tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23496781234101335522024-03-12T17:47:10.903-07:00Striving To Be The Hands and FeetJaclyn Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08485943729905708800noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349678123410133552.post-31422387370528521992010-08-10T11:20:00.000-07:002010-08-10T11:26:06.768-07:00Home SafeLast night around 5:30 pm, we all landed at SeaTac Airport safe and sound. . . .Albeit tired and feeling like we needed a shower. Thank you all for your continued prayers and encouragement throught out this trip. We all have appreciated feeling the love from America. I'm sure that all of your loved ones will be sharing some amazing stories from this trip. It was an awesome journey for us all. I hope that they touch you and move you.<br /><br />In Him ~ JaclynJaclyn Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08485943729905708800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349678123410133552.post-30254868465047272982010-08-08T05:40:00.000-07:002010-08-08T05:45:31.444-07:00Saying Good-bye to Cape TownToday is bittersweet - We get to come home to our families and friends, but we are leaving our other friends and "family" in Cape Town. This morning we had the privilege of worshiping with the Nazerene church again and the welcome we received was utterly amazing. Even those who do not have much have given so much of themselves. It is inspiring and overwhelming all in the same moment.<br /><br />We can't wait until we are able to wrap our arms around those that we love, but we are sad to leave behind those who we've grown so close to. . . We love you all! We are on our way back to our first home . . . and continually praying for those who we leave behind in our second one.<br /><br />With love -<br /><br />JaclynJaclyn Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08485943729905708800noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349678123410133552.post-58819858295721197972010-08-06T08:47:00.001-07:002010-08-06T18:22:09.499-07:00This week has been a whirlwind! Only 2 more days until we come home . . .<div><div><div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502467098170483266" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFywrCa54kI/AAAAAAAAAN8/mJCIESllgGw/s320/DSC_0014.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFywaxRaOHI/AAAAAAAAAN0/XpX9dZcwzUo/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 133px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502466818689349746" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFywaxRaOHI/AAAAAAAAAN0/XpX9dZcwzUo/s200/DSC_0015.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFyv8NtAxgI/AAAAAAAAANs/TSsgr9Qug7M/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502466293745370626" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFyv8NtAxgI/AAAAAAAAANs/TSsgr9Qug7M/s200/DSC_0016.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFyvlkSg8RI/AAAAAAAAANk/7V4GZZ6Fy14/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 124px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502465904671256850" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFyvlkSg8RI/AAAAAAAAANk/7V4GZZ6Fy14/s200/DSC_0018.JPG" /></a><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502465331251371442" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFyvEMIj3bI/AAAAAAAAANc/cGfBWnNLWrs/s320/DSC_0010.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFyt6_7t-pI/AAAAAAAAANE/01ZQI7bGKaA/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502464073845832338" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFyt6_7t-pI/AAAAAAAAANE/01ZQI7bGKaA/s200/DSC_0035.JPG" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFyurjuSJYI/AAAAAAAAANU/gtNuuYibEm0/s1600/DSC_0025.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 133px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502464908086879618" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFyurjuSJYI/AAAAAAAAANU/gtNuuYibEm0/s200/DSC_0025.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 133px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502464456433122002" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFyuRRLoutI/AAAAAAAAANM/J-4M0BcIoWI/s200/DSC_0027.JPG" /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 321px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502462539555976658" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFyshsQgtdI/AAAAAAAAAM8/6L813RXnGkE/s320/DSC_0038.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 220px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502461706832201474" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFyrxOHsRwI/AAAAAAAAAM0/ybKjRewoMds/s320/DSC_0052.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFypi1oshrI/AAAAAAAAAMc/BFNdczqECfQ/s1600/DSC_0062.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502459260718319282" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFypi1oshrI/AAAAAAAAAMc/BFNdczqECfQ/s200/DSC_0062.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFyrNG2BLOI/AAAAAAAAAMs/lyQaYyAoRz4/s1600/DSC_0054.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 170px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502461086403734754" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFyrNG2BLOI/AAAAAAAAAMs/lyQaYyAoRz4/s200/DSC_0054.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 133px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502460290001348066" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFyqewA5JeI/AAAAAAAAAMk/pVTwxJ8rYbg/s200/DSC_0058.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 262px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502458730192550610" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFypD9RfutI/AAAAAAAAAMU/7xEl5UxmuCo/s320/DSC_0066.JPG" /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFymu4T-grI/AAAAAAAAAL8/bJ1lZzE7QpI/s1600/DSC_0080.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502456169060270770" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFymu4T-grI/AAAAAAAAAL8/bJ1lZzE7QpI/s200/DSC_0080.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFyokPZ2Y-I/AAAAAAAAAMM/z7ihum_F1RU/s1600/DSC_0069.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 183px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502458185303614434" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFyokPZ2Y-I/AAAAAAAAAMM/z7ihum_F1RU/s200/DSC_0069.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 175px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502457204114097666" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFynrIMChgI/AAAAAAAAAME/L4oklF6duSY/s200/DSC_0078.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFymGwwwsII/AAAAAAAAAL0/FoDeMKD4qsY/s1600/DSC_0082.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 145px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502455479838748802" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFymGwwwsII/AAAAAAAAAL0/FoDeMKD4qsY/s320/DSC_0082.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFykLl8__1I/AAAAAAAAALs/U5W1MhEm9CU/s1600/DSC_0121.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502453363813384018" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFykLl8__1I/AAAAAAAAALs/U5W1MhEm9CU/s320/DSC_0121.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502469999831555874" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFyzT780HyI/AAAAAAAAAOE/D6FPP_sJJ4I/s400/DSC_0146.JPG" /><br /><div><br /><br /><div>It is crazy to t<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFygQZ9hj-I/AAAAAAAAALU/8JT3XLVxWGM/s1600/DSC_0156.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502449048447193058" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFygQZ9hj-I/AAAAAAAAALU/8JT3XLVxWGM/s200/DSC_0156.JPG" /></a>hink that we only have a couple more days until we leave the beautiful, loving city of Cape Town. We have been planning this trip for so long; preparing our hearts and minds to be a blessing to these people. I know that I can speak for the entire team when I say that we have been blessed beyond measure by those we've worked with this week. I know I have been extremely inspired and built up by the relationships that I've had the privilege to have during my time here.<br /><br />These past few days especially, myself, as well as other members of the team, have had emotional times. I keep hearing from everyone that the experiences they've had while here have been incredible beyond words. I completely understand. . . . and those of you who have been here also know that it is difficult to put to words what is unimaginable and incomprehendable.