Update #28

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

Eddie and me

Half the team left the greater Johannesburg area today. David and Lina are flying back to the US and Teju is off to Cape Town to visit friends before returning to America on Wednesday. Jenna is off to stay with Jessica Pilay tonight and fly’s to Bombay, India later next week. So, for Saturday night, that leaves Eric and me at the B&B. (I think we will be watching the world Cricket finals if Eric has any say!)

Tomorrow I will transfer myself, and my luggage, to Dave and Sarah Porter’s…they are kinda like my South African parents – and some of the most hospitable people I know! If you followed my updates last time, they are the ones I house-sat for…they have 2 dogs and 3 cats…I am in animal heaven!

Speaking of animals, this morning the team and I did make it out to the small game park just north of Johannesburg. We drove around the reserve gawking at African wild life – at one point a lion blocked the road…I guess he needed a rest…I was able to maneuver the car around him but we were less than 10 feet from him. Gulp!

The best part of the day for me was being able to pet a 2 year old cheetah named Eddie. I was amazed at how docile and friendly he was. He is the size of a large Labrador retriever but with a HUGE purr-box – my hand vibrated down his side when I smoothed his fur. At one point I was rubbing his tummy and he rolled over on his back and pushed his head into my thigh asking for more! It was surreal! (No worries Samson – mommy still loves you more!)

Thank you for praying for me and for your encouraging e-mails. The last two weeks were intense and as I look back I have no idea how I was able to handle a client on my own, run the ops part of the venture, and get sleep – I was definitely God sustained! I covet your prayers. If you remember me this week, please pray for…

Safe travels: As I drive and move around Johannesburg and then fly to Cape Town on Tuesday, ask that my luggage arrives WITH me!

Family

Protection

Computer: I am will have limited internet access until I am installed at the Cape Town B&B (Saturday) – pray that I get a hold of anyone that I may need to with the absence of connectivity.

Wisdom, grace, His guidance, etc.

Health: Physical, mental and emotional strength and stamina. The GI stuff is much better! Thanks for praying! My usual ‘zip’ is still missing – I get easily tired. I hope the few days of rest at the Porters will help with that.

Fun: That I will enjoy my time at the Porters and then with the Oliviers in Cape Town before I move into the B&B. And that I will have the time to see a bit of the touristy stuff in Cape Town.

Thank you for your prayers and financial support!

Blessings to you!

Dena

Check out the team photos:
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/album?c=tjsmart1&aid=576460762398180665&pid=&wtok=I.NP82EZLHZtgT3gacG4yw--&ts=1176794898&.src=ph

Check out the team update: http://www.repurposing.biz/gauteng-april-2007

Update #27

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

Hostel housing in Soweto - single sex bedrooms with community bathrooms , kitchen, etc.

Sunday, I went on a bus tour of Soweto. The name is short for South West Township and, for you non-South Africans, is a large black suburb of Johannesburg (3.4 million people reside there). Ours were the only white faces I saw as we drove for three hours past places of historical significance and by Nelson Mandela’s past residence, Desmond Tutu’s home, Winnie Mandela’s fortress.

Besides the apparent mono-raciality of the area, the prosperity, and lack there of, was in huge contrast. There are million dollar homes less than a quarter mile away from a vast areas of corrugated metal shacks lacking electricity, running water, and sewage facilities (in fact, ‘porta-potties’ are shared by 200+ people, and may or may not be emptied once a week). Surrounding the shacks are the ‘middle class’ – housed in small brick plastered buildings – some with, and some without, running water and electricity.

One thing I did notice is that the 12 foot walls, electric fencing, and razor wire were almost non-existent. There were walls (3-4 foot in height) and alarm systems in place but the additives ‘needed’ throughout the rest of Johannesburg were strangely absent. You can draw your own conclusions about that distinction.

As for consulting, we are just about done! The last two P’s were covered yesterday and we are steadily marching toward Thursday’s client presentations. Honestly, I can’t say this has been a ‘fun’ venture but it has been interesting – I have seen God move, change people and situations, and have personally been stretched in new ways. I am very interested to hear the clients take on what they experienced.

