Fire on the Mountain

Wednesday morning (if you can call 1:30 morning-ugh!) was probably the most terrifying and hysterical experience of my life!  I woke up to what I thought was the most obnoxious car alarm ever.  But after 10 minutes of it not ceasing I realized also that I smelled smoke-a bit disconcerting during dry season when fires have already been frequent.  Proceeding to the window I saw a smoky sky tinged with luminous hues.  That's when I woke up my roommate.

I half hissed half choked "Tersia!  The sky is orange!"  She responded by nonchalantly looking out the window and stating "Oh yeah-something is burning", and proceeded to the loo.  I must say I was floored-then again that's about how Tulsa responds to tornadoes.  Unconvinced by her flippancy I ran up the stairs to the deck.  Table Mountain sits maybe only a mile away from our house.  The entire sky behind it and above us was filled with smoke, and the mountain was completely lit with an orange glow.  (And through this entire story the sirens continued to wail).  At that point Tersia emerged from the loo, promptly swore, and FLEW up the stairs to join me.  If the look on her face was a reflection of mine I don't even know how to describe it to you.  We must have looked half crazed and half stoned.

Minutes later we proceeded back to our room to calmly decide on a reaction.  No one else was awake, not even the homeowners were stirring.  So we called our leader Munyradzi.  (A little explanation, our rooms are all separate units which open into the walled back patio and pool area.  Our fire plan-no joke-is to immediately leave our rooms and jump in the pool).  Waking up Munya, I explained the circumstances and expressed our concern.  To which he replied with complete sincerity, "Tell me you're not in the pool."  After our hysterical laughter ceased we explained and he came out to check.

The second time around on the deck you could see massive flames burning on our side of the mountain!  Again...half crazed.  Nonplussed, Munya reassured us, gave us a radio, and went back to bed.  ??!!??  So with smoke and ash blowing through our window and sirens blaring we tuned in to the ONLY radio station broadcasting a response to the fire.  That was an experience unto itself.

I swear, the guy broadcasting the radio show only got the job because he knew no one would be listening at that hour and he wouldn't have to do anything.  As Tersia said at one point, "Who made you king of the castle?"  I doubt if he'd ever had to cover anything before.  At one point after a break he began with, "We're here talking about the fire.  That's burning.  On the mountain."  Thank you for clearing that up!

Around 2:30 we had ascertained that there was nothing to be done, we would be evacuated if needed, and no one else was concerned.  Having laughed ourselves silly over every crazy circumstance, we did the only sensible thing left, and went back to bed.  The next morning the entire portion of the mountain was black, as well as surrounding areas.  It is still incredible to me how dangerous the situation really was and could have become.  But as it was, the crazy circumstances and happenings throughout the evening so far surpassed any fears, all we could do was laugh.  And every moment I think back on it, it's all I remember!  And it's all I do = )  Then again, sometimes what else can you do?

In This Place...

I cannot believe I have reached the one month mark already!  It has gone by so fast it's unbelievable.  Yet the time has been so full it seems like much longer.  The thought of writing a sufficient update is daunting but I will do my very best.

We have been learning about simple church and how to plant growing, reproduceable small churches.  There is also a HUGE focus on community and living in a "Kingdom Culture" that transcends all others, as well as pressing in to the Father-heart of God.  The leaders here really pour themselves into us; we are surrounded by love and grace, as well as Godly example and encouragement.

This past week we had a guest speaker from Scotland, Joe Ewen, who taught on the Holy Spirit.  The teaching was eye-opening and challenging, as well as exciting.  On his last day Joe spoke on the gift of prophesy, after which he gave us instruction and then had us do exercises in speaking over each other.  It was incredible; this has been an area I've really struggled with and lacked confidence in, and God spoke through me!  He is stretching me in every way.

All students at CPx are divided into small teams-or simple churches-for focus and accountability, and as outreach teams.  All the teams but mine are ministering in the three townships (massive tent cities) of Red Hill, Ocean View, and Masiphumelele.  My team is based in the city, and has chosen Green Market Square at our outreach focus.

Green Market Square is an open market in the middle of the city, surrounded by shops and restaurants, where vendors from every nation and religion of Africa and even Asia come to sell merchandise and scrape together a living.  Two or more times a week we come simply to form relationships with the people here, sitting and talking, sharing and listening to each other's stories, and encouraging and praying with them.  Already we have made friends with several beautiful women.  Sandra, Angel, and Titie from Congo, and Promise from here in South Africa.  We are praying for Promise in her marriage, and that God would give her a child.  We are believing that by the time we leave, she will be pregnant!

Relationships within my team at our house continue to grow.  Each member is such a blessing to each other, as well as a delight!  We have such fun together.  Fridays have now been dubbed "Braai-days" when we cook out, and have over any other students and friends.  The Americans have now introduced s'mores and root beer floats, and the South Africans have indoctrinated us into braai broodtjies-tomato, onion and cheese grilled between buttered slices of bread.  Ahhhhhhh...

Outside of outreach, my roommate Tersia and I are involved in the process of setting up the first prayer room for All Nations and CPx.  We've received incredible favor and much progress has been made.  We are excited to opening it this week.  I am also a part of the first CPx drama team, and loving every minute!  Our first drama is a pantomime put to music portraying the creation, fall, and redemption of man.  I am playing the role of Eve as a representation of mankind.  I never come alive so much as when I get to worship in this way.  Floyd is looking forward to launching us soon.

On a more personal level, the Lord is doing truly wonderful things in my life.  He is really wooing my heart and teaching me to more clearly hear His voice and press in to Him.  His future plans are yet to be revealed