6 December 2008
10:30 am
Joburg

Good morning! :) It’s one of my last few days here; we are leaving for youth camp on Monday, which I am very excited about. :D It has been a crazy and eventful last few weeks; I am sorry to not have written in a while, it’s just been busy. I’ll write more stories and put up tons of pictures once I’m home. But for now, I’ll say a little before I sign off from this side.
The past three weeks or so have held quite a lot for us. We’ve visited the apartheid museum, had a sleepover with nine (extra) girls in our apartment, seen Hillsong in Pretoria, visited with locals, worked youth fundraisers, had an African Thanksgiving, gone shopping at the market, seen an informal township, and continued our usual ministry. :) phew. Quite a lot, eh? I cannot believe I will be home in about a week and a half! I’ve been a big ball of emotion lately; I am excited to be home and see everyone, but also overwhelmingly sad to be leaving this place I have come to love so much. Anyone who has spent this kind of time overseas will understand what I mean; it’s hard. But, I am so thankful to God for not only this opportunity, but all He has done in and through me. His work has rearranged my world; not only how I see my world, but myself as well. And I love Him more all the time for it. I wish I could put it into adequate words, but my mumbled praise will have to do. I have learned more than I thought possible in the past four months, and this is a never-ending journey! My Saviour and Lord is holding me in His hand all the way, no matter where I am. “The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?” (Psalm 27:1, NLT) His word has spoken more to me in these days than ever before! I have been a child of the King for over a decade, but have never experienced His love and grace and mercy the way I do now. One thing is sure, I will appreciate this Christmas more than ever before, because I have experienced Christ anew in my heart.
I want to thank you all for your tremendous love and support these past months. I love you more than you know, and praise God for who you are in my life. I can’t wait to see you face to face, and hug your necks. :) Please continue to pray for me as I finish out my term with youth camp and debrief, and fly home on the 16th and 17th. I will have much to tell when we next meet. Again, I love you and thank you. You’ve been such a gift and blessing to me in this time, and I hope to be just as much to you in the days to come. Until I see you, may the Lord bless you and keep you.

Cheerio,
Sarah

P.S. Happy birthday Lauren! I love you girl. <3