Janae-nae's Travel Notes and Quotes

Counting the Days

janaeshepherd — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 03:47:00 GMT

Well, my travel insurance is due to expire in only nine days, and it's just a reminder to me that my trip is ending soon.

There are a lot of things I could write about. I've seen a lot and experienced a lot that makes me think. I hope to share these stories with you when I return.

When I arrived here at the volunteer house earlier this month, it was full- 16 people living here. Slowly, our numbers are dwindling. Each day, it gets a little quieter. Even in my own room- there are three of us sharing a suite. As rooms and beds have opened up, we've spread out to vacant rooms and beds for different reasons.

Anyway, today I thought I'd write about some of the things I've been doing in my free time. Living Hope is really great about giving of time off. Volunteers get off Friday afternoon, and of course, the whole weekend. Since my time is winding down, I've been cramming every moment with...something.

The first weekend I was here was full of activities surrounding the World Cup. The next weekend was a visit to the Aquarium. (Stupid rain forced us to be inside). Last weekend was a visit to Robben Island. This was the #1 thing I wanted to do in Africa. It was really cool seeing Nelson Mandela's prison cell and hear the stories of other political prisoners. The ferry ride was...not the greatest. Ugh- I DO NOT want to relive that.

This, my last weekend, was by far the busiest weekend I've experienced here. I had a lot to see and do, and I had a bad cold, to boot. But anyhow, I HAD to conquer Table Mountain. So, that's exactly what I did with my friend Stuart's parents. Nothing like spending the day with your friends parents- who are British. It was fun! The climb up took about 2 1/2 hours. We stayed up there 3 or 4 hours, then Mrs Rimmer and I took the cable car home (which took about 10 minutes). Mr Rimmer climbed down. It's really great being with them because 1) they're fun people and 2) they have afternoon tea! I love tea! It's a great arrangement.

So, you know, after hiking up a mountain with a cold, I probably should've taken it easy- which I did Sunday! I went to church in Capricorn (a different one that was almost entirely English-speaking!!) So refreshing!! Then dinner out with the gang.

If you know me, you know that was enough break and Monday morning, I got up before dawn and hiked Lion Head Mountain with my friends Amy and Ronnie. This was supposed to be a hike up to see the sunrise, but we got lost. What was supposed to be a hour hike up ended up being 2 1/2 hrs. We saw the sunrise over Cape Town, but not from the mountaintop. After this, we ended up at the District Six museum. This is a really great museum about the relocation of the District Six community of Cape Town. Just another side of apartheid than Robben Island and political prison. Very well worth the R30 admission (about $5 American).

Other than that, I've enjoyed a little time with a new friend- Alicia. Alicia is our host, which means she drives us to work and any place we need to go during the day. She was the first person I met here in Cape Town. She greeted me with a hug and a smile at the airport. She's about my age and I enjoy bouncing my thoughts off her. Since she has lived in Cape Town her entire life, she has really great insight into the people and history of the area. Alicia has been a great encouragement to me since I've been here. I truly enjoy speaking with her. She always shares great encouragement and wisdom from the Lord.

With all that being said, 9:00 is rapidly approaching and my bedtime. Goodnight!

Week 3

janaeshepherd — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 04:21:00 GMT

Week 3 events have been nearly the same as the last two weeks. Each Tuesday after returning to work after the weekend, I find my relationships a little stronger with those I'm working with. I have befriended several of the guys at Living Grace- learning more about them and discovering their personalities. It's really interesting learning the individual side of homelessness. One month, I feel, is not a long time to do true, effective ministry, at least in this area. Week in and week out, it's the same people working at Living Grace, and it's been that way since 2004.

Today was Sanna's last day at Living Grace. She has been there for four years. Each Wednesday, she led the singing and gave the morning devotion. Today, the crew gave her a parting gift and she gave gifts to the other leaders as well. The clients were given the opportunity to share what her ministry has meant to them. It was really, pretty cool. I also got to visit a little with Sanna this morning and her service with YWAM.

Later today I taught some of the girls recorder in Capricorn. These last two weeks, we're working on something for them to play in worship in early August. Monday I asked them what songs they knew and yesterday I figured out "My Redeemer Lives." It was so great seeing their joy as they learned just a short bit of the song. Their excitement was amazing! It's hard to believe a simple little instrument could bring so much joy to them. Because of a meeting inside the building, we were forced to rehearse outside. The girls were so proud to show their friends walking by their new talent.

Wednesday afternoons I spend a little time with Melissa teaching piano. Melissa is such a sweet young woman- a 24 year old young mother who lives in Capricorn. I feel I'm the most incapable person to instruct her, but it's been a real joy seeing her develop. Capricorn is a very poor township. Melissa lives with her mom, sisters and daughter in a very small home. She mentioned today she would like to buy a keyboard to practice on. I hope somehow she can find one. I don't know how she does it, but she comes every week prepared for the lesson. Today we had some time after the lesson waiting on our ride, so she used the time to practice. It's been such a blessing working with her and getting to know her. I wish I had more time to work with her, and am excited for her as she develops her new gift. She hopes of one day playing keyboard in her church's praise band. Good luck, Melissa!

Needs in Cape Town

janaeshepherd — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 01:15:00 GMT

Just for kicks I checked the worship member page on the BVBC website. It looks like John is directing you to check out my blog, so I thought I might write something specifically for musicians.

Two weeks in and two to go. Earlier today I filled in my journal nearly everything I've done the past few weeks. There is LOTS and LOTS of music stuff. Three days a week I teach beginning guitar at Living Grace. What's cool about that is, once a guy comes comes back the second day, I have him teach a new student what he knows. I truly feel my purpose here is not to teach music to people, but use music as a tool to lead people to Christ. That being said, I've observed in the homeless men and women and among the people in the townships that they don't just choose to be homeless or poor, but they feel like they cannot do any better. In the townships especially, it's a sad circle- broken, fatherless homes, girls as young as 11 and 12 having babies. Music can be used to give people a sense of confidence and purpose. It helps build self-esteem. It's a neat way to show them they are valuable in God's eyes.

So anyway, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursday mornings, I spend about an hour and a half with these guys. Wednesday afternoons I spend about an hour with Melissa, teaching her piano. She wants to play in the praise band at her church (This is the entirely Afrikaans church I've been going to. I'm the only white person there. It's great!) Melissa is really sweet. I just love being with her. AND, she really wants to learn. Even without a keyboard, she manages somehow to practice. Last week she drew out a keyboard on a piece of paper.

This week I'll also be teaching some of the Hope2Africa kids some beginning guitar Friday afternoon.

South Africa needs a lot of help. There's so much going on here, which is cool, but so much has to be done. People are so enthusiastic when they hear I'm a musician. I hope they're not just being kind. I think there's a big need for music missionaries here. Eventually, we would like to see the churches here self-sustaining, some are already. I would love to see a whole generation of young worshippers here. The need is so huge. I hear people say they would love to learn guitar or piano or violin. 99% of the time, lessons aren't even an option because they just don't have the money. In some of the townships, if a child brings home an instrument, they will sell it for drug money.

Today I met with a local music teacher who wants to begin a music outreach. After meeting with her, I was excited too. This really is a big passion of mine- teaching kids music. She has assigned to me the task of developing a three month long curriculum for kids around 8 years old. Music volunteers instruct the kids and access their skill at the end of the program to see if they'd be good candidates for taking lessons in brass, violin, piano, etc. I've never done anything like this, but it sounds like an exciting thing to be a part of!!!

More later....

First Week and a Half

janaeshepherd — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 02:36:00 GMT

The internet is working, and I finally managed to grab someone else's laptop for a few minutes. So here you go...

It's really interesting to me, to be in the townships in Cape Town. So much poverty, loads of people out of work, violence, anger. I continue to do work at Living Grace Shelter in Muizenberg- teaching guitar to people who want to learn, preparing meals, and leading music at devotion time. In the afternoons all the volunteers do assorted 'community projects.' Today a few of us varnished a new fence around the Living Hope campus in Overcome Heights. Last week it was a festival in Overcome and Oceanview.

There has been a lot in the news here about xenophobia. Basically, now that the World Cup is over, native African people in the townships are planning on making foreigners leave. They intend on using violent means to do it. They had planned Monday morning at 3am as the time when they would force them to leave. They claim the foreigners are taking their jobs (this is working foreigners, not Americans, like me. We were not/are not in any danger.) Anyhow, the time came and went with little occurrence. We were afraid for some of our friends in Masiphumelele (Masi). Our chef, groundsman, and housekeeper all live there. Our housekeeper, Pricilla, is from Zimbabwe; Phillit, our groundskeeper is from Malawi. There is a strong police presence in all the communities and all is fine as of now. We are praying nothing will happen. Living Hope IS prepared to handle foreigners kicked out of their community.

With a nationwide unemployment rate of %25 (60% in some communities), children having babies, the AIDS crisis, race relations, there is just a lot of junk going on here. A lot of problems; but a lot of people are working on solutions. I really think a lot of the problems stem from low self esteem. Imagine a young person who lives in a country where jobs are hard to find, and there are a few number of universities, so if she doesn't get the very best grades, has little chance of getting in. Many homes are broken. In a community like Masi, Capricorn, or Overcome, she has no dad but lives with her grandmother, mom, and siblings. The general attitude of these people is "I may know there's another option for my life, but I don't deserve it." The people really need to hear the truth of the gospel in that, God loves them and treasures them. I find it hard to tell the homeless men at Living Grace, "Become a Christian and your life will get better." That's not what the gospel is. The truth is, being a Christian is having a relationship with your Heavenly Father. People need to be shown God's love. We, as missionaries, need to express that love, and the truth of how God sees them. Just a lot to think about...

On another note, I am really enjoying the friendship of our guide, Alicia. Alicia works for ACTS and seeks to take care of our needs while we're here. She has driven me to work most days, and on Friday nights, I work with the praise band at her church. I am attending her church while I'm here, as well. So, we've had some time alone to have some great conversations about life and ministry here in South Africa. Alicia grew up here, and lives with her parents. She has some really great thoughts about events and occurrences here. Last week I met her parents, who were so kind, yesterday I met her grandmother, as Alicia had to give her a ride and the two of us were on the way to get me some new glasses. It's been really great getting to know her and hear her perspective on the communities and ministry. So thankful to have a like-minded person to think about and discuss there things with.

See facebook for photos.

Vuvuzela

janaeshepherd — Sun, 4 Jul 2010 14:45:00 GMT

Today is my second full day in Africa. Flying in at night was so lovely- seeing the lights of the city and a few big black spots, which was the ocean. July 1/2 was such a long day for me, filled with motion and activity. In preparing for the trip, the thing I was most nervous about was meeting the other volunteers. I have to admit, I was a little overwhelmed at meeting 18 new people who've already spent several weeks together.

Lying in bed Friday night, I finally had some quiet time to process all that had happened and was about to happen. Maybe it was the fatigue, but I had a sense of loneliness. I am in a new country, am going to be here for four weeks with 18 other people I don't know. I prayed but didn't know what to say. I just wanted God to be with me.

I remembered before I left one of my friends telling me he would pray for a knowledge of the Lord's presence. Honestly, when he told me that, it sounded a little mushy. But Friday night, it's really what I wanted. I knew it was what I needed then and would need the entire time I was here.

South Africa is a pretty amazing country. The people are very patriotic. Maybe it's the world cup, but there are flags everywhere! It's a beautiful country, sunny and warm this time of year. This afternoon it's clear and in the 70's. There is a crisp coolness in the mornings and evenings. We sleep with the windows open!

Cape Town is very modern and feels safe to me. With the World Cup here, it seems there are police officers everywhere, keeping the peace. The roads are well marked and nicely kept. The people are friendly, positive, and seem to be smiling all the time.

Tomorrow is my official orientation and I'm excited to meet the Living Hope staff and missionaries and learn more about my job.

So, that's pretty much it. But here are a few random notes I've taken so far:

* A vuvuzela will from now on mean to me: 'drunk soccer fans.' They're everywhere, and they're annoying

* My flight from Washington to Johannesburg was actually 16 or so hours long. We had a stopover in Senegal, where we picked up more passengers. I can't really complain though. Seats next to me were both vacant, so I got to spread out.

* Airplane food isn't that bad, in my opinion. Although I prefer the foreign carriers to American ones. It's so quaint getting tea or coffee after your meal.

* Volunteer staff here consists of 15 Americans and 2 British.

* I share a room with 2 other girls.

* Currency in SA is the Rand. There are 7.4 Rand in one US dollar.

* We are encouraged to drink the tap water. South Africa has the third best drinking water in the world. It actually tastes fine.

* South Africa's soccer team is nicknamed 'Bafana Bafana,' which means 'The Boys, The Boys.'

Friends and family, keep those prayers a comin'. I'm ready for the experience of a lifetime. Tomorrow is my first day on the job and I am ready to work! Oooh, and another exciting thing...the other volunteers have been leading 'Holiday Clubs' while the kids have been on break from school. Friday is their last day and they're having a huge soccer tournament for all the clubs from each community and for each age group. It sounds like a lot of fun and a good chance to interact with the kids and meet the people of the community.

Pictures to come...

Love you all!

Pray Big

janaeshepherd — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 03:37:00 GMT

One of the duties I'll have in South Africa is teaching a group of girls how to play recorder. More specifically, I'll be teaching a group of about 15 girls, ranging in age from 14 to 16. Daily (hopefully) we'll be working together, with the end goal being an opportunity for them to lead worship at the Capricorn Community Church. Kendra tells me these girls are lacking in self-confidence and are really looking forward to learning.

I am so excited to meet them. I'm so thankful to share my testimony with them! I love them already.

The video below speaks about how you can pray for the Capricorn community. Their needs are endless, I'm sure. Many people have asked me how they can pray. I've wondered how I can pray. Mostly I've just been saying, 'Thank you, God, for this opportunity. I'm so excited.' 'Pray big' is one phrase from the video that is sticking with me. I want my prayers to be for the big things, because I know my God can do it.

One thing I've prayed for my Leaders in Training (LIT) kids here in KCK is that they would have options in life. I pray they will work hard in school and understand that they CAN get good grades, go to college, and have a fulfilling career doing something they love. Even if it means taking out loans, or going to community college, I want them to know they have options. Maybe I can relate with the kids in Capricorn.