Things have once again been crazy around here.  Nothing really out of the ordinary, just a lot going on.   We only have a few days left of ministry before debrief, then it's on to next semester!  Recently in our large group discipleship, we split into two groups to read two different books.  One group is reading a book called Exiles and the other Searching for God Knows What.  I am reading Searching for God Knows What and our discussions are really interesting.  The book is making me think a lot about where I place my identity and how I find myself and others in this world.  Though I'm not a fan of the writing style by any means, the content is good, especially when we dig in more with our discussions.  I think God is revealing a lot to all of us through this.

    God has also been revealing a lot to me individually.  At Algoa last week, we were singing songs with some of the boys.  Here are some things I learned through it:

    1.  While singing "Jesus Loves Me":  "They are weak, but He is strong."  The box that we place God in determines how we view His strength and what we, as humans, judge to be strong.  A lot of times we will look at difficult situations and ask God why He isn't being strong in this, why He isn't revealing Himself through this situation.  In all reality, we aren't seeing God's strength because we are looking for what we would view as strength and not for what God sees as being His strength.

    2.  Simplicity:  At Algoa, the children have so little, yet they find joy in that and more joy in the simple pleasures.  Their minds aren't focused on what they have, what that person has, how they want it, and what more they "need" but rather on what is now.  Less expectations means more joy in the simple things in life.

    3.  Honesty, not living behind a mask:  While these children don't have anywhere near what we would consider to be good table manners, they aren't living a lie like most of us do.  When these kids want or need something, they express it.  They don't hide behind a mask pretending to be okay, pretending like life is so wonderful.  They are real.  They know what they feel and that's what they are.  

    Also, here is a thought I came across from reading the book.  When God made Eve, say that Adam and Eve had to get to know each other.  I don't think they automatically had this perfect relationship where everything was in place, maybe, but just imagine for a minute.  Adam having to get to know Eve?  She was just created.  No past to form who she was, no stories to tell.  I don't even know a lot of who I am after living for 20 years.  How could Eve begin to say who she was without having a past?  Because who she was, her identity, was COMPLETELY in God.  Everything that determined who she was, was through God.  She wasn't basing herself on what the world thought of her, she wasn't trying to measure up to social standards.  But rather she was looking to the God of the universe to tell her where her place was and who she was.  She looked to Him to find acceptance and love.  She didn't need fallen people to give a false description of doing this and looking that, to fit in.  She knew who she was because God, and no one else, defined her.

    Though I'm living in South Africa and they do not have Thanksgiving, our leaders have graciously given us a long weekend.  So, along with 3 of my friends, I am heading to Cape Town this weekend!  I am excited to see a different part of God's South African creation.  We will most definitely be heading to Table Mountain as well as Cape Point (Southern-most tip of Africa).  I'm excited to be able to rest for a few days before our final weeks of ministry this semester!  I'll attempt to post pictures soon!

    In Him,

        Bri