On Friday the team is going to the Apartheid Museum (a heavy, thought provoking trek through South Africa’s political past), and Saturday we are hoping to go to a game farm just north of Johannesburg to see ‘The Big 5’.

Thank you for praying for me and for your encouraging e-mails. As you continue to pray…

Safe travels: As I drive and move around Johannesburg and then onto Cape Town – I travel on May 1st

Family: My parents are currently in Sunnyvale, CA moving my Grandpa and my sister just found out that the surgery she had on her ear partially ‘failed’ – we are praying that the ‘failed’ part heals and she won’t have to undergo another more extensive surgery in the future. Needless to say she is a bit disappointed!

Protection

Computer: I am still having e-mail issues (arugh) – but am able to work around most of them!

Wisdom, grace, His guidance, etc.

Health: Physical, mental and emotional strength and stamina. I have been suffering from GI difficulties since Friday night – the positive side is that I won’t be gaining weight this time around!

Fun: Maybe a silly request, but after 2 weeks of super-intense stuff I would like some FUN!

Thank you for your prayers and financial support!

Blessings to you!

Dena

Check out the team photos:
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/album?c=tjsmart1&aid=576460762398180665&pid=&wtok=I.NP82EZLHZtgT3gacG4yw--&ts=1176794898&.src=ph

Check out the team update: http://www.repurposing.biz/gauteng-april-2007

Update #26

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

South African President & Mrs. Mbeki

The past few days have been busy – we have mapped 5 more business drivers (P’s) for our clients, I attended a state dinner with the president of South Africa and Singapore, and we finished our first week of consulting.

Yep! You read right! My life is incredible! I attended a state dinner at the Presidential Guest House on Thursday night. The dinner was in honor of the Singaporean Presidents visit. Darlene’s (my client) was waitering the event and she asked if I wanted to come see her staff in action – of course I said “Yes!”!

I was expecting to hide behind a big plant in the back and catch the action but Darlene found us seats next to each other at a table…I sat in as the Honorable Ms. MM Mabaso. I was seated next to the Director of the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry who also is a main importer/exporter of Asian food and spices for the country. He was delighted by my American accent and kept asking me questions during the meal so he could hear me talk….Darlene quipped that he wanted to ‘spice up my life’ –good one Darlene – but I haven’t had enough wine for that (as if there was a quantity that would be enough!)

Darlene’s son was the waiter for the head table, so under that pretense I was able to snap some pictures of the Presidents and the Minister of Finance while Nik stood behind them. The picture on this update was taken as the President and Mrs. Mbeki were leaving the hall. The choir behind them is from the Soweto Township.

Indy and Kristen, I took pictures of the floral arrangements for you…so make sure you visit the Yahoo! site below to check them out….I was able to meet the interior and floral designers for the event…wow, could they make a place look magical!

The rain has also stopped and it is beautiful Saturday morning. We, as a team, are off to a braii (BBQ or Grill for you Americans) this afternoon and to a tour of Soweto Township most of the day tomorrow. A bit of fun and relaxation after a hectic 8P week!

Thank you for remembering me in your prayers. Last week was one of the most intense, but blessed, weeks I have ever experienced - and I covet your prayer support. As you continue to pray, please mention the following for me…

Safe travels: As I drive and move around Johannesburg…

Family: My parents are better about the situation, but still not to hip about me being here. My sister made it though her first week back at work but is really tired!
Protection
Computer: I am still having e-mail issues – but am able to work around most of them!
Wisdom, grace, His guidance, etc.
Health: Physical, mental and emotional strength and stamina

Thank you for your support!

Dena

Check out the team photos:
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/album?c=tjsmart1&aid=576460762398180665&pid=&wtok=I.NP82EZLHZtgT3gacG4yw--&ts=1176794898&.src=ph

Check out the team update: http://www.repurposing.biz/gauteng-april-2007

Update #25

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

Garden path to my room...can you see the gigantic raindrops?

Tuesday, after lunch, I returned to a dead computer. Push the ‘go’ button and little green lights blink, then die. I had Eric (the tech wizard) look at it, nada. I took the battery out and put it back in, nada. I disconnected the power cord and connected it, nada. I prayed, I put my hands on the little black box and asked God to fix whatever was wrong, nada. Ok God, whader doing?

