Saying Goodbye

It was a full last two weeks...saying goodbye, or "see you later" to the two preschools I have been volunteering in, my Khanysia church family, my Warehouse family...and a countless number of friends! As I have loved hard...it hasnt been easy to part ways, but I am trusting that God will be sending me back to beloved Cape Town soon.

As pictures often say a thousand words, here are shots from my last two weeks!

Back in a familar season...

Written December 5th:

Back in a familiar season...

a season of saying goodbye...or as we say in my family "see you later"...there are moments of joy when I think of being reunited with my family...especially as Christmas approaches (still bizarre for me listening to Christmas songs with hot sun outside)...but there is a deep sadness too...a sadness to leave this continent and a community that has taught me so much!

I have been seeking the Lord the last few months for direction as to what is next. My sense has been that my time in Cape Town would be coming to an end...not indefinitely (!) but just in the way things have looked. I know God may have more opportunities in the future for me to return. Sometimes God speaks clearly, and sometimes he is more silent, having us wait and rest for his timing. Part of my ongoing faith journey at the moment is to return to Tacoma with no agenda or plan...just as I did arriving to Cape Town a year and a half ago. I am confident that he has a greater purpose for my life, more children for me to love on, more people for me to encourage and a greater life of faith to be lived.

The scripture that I keep going back to is Lamentations 3:19-26:
“I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.”

I would greatly appreciate your prayers during this next season of transition. I know it is not always going to be easy, but I am thankful for my various communities around the world that support me and love me in so many different ways! I am incredibly grateful for my mom and dad, and the life of faith they have shown me (I will be based at their cabin in Tacoma). They too have said goodbye to London and Cape Town over the years...just as I have done...and unlike anyone else, they understand the pain of leaving, but the joy of returning. I respect they ways they have continued to be obedient to Jesus, even when the world thinks they are crazy.

I have one more week left...filled with goodbyes and special parties! This past week I had my last days at both the schools I have been working at. The teachers in Khayelitsha pooled some money together to surprise me with a gift of 120R! ($15)...it was so unexpected I broke down in tears...and the teachers at SACS blessed me with a surprise picnic, in a hidden garden...with wine and gourmet sandwiches! I have had dear memories that I will take with me. I also took the boy I tutor out for dinner to a popular hamburger restaurant, a special date after a good year together. Yesterday we had the Warehouse end of the year party...it was a blast...lots of kids running around, laughter and food...but my heart aches to leave that community! Tomorrow is my last Sunday at church, then I'm having a braai (bbq) here at my house with church friends...then Tuesday is my Warehouse farewell, and Wednesday a surprise party being planned by my friend Caroline. I leave Friday evening the 11th, and arrive into London the 12th staying til the 18th...will be busy time there, seeing friends and connecting with that dear community.

Thank you again for journeying with me!

Lots of love,
Bryna

PS. My address will be: 4247 Sunset Beach Rd West, University Place, WA 98466. I do NOT have a cell phone as it got canceled when I left in July so I can be reached at 253-460-8155, until I get a new number.

November Happenings

Sisiza Ukhanyo Preschool Graduation

During the first weekend of November, a month before the end of school, the 5 year class celebrated their 'graduation', anticipating their move to Grade 1 in the new year. I was blessed that my housemate and friend Caroline said yes to joining me out in Khayelitsha for the memorable afternoon. I must say that it was quite a typical African event! We were told to arrive at noon, so sure enough that is just when we came! The rented hall was already full of familiar faces as my young friends greeted me with hugs and their family members stood by smiling...however the principal and teachers were no where in sight...we waited and waited...and finally by 1:30 the event was almost ready to begin.

I was asked beforehand to share as I was 'the volunteer'...and also a white face, perhaps giving the preschool better status? I was excited by this opportunity as I really wanted to publicly bless the school and teachers I had gotten to know so well! Caroline and I had a laugh for when the programs were handed out there was clearly a type-o inside...I looked to find when I was speaking and it shockingly said “Brenda/Caroline: Traditional Dance”...hmmm we thought, maybe we could do Michael Jackson's Thriller dance. In the end there was a lady who danced after I spoke...praise the Lord! Another hilarious aspect was the gospel singing 'guest performers'...they seemed professional with matching outfits, a scratchy sound system and a keyboard...but I was shocked they lip synced all their songs?! What made me laugh the most was the main singer insisted on holding a mic which was appeared broken, but held it as a prop. Caroline and I stayed til 3:30 and tried to slip out quietly, as we had another event to go to...but I was thankful we left when we did as I heard the ceremony and meal went on until 8:30pm. Needless to say it was definitely an experience!

A Visit from My Best Friend

Stephanie arrived the second week in November. Her trip was a whirlwind of 6 full days...as a mother of 3 she couldn't be gone too long, but I was blessed she made the trip to see me and experience my world! Here a few pictures to give you an idea what we were up to:

We put together clothing packs at the Warehouse
to give to the Preschool teachers for Christmas








We had lunch in an informal settlement called
Sweet Home Farm (Christina standing in the back is the chef)









We played with the 60+ kids at the
Sisiza Ukhanyo Preschool









We enjoyed lots of indoor wine tasting
(especially as we had an unfortunate week of rain)






We toured the Cape and prayed together
for greater Hope in our lives at the famous
Cape of Good Hope!






Camping on the Coast
During the last weekend in November I joined 27 others for a big camping trip in Onrus...this small holiday town is on the coast about an hour and a half from Cape Town. I was thankful to enjoy the sun while I still have it and get so much one on one time with friends in my community that I love. I have probably done more camping in South Africa the past year and a half, then the last 15 years of my life! We barbecued, had marshmallows, swam, napped, played games, sang by the fire and told stories. Here are a few pictures from the weekend:

Living amongst poverty and injustice

Jesus has been opening my eyes to the poverty and injustice that surrounds me like never before. I cannot escape these two looming giants here in Cape Town. But, it's not just here...they will be wreaking havoc wherever I go in the world.

It makes me question...are our eyes OPEN? Do we see what Christ sees...or do we go about ours days, too busy to notice? When we take time to see, there is often a cost...are we prepared to ask the question 'what do I do'? Are we prepared to respond in obedience to what Christ may ask of us? Micah 6:8 states, “...and what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God.” I have learned while living here that responding can be as simple as making eye contact, or as hard as sacrificial giving such as time, money or possessions. I do not have the answers for this...as I am on a journey and a process with the Lord as he is simply opening up my eyes in a new way. Here is a story of something I experienced last month:

“One afternoon I was taking a walk near my house to the local shopping center. As I walked along I ate an apple. Half way during my walk I tossed my apple core into a dustbin along the sidewalk. Once finishing my errands I headed back home nearly an hour later. As I walked along I could see a woman up ahead of me who was digging inside a rubbish bin; only as I got closer did it occur to me that it was the very bin that I had used shortly before. The woman upon seeing me approach, quickly grabbed something and began walking past me. In a matter of seconds I realized that what she had pulled out was my discarded apple core! A bit in shock, I turned and asked the Lord if I should respond or give her some money for food, but by this point she was far behind me. I walked home stunned, confused and tender as I thought about the moment I had just witnessed. Why God did you allow me to see that? I know that it was no coincidence that I happened to pass by an hour later the very second she found my apple core. My heart broke and something began to happened in that moment and in the days ahead. A new compassion was building up inside of me...a heart for those that are suffering in this city, and a desire to see afresh what often gets missed.”

I think back to that memory and wonder where that woman is...does she have food tonight, does she have a place to sleep, does she have any friends? With sadness in my heart, I wish I could go back to that moment...but it has passed. However it wasn't wasted, it was a part of a deep process that Jesus is doing in my heart...and I need to trust that he is holding that woman wherever she is.

I was once told by a friend that it can often be a dangerous prayer to ask “Lord open my eyes!”...but at this point in my life I am ready to see so much more...and to journey with Jesus as he leads me to respond!

October Happenings

“Being Transformed by the Renewing of my mind”

During the second week of October I attended the second module of the Social Transformation Course. It was great to be reconnected with familiar faces after a 10 week break! The time in between the modules allowed each one of us to process through the information we had been taught, and to use the tools we had been given on course projects...these were then reported to the entire class (check out the previous blog entry for info on my project). I told my teachers after the week, that “If God had me in Cape Town this season to just attend this course...its been worth it!” I'm sorry that I cant quite put into words all that I have learned...I feel as if my eyes have been opened, and I'm learning afresh as situations are put in front of me.

Monthly Road Trip:

In this last season I have been driving once a month to a town called Worcester which is about 2 hours outside of Cape Town. It's a lovely drive along the N1 highway and quite literally straight through the mountains, as there is a 15min tunnel which takes you directly through a mountain range. My companions are Lilian and Thami, who are both social workers with the Warehouses' Care for Kids program. This project partners with churches caring for the needs of orphans and vulnerable children in their surrounding communities. Since neither of these women drive yet, I was asked to be the chauffeur, which has become a blessing as I enjoy our long chats in the car.

Children Bring me Joy:

Jesus continues to bless me with very special outings with children around this city! Babysitting has been a key source of income the last few months and I have been connected with some very special families. I have also been getting lots of time with kids I knew from Tacoma (Jacob, Ariel and Hailey Barker), their family is here on a YWAM DTS, so I often take them on spontaneous excursions...we recently saw Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs in 3D! My favorite days are when I go on monthly 'tea dates' with my special friend Vivian Rose. We enjoy sipping hot coco, sharing a muffin and reading books in fun cafes. Check out the latte art from a local coffee shop called Common Ground Cafe...watch out Seattle...these baristas are creating all types of outrageous designs on my foam!

SACS Update:

Each Thursday I continue to volunteer at SACS Pre-Primary school. Last month I had a special opportunity to take one of the teachers I work with to the Warehouse. We sorted donated clothes & shoes together, and I was able to show her what the local church is doing in their communities. This past year I have desired to be a bridge between those at SACS to those in need around the city, so I was overjoyed at her visit that day. Last week the boys had a special introduction day to 1^st Grade: getting a tour of their new building (SACS Junior school), meeting their new teachers and seeing their new uniforms...which they will be wearing for the next 11 years of their life, after the Christmas break! The school year ends on December 11^th, the very day I fly to London...what an honor its been to love on these young boys before they enter the world of Elementary School!

Loved and Appriciated

On the 6^th of October, I drove out to the Sizisa Ukhanyo Preschool in Khayelitsha. It was the first time I had gone on my own and was a significant day for me. I was planning on leading a short workshop for the teachers, as part of my project for The Warehouse's Social Transformation Course. My plan was to teach them about the 'Wheel of Humans Needs' and to get them to think positively about their roles as teachers. I entered the time with realistic expectations as I knew the chaotic environment of the Preschool well (the plan was to share during the kids nap time). I brought yummy iced doughnuts along with me to make the time feel more special and to bless the teachers with a treat.

Once we sat down, I handed out sheets of paper with the wheel on it (translated in Xhosa) and we began discussing the different human needs. I had them look positively at their teaching jobs to think about which of their needs were being met. I've regularly observed during last year that many of them don't act like they enjoy teaching, so I wanted them to look at themselves with greater significance. A few of them responded...but then the discussion took off more as we began to discuss how the children's needs are met each day at the school. It was amazing as we began to pick apart their daily routine and all the teachers were able to see that these various needs (to different degrees) were being met. I was also able to share some of my personal observations of how the kids are being significantly influenced, which I think they found encouraging. After our discussion I went to get a covered surprise that I had brought along with me.

