There Will Be Bad Days

When my friend Leigh told me about her internship at Durbanville Presbyterian two years ago, she said, "There will be bad days."  I didn't believe her.  Now I do.  Yesterday wasn't actually a bad day.  In fact, it was a great day.

It started with a women's group (they're all women's groups) that I sat in on.  They asked me to come introduce myself and as I walked forward, I heard someone say, "She's just a girl."  I looked down at a 92 year old woman (someone volunteered that information later, I didn't assume or ask in front of everyone, just in case you were wondering...I do have some control over myself), and I couldn't help but laugh.  It is apparently very exciting that I'm young, so I'm totally milking it.  Some of the kids in the youth group think I'm 24...I have not yet set them straight.

Then I went to lunch with a guy who works at the Presbyterian church in the next town over.  He's a Princeton Seminary graduate and works with both youth groups.  My first question to him was: can we teach the kids energizers??  HE HAD NO IDEA WHAT AN ENERGIZER IS!!!  I couldn't believe it.  I almost decided not to be his friend in that moment, but then I remembered that my parents taught me to be tolerant of other people.  So I patiently explained, and then told him my Wavin' Flag story (if you haven't read my energizer story, you really should) and he was all on board.  Score!

After lunch was a trip to the mall.  Apparently, it gets cold in South Africa.  So the pastor's daughter rode with me (she let me drive and was dutifully impressed when I said "robot" instead of "traffic light") and we shopped for long underwear (spencers) and a blazer for worship.  I asked about spencers, because the old ladies that morning had shown me theirs.  She said it's literally underwear and as long as no one sees it, it's fine.  So the old ladies showed me their underwear.  Awesome.

As we walked, we talked about what stores would be best for me.  She knows my actual age and she said, "It's hard to decide which stores to take you into because you're at this in between age where you could dress like me, or you could dress like a grown up, and either would be fine."  So I'm neither young nor a grown up.  That means it's okay to lie about my age, right?

After that fantastic day, I came home to a house full of people who wanted to ask me a million questions and then tell me all about their trip to Kruger National Park (where the Big Five are - the most sought after animals for viewing in Africa).  We looked at over 700 pictures, which were all stunning.  It was a lovely evening and I was thrilled to be invited in.  However, I came back to my room wanting to tell someone about my day.  I opened my email to see what was there and had one from my friend Leigh (see above).  It wasn't particularly gut wrenching, though she does an amazing job of encouraging me through this process, constantly telling me I'm stepping out on faith (see Stepping Out on Faith) and that I'm incredible.  I started crying giant tears.  It triggered my "I want my mom" reflex.  So I Skyped with my mom for about half an hour.  I felt totally pathetic, and I told my mom that, but what I needed was to be able to convey the awesomeness of my day to someone who already knows me.  I don't have to explain to my mom what an energizer is or why I love them so much.  I just have to say, "I spent hours doing energizers!!" and she knows why I'm bubbling over with excitement.

I didn't want to phone home too much, thereby relying on people in another country for my mental health, but I've decided it's okay.  So I might call you from time to time.  Or I'll beg for a Skype date.  This is hard, and I need my people who understand that I'm kind of a whirlwind and won't be overwhelmed by me.  Because I'm going to have a good time, and y'all are going to help me process it.

Good Presbyterian Fitness Junkie

It's not raining anymore.  It's also not sunny.  I'm not exactly sure what this is called.  They tell me it's the tail end of fall.  I don't believe them because all the trees are still green, but the sky is gray.  It's almost like a Georgia summer has been mixed with a Seattle winter (ask me how many times I've been to Seattle).