<br /><br />First, this week we were extremely blessed to have the opportunity to do our door to door ministry with Living Hope support group facilitators and some local church volunteers from the Church of the Nazerene. These ladies were amazing in the community, speaking the word of God to all of those we encountered, and being fearless in their approach to people. I appreciate and love these women more than words can say and I know the team felt the same. In addition, our team members jumped out of their comfort zones and were fearless and bold in praying for and comforting those in need. The girls and I had the opportunity to take these amazing and faith-filled women out to lunch today. We wanted to make sure they knew through a small token how grateful we are for the selfless service they do day in and day out. It gave us yet another opportunity to get to know them, pour into them, and listen to their stories. They are stories of sadness, heartache, joy, and redemption and I am so grateful that we had the time to build this into our schedule. It was awesome!<br /><br />Thursday we were busy with our community outreach which involves testing for HIV, TB, high blood pressure, and diabetes. We take for granted in America that we can simply go to a clinic and get seen and treated within a couple of hours (at the most). Here, often, people spend all day in a clinic waiting room just to get an appointment to see a doctor the next day. The testing that was done during the outreach was free to the community and was much quicker. Our team was amazing! Jordan was a superstar doing high blood pressure testing for literally hours (from 9 - almost 3:30). He didn't stop and he didn't even hesitate when talking with patients about their status, what it meant, and what they could do about it. It was so awesome to see him in his element, rockin' it! :) Everyone else was amazing as well and were humble in serving as well. They pitched in whenever they were needed; praying for those who were dealing with difficult times (even those who were volunteering or working on site), cleaning up, handing out sandwiches and coffee, sitting in line with people and comforting them while they waited to be tested, holding and snuggling babies while their parents took the bold step to find out their status, etc. etc. I could go on for hours about the small and big acts of service our team, the testing team, and the support group facilitators did during this outreach. Incredible! You could not be a part of this day without standing in awe of Him. (Official stats are not in, but this was possibly the biggest outreach Living Hope has had with roughly 175 people coming for testing. Of those, MOST were tested for HIV - only a handful chose to not be tested, often because they already knew their status.)<br /><br />One of the most awesome parts of Thursday was the community celebration. At the end of each outreach, Living Hope holds a community celebration service with food and worship. We packed as many people as possible into the Church of the Nazerene - literally people were standing on benches so they could see and about 50 children were smushed in the front to get in on the action. Life skill educators, support group facilitators, and Living Hope volunteers and st<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFyhkvFsNVI/AAAAAAAAALk/NuDjrNLeXO0/s1600/DSC_0131.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 161px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502450497227601234" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFyhkvFsNVI/AAAAAAAAALk/NuDjrNLeXO0/s200/DSC_0131.JPG" /></a>aff were there participating. It was so wonderful to see and be a part of - again this moment is something that can not be explained. I wish I could, but it is difficult unless you have actually been here and seen the light in people's eyes, the joy, the renewal of strength, and the complete redemption in Christ. It is absolutely the coolest thing I've ever had the opportunity to be a part of. We had worship, Heather gave a stunning testimony, and the team did their skit for the last time in Cape Town. I know that all of us were emotionally and physically drained, but seeing people who had earlier been tested and hadn't ever stepped into a church or had fallen away and had not done so for years, come again, in faith, to the church for the service that night literally made everything worthwhile.<br /><br />Teen's club was also crazy amazing on Thursday. Ana, Jenny, Sean, Steph, Shagmie, Stacey, and I talked with the teens of Overcome about Peer Pressure. It was great because for Tuesday and Thursday, I was asked to write up the curriculum to teach. It was a great opportunity and it was something that I do at work everyday. To be able to talk with these teens about pressures they are facing put me in my element and I was so thankful. God knows this is where my heart lies. Equally fulfilling to me on this day was a last minute opportunity to give my testimony to a group of teenagers at an alternative school near Fish Hoek. This was unplanned but the teen's team had asked me earlier in the week if I'd be willing to do it. I felt as though, while talking with them, that God was truly speaking through me and I hope that I was able to touch some lives while there.<br /><br />The Lord has been so faithful to all of us during this trip. And I want you to know that your loved ones who are returning are returning changed forever. I have a jacket that says "I have tasted the African sky." We have definitely tasted S. Africa - the good and the ugly and we thankfully have been transformed by it. Thank you to all of you who have given us this opportunity to grow in our walk with the Lord. We all heard the call and because of your willingness to support us in it, were able to fulfill that calling.<br /><br />As I'm writing this blog, my heart is filled with joy and sorrow - Part of me wants to hug and kiss my family again and sleep in my own bed ;), but a huge part of me wants to stay in this beautiful place with these beautiful people and continue to savor this moment. I love this place, but I will mostly miss the people.<br /><br />In His mighty and holy Name ~ Jaclyn</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div>Jaclyn Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08485943729905708800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349678123410133552.post-63154687904878901562010-08-04T15:02:00.003-07:002010-08-04T17:28:21.482-07:00New Pictures<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFoEad7uEPI/AAAAAAAAAKs/6DS4_tCBHAI/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501714747544703218" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFoEad7uEPI/AAAAAAAAAKs/6DS4_tCBHAI/s320/DSC_0016.JPG" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFoCtGqo07I/AAAAAAAAAKk/kZN7eUvRsds/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501712868693300146" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFoCtGqo07I/AAAAAAAAAKk/kZN7eUvRsds/s320/DSC_0018.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFn_rPAEM7I/AAAAAAAAAKc/aHCL-ZjgfUY/s1600/DSC_0092.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501709538036036530" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFn_rPAEM7I/AAAAAAAAAKc/aHCL-ZjgfUY/s320/DSC_0092.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFn7J1drTUI/AAAAAAAAAKU/_LJhx5G-MFo/s1600/DSC_0319.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 247px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501704566198717762" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFn7J1drTUI/AAAAAAAAAKU/_LJhx5G-MFo/s320/DSC_0319.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFn6of7oqcI/AAAAAAAAAKM/7-O4KhGgD5c/s1600/DSC_0315.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 247px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501703993483110850" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFn6of7oqcI/AAAAAAAAAKM/7-O4KhGgD5c/s320/DSC_0315.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFn6W1U9iKI/AAAAAAAAAKE/py8bFyW-KHk/s1600/DSC_0305.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 133px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501703689988835490" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFn6W1U9iKI/AAAAAAAAAKE/py8bFyW-KHk/s200/DSC_0305.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFn5YgLLXUI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/YnonkPG9Hcg/s1600/DSC_0299.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 241px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501702619158764866" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFn5YgLLXUI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/YnonkPG9Hcg/s320/DSC_0299.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFn4en8NCqI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/sRzmQgeO_to/s1600/DSC_0271.