We Interrupt This Blogcast

Five months ago I waited anxiously in Anticipation for the next chapter of my life to begin. It was a period of time unlike any other in my life. After months of considering, waiting, preparing, roadblocks, and the final go-ahead I stepped out in faith for what has been the ride of my life. I am once again found in a similar boat. After months of consideration, continuous prayer, seeking the counsel of wiser men, and waiting for the hand of God to lead I have made the tough decision to return home at the closure of The African Exposure Team.

It is important for everyone; my friends, family, supporters, and myself to know the whole truth for my early return to The States as to avoid any speculation or assumption. My decision to return home was just that, a decision. There was no mishap, altercation, or misbehavior that led to this and I was more than welcome to stay on for the six months training.

From an early stage, I knew in my heart that there was a possibility I would return at the end of the first five months. As time and events unfolded the possibility solidified into a reality and I realized that this is not the place for me at this stage in my life. Even though I encountered and endured many hardships from homesickness, a lower standard of living, confinement, lack of spiritual guidance, and leadership these conditions were not the key factors in my decision. I acknowledge that they aided in the thought of returning home but were not compelling enough to make me leave. I needed confirmation from God and found this in seeking Him and finding the deep riches of His peace.

A great lesson I have learned in South Africa is that we all experience life differently and therefore should not compare ourselves with others. Doing so often sets one up for disappointment. I would ask the same from you. For many people who read this blog you have the ability to compare but keep in mind we are all individuals with different paths and should avoid judging others.

When a person comes to a crossroads in their life I believe that God will use that person whether they choose to go left or right. If I was to stay for training I think God would use that time, however, I also know that He will continue His work in me at home. I have had to remind myself over and over again that God paved my way here. With that in mind, I also had to remind myself that God is completely and fully sovereign not just almost sovereign. God knew when I would come and when I would leave. This is not a surprise to Him and He still opened up the doors and had a purpose for me to be in South Africa.

Finally, the most important part of this blog entry. I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of you who have supported me during my time away. You have played an important and real part in God’s plan for evangelizing the nations. Thank you so much to those who gave financially and sacrificed your own comforts for others, know that it wasn’t in vain and that your gifts were appreciated and made a difference. Thank you to those who actively made a difference in my life and the lives of others all the way across the world through your prayers. I believe we are all called into missions. We may not be the ones who go but God can still use us and has definitely used many of you.

What does life look like after Africa? I will be returning home at an undisclosed time to spend time with my family and readjust to life at home. I am hoping to pick up a light load of classes at The University of Akron this spring semester and major in Art Education. I am looking for a ministry that I can really devote myself to and make a difference at home. However, I first must take some time for myself and renew my spirit. Our purpose statement at the Training Base is “Sending whole people, into whole communities, with the whole gospel” and that is what I desire but I first must make sure that I am a completely whole person. God has richly blessed me with so many life-changing experiences and I believe that God doesn’t give us experiences for the sake of the experience but to prepare us for something bigger in the future. Who knows where God will lead me but I know that He is holding onto me and has a purpose for my life.

Love,

Adam

Ways To Pray:

1) Adjusting to life at home

2) Spiritual renewal

3) A ministry to get involved in

4) Thoroughly processing these five months and making them apart of who I am

Stay tuned for my last entry at home and pics from this year!!!!

The Mother City

There truly is no place like Cape Town in all of South Africa. This great city is alive and booming with chic restaurants and trendy shops aligning the old Waterfront Harbor giving it a New England style feel. Skyscrapers and modern architecture cater to Cape Town’s sophisticated reputation. In comparison to other South African urban areas, Cape Town is very clean and relatively safe.

Most of my days in Cape Town were spent relaxing, reading on the beach, and walking around The Waterfront at night. My dad was there with me and he definitely spoiled me with some of the nicer things in life. We spent Christmas on the beach and had sushi for our Christmas dinner, not so traditional but still welcomed. It was good to have my dad with me for Christmas but even if he had been absent I have really come to know my team as my family here in South Africa. On New Year’s Eve I met back up with the team. We ate dinner at an Asian restaurant and sang karaoke afterwards. Our team is a blast and it was hilarious watching everyone give it there all onstage especially, our Korean brothers singing I Believe I Can Fly, which sounded more like “I Beribe I Can Pry”. Later that night we toasted in the New Year at the Waterfront Harbor. We dangled our feet over the dock and watched a fireworks show. 2008 was a wild and unforgettable year and I look forward to what 2009 holds, as well.

Two days after returning from holiday we headed off to the OM Africa Retreat. There we worked as the catering team. Our workload was light and during the day we got to enjoy the pool. Today, January 10 is my 19^th birthday. It is so weird having a summer birthday this year. Two of my American friends had a surprise night planned for me. We first went to a restaurant in the mall called Baobab. The malls here in South Africa are far better than the ones we have back home. At our first visit to the mall I mentioned that I wanted to go there before leaving. So it was a fun time with my two closest friends here. I thought that was the end of my birthday celebration and that we were coming back to the base to watch the greatest American tv show, The Office, with two friends from home. When we got there my two friends were in on a surprise that the team had planned. I was sent into the coffee house and had a surprise party with the team.

Things to Pray for:

1) Processing all of my experiences

2) Spiritual Rejuvenation

3) What’s after Africa

Love,

Adam