Today was epic by any good Presbyterian fitness junkie's standards.  Yes, you read that right.  I just referred to myself as a good Presbyterian fitness junkie.  Here's why:

If you're following along on the Facebook, or if you read my post from yesterday, you'll know that I have been researching energizers to do with the youth here at Durbanville Presbyterian.  Energizers are unbelievably Presbyterian, so for those of you who don't know, see an old favorite of mine here.  That's right my friends, those crazy kids are doing Istanbul (a classic) in the barn at Montreat.  Other favorites include Ants Marching, Revolution, Star Trekkin', Firework, and 500 Miles.  After doing all my research yesterday, and with a little help from fabulous Matt in America, I started teaching (and re-teaching) these wonders of humanity to myself.  A new favorite, Wavin' Flag, was on the top of my list.  I went to iTunes to download it and could not for the life of me find the right version.  So then I started doing a little research on the song itself.  As I was typing, Google autopopulated with something about "World Cup 2010."  I thought that was interesting, so I clicked on it.  The official video comes up and I see Nelson Mandela.  "Holy crap, is this actually happening???"  It was.  Wavin' Flag, my number one song on the list of energizers to teach the youth was THE official song of the WORLD CUP in SOUTH AFRICA in 2010.  I really want to take credit for being super awesome at this job, but I'm pretty sure that was a God moment I had.  I ran out of my office, into the pastor's office, practically bursting with excitement.  I told him what I had just discovered (I know, you probably all already knew it was the official song of the World Cup, but give me a break, I've been living in bubbles for years).  He wasn't nearly as excited as I was, but he smiled, chuckled and said the kids would love it.  So, without further ado, here it is...my win for today.

This evening, I spent a solid hour in front of the mirror doing this dance.  It was a good night.  Also, I miss energizers.  Patrick, if you're reading this, I'm definitely in to be a small group leader at Montreat next year.  In fact, I'll do it every year from now to infinity if it means energizers.  (This could very easily be one of the reasons people hate me.  I would do energizers at 7 AM.)

Up next was a trip to the gym.  That's right, I went to the gym.  We have to do a learning covenant, in which we set goals, say how we're going to achieve them, and how they'll be measured.  In mine, goal number five was self-care.  So, I knocked off early (don't worry, I'll work enough evenings and weekends to cover the half hour I didn't spend in the office today) and got my butt over to the gym, where I signed up for two months.  Normally I would run outside, but you just never know what the weather is going to be like here, and it's cold.  So, for the first time in my life, I have a gym membership card.  In South Africa.

After my trip to the gym, I went over to a church member's house for dinner.  And by "went" I mean I drove myself there.  And by "drove myself there" I mean I went to exactly the wrong place and then drove around for twenty minutes trying to find the right place.  Eventually the pastor called me, because the member had gotten worried when I didn't show up and called the pastor's daughter, who called the pastor, who called me.  Fortunately, I got my phone and phone number today, so he was able to get in touch with me.  He directed me to the house.  I don't know what my plan was going to be, but I didn't think to call him.  I was just going to drive around for a while I guess.  But I made it eventually and had a delicious South African dinner.  It was babotie (pronounced bab-wa-tie) over yellow rice with raisins (I've never once considered putting raisins in yellow rice, but it worked).  The babotie was minced meat (ground beef) with egg and curry.  It's a "traditional" South African dish, developed by the Dutch and Malay settlers.  So I'm not really sure what the definition of traditional is, but I'm going with it.  It was delicious and I ate every bite.

Then they gave me apple pie a la mode for dessert.  I didn't take a picture of it because you know what that looks like.

My First Trip to Cape Town in the Daylight

Yesterday was the best day here so far.  It was absolutely gorgeous, after the monsoon, so I was sad to be stuck in the office all day.  The bathrooms aren't in the main building, so I crossed the parking lot an inordinate amount of times to go to the bathroom, just so I could be outside.  Then the pastor comes into my office and says he has a meeting in the city (Cape Town) which I will find utterly boring, but if I wanted to go with him I could explore a bit.

Hmmmmm, let me think about that.

So we hopped in the car and headed into CT.  I took pictures of Table Mountain...

...and Lion's Head...

...both from the car but they were still fabulous.  There will be better ones later.  It's just unbelievable how these grand formations tower over this flat city.  Seriously, the city goes right up to the base of the mountains.  So while walking around Cape Town, you turn and see Table Mountain, as if that's a normal thing.  I guess for them it is normal.  I asked if you ever get used to it, and the pastor replied that no, it's always breathtaking.  I was glad to hear that.  