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501701624811031202" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFn4en8NCqI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/sRzmQgeO_to/s320/DSC_0271.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFn2MgjHViI/AAAAAAAAAJk/eWuy6cyt6m0/s1600/DSC_0285.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501699114565850658" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFn2MgjHViI/AAAAAAAAAJk/eWuy6cyt6m0/s200/DSC_0285.JPG" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFn3pEFrwgI/AAAAAAAAAJs/_hGICDf-lyg/s1600/DSC_0293.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 124px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501700704654049794" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFn3pEFrwgI/AAAAAAAAAJs/_hGICDf-lyg/s200/DSC_0293.JPG" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFn1Wuc0GsI/AAAAAAAAAJc/Q7O2XPJZ4zI/s1600/DSC_0259.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501698190584584898" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFn1Wuc0GsI/AAAAAAAAAJc/Q7O2XPJZ4zI/s320/DSC_0259.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFnzTg8kMHI/AAAAAAAAAJE/5sZaw5o1bjQ/s1600/DSC_0232.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501695936396800114" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFnzTg8kMHI/AAAAAAAAAJE/5sZaw5o1bjQ/s320/DSC_0232.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFnz5-PE5gI/AAAAAAAAAJM/zEsZpDqLIIo/s1600/DSC_0236.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 206px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501696597094098434" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFnz5-PE5gI/AAAAAAAAAJM/zEsZpDqLIIo/s320/DSC_0236.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFnqpn6zPCI/AAAAAAAAAIs/lyX48x7X3JA/s1600/DSC_0188.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 154px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501686420620917794" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFnqpn6zPCI/AAAAAAAAAIs/lyX48x7X3JA/s200/DSC_0188.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFn0x8arsqI/AAAAAAAAAJU/0GEgS4AQquc/s1600/DSC_0250.JPG"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFnrC6klFHI/AAAAAAAAAI0/cJEGiCVPxJA/s1600/DSC_0192.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 154px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501686855124718706" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFnrC6klFHI/AAAAAAAAAI0/cJEGiCVPxJA/s200/DSC_0192.JPG" /></a><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 133px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501694392377457954" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFnx5pBqvSI/AAAAAAAAAI8/-1-tlt9J86o/s200/DSC_0212.JPG" /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFnp3oxsTlI/AAAAAAAAAIk/7mra7oNSjqM/s1600/DSC_0178.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 155px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501685561857691218" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFnp3oxsTlI/AAAAAAAAAIk/7mra7oNSjqM/s200/DSC_0178.JPG" /></a><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501684697040646354" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFnpFTFPcNI/AAAAAAAAAIc/ujmz7xz4z5Y/s200/DSC_0152.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFnoj7ynrLI/AAAAAAAAAIU/tAQHzxXzCxk/s1600/DSC_0134.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 213px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501684123852844210" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFnoj7ynrLI/AAAAAAAAAIU/tAQHzxXzCxk/s320/DSC_0134.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 247px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501683722853473506" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFnoMl863OI/AAAAAAAAAIM/ifR-_l9S-AQ/s320/DSC_0114.JPG" /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFnnyr3xDNI/AAAAAAAAAIE/zdRpz5vRKi8/s1600/DSC_0112.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 155px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501683277765872850" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFnnyr3xDNI/AAAAAAAAAIE/zdRpz5vRKi8/s200/DSC_0112.JPG" /></a><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 154px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501681472555625170" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFnmJm8GqtI/AAAAAAAAAHs/sYAb19g-QNA/s200/DSC_0035.JPG" /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFnlTIgt-1I/AAAAAAAAAHk/QCjqKsPnoEQ/s1600/DSC_0053.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 155px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501680536674761554" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFnlTIgt-1I/AAAAAAAAAHk/QCjqKsPnoEQ/s200/DSC_0053.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFnkfhvO5OI/AAAAAAAAAHc/5gn1B_tiOjQ/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501679650093327586" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFnkfhvO5OI/AAAAAAAAAHc/5gn1B_tiOjQ/s200/DSC_0026.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 154px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501679283562693586" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFnkKMThQ9I/AAAAAAAAAHU/qzIbIKhUT5M/s200/DSC_0028.JPG" /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jaclyn Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08485943729905708800noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349678123410133552.post-52790456998979485292010-08-03T12:38:00.000-07:002010-08-03T12:54:32.069-07:00Our first day of Door-To-Door Ministry and Teen's ClubDoor to door ministry in Overcome Heights was amazing today! We split up into 5 teams. Each team had one support care facilitator and one volunteer from the Church of the Nazerene in Overcome. For most of those present from the Nazerene church, it was their first time in the community doing door to door and it was awesome to see them working alongside Living Hope with the same purpose and heartbeat . . .to love and care for those in Overcome Heights. Pretty cool!<br /><br />I know that this day was impactful to the team as well. Team members expressed how eye-opening, humbling, and indescribable the experience of going door to door was. It was inspiring to see people come to Christ or to ask for prayer and was extremely humbling to see people who have so little, put their faith in Jesus Christ. One team member described the experience as God's glory shines brighter in the darkness. I think that he was referring to the fact that in a place where people seemingly have nothing, they really hold the key to everything. In our lives, in the U.S., we take for granted all that we have, even those of us, who by American standards may have little. Even those of us who have little in the U.S. have more material things than those who we are serving in Overcome Heights, but those we are serving continue to have hope even in the most dire circumstances.<br /><br />Our team's continued heart has been as follows: "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Collssians 3:17 I love them all! I love their hearts! And I love that I get the privilege of sharing this amazing journey with them.<br /><br />Continue to pray for broken hearts for Overcome Heights. Love you all! Jaclyn<br /><br />P.S. We are loving seeing your comments. Keep them coming ;)Jaclyn Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08485943729905708800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349678123410133552.post-443485119603829002010-08-02T22:43:00.000-07:002010-08-02T23:29:18.307-07:00Link to the You Tube video of the Team's Skit - Yay!<div><div><div><div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFevu5inBnI/AAAAAAAAAGU/6_05rsJWXWA/s1600/DSC_0461.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501058690111178354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFevu5inBnI/AAAAAAAAAGU/6_05rsJWXWA/s200/DSC_0461.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFewGnWc92I/AAAAAAAAAGc/WISUYhKKhUY/s1600/DSC_0489.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501059097545209698" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFewGnWc92I/AAAAAAAAAGc/WISUYhKKhUY/s200/DSC_0489.JPG" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501057995901106354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFevGfaB-LI/AAAAAAAAAGM/RP8Zk1ziEHM/s200/DSC_0410.JPG" border="0" /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFeuZW1AfKI/AAAAAAAAAGE/WcKuZo5bxio/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501057220504222882" style="WIDTH: 195px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFeuZW1AfKI/AAAAAAAAAGE/WcKuZo5bxio/s200/DSC_0030.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFetxRfOMZI/AAAAAAAAAF8/gEZKi7zFDX4/s1600/DSC_0107.