Lion's Head

It’s a short blog tonight, kids. I had a nice Sunday. Went to church this morning and then spent the afternoon reading by the pool. My roommate gave me a book to read, written by the man who started the church she attends in Zimbabwe. It’s been very interesting to read and caused me to do much reflecting and thinking. I’m sure I’ll have more to write on that later, but for now I’ll leave you with that.

I know so many of you have been praying for me along this journey. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that and how much those prayers have been felt every step of the way. I feel like I’m adapting to life here smoothly, that I have made some good friend, that I’ve seen an impact on the hospital and the kids there, and that have many more blessings still coming. My prayers recently have shifted away from my own needs and desires and are focused more on accomplishing all that God has for me here in the lives of others and for His work. I’ve been praying to hear His voice more clearly, so that He might guide me in whatever work He has for me here. I’m trying to make more time to spend in study and reflection, so that I might be more in tune with Him. I think so often we get caught up in the business of life and the day that we forget to take the time to center ourselves on Christ. But as we do this, our lives are so much greater. The first few weeks I was so focused on being here and experiencing everything there was to experience for myself, I let that daily study and prayer time lax, but I’ve refocused and am sure I will have many blessings to share related to that change in my daily life.

Tonight we hiked up to top of Lion’s Head. It’s the smaller mountain next to Table Mountain. It was such an awesome hike. The whole way up I was thinking of all the people I wished were here to hike it with me because I think you would have loved it so much. I’m thinking Mountain Camp should move to South Africa next year! The hike itself was a blast! There were all sorts of different terrains – the open path, the rocky climb, ladders, chains to pull your way up the mountain, rock scrambling- it was such a blast. Nothing however compares to the views all the way up and once at the top. We went for sunset and watched the sun set over the ocean and change the colors over the clouds on Table Mountain. It was just breathe taking! Cape Town is so beautiful with the mountains and the ocean right next to each other! I tried to take pictures to share with you all, but I’m sure my camera won’t do the view justice. Isn’t amazing how we try so hard to recreate the beauty we see all around, but no one does it quite like the original Creator! The hike back down was slightly treacherous as it was getting dark, but we had a great time. The views of the city lights were amazing from the mountain. We were far enough outside the city to see the stars! It was a great night!

I think I’m headed to bed early. Another work week awaits! It’s weird to think the kids will be there waiting when we arrive in the morning. Our lives get to go on outside the hospital. I get to go hike a mountain and spend the day at the beach. I get to go home at night and rest in my bed. The kids and families don’t get to. Their life totally shifts for this moment in their lives. Many of the moms sleep in the chairs at their kid’s bedside – not like the lazy boys we have at home, straight up chairs. They have to hunch over and sleep sitting up with their heads resting on the kids’ beds. Seeing this side of things makes me more empathetic to the needs of families in the hospital and the importance of our patience and support in our interactions with them.

Good night.