Back in Community!

I returned from my whirl-wind USA visit on Thursday, went to Friday Youth in Capricorn, and Sunday Worship! It was fabulous to be back in Capricorn with the sights and smells I fell in love with and crave in my heart while I'm away.

I stayed home on Monday and Tuesday to recoup from jet-lag (although I didn't sleep any) and get my mind around what the next step in ministry is going to be. (That's just a tease for more info on new ministry changes ahead … stay tuned!)

 

Wednesday I was back in community with my Capricornians. I did home visits and my presence in the streets announced loudly my recent absence was over. Adults and children came out of their houses, hugged me tightly, smiled so widely, and wanted to know how my trip went. I truly felt loved and was reminded of the importance of Presence. Even people I barely know – only by walking the streets with cordial greetings – were welcoming me back and wanting to say hello!

 

The best moment of the day came when I arrived at my last house-visit. It was with a family I love dearly and that have invested in me through their love and open arms these last few years. The father was outside, and when he saw my car pull up, he yelled for his children to come, and he announced my return, "Melanie's here! Come see!" The gate opened and two of my favorite Capricorn children came running to my knees. I bend down and squeezed them tightly. Their little, excited shrills filled my soul! As I was still in a posture of preschool-height, a pack of street-boys saw me down the alley and ran with open arms to jump on me and give me their dusty hugs. Kisses and wide arms all around, I was in heaven! Truly, it was a reminder of my call to this place and the warmth of God's grace and favor that has been upon me.

 

Not everyday in Capricorn is this exciting. Normally it's quite depressing and full of problems that fill my ears and eyes, which I don't have immediate solutions for. I've already been hit by stories of family abuse, no food in the home of a teen I disciple, suicide thoughts/battles of the mind by sweet, desperate mothers in our church … the list goes on and on.

 

So, I'm back and ready to tackle this next chapter with God's strength and guidance. Only by His power can we fight injustice and see South Africa turn to Him for salvation and abundant life!

 

Pray with me as this mission gets deeper and harder!