New Orleans Jazz, Black Eagles and Christmas in July!

No... those three things do not have any huge connection, except that they all have to do with the amazing day I had today.

After church I met a few friends (mostly old and one new!) at the botanical gardens for their periodic "picnic concert." Today's was New Orleans Jazz!! Man those guys were so amazing, and it was so cool to just sit on a blanket with my friends and a lunch from Subway. I felt like I was really at home... whatever that means. :) Good friends... good music... good food... can one ask for more!? hehe

Once the concert ended, we took a walk around the park. I'd been down to the waterfall before, but I didn't know there was a place to hike up to the top of this place. Well, the guys wanted to go, and I didn't want to be left behind, so I trecked up to the top with them, and wow! What a great view. I almost forgot I was in a big city. To make our afternoon even better, just before we were about to walk back down, we saw one of the black eagles flying around and we were very excited. Then, to even more of a surprise, another one started flying around! So we got to see 2 of the black eagles today. Quite a sight. :)

At one point during the afternoon my friend, Craig, started singing "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire..." I really have no idea why he did, but no one understands half of the things Craig does, so I don't ask questions anymore. :) Well, I have that song (the Nat King Cole version) on mhy i-pod, so I listened to it in my car on the way home. Well, then I remembered an earlier conversation that I'd had with someone about how it was ok to listen to Christmas music because of "Christmas in July." So when I got home I dug out my favourite Christmas album (Switched on Santa... a very old album that my parents actually copied from an LP to a tape for me!!). I listened to it tonight and had a wonderful time pretending that it was Christmas time. :) It did make me excited about being home for the holidays this year!

Well, folks... this girl is sleepy. It's been a long and tiring day, but wow... such an awesome one. Thanks for checking in on me!!

in Him,
Bonnie
Link to pictures:
http://community.webshots.com/user/bonnieb81

playing catch up!

Ok, now that I have a good internet connection, and lots of time to write, the hard part is updating you on everything that's been happening without boring you to tears. :) I'll try to be brief! :)

Bible Studies:
They have finally begun! Last Saturday I went out to do the study with some pre-teen/teen girls from my life-skills class who were interested in having a Bible study. They actually remembered and showed up!! I was surprised because I was actually 30 minutes late. I was driving there with all intentions on be on time, and I got stopped to let a funeral procession go by. This is normal, but apparently someone important died because I think every police car in Johannesburg was part of this procession! Everyone was decked out in their finest apparel, and atleas 200 cars slowly inched past me for about 35 minutes while I sat there and prayed that the girls wouldn't give up on me! Thank the Lord for answering my request! There were 7 girls there and I think more will be there this week. One of the best things about this one is that there is an 18 year old girl named Promise who takes a lot of the lead during the study. This is amazing because hopefully she will continue to lead the girls when I leave in 3 months!!

The other study was harder to get started. One week I went and the lady had gone on holiday. The next week her phone wasn't working. Finally we were able to have the Bible study this Wednesday!!! Zandile (the lady I've been talking to) wasn't even there, but her sister (Mbali) was there and she went and got some more people to come! At first there were 4 ladies and me but a few more trickled in as the hour went by. Let me please ask you for your prayers for next week!! These ladies have obviously been in touch with lots of different people from lots of different religions and cults and they are so confused! They asked me lots of questions... some which I could answer and some that I had to answer that I honestly didn't know, but would come with an answer next week! They literally followed me out to my car and continued to ask me questions until I finally said, "ladies, I am a growing Christian just like you and I don't have all the answers. Right now I am exhausted and all I can tell you is that if it's not in that Book (a lady was holding a Bible), I don't believe it." When I left, I was literally more spiritually and physically exhausted than I have been in longer than I can remember. There was some serious battling going on in the spiritual realm, that's for sure!! PLEASE, remember to pray for the ladies and me next Wednesday!

