential to powerfully change our trip.

I recieved the following email from Sarah today:

Hello all!

As you know, our medical mission trip to eSikhawini, SA is scheduled to go April 16th to May 2nd this year. As you also know, we have, for the past 6 years, been invited and welcomed by the medical community in the area to come and conduct our clinics. This year, a new individual is overseeing the medical community in the area. So far, our request for permission to come has been met with silence. Today, we received word that our request will most likely be denied. The Mafus are hoping to speak with the individual directly very soon. In the meantime they have asked for our prayers. So please, take a few moments in the next hours/days and lift these prayers to God:

1) That our request to provide medical care to the people in eSikhawini will be granted.

2) That we will find favor with the new leaders of the medical community there.

3) That if the door closes through which we have been invited the past several years, a new door will be opened.

4) That the hearts of those making the decisions will be softened and their minds opened.

5) That God's will be done, whatever that may be.....

Team, Sharon and I do not have many answers right now. What we know, is that we cannot control anything happening in SA. But what we also know, is that our God is a BIG God, and He can do all things. We will keep you all updated as soon as we know anything. For now, we are planning to go as scheduled. Let's pray believing that will be the case!

Thanks, all.

Sarah

Adversity will always be there. We were made to climb, and part of that beauty is that there will always be more mountains. It is one more way we are called upon to apply the Love, Hope and our the Spiritual Strength that we've been given. Please help us by coming together and praying for these things.

2010.

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Swanson) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 01:11:00 +0000

Without an update in a sad 11 months, there is new news for 2010.

First of all an intro, I'm Jessica...and I am the "designated blogger" for this year's trip. I accidentally stumbled upon this trip in February. I'm a nursing student at OU and this is my first experience with a mission trip AND going to South Africa. So my postings will be primarily conjecture until we make the big trip in...41 days!

We've gotten a bit of a late start this year, for reason's no one has really been able to pinpoint, and with a smaller team than usual..but we feel our team is divinely created for a unique trip this year.

I hope you will enjoy taking this journey with me :)

At Last . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 04:02:00 +0000

We are here . . .

Praying for peace in our hearts - lives transformed and even for the mundane like favor through customs and luggage that arrives on time and intact!

Thanks to everyone who made this a reality - May God use us to be His hands and His feet. May our Zulu friends find hope and healing.

I Can See the Light At the End of the Tunnel . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:14:00 +0000

Yes - it's there. . .

A few things before we head out.

Please be in prayer for Isaiah and Mercy, the team that awaits us in South Africa and for our team members especially as many of them are facing trials right now.
We are meeting at Kensington at 4am.
Pack your personal bag 50 pounds or less.

Below you will find a note from a friend of ours who traveled to South Africa with us on this medical mission. I thought her note embodied how wonderful the connections are with the people we meet in South Africa. Let it be an encouragement to you today.

I have been insanely busy with the last two classes of my masters. I don't know how I managed to leave the two classes of this course plan that have the most tedious, intense assignments, but I have not stopped moving since January. I have 3 weeks, and I am DONE, and that has really been on my mind lately. "Just get through this."
So, last night, as I rushed through the foyer of Pawley Hall at Oakland University on my way to class, some pictures being displayed caught
my eye. Now, it might just be me, but pictures of African Children seem to be everywhere. I don't know if it is just that so many images from my own experience there are in my heart and mind so others jump out or if there is just more awareness now. Maybe it is a combination of both. It always intrigues me, because no matter where the pictures are from, I feel like I know the people, or like there is some kind of camaraderie offered in the poignancy of the images. I
don't know these people, but somehow, I do. I don't know this situation, but somehow, I do. Anyway, last night, these images were just gorgeous. I didn't have time to stop, but I noticed they had been taken by a high schooler--a girl Cari, from Stoney Creek High School. Wow! Even more amazing!
So, on break, a couple of us meandered down to the store and then were taking in the pictures in the foyer. I was going through the cases, looking intently at the beautiful faces. I was trying to see if there was anything to indicate where these laughing, yet serious, children were from. So many things reminded me of the Zulu friends I had made in 2007. There were lines of students waiting for school to start. There were laughing girls, and stoic boys. Then there was a picture of a girl in a white lawn chair against a bare wood floor. "Wow," I thought, "That totally could be the church at Empembeni! But, I bet those chairs are pretty common. They are here, at least." I began searching the faces, thinking how funny it would be. Just maybe, some kind of pure coincidence, that these crystal clear faces matched the images burned into my memory.
I turned a corner, met up with one of my classmates, and screamed and teared up all at once. There, one of the individuals who I made a very personal connection with, was staring out of a frame at me. Rejoice, one of the strong women who helped us pray during our
clinics and who does so much for ACM, sat at the corner of the Empembeni church, hesitantly fingering her song book while having her picture taken. "I know her! I KNOW HER!" I yelled out loud. The classmate next to me was a bit stunned, but then said, "These are really good. Actually, a guy I went to school with does something like this. I don't really know about it, but Prem is pretty into it."
"PREM!!! What?! He is 'pretty into' eSikhawini...WHERE I WENT!" (Prem is actually a photographer as well. He went to SA a while back and actually has set up their website, etc.) My excitement caught the attention of a couple more classmates. They came over to where we were standing and I filled them in. In my loud, arms-flapping sort of way. One of the other women, Mary, said "So, this is Rejoice, huh? Like, 'Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel!' This brings tears to my eyes seeing you with tears in your eyes! Actually, one of my co-workers goes somewhere over there. She passed out her envelopes again. Pat ."
It was my turn to scream again. And I think I might have jumped up and down at that point. "PAT!!! She was on the team when I went!"