When he went to his meeting, I wandered around the botanical gardens for a bit.  There's just a free little botanical garden, right there in the middle of the city.  I know, I say that as if it's an unusual thing.  But the Atlanta Botanical Gardens are, yup, right smack in the middle of the city (go for their winter light show, it's spectacular).  So you'd think I'd be used to that sort of thing, but I guess it's kind of like Table Mountain, always breathtaking.  

Then I ate and walked around the open air mall.  My point in telling this story is that on my first day of work, I spent about two hours Cape Towning.  Who doesn't want this job??  When I came in today, it was gloomy and yuck again.  The pastor told me that any time it's lovely, I need to go out and do stuff.  I plan to take that seriously.  Hello, Robben Island.  We'll meet on a nice day when I just up and go.  

Speaking of who doesn't want this job...I also spent part of the day researching energizers.  If you get to sit at your desk and watch silly Montreat people dancing around to Waving Flag and Istanbul, you've got an excellent job.  I'm pretty sure none of the kids in the youth group here will know energizers, and I'm SO excited to teach them.  There is a guy working at the Bellville church up the road who works with both youth groups and graduated from Princeton Seminary, so I'm betting he knows them.  I'm going to twist his arm into collaborating with me.  

THEN, at dinner time, no one had invited me to dinner, so I drove myself to the grocery store and bought my own food.  Self five!!  What up?!?  Yeah, that happened.  

Word.

Sunday Funday

It's raining in South Africa.  It might just be Cape Town/Durbanville, but there's so much rain that I'm pretty sure it's all of South Africa.  In fact, it may even be all of Africa.  They told me it would be rainy, and they said to bring a rain coat.  What they did not say was that it is monsoon season.  It's cool, I survived Hurricanes Andrew and Dennis.  But again, it's raining in Africa.

Today was my first day worshiping at Durbanville Presbyterian Church.  I was asked to lead the prayers of the people, which I've done before so it was no problem at all.  What was a problem was when I started crying in the middle of a very familiar hymn (Battle Hymn of the Republic...go figure), which came right before the prayers.  I think it was the combination of jet lag, dehydration, gloomy weather and, oh yeah, a familiar hymn.  I'm certainly not home sick yet, but the familiarity of that song, for some reason, got me.  So when I stood up to deliver the prayer, I started with a thanks for their hospitality.  My voice was a little croaky, and so I was honest with them and said the service had me a little choked up.  It's all so new, and yet not.

The best part of the evening service was when the pastor started talking about hand bells in his sermon.  I'm sure my face lit up (see I'm Here!!).  Then, the greatest moment of my life happened.  The pastor said, "I meant to ask Bethany if there is a hand bell choir at her church in the states."  I seriously could have died right there.  It will surprise no one (I'm looking at you, Liz) to learn that I'm a bit of a hand bell geek.  I wanted to whip out my phone and play the episode of Atlanta Sounds that we recorded for WABE.  And then I would regale them with tales from trips and performances.  THEN, I would tell them harrowing stories of times I was the worst hand bell player in the world.  I did not do any of those things.  As my dad always told me: you don't have to tell everything you know.  Besides, it wasn't my sermon.  So, when the pastor said, "I meant to ask Bethany if there is a hand bell choir at her church in the states," and then looked at me for confirmation, I responded, "I'm in it."  Self-control, you have met your match.  Facial-expression-control, you have not...yet.

I can't decide what my win for today is, so maybe y'all can help.  1) Being asked to pray, spontaneously, at the second service.  Seriously, the pastor, after his sermon, said, "And now Bethany is going to lead us in a word of prayer."  Excuse me?  And then...nailed it.  2) Finally gaining somewhat of an understanding of cricket.  It's seriously the most complicated game ever, ever, ever.  Ever.  But now that I know what an over is, I'm pretty sure I win at life.  3) My first taste of Malva Pudding.  It's maybe the best thing I've ever put in my face.

And I ate every bit of it.

