I'm finally here...

Cape Town, South Africa

Friends & Family…I’m finally here…

Sorry for the delay in getting my hellos out to each of you. I think it is always the intent of the traveler to write consistent updates, capturing everything they are experiencing…as well as read every book they carry onto the airplane and take the most amazing photosJ I haven’t yet read my stack of books but I will admit that I have taken some pretty amazing photos.

I will give you a brief update on London as that part of my trip seems like awhile ago now. I arrived into ‘my’ beloved city on June 17th with my life in two very heavy suitcases and two carry-ons…it was routine to find my way to the underground and make my way into my old neighborhood of Fulham. During my journey I was reflecting on the fact that for some, traveling away from home is only a mere thought or dream…but for me its as normal as brushing my teeth. I have been blessed with countless opportunities to travel that have shaped the woman I am today. The week ahead was extremely full as it was a shorter visit than usual…I tried to see as many friends as possible each day, which meant seeing people for breakfast, lunch, tea & supper. I had special connections with everyone and was blessed to be back in Fulham, surrounded by my church community. Between the times with friends I had moments of doing things that ‘restore my soul’…those little things that personally bless me and hugely bless God as I delight in the way he has created me…such as seeing a West End musical, taking photographs around Chelsea, looking in local charity shops, giving art tours to friends at the National Gallery & the Tate Britain museums and worshipping at Christchurch Fulham. I left London on June 23rd with my dear friend Melisa who had arrived from Tacoma a few days prior. The Lord was gracious to give me a traveling companion which proved to be very significant in more ways than one!

Travel Tip #1: Don’t Forget Your Faith!

Leading up to my flight I had been praying that I would miraculously be able to take my 2 suitcases with me down to Cape Town (Now I’m not one of those females who packs everything I own, but I was packing for 6 months and a variety of weather temps!). Together the bags were 40 kg, which was fine traveling to London, but to Cape Town the weight limit was only 20 kg. I was told by my parents to just smile and was peaceful by the fact that I may have to pay a small fee. However, when arriving to check in I was in for a surprise. The woman behind the counter told me that my extra weight was going to cost nearly £600. I was shocked and held back tears…but in my heart I kept proclaiming, “Jesus you are in control, my little money is yours and not my own!”…at this point I couldn’t leave one behind. The woman asked if Melisa or I could fit anything in our carry-ons and we decided to try! Every piece of clothing was jammed into some compartment in our small bags…I have never had to put all my knickers into my purse (the funny part was I was stopped in security later and a woman had to take them out and onto the counter while searching my bags!). So in the end, our stuffing effort proved successful as my fine went down to £200! Next time I will not make that mistake on South African Airlines…but hey you live and learn.

On arriving in Cape Town, we were asked the typical question, “How was your flight?”… but to be honest it was one of the worst I have ever had. About 5 hours into the flight we hit turbulence…normal for those of us that fly frequently, but this was unlike anything I have experienced. The plane not only shook and rocked back and forth but it dropped a bit too. I woke up wide eyed and Melisa and I grabbed hands. The next hour and a half we began to pray, and asked that peace would replace the anxiety we both felt. I profoundly realized how out of control I really was! There was absolutely nothing I could do mid air to make the situation better…I was dependant upon the pilots and most importantly God! Once again, on the turbulent plane I surrendered my life to Jesus…trusting in his plan for my life!

Travel Tip #2: Be ready for unexpectant plans…they may be a blessing!

So…after our flight we were picked up by our dear friend Rene. She told us that in 3 hours we were leaving for the Karoo, to stay a few nights at the Mount Camdeboo game reserve (owned by friends here in Cape Town). Melisa and I quickly packed our bags and got ready for the 9 hour car journey. We were also joined by Clayton and Jenny Harris, also friends from Tacoma who were passing through South Africa.

The journey was long and of course our bodies were tired, but when we finally arrived we sleep hard in luxurious bedrooms…only to be awoken by the African sun and….ostriches out my window! I definitely wasn’t in Kansas any more! The next few days were filled with giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, kudu….and many more animals living on the 14,000 hectored property. It is hard to put all these experiences into words so I suggest you take a quick look at the website http://www.mountcamdeboo.com/ to get a better feel if you are interested (you can see a lovely photo of Britlese & Jesse under the ‘Activities’ link!). If anyone is ever looking to visit a game reserve in there lifetime may I suggest this amazing place!!!

Now I am back in Cape Town…trying to unpack, do laundry, sort out a mobile…and all the other details. Currently I will be living with friends: Rene August and Caroline Powell. Their address is 7 Queenbess Rd., Lansdowne 7780, Cape Town South Africa.

Please continue to check into my blog to see if new updates have been added if you are interested. I will try and send out a monthly email, like I just did, to remind people to check up on me.

Thank you for your prayers!

Love, Bryna