I walked back through the display and saw a portion of Sabelo's face, and Mercy's sister--other workers at ACM. Things I hadn't picked up on in my first inspection. Things I wasn't necessarily looking for!
Honestly--honestly!!--what are the odds??? Well, when working with God, odds really don't matter. In SA, the people call our team "The Winter Doctors" and each year, as their winter approaches, people in the area surrounding the church start asking for them to come back. Word of the Winter Doctors has made its way around eSikhawini and people look forward to the annual visits, but word did not stop there, it has flowed through the channels here in Metro Detroit and is touching people here just as much. Word of the Winter Doctors and of what God is using them to do among the Zulu people is spreading here, too.
This moment was even more poignant when I figured out that this year's team is leaving Friday. The beauty of the moment stopped me in my tracks. Slowed everything that was rushing about me and my life, and reminded me once again of the glory of our God. Although SA is never far from my consciousness, there are times when my heart forgets the real depth of the experience there. At this time of extreme stress in my life, I needed that reminder. I absolutely love that images of gorgeous, strong children bring me back into the center of God's love.
written by MW

2 Weeks and Counting

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 00:05:00 +0000

Just a couple of reminders that Sarah sent us today:

March 21st (tomorrow - Saturday): pack and sort at KCC starting at 1 pm. Sarah will provide some lunch and drinks. Come ready to work. It's my understanding we are going to have a TON of meds to sort and count. We're also going to take some time to go over some very important travel/packing details, and do some very important praying!!

What to bring on Saturday: bring with you any meds you've collected, any money you've raised from the pop cans, and any other checks you may have to add to your support. We need to be finishing up with the collecting on both of those fronts so we can finalize things. Also, bring with you the name and e-mail address of your point person. I must have those by Saturday!!!

Malaria meds: Make sure you've gotten in touch with your doctor and are getting those meds, and any other shots you need to get.

Commissioning: We will be commissioned by KCC at the New Community service on Wednesday, March 25th at 7:00 p.m. We'll all try to sit together so, put that date on your calendar if it's not already.

Potluck: Our potluck dinner is next Friday, March 27th. All family and/or friends who are you biggest supporters are welcome. But, I need to know ASAP (tomorrow at the pack and sort if possible) how many folks you'll be bringing so we can divvy up the food responsibilities and be sure to have enough for everyone. It starts at 7 pm and will go until about 9 pm. We'll be providing a lot of information for both you and your families and then allowing time for everyone to ask any questions they may have.

Travel Logistics: Packing List 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 02:27:00 +0000

I have updated the Packing List. You can download a copy here!

Prayer Calendar

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 17:21:00 +0000

Would you pray?

Prayer is our most powerful tool in ministering to others and making Jesus known in our own backyards and across oceans. Your prayers have carried us throughout the years as we have traveled back and forth bringing medicine and healthcare providers to the Zulu community. Would you please pray alongside us again?

Follow this link to print our prayer calendar.

Thank you

It's In The Bag . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 23:25:00 +0000

Berkley High School really put it in the bag - collecting 17,000 Ziploc bags in 3 days for the 2009 South Africa Medical Mission. We are SOOOOOO grateful for their help - these donations WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!!

We will transport all of the medication in the larger bags to keep bottles separated and protected. Then, when we arrive, the 'pharmacists' will prepare the prescriptions and package and label each one of them in an individual ziploc bag.