Ooh, and I didn't post my win from yesterday.  I'm officially a fan of the Stormers.  They're Cape Town's rugby team.  I watched a match at the pastor's house yesterday.  Because I'm a sports fan (thanks, Dad!), I totally got it.  Plus, they won.  So tonight, at the very casual evening service, the pastor told the congregation that I'M A TALISMAN FOR THE CAPE TOWN STORMERS!!!!  This is my first time ever being a good luck charm.  Don't any of you ruin it for me.  

Tomorrow I go to work (at half past eight, mind you).  Let's see what kind of mischief I can get into there.

A Thank You Letter to My Parents

Dear Mom and Dad,

Remember all those times I resisted learning how to drive a stick shift but you made me learn anyway?  Yeah, me neither.  But I'm super glad you did teach me because that's what they have me driving here.  The thing you did not teach me, however, was how to drive on the left side of the road.  We're going to have to have a serious discussion about that.  I am woefully unprepared for life in South Africa.  Geez.

No, but seriously, I drove a car.  That's my win for today.

The steering wheel is on the right side of the car.  Fortunately, the gears are all in the same place, but I have to do it with my left hand.  That time we went to London when I was seven and you rented a car...you really should have taught me how to drive it.

Also, I'm grateful that you taught me to read a map.  I haven't gotten one yet, but when I do, I'll know how to read it.

I was supposed to go into town and buy a map and get a SIM card for my phone.  Those things did not happen.  After I went the wrong way down a one way street (these things should really be marked at the intersection, rather than 1000 yards in), I decided that was enough driving for one day.  Then it took me twenty minutes to find my house, which is probably about two minutes from town.

There are no street signs.  The name of the street is painted on the curb (which is called the pavement), and it's unclear to which street it's referring at intersections.  I was told I live on Bijl Street.  I do not.  I live on Vander Byl.  I'm starting to wonder if Vander means Street.  And if I was given the wrong spelling of Byl.

You see how I'm adapting?  You taught me this.  Way to be, Mom and Dad.  This is why I'm terrified of having children...because I'm certain I'm not going to be as good at it as you were (and are).  But I was terrified of coming to South Africa, too.  So there's that.

Anyway, I hope you're not worrying too much.  I know you're dying to see my face, but I promise it hasn't changed since that time I lived in America.  Probably by the time I get back, it will be wise with age and experience, but right now it's still the same.  Say your prayers at night and don't do anything you wouldn't want me to hear about.

Go Braves,
Bethany

P.S. I love you

South African Food is...Familiar

Tonight, on my first official night in Durbanville, I attended a youth event.  They had a progressive dinner, which means my very first experience with South African food.  I left my phone at home, because why would I need it??, and that meant I didn't have a camera.  Fortunately, one of the boys in the youth group had a camera on his phone and was kind enough to take pictures for me.  They are forthcoming.

South African food also means there is no way I'll be gluten-free this summer.  As we were picking up our first plate, the pastor's daughter asked me if there is anything I don't eat.  She was really talking about meat, because meat is apparently a staple in South African cuisine.  I told her I don't eat wheat, and she kind of stared at me like I was an alien.  I mean, I am technically, but I don't think gluten-free is a thing here so she saw me as a totally different kind of alien.  It's cool, I'm used to that.  But wheat is also a staple, and I want to really experience what's happening here, so I'm taking a break from gluten-free.

Anyway, the first meal was, as the youth put it, eclectic.  That is also pretty typical I'm told, so between the Tex-Mex and the lasagna and the chicken wings, I tasted South Africa.  Who knew?

I'm Here!!

The wifi in the Joburg airport didn't work very well so I didn't get to post this.  So I didn't just land, but I'm just now on wifi.  Enjoy!

I arrived in Johannesburg about an hour ago.  My flight was long.  Long.  LONG.  It was a very long flight. That’s the longest I’ve ever been on an airplane.  It was a lovely airplane, with lovely flight attendants and lovely movies and lovely food.  Oh, and booze. 

I watched two movies and every episode they had of three different television shows.  I walked all up and down the plane.  I made friends with the guy sitting next to me.  He was headed to Malawi, so we talked about that.  His name was Bobby. 

