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

Time Flies

Time has flown by, and we're just days away from wrapping up our stay in Durban. The people here, both on and off the base, have become like family. Martha has become more than one of my instructors, I consider her to be a dear friend. Martha and I have shared our stories and developed a deep connection through our mutual love for God and service. It's funny because although neither of us is particularly musical or graceful, we've enjoyed singing and dancing like kids at a sleepover.

Martha and her husband, James, have been "Chain Breakers" for over 20 years and relocated from the United Kingdom to Durban five years ago when they came on staff at the base. Over the weeks, just as I have formed a bond with Martha; Archie and James have formed a close bond. We often spend our free time together as a group. Archie is full of fun and humor, always making me laugh. It's bittersweet to know that Martha and James will not be joining us for the next part of our journey. Their presence and friendship have meant so much to me.

Archie is a bundle of fun and humor, constantly bringing laughter into our days. While mission dating is typically not allowed to keep our focus on the mission, Martha encouraged me to remain open to whatever God has in store for me. Since the passing of my husband, Kin, I've kept my heart closed off. I do want to find love again, but my primary focus remains on the mission. If love does come my way, I hope to embrace it, though I know it will be easier said than done.

As it happens, for the second phase of our discipleship training, we will be divided into teams of five and dispatched to regions in South Africa that require assistance. Consequently, I must bid farewell to yet another part of the close-knit family I've been bonding with for the past three months.

Mateo, Ben, Aysun, Adam, and wife Alyssa are headed to the rural areas of South Africa to provide medical and dental services to those in need within underserved villages. Bear, Chi, Haruki, Delta, and Parker are headed to Nigeria. Their team is set to contribute to the construction of a small medical facility whose mission is to support families impacted by severe acute malnutrition and the maternal mortality crisis in Nigeria. 

In addition to myself, my team is comprised of Archie, Felesha, Irene, and Reef. We will be based in the city of Johannesburg, "Joburg" at one of the bases there. They haven't given us our exact assignments yet but, the guys are set to help with the reconstruction of one of the base buildings that was tragically consumed by fire last summer.