ICBM (no, I'm not talking about missiles)
I am taking 2 classes at ICBM (the International College of Bible and Missions) this term: Advanced Biblical Counselling and Comparative Religions. Both classes seem awesome so far. It's hard for me to believe that I am on my third term there already!! I've met a few interesting people this term in my classes. It's always really cool for me to meet other people who are in ministry and to see what they're up to. It's refreshing to know that at least if I have to leave, I am not leaving a country that has no workers. There are many workers here in Johannesburg, and many more who have much potential! Anyway, the comparative religions class is really interesting. I really don't know a lot about other religions, even though I should! So ya... college is going very well. :)

In other random news... Cara Beth, a girl that the Lechners knew from home is here visiting them for a few weeks. If you remember me talking about Chris last year, this is his sister. She's so much fun!! I've hung out with her and Angie a couple times so far, and I hope to see more of them before she leaves. :) ... For those of you who are still a bit unclear about my plans for the future, I am going back to the States to teach next year. I'm still not thrilled about it, but unless God changes the plan, that's what I'll be doing. I'm sure there's a reason for it, and trust that God has big plans for my little ole life in North Carolina! :)

Well, Joshuwa wants to go play outside, and I did come here to watch him. So off I go! :) Thanks for checking in on me. :)

Cheers,
Bonnie

Link to pictures:
http://community.webshots.com/user/bonnieb81

long time no post

Hey guys... sorry for the lapse in postings... I've been a bit under the weather. I hardly ever get sick. In fact, I hadn't really been sick the whole time I've been here. But I guess my time was over-due. Anywho, I'm definitely on the up and up, but I've got a few ick days every once in a while still. Well, I'm going to the Holiday's house tomorrow, so I'll update this when I can take my time on the DSL (hooray for DSL!). Just wanted to let you all know that I am still alive!! :)
Cheers,
Bonnie

Link to pictures:
http://community.webshots.com/user/bonnieb81

Twenty-something...

Love ain't the answer, nor is work

The truth elludes me so much it hurts

But I'm still having fun and I guess that's the key

I'm a twentysomething and I'll keep being me

-Jamie Cullum "Twenty-something"

Life as a twenty-something can be such a trial... so many of my twenty-something friends seem to be struggling right now. (I'm speaking of my South African friends... I have no clue what goes on in my old friends' lives in the States...) I don't mean that our lives are falling to shambles or that we're in a bad place, but we're struggling. We're questioning things we never questioned before. We're begging God for answers, and to us it seems He is slow in responding. I know He's not slow though. I know His timing is perfect, even though I struggle to understand it. I'm fighting God for the first time in my life. I think it's the first time anyway. God has basically shut the door for me to stay here next year, and I am kicking and screaming - begging Him to change His mind. But He's God. I don't think He changes His mind. And it hurts to think of not being here next year... I don't mean hurts emotionally; I actually mean it hurts. My stomach hurts when I think about it. I get all tied up inside - really. I don't like God's plan right now, and wow, that feels SO weird to say. I've always been one to go along with God's plan and be all happy about it. It's so odd to feel this way! Is this normal? Is this OK? Is it OK to disagree with God? I mean, deep down I know that His plan is best... I really do. I'm just having a hard time accepting it. I don't want to let go of what I've made for myself here. I've pleaded with God on so many occastions in the past 18 months to give me friends here. And you know, He was so faithful and wonderful to answer my prayer a hundred fold. To have the kind of friends I have here, and to have only been here 1 1/2 years is truly amazing. Lord, let me never take them for granted. But now I am fighting with God because I don't want to let them go. Or rather, I don't want to go away from them. My friend Craig made a great statement tonight. He said that something he's realized about being twenty-something is that at any given moment, in 2 year's time, he'll probably have a completely different life... different work, different passions, different friends. And he said that it's a freeing thought. He said it helps you to not hold on to friends, but rather to hold onto the God in them. Now, he didn't mean that there's a god in every person... he's not weird like that. :) He was saying that I must hold onto what God has done, spoken, and shown me through each friend I've made in this amazing journey. And man, he's so right. God has used my friends here in incredible ways... ways I would never have imagined. He didn't give me silly friends (though I may have thought so from time to time). When I really think about it, He put really strong people in my life... people who would challenge me, inspire me, and love me for who I am. He's truly amazing. How can I question His intentions for my life?? I still don't like the idea... I'd still rather be here next year... But I do surrender to His will. I may have to let go of what He has given me, but I'll never ever let go of the God I have seen in each one of my blessed South African friends. To God be all the glory. Amen!

Link to pictures:
http://community.webshots.com/user/bonnieb81

Vain?

