South Africa... First Impressions

Wow! Today is my first day in Johannesburg, South Africa. I arrived last night, and I'm currently staying in one of the guest rooms. I think this small room will be my home for the next several weeks - until they find a place for me to live.


First impressions? I'm not really sure yet. It was a beautiful evening last night with a cool breeze. I slept with the windows open and the fan on to allow for a cooler room (since there's no air - or heat - in the room).

Last night I was wide awake, so I decided to "decorate" a bit in this "new home" - albeit temporary - of mine. I put up some pictures of all five of my nieces and nephew... along with some Christmas cards, a note from Mom, and an ornament from some dear friends. Someone here very kindly bought me a small beaded Christmas tree (about 12" tall). Placed under the tree is one of my nephew's toy cars - which somehow appeared in one of my suitcases. :-D I also have a finger painting "blob art picture from one of my nieces and nephew. It's in a really cool frame - which I have sitting on the table. My most treasured gift that I have displayed was given to me by my sister. Growing up, the four of us kids always hung four little mice ornaments (in walnut shells) on our Christmas tree. There are three girls and one boy - obviously to match our genders. All four of us loved those ornaments, and my sister took possession of them a few years ago. This Christmas... she knew that I would be alone in South Africa, and she surprised me by gifting me with the mice. Knowing how much my sister treasured them makes them even more meaningful to me. Right now the four mice are "artfully" hanging on the small Christmas tree.


Christmas is obviously going to be different this year. It isn't my first Christmas away from family... actually it's my 3rd. As much as I would like to be with family for Christmas... honestly, a part of me is glad to be here in Jo'burg. Being away from all the lights and shopping and gifts and decorations and glitter... is somehow simpler. It reminds me what Christmas is really about. It's kind-of nice.

But I'm definitely going to miss family. And I hate that I'm going to miss playing with all the kids. They're such a joy to be around!


God... I wonder what you have in store for me here. Please let me be a blessing to others. Help me be the woman that you created me to be. Teach me your ways, Lord. Help me teach others about your love. I want to learn and grow and become closer to you than I ever have before.