One of the intercessors walked past my table and I whispered about my current crisis – when he circled back around he took my laptop back to the ‘war room’ (the intercessor area)…and I am not exaggerating…Chucks was back in less than 20 seconds with my computer login screen glowing! Wow. Intercessor power is not to be underestimated!

God is at work here; in me, in my co-consultants, and in the clients. Hard stuff is being addressed, lives are being changed, and God is being glorified. I feel privileged to be a part of what He is doing.

Today is our first unstructured day in the schedule – which means I get to sleep past 5:45 and tend to ‘other stuff’ in the morning before meeting with my client (and her son) over a working lunch at their conference center.

Johannesburg has been beset by incredible thunder and lightening storms since yesterday evening…the rain was so heavy, I was looking for pairs of animals to wander past my door! Yes, Seattle is known for rain but we have ‘mist’ not deluge! I got soaked walking across the grass to my room last night (see picture)!

Besides the computer issues, and the rain, things have been incredible. Thanks very much for your prayers….as you continue to pray, please mention the following for me…

Safe travels: As I drive and move around Johannesburg…the wipers are in the blinker spot – we have a VERY clean windshield!
Family: My sister returned to work Monday after recovering from ear surgery - please pray for stamina…thanks.
Protection: The spiritual environment here is intense
Computer: I am having e-mail issues (Yahoo won’t send or receive – sigh. But Gmail is golden right now)…that and the resurrection factor!
Wisdom, grace, His guidance, etc.
Health: Physical, mental and emotional strength and stamina

Check out the team photos: http://new.photos.yahoo.com/album?c=tjsmart1&aid=576460762398180665&pid=&wtok=I.NP82EZLHZtgT3gacG4yw--&ts=1176794898&.src=ph

Check out the team updates: http://www.repurposing.biz/gauteng-april-2007/

Thank you for your support!

Dena

Update #24

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

My client, Darlene Bosch and I

The JHB venture started today – we have 9 clients representing an interesting cross section of employment spheres…hydraulic engineering, sewing, property development, to, my client, hospitality.

We only had three clients committed on Friday last week. Six decided to join over the weekend. It made it a bit hair raising for the leadership team – they would get the 8 SA and 5 US consultants assigned only to have to shift us around. (If you are quick on your math you will realize that the buddy system equip usually uses isn’t possible this go around.) There are 4 consultants working solo this venture! AND, believe it or not, yours truly is one of them!

I have the great privilege to work with Darlene Bosch an Entrepreneur with a capital and bolded ‘E’ – she has so many things going I was dizzy! It was awesome to watch God work today as we were able to consolidate and funnel her interests, determine her passions, and uncover what she truly gets fired up about. Equip relies heavily on prayer to pair the consultants, and then match the consultants with their clients. Once again, I can see the hand of God.

Darlene has dyslexia, so does one of my close family members – which is cool actually – I am used to having to re-explain things and draw pictures to get my point across - it isn’t abnormal. One of the other consultants asked about my ‘sketch’ pad – I related the dyslexia element and they were whelmed…it wasn’t weird for me…I am so used to it I accepted it as ‘normal’. Go God!

Thanks for praying for me as I progress further into the venture and consulting cycle. Today was incredible, but I am SO TIRED! I am currently waiting for the delivery guy to get here so I can eat and go to bed!

I hope you are well and that the Americans have their taxes done!

Blessings to you!

Dena

Update #23

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

King of the Beasts - Johannesburg Lion Park

I’m in Africa! I arrived safely yesterday afternoon and was greeted by drizzle and cold temperatures. I felt like I had gotten off the plane in Seattle instead of Johannesburg! Saturday morning started out cool but by 10 am it warmed up…we had a high of around 78 degrees today!

Currently, there are only 4 from the team here – Eric, David, Teju and myself. We are a very entertaining group; all of us get really sleepy and space out intermittently (jet lag recovery). Combine that with post lunch sleepiness and a warm car and you have a potent sleep aid!

We are staying at The King’s Lodge (http://www.thekingslodge.co.za/) in the suburb of Northcliff. The pictures on the website will give you a taste of the beauty I am surrounded by. And, they have 3 German shepherds – that are supposed to be ‘protectors’ – but they really want to be lap dogs!