Tonight it had been about 4 weeks since I'd seen any of my church friends here in Jo'burg... with all the teams and such, I just hadn't been able to make it. I was so happy to be able to go tonight and worship with my community of friends and just see them again! For some reason... various people, all at different times and sererately from each other, told me that I looked pretty tonight. One girl even kept looking at me funny while we talked and then just said, "you just look so pretty tonight." Now, I don't know why this happened, but really, I'm so chuffed that it did. (Chuffed = really happy/surprised/excited... did I spell that right?) I'm in such a good mood right now. Part of me though is like, "wow... am I so vain that people telling me I look pretty puts me in this good of a mood?" But I also think it's ok... I think it's normal to feel great after people say such nice things. And I mean, it wasn't like these people were purposely trying to make me feel better or something... they all seemed genuine. And it's almost as if they were God's mouthpiece, reminding me that I am His beautiful girl. :) And I am, you know. I am beautiful... no matter what this stinkin' world thinks. And you are too! (or handsome or whatever suits you best;)) haha... man, I'm in such a great mood tonight. And no, it's not ALL b/c people told me I looked nice. I'm also just really excited to be in a place in my life where chaos has the potential to ruin me, but I am refusing to let it. It's like I'm saying, "Ha! Devil - get your booty outta here... I'm not listening to you and your confusing words anymore! I have a better authority to listen to and He is not the Author of confusion. And He has great plans for me, so just bug off!" *sigh* God is so good. I learn that more and more everyday. Goodnight world...
in Him,
Bonnie

Link to pictures:
http://community.webshots.com/user/bonnieb81

Canceled plans...

You know, it's always been a major pet peeve of mine when I think something's going to happen and it doesn't... but I am learning! As of earlier this week (and this morning) I had two possible plans... both of which eventually fell through. Was I a bit peeved? Yeah... Did I get over it? Most definitely... and I ended up having a decent evening catching up with two lovely ladies who, at this time last year, were a major part of my life. Besides getting a killer headache half-way through the night, the evening was quite nice. (2 advil and some coffee kicked the headache to the curb, no problemo!) It was so nice to just sit and chat with the gals (Heather and Melissa, if you know who they are) and really not talk about a whole lot... I know that makes sense to none of my male readers, but ladies, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Sitting for hours, talking, but not saying all that much. Sometimes that's annoying, but other times it's so nice and relaxing! And tonight was one of those relaxing times. I think I needed that. I didn't realize how lonely I've been the past few days/weeks... the teams are so cool, but they're not like friends here or people who really know me. I definitely must just purposelessly hang out more often! hehe (is purposelessly a word??) I found out that Heather knows the people at the one school I am thinking of applying at for a job next year. (If you didn't know that I'm thinking of working here next year... well, the news is out... and it's not for sure... just testing my options at the moment!) Anywho... she knows the principle personally and everything. Nice, hey? She also said though that they don't seem to hire many young teachers (like me!) with not much experience. I think the one thing in my favour though is that she is very persnickity about hiring Christians, and well, I am one... and I think the fact that I've been here for 18 months doing children's ministry will look good on my CV! (pop quiz: anyone besides Rog know what a "CV" is? if you read my blogs... you should know now! hehe)

Also... blog of note! I've only stumbled upon this guy's blog recently... I don't even remember quite how to be honest, and I am loving his writing. You really should enter the blog world with me and check this stuff out. :)

And before I go to bed... I realized 2 very random things about myself tonight... 1) I am addicted to toast and jam. I have no clue why, but recently I just love it. Crazy, hey? 2) I really like green tea with no sugar. I've been drinking green tea for a long time and just tonight I thought, I'm gonna try it w/o sugar, and what do you know, I love it! Who knew!? ;)

And now that I've rambled on and on... it's time for me to attempt sleep. Thanks for checking in on me! Goodnight world!! :)

in Him,
Bonnie B.

Link to pictures:
http://community.webshots.com/user/bonnieb81

I’ve been reading a lot lately, and I just wanted to share a really great few lines from a book that I have been reading, “Searching for God Knows What,” by Donald Miller…

“…life is complex, and the idea that you can break it down or fix it in a few steps is rather silly. The truth is there are a million steps, and we don’t even know what the steps are, and worse, at any given moment we may or may not be willing or even able to take them; and still worse, they are different for you and me and they are always changing. I have come to believe the sooner we find this truth beautiful, the sooner we will fall in love with the God who keeps shaking things up, keeps changing the path, keeps rocking the boat to test our faith in Him, teaching us to not rely on easy answers, bullet points, magic mantras, or genies in lamps, but rather in His guidance, His existence, His mercy, and His love.”

