Greetings to our warmer family in Christ back in America!
Yeah, as you might have guessed, it’s pretty bitter down here! We’ve all been bundled up in coats, hats and mittens almost every hour of the day. One good thing is that I have never before appreciated indoor heading so much! There are many things to be thankful for here, and not only in the expected way of food and shelter. I’ve learned to appreciate the fact that I am surrounded by loving people who help me to grow closer to Christ and my schools try their hardest to see me succeed. At first like many others, I was intimidated by the thought of serving in Africa but now I can say I have truly fallen in love with the country. After our first day of relational evangelism, I for the first time got to play with local children and talk at length with some of the adults in Qwa Qwa. The children are absolutely enamored with us, simply for the fact that we want to love them and spend time with them.
I also made a wonderful relationship with an older woman who we spent the day with. Using an interpreter, we discussed her life, our lives in America and Jesus Christ. Most people in South Africa believe in God, but also worship ancestors. We shared our favorite bible stories and some verses on the topic with her and she really seemed to listen with interest. All of the groups came back with stories of the generous and welcoming people in the city. I cannot deny that I could not help falling in love with her! I wanted her to make me her granddaughter and upon announcing our departure, she ran up to me, gave me a warm hug and chattered away that I had to come back and she loved me so much.
I wish old people in America were that cool!! Seriously though, my heart is already busting with joy. I can’t WAIT to go back tomorrow and plant a life garden for her to remember us by. I hope you all are doing well.
Sala Hlatla!
-Ana Petillo
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4 comments:
Glad to read your post. We are praying for you every morning and evening here. We had some people from TFC over for lunch yesterday to talk about and plan for the church fall retreat. We missed you! Blessings on the whole team.
Love, Mom
We love you, Ana! Thanks for writing the post. I'm glad you already have made such connections with people. We are praying that this would be a time of deep spiritual growth for you, as you are a blessing to others. Lucy is taking good care of both the guinea pigs. On Wednesday I leave for Atlanta, returning Saturday. We are cleaning up a lot of the clutter from the school year. Grace and Peace to you and the team. Love, Dad
P.S. at the beginning of your post you may want to changing "indoor heading" to "indoor heating" :-)
Hey there Ana....
It was great to read your post and it sounds like you are having a great time and really making a difference in the lives of others around you!! Sorry, it is so cold there, just the opposite over here. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I can't wait to hear all about your trip experiences when you return. All the best to you and the team!! Stay well and Happy 4th of July!! We all miss you and love you very much!!
Love, Your "favorite" Aunt Audrey
(LOL), and Pop-pop and Grandma
Hey girl! I'm so glad you're having an amazing time over in Africa...you know I wish I was there! This is making me look forward to the DR even more!! Love ya.
Hannah
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