Student Leadership sponsored the event and they did an AWESOME job. There were posters, announcements, videos, and even the windows were painted with reminders. The Chairperson for the event, TK, did a great job organizing, collecting, and motivating. Pretty Impressive for a 15 year old! Thank you so much.

In all 17,000 bags were collected.
1st Place: Ms. Church’s Class
2nd Place: Ms. Lafferty’s Class
3rd Place: Ms. Warren’s Class

Way to Go Berkley High School - You Make a Difference In This World!!!!

One Month Isn't So Far Away - So PRAY

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:35:00 +0000

John 15:7 / Philippians 4:6,7
Pray about everything. Pray without ceasing. Just pray!

Matthew 6:33 / Luke 9:23
* Pray that Christ will be the CENTER of everything we do.

Acts 1:8 / Matthew 28:19,20 / Galatians 6:9,10 / Matthew 5:16
* Pray for the Mafus, as they prepare for our visit and go about their daily work of providing hope and love to the people of eSikhawini

Mark 10:45 / 2 Corinthians 4:5 / Romans 12:1 / John 14:21
* Pray for the people we will see - the nameless, faceless people that will soon have a HUGE place in your heart
* Pray for the names we saw on the cards at our pack and sort.

Romans 8:32 / Philippians 4:19
* Pray for friends and family

John 13:34,35 / 1 John 3:18
* Pray for our team - for each member that you know, are getting to know, and will soon know very well :)

Romans 8:32 / Philippians 4:19
* Pray that meds come in

1 John 2:15,16 / Romans 12:2 / Lamentations 3:22,23 / Numbers 23:19
* Pray for safe travel without hiccups, for smooth transitions at customs, for the arrival in SA of ALL our bags unharmed

Isaiah 26:3 / 1 Peter 5:7
* Pray for protection and health

Romans 5:8 / 1 Peter 3:18 / Ephesians 2:8,9 / Titus 3:5 / 1 John 5:13 / John 5:24
* Pray that everyone has a deeper and richer relationship with Christ as we journey together and that as we celebrate Easter together that we would know that Christ Paid It ALL. May we truly know that no good work will earn our salvation - Christ Alone has already given us that gift and we can freely accept this gift. (Thank you Lord)

Travel Logistics: Buddies

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:54:00 +0000

2009 Buddies

Andy - Prasanth
Angela - Jessica V.
Sarah - Brooke
Cari - Jessica F.
David - Sanjeev
Tegan - Anya
Pat - Linda
Tracy - Joanna
Sharon - Cathy
Drew - Tony
Andrew - Sumila

Travel Logistics: Luggage Requirements - UPDATED

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 03:22:00 +0000

We will be flying economy flights through South Africa Air. Your seat arrangements have been made for you so that we can sit as a team. Please do not attempt to make changes to these arrangements. If you have concerns, please talk with your trip leaders.

You will each be allowed 1 personal checked bag. Your 2nd checked bag will be a team bag that contains medical supplies.

We are going to pack our bags heavy this year and to the maximum capacity for our flight TO South Africa.

Checked baggage dimensions for international travel to South Africa
23 kg (50lb) each and maximum dimensions of 158 cm (62 inches) each.

Checked baggage dimensions for international travel to the United States 23 kg (50lb) each and maximum dimensions of 158 cm (62 inches) each

We will weigh all of our bags before we leave. We will pack them to their maximum weight capacity with additional supplies. Be prepared for this!!!

*****************(no changes from previous posting)*********************
Carry on luggage is called Hand Baggage internationally.

We are restricted to 1 piece of hand baggage with the following dimensions: One piece of hand baggage not exceeding 115 cm (45.3 in) and 8 kg (17.6 pounds) in weight.

Follow this link for the international hand baggage restrictions upheld by South Africa Air.

Pack & Sort - Success!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 03:14:00 +0000

We had a great 1st Pack & Sort. Meds have started arriving and it is exciting to see how God is providing. We started by praying for the patients that we saw last year in the clinic. It was a really special prayer time and it really motivated us to have people's names in our hearts and minds as we work tediously at sorting, counting and packing.

Thank You

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 23:04:00 +0000

A great big thanks to these churches for their medical/medicine donations. This trip wouldn't be possible without you!

Mt. Pleasant Bible Church
Kensington Community Church
Genesis the Church

May God pour out His blessings upon you.

Matthew 10:7-9 (NIV)
As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts;