Finding Our Way

I arrived back in Cape Town three days ago from a short trip to Durban to find my friends at the refugee center were leaving the following morning. I was completely blindsided by this news. I had assumed that the last part of my time in South Africa would be similar to the first. Apparently, SHADE felt it best to ask the 30 remaining refugees who were still living in the church hall to reintegrate / repatriate.

This is difficult for me. Not only because I feel that some were not yet ready to reintegrate, but also - and perhaps more overwhelmingly - because I will miss them... deeply. They have been the heart and soul of my experience here. Though I encountered some challenges in the midst of these relationships, I also found great joy when I was with them. I met God in their hope, in their laughter, in the way they accepted and encouraged me.

My experience in South Africa wouldn't have been the least bit as rich without them. And so for the gift of these relationships, I am eternally grateful.

From here on out, I'll be working on SHADE's normal programing, which includes a camp for at risk youth, putting together training material for the satellite projects, and SHADE's 10 year magazine.

Time continues to fly by. And I know that I'll be back in the States far too soon. South Africa has been a beautiful experience thus far and I am incredibly grateful for all of your encouragement and support. You all have truly blessed me by enabling me to be here, to experience God in this way.

I love you all,
- jess


p.s. This is a piece of newspaper propaganda from The Herald - the only newspaper allowed to be in Zimbabwe at the moment. The other newspaper was bombed five times and finally closed down. It's interesting to read the way that Mugabe and his men are spinning the situation. Thought you might enjoy to take a look.

ALSO PHOTOS!!!!
I got the chance to see Mbeki speak / Meet and have breakfast with Desmond Tutu the other day! Ridiculous. I know.