Participant Blogs

  Im busy reading this book on vulnerability and shame. Apparently shame does not like it when we talk about it and this is where vulnerability comes in. Its to open up a part of yourself that may be assaulted or hurt by others. So its about the courage to open up. To step into the arena and fight the fight with others who are courages enough. And people who are not in the arena don't have a say or should not influence the way you think about yourself. Your worthiness is in your courage to step out in faith...

Good day dearests Since infancy i've been fascinated by rings! You know you only remember certain childhood memories? Well one i distinctly remember is my using my positive carving tools (manipulating) with a friend of my gran's. I remember thinking if i make a massive deal about how much I love her rings, she'll think " the hell with my own grand daughter. This one appreciates it more." So if that doesn't say enough about my 'mild' obsession with rings then just know it is bad Subconsciously I still do it. My friends will tell you! I always fit their...

In the year we have had some up, down, left and right moments. I will share a few with you...     If you are lonely a tree seems to be "someone" that you can open your heart to  If this does not work there is always a Johan(n) to fill the gap :) Most of the time we struggle with finances and we have to look at cleaver ideas like ensuring we get the eggs that comes from chickens that date stamp their eggs Sometimes we are luck and get some veriety in our meal ooo even better we sometimes...

The 7 weeks of training have come to a HECTIC end with a huge amount of excitement, anticipation and expectation. It seems such a long time ago that I arrived in Jeffreys bay, rather nervous being across the other side of the world and not really knowing what to expect. There was nothing to be concerned about though, with the global challenge family being incredibly welcoming. A huge amount has been packed into this time and I really dont know how to describe it all let alone explain how it has impacted my life. So I am going to try sum it...

Santiago, a bustling city filled with motorbikes, trucks, horse carriages, musicians, street dancers, stray dogs, food trollies, markets and anything in between. There's no room for a misplaced foot . You can delight in a local delicacy about every 50m and the cheap ice-cream brought out that ice-cream-loving-kid in all of us. Our host church was right in the centre of Santiago. The youth members of the church, who received us, are living examples of God's love in them for other people. Cuba was the first country on our year journey and everyone struggled with missing loved ones back in home....

Tomorrow evening, we will land in South Africa. As I reflect on this last month in India, I realise Work Your Way 2015 is ready to go home. Ready for the next journey that awaits us.   Its been a great year. A journey full of lessons learned, adventures, fun and difficult times? Our expectations have been met in more ways than one could imagine.   The first week in India we spent in New Delhi, while we waited for another Global team (Nortbound) to arrive. Together we went to an Orphanage in Kota, South of New Delhi.   It...

Painting the picture: " Slowly, desolately, the fist of what we'd done unclenched the clawed palm of what we'd become. Anger softened into sorrow, as it always does, as it always must. And no drop of what we'd wanted, just an hour's life before, was as rich in hope and meaning as a single teardrop's fall." (Shantaram) . I imagine this to be the state and feel of Rwanda in 1994 after the genocide. Maybe not entirely at first but slowly, desolately, in time. Thus, a re-awakening of a once tender heart, now marred with bitter resentment. One can't help...

Written by Marliaan

There is no words to describe the past 3 weeks in India! Me, Roelf, Marna, Karlien and Janica arrived at 2.15am to CRAZY, CHAOTIC, DIRTY and CROWDED India.There was a driver in a very small car that picked us up in the MAD traffic. No robots, stop signs or lanes. The hooter means that I am beside or behind you, keep out of my way! We were in the 'Hotel' at 4.15am in New Delhi where literally "everything" happens in the street. It is where you eat, sleep, do business and yes, goes to the bathroom! Oh my word, the smell!!!

Our time in Russia was great. We made lot of new friends that made our time in Krasnoyarsk very memorable. We are thankfull for all the blessings that our fellow believers gave us and all the condensed milk!!! Our friend Natasha made a video of our time with them and I would like to share it with you. The fun of presenting South African evenings, playing sport with the youth and having fellowship. Video by Natasha an music by Akon. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGv16iPqTVE

   Changes and challenges of India As our train slowly leaves Kota station my heart fills with overwhelmed emotions. Leaving everyone behind that I've come to know the past 2 weeks was too much to bear. I never thought it was possible to grow so close to people in such a short time. Most of all, I've come to love them with my whole heart. A love that comes from God alone. This amazing people changed my life forever. People laying downs their lives for others, people facing persecution everyday of their lives, people taking care of the orphans and loving...