Then we landed.  It was pretty routine, except when the plane rocked back and forth a bit.  That was fun.  I got off the plane and after wandering around for a few minutes, was eventually told I needed to go back and start over.  It was the South African version of “You’re doing it wrong.”  So I went back to baggage claim because they told me I had to re-check my bags, they weren’t going to do it for me. 

Once I stepped into the arrivals/departures section of the airport, I was greeted by a very friendly man who just wanted to help.  I was grateful because I was completely lost, and clearly my face told that story.  He hustled me up the stairs and to the machine to print my boarding pass and then to check my bags and finally to security.  Then he asked for money.  And not just money for himself, but for every person who helped along the way (there were at least half a dozen).  I was so stunned (and tired) that I flat out refused.  He argued with me for a moment and I eventually handed him ten Ren, at which he scoffed because that’s about fifty cents (I think…I’m still working that out).  I glared at him with tired, angry eyes, totally offended at the notion that "help" really meant "payment for service."  He rolled his eyes at me and sent me on my way.  

So, two lessons I’ve learned so far.  The first: I might not be a bad haggler.  The second: CONTROL YOUR FACIAL EXPRESSIONS.

It’s a lesson I’ve been trying to learn for a very long time.  Now that it’s going to get me in trouble in a foreign country, I’ve got to be really diligent about looking like I’m totally in control of every situation I encounter.  Who knew ministry lessons would start at the airport?

Stepping Out on Faith

I packed my suitcase last night.  If you know anything about me, you know that's HIGHLY unusual.  I don't like to call myself a procrastinator but, if I'm being honest, that's what I am.  My friend, Joseph, spins it nicely when he says I'm "pressure prompted" (he is also pressure prompted, so he knows).  So yes, I'm leaving for South Africa on Wednesday and I've already packed my suitcase.

Last week I went to the health department to see if I needed any shots (NONE, YAY!!!).

This morning I was commissioned by my church.

Tomorrow I will go exchange money and get a travel debit card.

Tuesday I will pack my carry-on.

Wednesday I will get in the car and head to the airport around 4:30.  

Oh dear.

This thing is actually happening.  I'm going to travel by myself.  I'll spend ten weeks in South Africa.  That's a whole other country, on another continent, in another hemisphere.

As I prepared for this trip (and by "prepared" I mean "had multiple meltdowns and backed out on a daily basis") I realized I've never been to another hemisphere.  Not having been to Africa was one thing, because let's be real, it's Africa.  I know very few people who have been there.  But I've traveled, so it seems perfectly normal to go to another continent.  Then I remembered it's going to be winter while I'm there and it hit me..."Oh dear God, this is a different hemisphere!!"  Why is that such a strange thing?  Lots of people live there.  One of my dearest friends was born there (interestingly, in Lesotho, the country inside of South Africa...it still baffles me).  

Doesn't it seem strange the things that strike us?  I'm not thinking about going to a place where lions live (there are freaking LIONS there!).  I'm not thinking about going to the heart of wheat country (which is particularly difficult for this gluten free girl).  I'm not even thinking about going to the place where Nelson Mandella lives.  I'm thinking about going to the southern hemisphere.

I've got lots of plans for the things I want to see and do in South Africa.  I'll be living in Durbanville, which is a suburb of Cape Town.  That means plenty of rich history and beautiful scenery to behold.  I'm working at Durbanville Presbyterian Church as a pastoral intern, which means preaching and teaching and all the wonderful and not-so-wonderful things that go along with ministry.

My friend Leigh, who did this same trip a few years ago, sent me an email and said, "It is a major faith move, Bethany, it truly is.  I remember being aware of that as it unfolded: stepping out onto faith."  I thought to myself, "Do I have that much faith."  But I do, and now I'm going to go to another county, on another continent, in another hemisphere, and experience a whole new part of God's creation.  I'll live, work and worship outside of my comfort zone, and will be stretched beyond compare.  I will love it and hate it, and come back changed.

All of that is, of course, after I pack my carry-on.