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501056531875901842" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFetxRfOMZI/AAAAAAAAAF8/gEZKi7zFDX4/s200/DSC_0107.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFetaH2oS4I/AAAAAAAAAF0/B0dUQut8N_c/s1600/DSC_1091.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501056134152735618" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFetaH2oS4I/AAAAAAAAAF0/B0dUQut8N_c/s200/DSC_1091.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Here it is! This is so amazing and has touched so many people thus far. They are doing it again at Teen's Club in Overcome today and at the community celebration on Thursday night. :) </div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouOMPbIOkds">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouOMPbIOkds</a></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jaclyn Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08485943729905708800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349678123410133552.post-39386063624111994802010-08-01T10:49:00.000-07:002010-08-01T13:39:54.814-07:00Our Team Ministry Begins<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFW0pqQ6EtI/AAAAAAAAAFE/JvJK1-wiAAI/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500501147715769042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TFW0pqQ6EtI/AAAAAAAAAFE/JvJK1-wiAAI/s320/DSC_0004.JPG" border="0" /></a>Yesterday (Saturday), the team's second day in Cape Town, started with the Wait For Me concert at King of Kings Church (John and Avril Thomas' church). The team was amazing at jumping in and doing anything that was asked no matter how small. It was awesome to see how well they just integrated themselves and became servants. So cool! It was so much fun to go onto the buses and pin flowers in the girls' hair and boutonnieres on the boys. The kids were all so excited for this event and their faces glowed. There were skits played out, dance offs, and songs sung by the individual townships. It was awesome to see these youth supporting abstinence through so many different genres.<br /><br />The team did an amazing job performing the Lifehouse "Everything" skit. We will post it to You Tube shortly and post a link to the blog as it was too big to post as a video. You are not going to want to miss out on watching this. Believe me! :)<br /><br />I gave my testimony and I definitely felt the Lord with me. I was calm and collected and I felt as though I was talking with the teens I see everyday at work back home. It is amazing how the Lord can be present and calm you in a moment where your feeling vulnerable and exposed. It was an overwhelmingly emotional feeling to have my S. African and American friends there to support me. AWESOME is all I can think of to describe how the Lord has transformed me from last year until this year through giving my testimony. I hope and pray that the Lord spoke into those teenagers' hearts and that seeds were planted.<br /><p>Today (Sunday) was our first day in Overcome Heights. We spent the morning at the Nazerene church in Overcome. Aaron preached on trusting the Lord and it was such a great message and a needed reminder to all of us old or new in our faith to remember that with the Lord we do not have to walk around blindfolded in our spirituality, but we also do not have to know our entire life's story in one day. We have to trust and then the Lord will lead our steps. I definitely needed that reminder. It was so great to see how the team reacted to such a warm welcome from Pastor Bassie and his congregation. They are our friends and our family in S. Africa. They sing a welcome song and everyone comes up and hugs and kisses. We saw so many people from last year. Very cool! </p><p>We then went to the waterfront in downtown Cape Town and hung out for awhile. It was a beautiful day...sunny and 65 degrees. Then we were off to the Nazerene church again for their youth service. The team once again performed the Lifehouse skit. They keep blowing me away with the amazing skills they have in touching people in this way. Then there were 3 testimonies tonight; Steph, Sean, and Ana. I keep using the word "amazing" but I'm telling you that this team is heaven sent - literally. The hand of God is covering this group and strongholds of fear, doubt, and insecurity are being demolished by Him. Steph continues to amaze me in her maturity as a 16-year-old. Wow! Mike and Tristin - you should be very proud of your little girl...who's not so little anymore FYI . . .The Lord has so many wonderful things in store for her. Sean's presence, talking about something so personal, was awesome to witness. Thank you to him for his boldness. I know there are teens and families who are going through the same things. Ana was equally amazing. She was nervous about giving her testimony but she was so calm, collected, and impactful the way that she portrayed herself up in front of those teens. Her message was so right on and was so needed. It is a message of hope and redemption through Jesus Christ - our only Saviour. So inspirational!</p><p>I am so proud of this team...proud to be a part of this team. Every person is on a journey and everyone of them (and myself) is being touched, moved, and molded through this trip. AND it's only really day two. Tomorrow we are touring Living Hope and doing our first Kid's club in Overcome as a team. I can't wait!! Please continue to pray for Overcome, Living Hope, our ACTS hosts, and our team in fulfilling our mission but also in listening, hearing, and moving in faith in what the Lord is trying to do in our lives.</p><p>Continually striving to be in Him ~ Jaclyn</p><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p>Jaclyn Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08485943729905708800noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349678123410133552.post-45950067333751280022010-07-30T02:18:00.000-07:002010-07-30T02:41:07.483-07:00The Team Is Here!!!!Today the team arrived safe and sound! :) It was wonderful to get to the airport and see them arrive off the plane and waving from the glass enclosed terminal. So wonderful. I'm feeling rejuvenated from these two weeks away from them and am excited for what this week will bring for them.<br /><br />The plan today is for the team to have some time to relax, shower, and get situated at the Team House. Then we are off to Living Hope's Prevention Center (which is their main campus in Capri) to meet the LSE's we'll be working with in Overcome Heights and have some lunch. It will be great for the team to see the main campus and meet some of the people and plan for what our ministry will be like when we hit the road running tomorrow afternoon at the Wait For Me concert.<br /><br />Then we will be going up Chapman's Peak, which is near Table Mountain, and see the views of beautiful Cape Town from the top. Super cool! Last year when the team came Table Mountain was closed so we unfortunately were unable to go up. It will be a treat to see all of this beautiful city from there (Pictures to come).<br /><br />Everyone says "hello" from Cape Town and we'll keep in touch throughout our week to keep you up to date on everything that is going down.<br /><br />With much love ~ JaclynJaclyn Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08485943729905708800noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349678123410133552.post-26633896014378295142010-07-27T10:21:00.000-07:002010-07-27T11:09:32.149-07:00S. African Schools and Awesome Old Ladies :)Yesterday (Monday) I spent the day with my favorite auntie, Gail. She is in charge of all of the support group leaders in Capricorn and Overcome Heights, the two townships I work in. Auntie Gail and some of the support group leaders (awesome, amazing women of God, who I adore!) went over to a retirement home outside of the townships. I spoke to the women about stress and it was awesome! They had a radiant presence about them that I can only guess comes with getting to be 75+ years old and going through trials and tribulations and coming out on top in the end. The oldest lady of the bunch was 84 and she told me that she doesn't have stress or worry because if she stresses or worries, she won't get any younger. And she added that God has been good to her in her life and she is thankful but doesn't worry. :) What a lesson to us all yea? We walked back to the Capricorn building (about 40 minutes - don't worry! it was safe) and I got to see the tail end of kid's club. Marsha and Gail and I were walking together and laughing about how funny it must look for a white-haired, white-skinned, blue-eyed girl to be walking into a township with two African ladies. Although we were laughing and joking about it, the feeling of aparteid and oppression still exists here. I pray for the day when it doesn't exist.