The Sweet Arrival;TIA.

I made it. I am finally here!!!!!! God remained faithful and he kept his word. After all of the traveling, I am finally settled in the beautiful city of Pietermaritzburg, Kwazulu-Natal. I have three words to say, and I use them quite often… This Is Africa. {TIA} For starters, I am not used to driving on the opposite side of the road, or that a steering wheel is on the right side of a car, but no worries according to the leaders here in our program we should all adjust to the changes midway of the semester. I am not used to the little monkey families that hang outside of my chalet as if they were local cats. I am not used to falling asleep with the soothing sound of a waterfall behind my chalet. I am not used to not having my cell phone or my internet to socialize 24/7. I am not used to insane /trecherous hikes in the jungles of Africa just to reach waterslides and hidden waterfalls. I am not used to saying “Zeh-bra” instead of “Zee-bra”. I am not used to tea time twice a day, with yummy homemade treats to go with it. I am not used to speaking in Zulu with what seems to be 100 ways to ‘click’ with your mouth in order to say one word. {I am being over dramatic; there are only 3 ‘clicks’ along with various rules in the language; but it is not the easiest thing in the world, just saying.} I am not used to going to class in paradise. I feel like my life is straight up out of a movie. These places do not exist in real life….OH WAIT, THEY DO… TIA!!! As I write this blog, I am somewhat speechless because I feel every emotion. And honestly it did not hit me that I was going to South Africa until this very moment. It was not until I stepped on this beautiful piece of land that God had created, that is so unique and different in its own way. So much of what I see and who I talk to is all new and refreshing. And even though I may be out of my comfort zone, I am not alone. I am blown away by how many amazing people I have met already. I am thrilled because so many of us have shared quite a few...or should I say A LOT of laughs.  And I must say that the random dancing with the locals as well as friends here is the best!!! If had to describe what I feel now in two words it would be, READY and THANKFUL. I am ready to see what God will do this upcoming semester and in my life. I have become aware of so many things in such a short amount of time. My eyes have been opened to the heart of God and the nature of who he is. I am thankful for this opportunity that I have. I don’t take anything for granted. Yes, I may miss my family and friends back home, but I am here. God has ordered my steps and he has brought me here. I am learning to be present and put myself out there. I have had up/down moments but I am leaning on God for my strength. During my biology class yesterday, on our field trip to a Reserve, we had a set amount of time to be alone and have quiet time. We sat by ourselves at the edge of a cliff to admire all of the nature, or should I say one of the masterpieces of God. It was one of the best things that I had ever done. It was a time for me to be still and rest in the presence of God and be one with His creation. I stand in awe of God and his marvelous works. T.his I.s A.frica . I don't know if God is speaking louder here or if I am just finally listening. As He calls, I shall respond with a willing, yielded, and open heart to serve His Kingdom. Have your way Lord, I give my life to you. <3

P.S. I apologize for the lack of photos, the internet is not so great here and it has been giving me issues, but they will be coming soon... hopefully!!!! :)