I Made It!!!!!!

Hi everyone from Johannesburg, South Africa! It is still very surreal that I’m here.

After over 22 hours of flight time I made it! The flight went very well and God answered my prayer that I would have great people to sit next to on all my flights. From SFO to Washington Dulles I sat next to a very sweet couple on their way to Switzerland for vacation. On my way to Dakar I was able to take an empty two seater and got some rest. From Dakar to TAMBO I sat next to a wonderful women named Kim and her friends who were traveling to Cape Town. They were such a blessing because they helped me get through customs as well as gather my large amounts of luggage.

I live in a brick building with a small sitting room, kitchen with two bedrooms. I have amazing roommates names Jess and Megan. They both have been in Refilwe for over a year and both will head home before the year is out. They have been so helpful in showing me the ropes.

A Sweet Welcome!

My Room

Outside of my house

View from the porch

 I had my training day at the baby house on Saturday. All the babies are so precious! There is a 2 1/2 year old, One nine month, two eight month olds, and a 9 week old. We are also all waiting patiently for a new addition to be added.
Monday through Wednesday was my first days at work by myself! Now that its Friday I can confidently say I can take care of four babies and a 2 year old all by myself. I was pretty stressed at first but, I know it will only get easier. I am very thankful for my handy-dandy cheat sheet. : )

Typical day at the house with my babies

Cheat Sheet

Experiences so far:
My first three meals in South Africa were American, Pretty funny. I had pizza after I got picked up from the airport, McDonalds for lunch with the group, and then the rest of my pizza for dinner. Way to start my Africa experience : ] On Monday there was a braai (BBQ) to welcome a new women in the Refilwe community as a God-Parent. I finally had some true African food, This beef sausage thing, it was pretty good.

Every Wednesday they have something called an Agape meal. Everyone from Refilwe is invited to go to this group dinner and fellowship together. I had my first one the other night and it was such a cool thing to see everyone in one place. I am looking forward to going every Wednesday.

Prayer Requests:
-That I will be outgoing and build relationships with people in Refilwe, especially the other baby house Aunties!
-That I am able to get a local cell phone with no trouble (it can be quite a process)
-That I find a church out here that I can connect with
-and continue to grow a love for the babies that I will go above and beyond to care for them through the love of Jesus.

Packing Time!

June came so fast! Its about that time to get my suitcases out and begin packing. The next two weeks are going to be crazy. I have finals this next week, my birthday, last day at work, packing up my house into boxes, packing my suitcases for Africa. A whirlwind of activity for sure!

Its been cool to see my family come together before I leave. In April my brother, sister and I went horse back riding as a last hurrah as siblings. It was lots of fun.

My Sister Megan

My Brother Noah and I

Then over Memorial day weekend my sister came over and we had a cheesy movie weekend and “healthy” Pinterest veg out. Although it never ended up being that healthy haha. I’m realizing now that we never took any pictures, but I guess thats for the best since we were not picture ready that weekend.

My mom was here this last weekend and we went shopping and hung around and chatted. I have plans with my dad, but its a surprise for fathers day shhhh .....

I have been extremely blessed by all the amazing parents at work. I have been collecting winter baby clothes for the whole month May, I thought I would get a little here and there, I got way more than I ever imagined. I know the baby house will be so blessed by all the donations.  I had lots of fun sorting, washing and packing all week end.

Packing for my Babies