<br /><br />Today I had a special treat...something I've been waiting for since last year....I went into a primary school with the LSE's and got to see what schools are like in the townships and how the LSE's teach lessons. First we went into a 1st grade classroom, then 2nd grade, and finally 5th grade. We had approximately 1/2 hour each for the lesson. The LSE's are allowed to go into this school and teach about HIV/AIDS and abstinence. There are some schools in the area that are not interested in hearing this information from a faith-based organization, but it is a blessing that many of them do. Anyway, the first classroom we went into had 46 children. It was at the beginning of school and so they were getting their "breakfast," a meal of beans and rice. The next one had two classes because one of the teacher's was ill and so the other classroom had to take on the load. In this classroom, there were many children sitting on the floors. Much of the materials are hand me downs and are really just old and decrepid. It made me sad to think of all we have in the U.S. at school and we still are not satisfied. As teachers and school staff we complain that we don't have this and we don't have that....myself included. . .. and it puts everything in perspective when you see children who are in a place to learn sitting on the floor because their teacher is sick and there is no substitute.<br /><br /> I was able to teach part of the HIV lesson to the 5th graders, which was awesome! They were very attentive and very smart :) And I'm very thankful that my dear friend, Ilana (LSE), trusted me enough to allow me to do part of the lesson. That kind of acceptance means more to me than I can say. AND I saw a familiar face (I'd been searching for her all week at kid's club, but didn't see her) It was Jennifer!!! :) To all of my teammates from last year, I'm sure you know how super excited I was to see her beautiful, smiling face. For those of you who weren't on the team last year, scroll down on my blog and Jennifer is the beautiful girl with me holding the paper cross. I wanted to cry I was so happy...and I literally almost screamed out her name. Oops! But I didn't...I went up to her later and she promised to come to kid's club this week and next. Let's hope!<br /><br />I then went with Stacey and Shagmie to teen's club in Overcome. I had been worried later last week because not one teen from Overcome teen's club had signed the commitment form for Wait For Me. Today we separated the girls and boys and talked to them separately. Stacey spoke about what is abstinence and why is it important and I talked about the reality that maybe some of them had already had sex, but that through Christ you can be redeemed. You don't have to feel bad about yourself or feel like you can't recommit your life and what that means to me based upon my story. Every girl, granted there were only 7, signed a commitment form today. Two of the boys did. I'm thankful that they did but I pray that it was heartfelt; that they knew what they were commiting to and that they really want to save themselves for marriage. The fact is, that many of these teens face very high risks when they have multiple sexual partners and the younger they start to be sexually active, the worse that risk becomes. Please pray for each of these teens and their commitment to abstain from sex until marriage. They really are making a commitment to God to respect their bodies and be living sacrifices to Him.<br /><br />This week is already racing by....tomorrow I'm talking with a group of health care workers/staff about stress in the morning and helping my dear friend Danielle at the prevention center, then off to kid's club. I missed them today. Then Thursday I'm going to a secondary school and off to teen's club in the afternoon. AND Friday the team comes! Yay! And I'm off to be with them at the Team House.<br /><br />I do need some prayer from you all this week. I was asked today to give my testimony at the Wait For Me concert (again another honor). I did this at the youth service in Overcome last year and it was difficult but freeing as well. Please pray that I am able to prepare well and provide the information that those teens need to hear; that God's words will be my words. I pray that even if it is meant to touch just one of those youth, that it does despite the color of my skin. The Lord is my Keeper and I put all of my trust in Him....I pray that He provides me strength and comfort to get through it.<br /><br />I am grateful to you all for your prayers and love. I miss you and I am excited to see your faces soon.<br /><br />With lots of love ~ JaclynJaclyn Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08485943729905708800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349678123410133552.post-56374049276314410692010-07-25T03:07:00.000-07:002010-07-27T11:27:12.013-07:00Safari's Rock!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TE8k78aSdlI/AAAAAAAAAE0/vEv_ndN8KRI/s1600/38975_1295105747161_1515840204_31556334_5800259_n.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498654282289935954" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TE8k78aSdlI/AAAAAAAAAE0/vEv_ndN8KRI/s320/38975_1295105747161_1515840204_31556334_5800259_n.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Yesterday was an awesome day! I traveled at 5:30 am with 4 other volunteers and our lovely house coordinator Alicia to Aquila, which is a natural game reserve about 3 hours from where we live. It was an amazingly beautiful day in S. Africa. The sun was out, the sky was blue, and the was a slight coolness about the air. It was gorgeous and we all had a wonderful time reveling in God's creation.<br /><br />When we got there we were greeted by a friendly staff who led us into their restaurant where we were welcomed with lovely smells of a hot and cold breakfast...I mean this buffet was amazing. There was literally every kind of breakfast food you could ever want or need here. We sat and ate...and ate :) And then we piled into a safari truck and were off on the reserve. It was so awesome to see animals in their natural habitat...up close and personal. We saw Kudu, water buffalo, lions, elephants, rhinos, hippos, springbok, zebras, and a wonderful giraffe who stuck around for a million pictures. It's so weird to think that just yesterday I was literally about 20 feet from a live giraffe! Crazy :) I took lots of pictures and will share them when I return back to the states. Internet is slow so I'm unable to download them here, but they are amazing. We then came back after about 2-3 hours to a lovely buffet lunch. It was a great day. We all laughed, relaxed, and had a great time.<br /><br />I'm mostly thankful that I was able to get to know some of the volunteers who I hadn't really connected with yet. I had been praying about this and God, as always, answers prayers. This little safari was exactly what we needed to connect and bond....no complaining . . .no negativity . . .. no objections, just fun and enjoying each others' company. It was wonderful and I couldn't help but smile at the Lord's provision in this way.<br /><br />I love you all....next week is a big week. I'll be doing some more support groups, also speaking to the care clinic support staff, and going into a couple of schools with the LSE's (one primary and one secondary) to see them teach some lessons. I'm super excited! THEN....the team gets here on Friday - whoop! - and our time will begin in Overcome. Pray for this coming week; that I can do what is asked with a humble, faithful, and servant's heart and that the Lord will bless my words to help those who I am speaking to and with. Also continue to pray for the children in the townships here as they prepare for the Wait For Me concert and their commitments to abstain for sex before marriage.<br /><br />Loving you all! Jac</div>Jaclyn Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08485943729905708800noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349678123410133552.post-79348537475650951262010-07-23T10:44:00.001-07:002010-07-23T11:07:32.224-07:00How fast the week has gone!I just realized that all of my posts recently are about how fast time is flying here in Cape Town. But it's true that once you are here, days quickly turn into weeks. Before I know it, the team will be here (yay!) and then in a blink we'll be flying home to our friends and family back home. . . changed forever by this experience but so much more fulfilled in our journey.