What I uncovered was a collage, full of pictures of the kids and teachers over the last 8 months. At once they started screaming and jumping up and down. Two of the teachers ran up and hugged and kissed me!! They were thrilled to see pictures of themselves and touched that I had made it just for them! It never ceases to amaze me how much South Africans love to get their pictures taken! We laughed together and many of them counted how many times they were in pictures, just like young school girls! It ended up being the hit of the day...and I realized that they may have already forgotten about the truths we had just discussed...but over all they felt loved and appreciated, and that was the greatest accomplishment of all!

Sizisa Ukhanyo Preschool

I continue to drive 45min each Wednesday out to Harare, Khayelitsha to spend time at the Sizisa Ukhanyo Preschool...loving on the teachers and the kids. I am always amazed that God continues to provide different companions to make the drive with me. Earlier this year I drove weekly with two Warehouse interns named Susie and Lara, but they finished in June. So now, there always seems to be someone I can find to travel and serve alongside me on.


As you can imagine, on arriving it is often chaos...a classroom with 3 classes and a total of 100 kids is no quiet afternoon! But, I cherish my hugs and times of play with the beautiful kiddos and the brief but sometimes deep conversions I catch with the teachers. This next week I will be leading a discussion workshop with them (during nap time)...this is going to be my 'project' for the Social Transformation Course I have been apart of at the Warehouse. The purpose of this workshop is to get them thinking about what strengths they bring into their work environment and how they can be further motivated to meet the needs of those around them. I will let you know how it goes!

Pictures always portray a thousand words...so here are some of my favorite from the last month.















Yummy lunch each week - Rice with a veggie soup!











The little 3 year old girls dont have dolls to play with so they attach cars and boats to their backs as 'babies' (just as their mummies put them on their backs)















Another nap time photo...Would be a strange shot if one didnt know its context!

Reunions & Musicals

It truly is a small world:

It never ceases to amaze me that even living half way around the world, I still run into people I know from my past. About a month ago I was at the Warehouse and two girls from the UK came in to volunteer for the week. Upon meeting them I realized that one of the gals had been at a conference at my church in Tacoma 3 years ago and I had been paired up to pray with her a few times. We had kept in contact a bit after that initial meeting, but over the years lost touch...now she was here...in front of me...in Cape Town. Then about two weeks ago a large group from Atlanta, GA came in to volunteer one morning. After our morning prayer meeting a man named John Hambrick from the group approached me and asked if I had ever lived in London...I said yes, and then he asked me my name...well turns out he was my youth group leader my freshman and sophomore year of high school...I had even babysat his kids. It had been 12 years since I had last seen him! He is now a pastor in Atlanta and his church has a partnership with a church here in Cape Town. Such a small world.

I have also been blessed to connect with the Barker family (Aaron & Rhonda and their 3 precious children) from my former church in Tacoma (Aaron was the worship pastor). Their son Jacob was one of my former preschool students too. They are currently staying in Cape Town for a YWAM training school and I have enjoyed showing them around the city.

Somerset West:

This last weekend I went out of town to Somerset West, only a 45min drive away, to stay with my housemate's mum Charmain Plummer. She was a gracious host and we even had goodie bags on our pillows! It was lovely to enjoy a new area and tour around. Highlights were visiting a country estate call Vergelegen...home of some of the oldest trees in the Cape. Also, Charmain is an incredible piano player and had books of my favorite musicals...so I was in heaven singing as she played for nearly an hour: Fiddler on the Roof, Sound of Music, Guys and Dolls, West Side Story & Brigadoon. Theater is in my blood and I'm sure some day I will return to the stage at some point...just don't quite know when. While singing at one point I had to stop quite unexpectedly to hold back tears...I was singing through Fiddler on the Roof and got to the song Far From the Home I Love...well I began to sing the opening lyrics, “How can I hope to make you understand – why I do – what I do – Why I must travel to a distant land – Far from the home I love”...I was instantly chocked up with tears streaming down my face...for this was me, this was my story...I have felt these emotions...loving my home and family, yet also going to where I feel called...ahhhh, the unexpected things that make us cry!

Pictures of the Glorious Trees: