"Unbroken Threads: A Woman's Journey Through Hardship and Purpose"

The End

Heartbreak and loss broke me for a while. Before I joined the "Chain Breakers Movement", I doubted myself a lot. I couldn't image how someone as broken as I was, could make a difference in this world. But, being here, being God's hands and feet has renewed my spirit. 

I have been in a reflective state for the past two days; quiet, and deep in thought. Archie on the other hand has been weird and distant. Maybe he is deep in thought as well but, I can't tell. Feels like he is avoiding me.

T-minus 3 days until I fly home and Archie is still behaving weirdly. Pastor Mike has invited Archie and I to meet with him for a debriefing sometime this afternoon. 

In the meanwhile, Anna has invited me to join her on a trip to Clarens; a creative town or 'dorp' of the Free State (home to many artists, studios, and art galleries) to do some shopping to take my mind off things.

Clarens is known for its vibrant arts and crafts scene, and you'll find numerous stores selling handmade souvenirs like pottery, beaded jewelry, wood carvings, and traditional African artwork. These unique items make for excellent keepsakes and gifts. We also happened to stumble upon a really cute boutique that offers a mix of contemporary and traditional South African fashion; stylish clothing, including vibrant African prints, casual wear, and accessories that reflect the local culture.

I purchased a treasure trove of souvenirs, everything from keychains and fridge magnets to tribal masks and musical instruments. Anna bought me a gorgeous handmade dress. The dress was pure white and featured intricate hand and colorful embroidery thread and fabric accents, adding vibrancy that incorporated traditional African patterns.

To complete our day on the town, I decided to treat myself to some not-so-traditional, traditional South African braids. The braiders were fast and proficient. They blessed me with striking long blonde braids, each carefully woven with precision and adorned with delicate beads and trinkets. The braids cascade down my back, moving gracefully with every movement, a testament to the braiders' meticulous attention to detail.

The afternoon has become early evening and Anna and I are both starving. We head back to the base just in time to grab a bite before I am whisked off for the meeting Archie and I have with Pastor Mike. The Pastor greets us with a warm smile, dressed in traditional clerical attire. He leans forward, listening attentively to Archie and me as we share our experiences on base.

Archie and I eagerly recount our weeks of missionary work, describing the people we've met, the projects done, the blessings that we've gotten, and even the challenges we faced. Archies's eyes sparkle with passion as he talks about his experiences and tears begin to flow in this quiet corner of the church as I am reminiscent of all of the many experiences we've had here. This church, serves as a sacred space for sharing experiences, reflections, and spiritual growth, embodying the essence of the mission we've shared, the journey, and the interconnectedness of our community.

The atmosphere in the room is one of camaraderie and shared purpose, with the aroma of freshly brewed tea adding to the comfort. The stories that Archie and I share, evoke a sense of inspiration and admiration from Pastor Mike, who listens intently, nodding and occasionally offering words of encouragement and wisdom.

I excuse myself for a moment to regain my composure. As my eyes slowly open, with tears still flowing and tissues placed firmly against my eyes to catch the tears, I realize that Pastor Mike has gone and Archie and I are the only ones who remain. At that moment, Archie reaches out and places his hands in mine. My senses are shaken. I am unsteady, to say the least. 

This is extremely awkward since Archie has been weird for days now. 

Archie then begins to speak:

"Afra, you are the fulfillment of Proverbs 18:22, which says, 'He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.' From the moment our paths crossed, I have seen God's favor. You are the answer to my prayers, the blessing I never knew I needed."

He continues, recalling 1 Corinthians 13:4-7:

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

Archie reaches into his pocket and produces a small, ornate box, holding a ring he made from wires and a single pebble that he found on the ground near the foundation of the house.

He continues:

"As sudden as this may seem to some, I knew. I knew in Durban, I knew in the van that night when we were stranded and spent the evening talking about God. I knew. I knew that I wanted to embark on a lifelong journey with you. We have both experienced great love and great losses. Never did I imagine that I would feel this type of love again. I stand before you, and in the presence of our Heavenly Father, to ask for your heart and whenever you are ready, your hand in marriage."

"Will you be my companion in faith, my partner in love, and my co-traveler on this spiritual path? Will you join your life with mine, as we honor and serve the Lord together?"

(PRESS PAUSE) My heart is beating super fast. Passing out feels imminent.