The rollercoaster continues...

Week Two is starting out just about as bumpy as week one. We went to campus on Monday for classes and it turned out to be a madhouse. They extended registering for a classes an extra week, which meant that we were not allowed to add or drop any classes until next week. It also turns out 2 of the classes I had hoped to take that would count towards my major were not actually being offered. So right now I have 2 classes that should help me advance towards graduation instead of 4.

The past 2 days on campus has been incredibly stressful and difficult. I've had to trust God like never before while being terrified. I cannot even begin to describe it as there is nothing that comes close to this campus in the States. Classes being switched around, professors don't know what books they need, students protesting outside deans offices, lines that wrap around buildings...it's been incredibly hard on campus.The only thing that has kept me sane is knowing God has brought me here for a purpose, even if I don't know the reason yet. The only fortunate thing about these classes is they only meet once a week, thus I would only have class Monday and Tuesday. In praying about this, that would free up a lot of my time. I think I'm going to use that time to serve the Church. I'm going to talk to some people at Jubilee, and just see where I can serve. I still have not had the time to really connect with any one there other than the Loizides, and I know the more I get involved at Jubilee and know people, the more I will start to feel at home here.

When I put the whole UWC mess aside and just consider the fact that I'm in South Africa, I'm overwhelmed with gladness. I don't regret this at all, and even with this being an incredibly scary and frustrating time, I KNOW I am supposed to be here. God is indeed stretching me, and I'm just having to repeat the truth that He is GOOD all the time, and He is faithful.

The house we moved into does not have internet, something we were not told when we moved in. We are currently attempting to get it, but it's very different from the States--we have to get a landline installed before we can buy internet, and since we are not from SA, things are even more tricky. I obviously can go to internet cafe's, but I can't at night, as that would have me walking back home after dark, which is absolutely not an option here. So, communication may be irregular or weird until I am able to get that set up, IF I am able to. So, bear with me!

It has been 10 days since I left the States! Sounds like a small number, but that has flown, maybe because I have been in survival mode getting all the basic necessities taken care of. I would ask of you to please keep praying for me, not just in terms of getting the house livable and classes and such, but direction for my time here. Also, please pray against loneliness. I know when things settle down I'll have time to eventually make friends, but right now,besides the other three UM students with me, the Loizides are my only friends, and incredible friends they are!

This week is a week of prayer at Jubilee, and tonight is their corporate meeting. This afternoon I think Jo is going to take me to get a few necessities for my room, and I will go to that meeting tonight. Tomorrow morning I am having coffee with the college ministry leader at Jubilee; I'm excited to meet with her. Each morning I've just asked God for the grace for that day. I'm excited to be where I know I'm supposed to be, I love the locals, the feel of this city, the whole "Africa-ness" of it all. Despite the rough time with UWC, I am so happy to be here.