The schedule for the next week is really packed. An equip venture usually covers 5 business aspects in the first week, but, due to a national holiday, we will be completing 8. Yikes! So, stamina and mental sharpness will be a big need!

Thank you for your prayer support – I had hardly any nausea during my 26 hours of travel, made all my connections, had great people to sit next to (Tracie and Tab Swann from Alabama – very excited to sit next to a petite southern lady who didn’t need to ‘share’ part of my seat!), and my luggage arrived with me! Yea! I think things went so well because of all my prayer partners…thanks. Here are my updated requests:

· Safe travels: As I drive and move around Johannesburg
· Protection
· Computer: I am having e-mail issues – it gets stuck sending or receiving – everything worked fine in the states but here it is sticky!
· Wisdom, grace, His guidance, etc.
· Health: Physical, mental and emotional strength and stamina
· Funding: I trust God completely for the resources I need – and He has provided! Thank you! If you would like know more about how to donate to me or to equip in general, please see the bottom of the page.

Thank for partnering with me!

Blessings,

Dena

Update #22

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

Tulip Fields in Mt. Vernon, Washington

Well, the bags are 90% packed (minus one very nosey cat), the house is mostly clean, and goodbyes said. The whirlwind of pre-trip prep is just about over! I am off to Africa tomorrow!

Actually, it feels kinda surreal. I was lying in bed this morning with Samson snuggled up, purring, behind my knees and I thought “I’m gonna miss this”. But the draw to the unknown and the excitement of new adventure far outweighs a “Sammer-snug” (no offense Sam). I board the Delta flight to Atlanta tomorrow morning!

Several people have asked if I am staying after the ventures are over, Honestly, I don’t know. I can’t say. I have been knocking/pounding/pushing on employment doors here and none have opened to me thus far. If one opens down there – Great! I’ll take it! I am not against extending my African Adventure – even though it will be tough to miss a Seattle summer!

I will post a longer entry when I arrive – telling tales of my flight, etc. In the meantime, thanks again for praying for me and for your financial support. God is incredible! Due to your generosity, I have raised all my funding! (Whoo Hoo! – Two air tickets, insurance and TWO ventures…all covered!) I feel incredibly overwhelmed and blessed!

I know that a lot of you are diligently supporting me in prayer – thank you. And, here are my updated requests:

· Safe travels:
No nausea!
No difficulties at check-in or with transferring planes in Atlanta.
That my luggage will arrive with me!
· Protection
· Computer:
We tried adding a bit more memory but my computer didn’t like it! So, pray that it will trudge along without a mishap!
· Family: My parents aren’t too hip about this latest foray into Africa but are getting warmer to the idea. My sister’s post-op appointment went well and she is going back to work on Monday!
· Wisdom, grace, His guidance, etc.
· Venture:
Team unity in JHB and CT
Clients in JHB and CT
We are a small JHB team – with a lot to do…pray for stamina and that the ‘ugliness’ in each of us won’t come out!
· Health: Physical, mental and emotional strength and stamina
· Funding: I trust God completely for the resources I need – and He has provided! Thank you! If you would like know more about how to donate to me or to equip in general, please see the bottom of the page.

Thank for partnering with me!

Blessings,

Dena

Update #22

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

Tulip Fields in Mt. Vernon, Washington

Well, the bags are 90% packed (minus one very nosey cat), the house is mostly clean, and goodbyes said. The whirlwind of pre-trip prep is just about over! I am off to Africa tomorrow!

Actually, it feels kinda surreal. I was lying in bed this morning with Samson snuggled up, purring, behind my knees and I thought “I’m gonna miss this”. But the draw to the unknown and the excitement of new adventure far outweighs a “Sammer-snug” (no offense Sam). I board the Delta flight to Atlanta tomorrow morning!

Several people have asked if I am staying after the ventures are over, Honestly, I don’t know. I can’t say. I have been knocking/pounding/pushing on employment doors here and none have opened to me thus far. If one opens down there – Great! I’ll take it! I am not against extending my African Adventure – even though it will be tough to miss a Seattle summer!