<br /><br />First I want to thank you all for praying for me and continuing to send encouraging comments to me. It means a lot! I've realized as I've been here "alone" that it is a much different experience than being in the presence of those whom you've grown to love, care for, and respect over the course of team trainings, team hikes and outings, and living life together. Although I have wonderful S. African friends here who have welcomed me with open arms and have made my ministry time here fun, I still miss those of you who really know me, those who love me unconditionally. So needless to say, although I am experiencing things that I would have never had the chance to on a team, I will be ecstatic to see my team come through the gates at the Cape Town airport. :)<br /><br />I've been busy this week with Living Hope. Today was LSE training, where we prepare for next weeks lessons for schools team and kids/teens club. It's been great to see their curriculum and how they process and prepare for what they will be doing for the next week. We begin the 10 Commandments next week (one commandment per week) and Danielle and the LSE's are working hard to make sure that this is practical and applicable to the kid's daily lives.<br /><br />The Teen's team is busy getting ready for the Wait For Me concert on the 31st, which is coming fast. They are doing an amazing job of planning and I am loving getting to know them and being a part of their preparation. This concert is a big deal and it is the first time that the LSE's are planning it. I'm super proud of them! They are working over time to make this special and I see how much their hearts go into making this an event that the teens in the townships will not soon forget. I'm just finishing up the 1-2 day lesson that our team will be doing for the teen's in Overcome. I'm sad because it does not look like the teen's club will be participating in the Wait For Me as none of them have signed commitment forms (to commit to abstain prior to marriage). It makes me wonder what they are struggling with and going through in their daily lives (peer pressure or maybe they think because they've already made a mistake, they aren't worthy?) that may be hindering them. Shagmie and Stacy (LSE's for Overcome) have done a great job of talking about redemption in Christ with them. The seeds have been planted and now I just pray that it continues to grow.<br /><br />Tomorrow I'm off to do a short safari in a place not too far from Cape Town (about 2 hrs). I'm excited to go and see some wildlife. This is an awesome opportunity that I'm truly grateful for - - don't worry! I'll take lots of pictures. I've heard good things - they give you a nice breakfast and lunch I hear. Mmmmm - yummy! But I have to leave here at 5:30 am so I better get off to bed.<br /><br />With love - Jaclyn<br /><br />P.S. Mom - it was so good to hear your voice today! :) It made me smile. Love you so so much.Jaclyn Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08485943729905708800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349678123410133552.post-42873297494203714302010-07-21T09:59:00.000-07:002010-07-21T10:20:54.802-07:00The days are blurring together alreadyI've only been here since Thursday and already I feel as though I've been here for a lot longer...in a good way of course :) The days in S. Africa tend to blur together and I often lose track of what day it actually is. It's kinda crazy.<br /><br />For the last three days I've been helping with support groups in the morning. Living Hope has support groups that meet in the community to encourage each other in living with their struggles and keeping Jesus Christ at the forefront of their lives even in their struggles. I've been teaching some stress management strategies in the areas of Capricorn and Overcome Heights. Most groups meet in local houses within the community and some meet at the Capricorn church. Each group is dynamically different but all have the same needs, concerns, and stresses (health, safety, finances, family/relationships). Please pray for these women and men who are trying to live their lives with grace and humbleness while living in circumstances that you and I cannot even imagine would be our reality. I so want to tell of some touching and also sad stories but this is not the place to divulge. But they are heartbreaking stories and while you go to sleep in your safe, comfy bed after having eaten, at least your third meal of the day, please remember that there are those who do not have any of those basic needs met...they are many.<br /><br />In the afternoons, I've been either working at Kid's clubs or Teen's club in Overcome Heights. I've seen a couple children who I remember from last year, but there are some that are missing (my Leo) who I would love to see. But the population is transient so the chances that he would have been back were few anyway. It's been awesome working with my wonderful, awesome friend Shagmie. Missed him to death! Also the other LSE's are amazing and I love hanging out with them and teaching kids about important topics like alcohol, drugs, and sex. The realities of rape, pre-marital sex, teen pregnancy, drug/alcohol addiction, etc. is rampant here and teens and children are extremely vulnerable to falling prey to these issues.<br /><br />Tomorrow I'm excited because I'm hanging out at the Team House for a little while with my fam! ;) Love them and I can't wait to spend some quality time with them. And LAUGH - - We will be playing Apples To Apples....Hehehehe! Love it!<br /><br />I also can't wait until the team gets here next week. Whoop! :) I'm working hard to get some things ready for when they come. We are going to be teaching Teen's club for at least one day when they come, so I'm writing up some lessons for when they are here. I'm also continuing to tweak our schedule for when we are here to pack in as much ministry experiences as possible. I love that our team is so willing to be humble servants on this mission and I can't wait to see them arrive.<br /><br />Loving you all for praying for me and my ministry here. I continue to hope and pray that I remain humble to the Lord and bless those around me, even when it's hard to do. Please also pray that I am effective here and that I accomplish and am open to what God is calling me to experience here. Knowing that all of you are behind me and praying for me helps me to not feel homesick and helps me persevere through some of the emotionally draining times here.<br /><br />With lots of love ~ JaclynJaclyn Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08485943729905708800noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349678123410133552.post-23263679280574034692010-07-17T05:53:00.000-07:002010-07-17T06:21:48.436-07:00Day One and other fun stuffYesterday (Friday) was my first day at Living Hope....I woke up at 3 am and willed myself to go back to sleep until 5:30 and then I couldn't stand it anymore and got up anyway. Bummer! That jet lag got the best of me this time. Anyway, so my day started early but it was great to have a quiet volunteer house (there are 15-17 other volunteers here mostly under the age of 21) to do my devotional and take in the day. Rainy and cold basically summed it up, but that was ok. I was excited to begin helping out!<div><br /></div><div>I went to the prevention center, Living Hope's main campus, and had Life Skill Educator (LSE) training to prepare for next week. This is where they plan the lessons for kid's and teen's clubs for the week. Right now they are also planning the Wait For Me concert, which kicks off their Wait For Me campaign in the townships. Kids will sign a commitment to be faithful and abstinent until marriage (the LSE's have been doing a huge push in the local schools in order to get kid's to commit) and in turn they get to be a part of this awesome celebration. The OCC team got the bracelets for the event made and I brought them over on the plane. And I'm super excited because the team will be here when the concert happens on the 31st. I can't wait for them to be a part of it! :)</div><div><br /></div><div>After LSE training, we were busy getting some information ready for the LSE's for their sexual abuse lessons next week. All of the kid's and teen's clubs, in light of the sex trafficking issues surrounding the World Cup, have been getting information and training about sex trafficking, strangers, and sexual abuse issues. This is a very important lesson so please pray that children here take it to heart and protect themselves against victimization. It hurts my heart to think that, according to one statistic from 2008, that 24,892 rapes occurred in S. Africa. Many of these were vulnerable children; those with little money, food, shelter, etc. You can go to this website for more information and a video put on by S. African children on the dangers and realities of sex trafficking in S.A. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VxD3RmRUf0&feature=player_embedded#at=246">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VxD3RmRUf0&feature=player_embedded#at=246</a></div><div><br /></div><div>I also found out that I will be working in the mornings next week with an amazing support group leader, Gail, and helping her with her support groups. I'll be giving some talks about stress management, which will be challenging but hopefully helpful to the people of Overcome Heights. In the afternoons, I'll be joining my wonderful friend Shagmie for teen's club and another LSE Natalie for kid's club, also in Overcome. This starts on Monday. I can't wait to see the kids!! Whoo hoo! :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Today (Saturday) was awesome. I was able to go out with some long term volunteers and my friend Danielle and we went to the Old Biscuit Mill, which is in a place called Woodstock. It is an open air farmer's market kind of place, with awesome shops and amazing food. It was great! Today has been so sunny and beautiful. :) No coats and jackets today. Just the amazing sun and 65 degrees. Tonight we are going to a restaurant down by the water...yummy! And for all of you OCC teamers I was able to go to home (aka the Team House) last night and it was wonderful to be back. I can't wait for you guys to see it soon.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I love all of my wonderful friends and family back home. Thank you for reading my blog and catching up. Please feel free to send me comments back. It's always nice to hear from you. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Lots of love ~ Jaclyn</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Jaclyn Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08485943729905708800noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349678123410133552.post-89460497796410473442010-07-15T10:57:00.000-07:002010-07-15T10:57:00.595-07:00Finally on the ground in Cape Town - Whew!Finally arrived in Cape Town, S. Africa safe and sound :)<br />
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So all in all my flights were non eventful. . . . the flight to London was a little late, but considering I had a 7 hour layover, I didn't mind. I was able to sleep on the plane so I felt blessed and a little rested. Then, the big excitement of my trip, I got upgraded on the longest leg of the journey to Cape Town. Whoo hoo! Business class (Club World) is awesome! And I got to sleep laying down with a real pillow and nice blanket. I literally thanked God multiple times for this. . . .However I did wake up at 2 am and couldn't get back to sleep. That darn jet lag...bummer! Thank you to everyone for all of your prayers regarding my travel.<br />
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I landed on the ground and got my luggage. It had been raining all morning in Cape Town and the sun was starting to peek out. It was sunny for the rest of the afternoon, but it was quite chilly. I have officially bundled myself up and had my first nightly cup of Roibois tea...mmmmmm yummy! I love S. Africa.<br />
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I met Alicia at the airport, the house manager, for the ACTS volunteer house, and we went to go surprise my friend, Danielle - curriculum administrator for Living Hope - at the new Living Hope building on the Care Clinic grounds. It was awesome to see her and I had a warm (aka screaming) welcome ;) I was then pleasantly surprised to arrive at the ACTS house to Gordon playing a pink sparkly guitar singing me a welcome song with Clynton (House Manager for the Team House), Francie (driver), and Charl (my contact for ACTS)....ahhhh I'm home! :) It was so nice to feel welcomed and loved. Thanks guys!<br />
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Once we got our hugs out of the way and the boys were on their way to actually go to work, Alicia told me the rules of the house, showed me my room, and I got to get a little nap in. BUT I can't help but be anxious to start working tomorrow. I'm so excited to find out what God has in store for me and I can't wait to see all of the kids and families in Overcome. OH! And let's not forget Shagmie...the awesome, amazing, dynamic Life Skills Educator. So, tomorrow morning Danielle picks me up and I meet with Mike Talley to see what's up for my stay. All I know is that I'll be working in Overcome and Capricorn. The rest is up to God...I know He has a plan and I'm simply trusting His way....wherever it leads.<br />
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Thank you all for praying for me. Please pray for this week and for tomorrow, that I can be a blessing and not a burden and that I can show the love of Jesus easily through my actions.<br />
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I love you all! Until next time..... In Him ~ JaclynJaclyn Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08485943729905708800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349678123410133552.post-42057276355237529872010-07-12T13:11:00.000-07:002010-07-12T23:17:33.101-07:00Onto S. Africa - Last Minute Preparation<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TDwEe9haYII/AAAAAAAAAEs/u1G77ulNJw4/s1600/28503_683873939253_27203916_39152908_8207359_n.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493270575442452610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JjL8pCqKyAg/TDwEe9haYII/AAAAAAAAAEs/u1G77ulNJw4/s320/28503_683873939253_27203916_39152908_8207359_n.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>So the team has been busy getting last minute preparations completed for our impending trip to Cape Town. Everyone is amazing and doing well in anticipation of this awesome journey! I continually feel blessed to be able to serve with these amazing people. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /> </div><div> </div><div>Da boys:<br />Shawn: Strong in character, generous in spirit, energetic, the wild boy of the bunch ;)<br />Kelly: Quiet, hilarious, and helps all of us stay calm and collected...his calm spirit definitely rubs off<br />Jordan: faith-filled, admirable openness to try and do anything - even out of his comfort zone - he is an amazing example of a true servant<br />Aaron: leader, giving, and our strength in preparing the way for this trip.<br /><br />Da ladies:<br />Ruth: Open, courageous, and an awesome servant for the Lord. You rock Ruth!<br />Steph: Evokes laughter and joy, is amazing with kids, and just completely loves life, which is obvious to all around her.<br />Jenny: Details...details...details ;), but seriously is so loving, kind, and generous, and always puts a smile on everyone's face with her charm and fun demeanor. Oh! And she's a great dancer! ;)<br />Ana: Strong and contemplative, a natural leader, who is willing to take the reigns whenever needed, and has an amazing gift for words of encouragement and love.<br />Heather: Exuberiant, happy, and willing to do anything no matter what others think.<br /><br />One of my friends gave me this verse this week for encouragement: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 I LOVE this because it speaks to why each of the people going on this trip is going for . . .It speaks to the fact that each one was hand picked by the Lord to serve Him at this moment, in this way . . .and most important it speaks to the fact that each one of these amazing individuals LISTENED to the Lord's prompting and call upon their lives to take a step of faith and commit to this trip. I have no doubt that our lives will be changed. How can they not be when the Lord our God, our Father is involved. I can't wait to be let in on the "plans" God has for each one of these amazing people and for myself. It's going to be hard, it's going to be awesome, and it's going to be life-changing! :)<br /><br />I will be writing soon directly from Cape Town, S. Africa. See you on the flip side my friends!<br /><br />With lots of love, In Him ~ Jaclyn</div>Jaclyn Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08485943729905708800noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349678123410133552.post-83631404893191215712010-07-06T07:53:00.000-07:002010-07-06T08:11:41.197-07:00One more week!It is crazy to me that in 1 week I'll be boarding the plane to London, which will then take me on to Cape Town, S. Africa. The anticipation is killing me! :) I can't wait to meet my S. African friends again . . .to see them in person and not on facebook ;) . . . . to see the families I met last year and to hold the children. I can't wait to get started on doing God's work of serving others. I can't wait for my teammates to come at the end of July and begin their journies. It makes me enormously happy just thinking about it.