“…I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you, My eye shall be on you.” Psalm 32:8
Hello from lovely Cape Town, South Africa!
My flight to the cape is another story of God’s goodness. I had booked an 8 pm departure, but the client meeting ended early and by 3:30 I was at the airport. Hmm…can I possibly fly standby at 5:30?
The standby system in Joburg is a bit different that I am used to – basically you stand in a penned area, the phone rings, a name is called out and that person makes the plane. Or, the flight number is called and whomever pushes themselves to the front first gets the seat. My name wasn’t called, and I am not a pusher, so at 5:23 I approached the counter to place my name on the next standby list.
As I stood there, the phone rang and to my great surprise there was one seat left on the 5:30 if I wanted it. Hmm…I had seven minutes to make it across the airport, through security, to the gate, and onto the plane - of course I wanted it! Sweaty, out of breath, slightly askew, with cell phone ringing, I made the gate at 5:28! Then, get this; the only seat left was in first class! By the window! Ha!
As soon as I was seated, the flight attendant arrived with a cool towel for me to “refresh with”- I think she was startled at my appearance and huffy/puffy breathing! I don’t run well (ankle) and then to have to do this convoluted slide shuffle leap step through security and along the terminal in dress shoes…well, you get the picture! I was happy to have made the plane! I made it but my luggage didn’t. Thankfully, my bags were on the 7:00 – and were delivered to me later that evening!
I landed Halloween night at sunset. It was beautiful watching the sun sink over the sea and reflect on the mountain. Cape Town has not been undersold; it is beautiful, lush, and green (picture above of Table Top Mountain, the 12 Apostles and Lions Head). The B&B I checked into (Rondebosch Manor) Wednesday is also lovely. It is two houses smooshed together with a kitchen in the middle. http://www.rondeboschmanor.co.za/index.htm I have a lovely “suite” behind the kitchen and under the stairs. I feel a bit like Cinderella! I am so happy!
The team is slowly arriving - Jodene (team lead) is already here and so is Bart (ops manager). Stacie arrived this morning and the rest are trickling in over the next two days.
I am thanking God for these days of interim – I am able to reflect on what has happened over the last month or so. I am a bit whelmed to see all that God has done in and around me. Thank you for your prayers, I can’t stress enough how much I appreciate your support, both spiritually and financially. Here is the latest request update:
Hello from lovely Cape Town, South Africa!
My flight to the cape is another story of God’s goodness. I had booked an 8 pm departure, but the client meeting ended early and by 3:30 I was at the airport. Hmm…can I possibly fly standby at 5:30?
The standby system in Joburg is a bit different that I am used to – basically you stand in a penned area, the phone rings, a name is called out and that person makes the plane. Or, the flight number is called and whomever pushes themselves to the front first gets the seat. My name wasn’t called, and I am not a pusher, so at 5:23 I approached the counter to place my name on the next standby list.
As I stood there, the phone rang and to my great surprise there was one seat left on the 5:30 if I wanted it. Hmm…I had seven minutes to make it across the airport, through security, to the gate, and onto the plane - of course I wanted it! Sweaty, out of breath, slightly askew, with cell phone ringing, I made the gate at 5:28! Then, get this; the only seat left was in first class! By the window! Ha!
As soon as I was seated, the flight attendant arrived with a cool towel for me to “refresh with”- I think she was startled at my appearance and huffy/puffy breathing! I don’t run well (ankle) and then to have to do this convoluted slide shuffle leap step through security and along the terminal in dress shoes…well, you get the picture! I was happy to have made the plane! I made it but my luggage didn’t. Thankfully, my bags were on the 7:00 – and were delivered to me later that evening!
I landed Halloween night at sunset. It was beautiful watching the sun sink over the sea and reflect on the mountain. Cape Town has not been undersold; it is beautiful, lush, and green (picture above of Table Top Mountain, the 12 Apostles and Lions Head). The B&B I checked into (Rondebosch Manor) Wednesday is also lovely. It is two houses smooshed together with a kitchen in the middle. http://www.rondeboschmanor.co.za/index.htm I have a lovely “suite” behind the kitchen and under the stairs. I feel a bit like Cinderella! I am so happy!
The team is slowly arriving - Jodene (team lead) is already here and so is Bart (ops manager). Stacie arrived this morning and the rest are trickling in over the next two days.
I am thanking God for these days of interim – I am able to reflect on what has happened over the last month or so. I am a bit whelmed to see all that God has done in and around me. Thank you for your prayers, I can’t stress enough how much I appreciate your support, both spiritually and financially. Here is the latest request update:
- Computer issues – I have my own desk area with wireless internet! Whoo Hoo! I have taken full advantage of this! I should have this “capability” through November 18th.
- Family – I was able to chat with my mom for a long time yesterday. It was nice to hear her voice and get caught up with stuff back home. My dad is leaving for the Middle East the 11th for a business trip and my sister battling a cold that has affected her hearing.
- Protection – no problems – Thank God!
- Spiritual growth and intimacy with God – I was telling Jodene this morning that I feel contented, calm and “grounded” – it is a lovely feeling. I just pray I can keep it as things begin to change and as the venture ramps up and starts.
- Sleep – Better! Thank you for praying. Besides the one night praying for a friend who is undergoing unexpected open-heart surgery, I have slept much better. My first night at the Cape Town B&B was one of the best nights of sleep I’ve had in a long time!
- Discernment / Wisdom – No leads beyond the 19th of November. I know I will be returning to Joberg at some point but am trying to discern what God is going to have me do between the November 19th and December 7th.
- Material Needs – God has met every need that I have had through your generous donations. Thank you. I will have access to the equip vehicles through the 19th and then after that we’ll see what God does!
Here is an updated “needs” list:
- Computer issues – I will be able to connect with those at home I need to and that the wireless system will stay “strong”.
- Family – continued peace and protection
- Protection – as I and the team move around Cape Town and South Africa
- Spiritual growth and intimacy with God – that I will fully grasp the fullness of God’s love for me – see Ephesians 3:18-19 – I really want this!
- Sleep – continued deep sleep that I awake rested from
- Discernment / Wisdom – please ask God that I clearly hear His voice, experience His leading, and begin to determine His direction for my life when:
o I finish the Cape Town venture (what am I to do, where to go)
o Return to Joburg and when I (when, where to stay)
o Return stateside in December (what to do) - Insight – I am starting with a new client the 6th of November – please pray that I will understand what they need and am able to communicate it in a way they understand – please also pray for unity between me and my South African co-consultant
- Material Needs - transportation, $$ for supplies, God purposed travel, and the Cape Town equip venture
I can’t thank you enough!
All the Best!
Dena
If you would like to financially help me during my extended stay in Africa or for the equip Cape Town venture please see FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS below.
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