Many of you know that last month I spent 10 days traveling in South Africa on an Advocacy Trip with Crystal Paine from Money Saving Mom.
This weekend I had the opportunity to share very briefly about my trip with Grace Church. Anyone who has known me since I was a kid, is probably thinking, “What? Kathy?! Speaking in front of hundreds of people?!” Yes, it was me!
Not many know that I have a secret passion for public speaking. In fourth grade our teacher required us to do impromptu speeches (as well as prepared talks) about once a month. While I was intimidated of what topic I would be given, I clearly remember this being the most exciting thing and main reason for me wanting to go to school that day! I feel more comfortable talking in front of dozens of people than I do one-on-one. How weird is that for you?
Preparing my talk for Grace Church brought back incredible memories and passions that I just can’t wait any longer to tell you about!
Since I returned home life has been filled with birthday parties, field trips, homeschooling, leadership opportunities, dirty dishes, laundry, blog post sponsorships, and the list goes on!
When I shared my Chakalaka recipe I promised some South Africa posts soon. It is now a few weeks later and I am finally ready to share some stories about my South Africa trip with my readers! (Several of these stories will be excerpts from my South Africa Newsletter—emails I sent during my trip.)
In the week ahead, get ready to . . .
• become speechless as you read stories of communities being transformed,
• come to an understanding of how far money can be stretched in other cultures,
• learn how South Africans are genuinely serving God as His hands and feet,
• and even enjoy a personalized visual safari tour with me—just for fun!
Let’s start with 7 simple questions and answers about my South Africa Advocacy Trip.
1. Why did you decide to go on the trip?
I totally let it up to God. I applied for the trip in April after I saw Crystal’s post about her dream to take some of her readers with her to South Africa. When she released an invitation for readers to join her, I knew immediately I wanted to apply—I have a heart for other countries and missions.
I also knew my application was in with probably thousands of others, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I decided to let God do the work. It seemed like a needle in a haystack chance but at the same time, I know I serve a big God. When I was told I was accepted, I knew immediately God had a plan for me to be there.
2. What is an advocacy trip?
It was not a missions trip. For me it was so much more than a missions trip. I was able to come to an understanding of the country, the people and the land. I learned things I would not have had time to learn if I were there serving.
We learned about what God was doing in South Africa so we could tell others what God is doing. So we could rally behind the needs of the community centers, the baby homes, and the wood shop raising up new entrepreneurs.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]The people in South Africa are serving each other, they did not need me to serve them.[/perfectpullquote]
They needed us to stand behind them, to rally support so they can continue God’s work and to pray earnestly for them.
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We were very blessed to have Kyle Shultz, a professional photographer, as part of our South Africa Advocacy Team. A special thanks to him for many of these photos! Please visit his online photo school where he teaches parents to take photos that leave a legacy.
Tomorrow I’ll answer the next two questions—what impacted me the most and which child impacted me the most?
Are you signed up for my South Africa Advocacy Trip Newsletter?
I have returned home from my trip, but I will still be sending updates about being an advocate and about the work God is doing in South Africa. I also plan to share some unique stories and photos with this email list, that will not be shared on the blog. Please sign up and follow along!
Other articles about South Africa:
My South African Chakalaka Recipe
The Day I Met Crystal Paine
I am Going to South Africa!!
How Going to South Africa Impacted Me (on Money Saving Mom)
Where South Africa Left An Impact on My Heart
South Africa Church, Prayer and the Hardest Thing For Me To Understand
South Africa Day One: There Are No Words
South Africa Day Two: A Girl With No Name