<br /><br />As I was sitting, this morning, on my parents patio (I'm visiting them in the Tri Cities for a week), soaking in the sun and God's beautiful creations and sipping on my first cup of coffee, I was thinking about all of my hopes for this trip; for the team and for myself. I pray for protection for us, that we will have God's shield around us while we are traveling, and while we are in the townships and working with Living Hope. I pray for humble hearts, that when we interact with each other and with others in the field that we do not come in as foolish, arrogant Americans, but with servant's hearts, no strings attached, no prideful gain. I pray for our time with Living Hope, that we can be a blessing, not a burden to them. That we can listen to what they need and support them in what they need, always being humble and giving. I pray that God will move us in immeasurable ways while we are there, that He will shape and mold us in ways we can't even imagine in order to be broken and ready to continue His work wherever we end up. I pray for unity, that our team may be united and bonded and unbroken. I pray that we humble ourselves to each other, work together as one body, and continue to treat each other with respect and love. And mostly I pray that our trip is focused solely on God and His will. I want this trip to be about Him and I simply want to be His servant.<br /><br />I know that we have many people praying for us and I am so thankful to have so many people who care and love us in our corners, encouraging, and supporting. It is so appreciated!<br /><br />So . . . 1 more week for me! And 3 weeks and 1 day for the team! It's here . . .time to go to S. Africa!!! :)Jaclyn Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08485943729905708800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349678123410133552.post-35769424136294489832010-06-30T22:33:00.000-07:002010-06-30T23:01:52.571-07:00Worry and Condemnation in Christ?Tonight I was at bible study with an amazing group of women who I adore and love. Seriously . .. they are awesome! They are real and flawed and striving, just like me and I love that they are so honest about it. We are supportive of one another and encourage each other to be what God has intended us to be...and to see ourselves for what God has intended; images of Him. Isn't it funny that this is the hardest thing.<br /><br />Today we were talking about two things that have been on my mind and heart, especially lately with embarking on this "trip of a lifetime" to S. Africa for the second time: Worry and Condemnation.<br /><br />Worry: As I mentioned briefly in my last post, I have been fearful, afraid of this trip, especially the part about me traveling by myself 10,000 miles away from home. Oh and did I mention that I hate flying, let alone for 20 something hours. I was struggling for awhile with wondering if my "scary" feelings were intuition or the evil one bombarding me with insidious thoughts of doubt and fear, but I realized tonight that this is not intuition. And, mind you, I realized this by talking with these amazing women, some of which went on the trip with me last year. I realized after being fearless enough to say it aloud, that this was doubt seaping in and that if I trusted and believed in, had faith in, God and His plan then it could be nothing else. He has chosen me for this mission. He planted the seed that grew into this trip and He will protect me, if I let Him, from all of those doubtful thoughts and out of control what-if's we all deal with from day to day.<br /><br />In the book we are reading "All I need is Jesus and a Good Pair of Jeans" by Susanna Foth Aughtmon - - seriously that is the title :) - the author quotes Matthew 6:25-27 - "So I tell you don't worry about everyday life - whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing? Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him then they are. Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not." Hehehe doesn't this make you giddy with joy? It does me....how foolish? None of my worries about flying or this trip will add one single moment to my life...the Lord has all of that laid out and in His plan. I just need to trust and go with it. Peace. :)<br /><br />Condemnation: Am I worthy enough for the responsibilities and mission God has bestowed upon me? I often wonder and, again, that dirty word, doubt my worthiness for His calling. Have the things I've done in the past condemned me to a life of lonliness, childlessness, husbandlessness, worthlessness? Just when I think I've overcome this obstacle, it rears its ugly head in a new and interesting way. My way of dealing is control, control, control...oh and did I say control? If I am in control (it sounds so funny to write it.) then no one will know that I am insecure in my abilities and doubting my role. Right? But I am reminded when I listened tonight to 8 beautiful, amazing, wonderful, kind-hearted, loving women tell about their self-condemnation that I am not alone. We all struggle with this demon and luckily...no not luckily....blessedly, we have a Savior, who died to take that condemnation away. He is a Savior who says that we are pure as the driven snow....really? And we are saved by His grace - - not deservedly, but because He loves us. That's all. And we are made in His image - whoa! His image. . . even though He knows us (now..in the present), knew us (during the bad times), and already knows what will come - -the pain, the sin, and the awesomeness that we are. He knows. And there is a huge comfort in knowing just that. He knows and He loves us and would die again for us a million times over (if He had to). All I can feel is thankfulness for that gift and. need to remember that in order to keep that gift sacred and special and to be truly thankful, I need to cherish it by striving to see myself in His image everyday. This is the way God wants me to live. This is why I can do anything...even travel 1/2 way across the world...through Him.Jaclyn Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08485943729905708800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349678123410133552.post-65907766374175948182010-06-29T20:38:00.000-07:002010-06-29T20:59:56.259-07:002 weeks and counting!I'm amazed at how fast the time goes by....It feels like a few weeks ago that I had made the decision to make the journey to S. Africa again and now it is almost time for me to board the plane once again. Crazy!<br /><br />I have a mix of emotions as I embark on this new adventure. . . those that come to my mind instantly are immense gratitude - - to my family and friends for supporting me and always encouraging me to take this step. Excitement and abounding love - - for the people of Cape Town, specifically in Overcome Heights, for the friends I have made there and their tireless efforts on a daily basis to fight overwhelming poverty and disease, and for the things that I will have the privilge to be a part of, to see, to hear and the children and people I will have the opportunity to hold, to love, and to serve. Longing - - to be closer to the Lord, for through our best efforts to do His will and His alone, I believe we are the closest we will ever be to Him. Fear - -Yes, fear....as the time for my trip draws nearer, I feel his presence and his desire to see me fail. The great deceiver rejoices when he can bring my deepest fears about flying and traveling alone to the surface. Humility and thankfulness - - that the Lord is on my side and will not let me fail. :) That He and He alone possesses the strength to make this happen. I find peace and comfort in the knowledge that the Lord is my shepard, my keeper, and my rock. He has the power to arm me against evil and to guide me towards His calling for my life. That keeps me going.<br /><br />Romans 8:37-39<br />"No in all these things we are more than conquerers through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to seperate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."<br /><br />I knew that going on this trip would not be easy, but having all of my wonderful family and friends cheering me on still amazes me and helps me to take another step closer to July 13th. :) I can't wait for this year's OCC team to meet me on July 29th. They are awesome! And I feel so blessed to be serving beside them. Each one, I know, was hand-picked my God to be on this team and we are going to rock S. Africa and have a blast doing it!Jaclyn Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08485943729905708800noreply@blogger.com1