I am definitely in that place of God shaking things up, changing the path, and rocking the boat. I also realize that this is the way I see it, but I bet to God He doesn’t see it as shaking, changing, or rocking anything. I may feel like He’s rocking the boat, but to Him, this is just the way Bonnie’s life is supposed to pan out. He had it planned out all along, and who am I to question His plan? I don’t know yet what the next steps are for me, but I do pray that I will be willing, and by God’s grace, able to take them. I really don’t enjoy being confused, but one thing I have certainly learned in my 18 months here is that it always seems that the times I am most confused, I learn to lean on and trust my Father more and more, and that’s worth the confusion. I suppose if I knew everything, I wouldn’t have to ask Him and seek His desires, and that would be a most terrible place to be in. I don’t know what the next 6 months hold for me. I know that I go home in 4 months. I know that somewhere in the first week of November, I will board a plane in Jo’burg and (hopefully!) land in Raleigh Durham, NC the next day. I know I’ll see my family and I can’t wait for that!!! I know I’ll go visit my home churches and give lots of missions presentations (quite possibly even in churches I’ve never been to before!). But I don’t know what else will happen… I can’t see that far, and I don’t know what the steps will be. But I do trust my Dad. He knows it all, and He knows what’s best for me. Man, I love that! I love that I can trust Him and not have to worry and fret about my life. He’s pretty awesome, isn’t He? :)

Link to pictures:
http://community.webshots.com/user/bonnieb81

What a day! I actually just finished "relocating" a seemingly lost lizzard! For some odd reason, he (or she) seemed to think that the Holiday's bathtub was it's new home. I disagreed with the lizzard and kindly removed it to it's proper location - outside! Don't worry... the lizzard was not hurt in the relocating proccess. ;)

Today I went to Dhlamini to do the first Bible study, and well... it didn't happen. I picked up Promise (Nomthandaso) on the way. She is a young lady that came to the Holiday Bible Clubs and helped us translate and lead the kids. She was such a blessing! Well, we got to Zandile's house (where the study was supposed to be), and some man told us that she was on holiday! GEEZ! So much for that! Promise said that she wanted to see where I lived, so off we drove to my apartment. Promise likes to talk as much as I like to listen, so the drive worked out very well. She told me some great things that God has been doing in her life, and she said she truely belives that we met for a reason. How awesome if that!? On the drive back to her house, we had a random conversation, which seemed to come out of nowhere! Here's how it went...
(we were both singing along with a CD that I had recently been given by one of the last team members...)
Promise: (insert African accent, if you know what that sounds like) Bonnie, when you get married I want you to call me so I can attend.
Bonnie: Oh, really? You think I'm gonna get married, eh?
Promise: Oh yes, I know it.
Bonnie: Well, am I going to marry an American or a South African?
Promise: You will marry a South African.
Bonnie: Ha! Well, he's gonna have to make a move soon ... I only have 4 months left here!
Promise: God will make it happen. I know it. You will get married here.
... I think from there I just quietly laughed to myself and we went on singing as before! How funny is that!? Wonder if she has the gift of prophecy! hehe Only time will tell I suppose!!

You know, I'm being so spoiled here with this DSL. I have become addicted to the world of BLOGS! It's like they're all connected somehow is this strange internet world. You read one, and it somehow leads you to another one. I don't know what I'm going to do when I go back to my flat tomorrow and don't have DSL. Sad day in the life of Bonnie! I guess high speed internet is something I can be looking forward to going back to the States for. I've got to find something to be excited about (beside seeing my family!!!).

Well... hopefully the Bible studies will start next week. I'll call Zandile tomorrow and see what's up. Schools start back next week too. Some of the girls from Emadlelweni want to be in a Bible study, so I'm going to get that started as soon as I can in one of the girls' homes. That'll be fun! Wow... 4 months left here and the Bible studies are just starting. God's got funny timing, doesn't He? Guess He wants me to finish strong!!

