I have arrived!!!

Johannesburg International Airport

I have officially arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa! After a 24+ travel day, I am now sitting in the main baby house clicking away on my laptop alongside on of the other volunteer aunties, Lisa listening to a few babies fuss while the nighttime aunties attend to them.

Talk about surreal!

Thank you for praying for my travels, although all of the flights were full I had wonderful seat-mates, I was able to get good sleep, find my flights and all of my luggage arrived intact! After I made it painlessly through customs I waited for an hour or so to be picked up by Lindsay (the volunteer coordinator) and Lisa, we grabbed some dinner and headed to the main baby house in Glenvista which is southwest of Johannesburg (I think!). As for now, I will be here at the main baby house sharing a room with Lisa and another volunteer named Sue. Lisa is a 23 year old graduate from Wisconsin and Sue is a grandma from the UK. They are doing some construction downstairs on our rooms but things should be settled in a few days.

It is beyond wild that the Savior has allowed me this time to serve. I am very excited and have no idea what to expect. This past Sunday I had the privilege of sharing my story with the congregation at VBC and sing with my brother, Daniel. I can honestly say I have rarely felt so blessed and encouraged in a matter of a few hours. Thank you to those of you who shared your encouraging words and for the many of you who purchased a cookie, cupcake or journal. I will miss you all but I am so very excited to share this journey with you.

While I traveled today these lyrics ran through my head over and over again:

1. I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
   No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.
   • I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;
     Every hour I need Thee;
     Oh, bless me now, my Savior,
     I come to Thee.
2. I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
   Temptations lose their pow’r when Thou art nigh.
3. I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
   Come quickly and abide, or life is vain.
4. I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
   And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.
5. I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
   Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son.
   
   

I can only imagine how more true these words will become for me as this adventure has officially begun it's South African section. May these words grow ever-increasingly more true for you as well! Love you...