It feels surreal to be writing this post. Most days it felt like this year would never end and I would never get to this moment. The one where I am writing a blog post to summarize our final ministry & be just days away from landing on US soil. But here we are. Without further ado, let’s get to it.
Location: Jeffrey’s Bay (JBay to the locals), South Africa
Arrival: October 26
Departure: November 25
Days: 30
Team: Ember: Sarah, Em, Jamie
Living conditions: The Mission House/The Log Cabin. A beautiful, three-story log house with a large kitchen and dining area on the first floor, couches and space to hang out on the second floor and bedrooms on the third floor. The back faces a large field where there is a perfect view of the sunset every night.
Weather: WINDY. Hot, sunny days and cool breezy nights. It’s spring, moving towards summer in this hemisphere.
Ministry: Beats & Books !!!!!!! My favorite ministry of the entire year. Beats & Books is an after-school program that focuses on growth spiritually, intellectually and musically. The atmosphere created is Christ-centered and discipleship-minded. The kids (age 12-17) welcomed us into their lives so quickly our three weeks there felt so full. We were a resource to help with homework or music practice (every kid takes either violin, guitar or piano lessons) and led little Bible studies. Any other time was spent hanging out with and building relationships with the kids. It was a pleasure to know and grow to love such incredible people and saying goodbye to them was not easy.
Throughout this year and in the last several years of my life, I ask myself constantly, “Are friendships and relationships worth the pain of saying goodbye?” Because I hate them. I dread them. They hurt every time. It feels like every time I turn around there is another goodbye to be said.
But, the answer is always, yes. Yes, it is worth it. I would rather know you and love you and say a painful goodbye than miss the joy of knowing and loving and spending a moment in time with you.
Fun Fact: In Jeffrey’s Bay, warm currents of the Indian Ocean meet cold currents of the Atlantic Ocean creating perfect and very unique surfing conditions. Kinda cool. I didn’t surf but enjoyed watching the pros from the shore whenever I was at the beach.
A Person: The founders and directors of Beats & Books had to suddenly leave South Africa right before we arrived due to visa problems. With them absent for a time, the full responsibility of the ministry has fallen on a volunteer at the ministry, Abby. Abby is quite incredible and I learned so much from her example. She is so kind, gentle, patient, generous, loves so well, and is carrying a lot of responsibility with so much grace. She also had college exams during this past month and still managed to balance everything with Beats & Books beautifully. I am thankful the Lord crossed our paths and allowed us to work alongside one another for that month in JBay.
Well, this concludes number 10 of 10 country recaps. I have a “last blog post” in the works and then I’ll be signing off for good. As always, thank you for following along and for your comments, message and prayers.
xoxo
Emma Liz
What a blessing it has been to hear about your ministry in each of the areas where you were sent. You have had the experience of a lifetime. You have enriched each of our worlds by your blogs. May God continue to lead and guide your life. Look forward to seeing you when you get home.
And you’ve added more lovely people to your world of friends. What a treasure!!! We’re all so happy to look forward to a “Welcome Home” and not a goodbye! Love you to pieces dear one!
We have never met and probably never will, so that goodbye thing is only working one way in that I won’t be seeing N squad blogs pretty soon. I have enjoyed reading N Squad blogs this past 11 months. Thanks for doing them.
It has been a blessing for me to read of your wonderful travels and ministry opportunities and to learn what God is teaching you. I know God will continue to use all you have experienced as you return home. I look forward to seeing you!
Love, Gail
Hello, Liz! As usual I love your updates for each country. It’s such a sweet kiss from the Lord that you would end your Race with this beautiful ministry. Isn’t it amazing to think that He knew right where you’d be at this moment in time
in your life and all the gifts He’s given you would be perfectly suited to it…..amazing. We’re so glad you’ve enjoyed this month! I know the “goodbyes” are difficult, but I agree with you, they’re always worth it. Love you so much sweet one! Praying for safety and ease in your travel all the way home to American soil.
These were SO cool and I bet great inspo for future racers. Thanks for documenting AND sharing the sweet and hard stuff. I’ll miss your blogs!