I'm going to get back to reading random people's blogs now. Hooray! ;)
Thanks for checking in on me!
in Him,
Bonnie
Link to pictures:
http://community.webshots.com/user/bonnieb81

I'm on holiday! Ok... not really, but I'm pretending to be on holiday (vacation)! I am house-sitting for the Holidays (the family) while they are away. I'm enjoying their DSL and DSTV... luxuries I don't usually have! I've taken the time to update my photo album online, so please check it out when you've got time. You'd think that since I have all this time to be online, I'd have a ton to write about, but really, I'm having writer's block! The team from Mississippi has gotten home safely. I have been trying my hardest to relax as much as possible before school starts back next week. Tomorrow (Wednesday) I go to my first Bible study in Dhlamini!! I pray that people will remember to come and that some of the people we met at the Holiday Bible Clubs will be there too. I'll admit, I'm kind of nervous - this being my first adult Bible study to lead and all. It's exciting though!

Well, I've been loving the DSL here and I've been reading a lot... here's a good article I stumbled upon... have a look! Hopefully I'll have more to write about tomorrow! :)

in Him,
Bonnie

Link to pictures:
http://community.webshots.com/user/bonnieb81

Happy 4th of July!!

Now that that's out of the way... I'm moving on, since I don't get to celebrate that here! ;) ... You know, I think I've come a long way since I've been here. One of the ladies on the team knows a family who is from the States and is working here in Jo'burg as missionaries. There is a daughter my age, and the lady was just SO excited to get us to meet each other. Well, I met her today at the mall. She's a nice girl, and really I didn't get much chance to talk to her one on one, but I realized that I don't get all excited about meeting other Americans who work here anymore. Now that I have some great South African friends, I don't feel so dependent on Americans anymore. And I think that's a good thing! Now... maybe the reason I didn't really click with this girl is because I know that she's here with her mom and dad, and therefore she will never understand all that I have been through (and continue to go through). If my Mom and Dad were here I'd stay for life! She has no clue what it's like to be alone every night in your home. She has no clue what it's like to hear about family vacations back home, or to be here by yourself when all your friends and co-workers go on vacation (or 'holiday') with their families. I'm not bitter... just a little sad. (Mom, don't worry!! :)) I do miss family and family outings and get-togethers. There's just something amazing to be said about being part of a group that knows everything (or almost everything) about you and loves you to the core anyway. Now, don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE being here. A friend of mine recently commented that there are always sacrifices to be made with every decision we make. And that's never fun, but it's almost always worth it in some way. :) So... everyone enjoy your red, white and blue decorations, have fun with the sparklers (please don't burn your fingers... that was always my fear as a kid!) and savour every one of the amazing and beautiful fireworks tonight... enjoy them for me please!! :)

Love you all!!
Bonnie

Link to pictures:
http://community.webshots.com/user/bonnieb81

Ok, so by random chance I stumbled upon this little test to find out which "Alice in Wonderland" character I am. Man... I'm not deluded? (or am I!? hehe) And I don't know about you, but whenever I escape into a different world, I am quite happy! ;) Anyway... it's a good thing these things are all in fun! Feel free to take the little 5 question test and let me know what your results are. Horray for good clean fun! hehe

Take the test!

Wow... I don't think I ever knew that I shared my birthday with Canada day! *sniff sniff* I'm feeling a bit... patriotic... oh wait... I'm not Canadian, just my name is! :) You'd be surprised how many times I get asked if I am Canadian though, especially with a French last name!

I have had SUCH a great birthday this year! Today some of my teammates sent me birthday SMSes (text-messages), lots of awesome friends remembered and also sent me messages, my best friend from the States called me (which is VERY rare!!) to sing happy birthday, and my Dad called me and also sang to me! I got a cool e-card from my big brother (and family) and a few other e-cards from people back home too. I have also heard that my post-box is full of b-day cards, so I need to go check that out tomorrow morning. It's so nice to be remembered... both by people across an ocean as well as people just a short drive away.

Well, the team from Mississippi arrived today. There are 18 of them!! YIKES! I'm glad they're staying at the Days Inn. I like 'em... but that's just a lot of people... they make me go on American-overload. :) I think I'll have a little more free time with this team... as in I might actually be able to maintain some semblance of normality while they're here. I'll try anyway. :)

Thanks for checking in on me... and Happy Canada Day! ;)

Bonnie

Link to pictures:
http://community.webshots.com/user/bonnieb81