I will post a longer entry when I arrive – telling tales of my flight, etc. In the meantime, thanks again for praying for me and for your financial support. God is incredible! Due to your generosity, I have raised all my funding! (Whoo Hoo! – Two air tickets, insurance and TWO ventures…all covered!) I feel incredibly overwhelmed and blessed!

I know that a lot of you are diligently supporting me in prayer – thank you. And, here are my updated requests:

· Safe travels:
No nausea!
No difficulties at check-in or with transferring planes in Atlanta.
That my luggage will arrive with me!
· Protection
· Computer:
We tried adding a bit more memory but my computer didn’t like it! So, pray that it will trudge along without a mishap!
· Family: My parents aren’t too hip about this latest foray into Africa but are getting warmer to the idea. My sister’s post-op appointment went well and she is going back to work on Monday!
· Wisdom, grace, His guidance, etc.
· Venture:
Team unity in JHB and CT
Clients in JHB and CT
We are a small JHB team – with a lot to do…pray for stamina and that the ‘ugliness’ in each of us won’t come out!
· Health: Physical, mental and emotional strength and stamina
· Funding: I trust God completely for the resources I need – and He has provided! Thank you! If you would like know more about how to donate to me or to equip in general, please see the bottom of the page.

Thank for partnering with me!

Blessings,

Dena

Update #21

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

Picture: View from the lawn in front of my condo...

The above verse was on my flip calendar (thanks Inge) the other day - a simple sentence embodying a very deep, challenging concept.

I have asked several people what they think faith is - and most oft quoted is Hebrews 11:1 (Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.) But when I personalize the question, most look stymied.

What is faith? Is it being rock solid sure of something that has no tangible proof? A ‘knowing’? A ‘confidence’? Or is it trust in something/someone other than us?

I have heard people say “It was a faith-building period of my life”, or “Wow, that took faith!” What are they building, what are they cashing in? What is the basis of faith?

I think it simplifies to initial choice and trust. A choice made when we grasp that grace is for all and Christ came to set us free from sin – our first faith step happens when we move away from all that is logical and known into the shadow realm of the unfamiliar and mysterious to begin our lives as Christ followers. Then what? What embodies faith moving forward?

Trust. Trust in a heavenly being that has a greater plan, a bigger purpose, a mightier mandate than we can grasp with our finite minds. Trust that what we see isn’t all that there is, that there is more; a greater, richer depth to what we are living. Trust that we are participating in something greater than ourselves and are having a lasting impact.

Trusting the unseen, the unknown, is hard. If we are walking by faith (i.e. trust) we don’t always understand much. Life doesn’t make sense, we do ‘weird’ things by the world’s standard, and our resumes are a jumble of unrelated work experiences.

Thrill, excitement and adventure are only some of the byproducts of ‘faith’ living, intimacy with God is another. A greater familiarity, closeness, understanding, nearness, friendship, confidence...and, yes, trust, in God develops as intimacy matures.

Faith and Intimacy have a symbiotic relationship, as one develops the other deepens. God’s greatest aim is intimacy with us – for us to reach a place of total trust, faith and hope in him. I am not there yet, and I don’t know if I will ever be this side of heaven! But, I get points for persistent effort!

My ability to walk in ‘faith’ lately is only because of the support I receive from you. Thank you for your continued prayers and financial assistance. God’s provision is evident (ask about my home owners insurance) and the confirmation about my upcoming travel is overwhelming! When you chat with God next, could you mention a few of the following for me? Thanks!

Requests:
1. Safe travels: No nausea! I leave at 8 am Thursday, April 12th and land in Johannesburg around 3pm Friday. That my luggage will arrive with me!

2. Protection

3. Provision

4. Family: My parents aren’t too hip about this latest foray into Africa and my sister is healing from extensive ear surgery

5. Wisdom, discernment, grace, His guidance, etc.

6. Venture: Team unity in JHB and CT, US consultants for JHB, Clients in JHB and CT

7. Health: Physical, mental and emotional strength and stamina

Funding:
I am trusting God completely for the resources I need. If you would like to know more about how to financially support me, please see the bottom of the page.

Thank you taking the time to read this and for partnering with me!

Blessings,

Dena