Cornelius and I (Prima), invite you to journey with us as we share some God stories and highlights from our experiences in our 8 week journey through the US, through the lens of our eyes.
On April 22, we departed South Africa for the states, with a 14 hour layover in Abu Dhabi. An hour after we touched down in Abu Dhabi, I was still waiting outside the restroom area, but my husband was nowhere in sight. It was strange because I almost always found him waiting for me. I spent the next quarter hour trying to ask the janitor to go and check if Cornelius was ok. He ignored me like he had the previous hour and walked back into the restroom with his cleaning equipment. I paced around the nearby sitting areas to check if my husband was there, but to no avail. I called for him like I had done several times before but no answer came. At this point, all I could do was pray he was ok, and stay calm and keep waiting.
Several minutes later, Cornelius emerged looking pale and very sick. He turned right back in before he could tell me exactly what was wrong. When he finally came out another 15 minutes later, he could only walk up a flight of stairs to the waiting lounge where he instantly lay down and continued vomiting on the floor. He was sick from food poisoning on the flight. Too weak and too sick to walk, he lay on the floor while I tried to get help. I asked airport personnel at the information desk for a doctor and a janitor. He referred me to the same janitor who had been cleaning the men’s restrooms earlier. When I kindly asked him to assist with the cleanup, he walked away responding; “I don’t clean up after dogs.” Dumbfounded but not defeated, I rushed back to Cornelius and slowly walked him to the medical room. That 14 hour layover was to say the least, a nightmare.
With neither access to Wi-Fi nor much help from people who were supposed to be serving us, I felt frustrated and alien. Looking back now, I realize how easily we can all get comforted by technology, social media, friends and everything else around us, and yet fail to receive the constant embrace of our Lord. So my bubble was busted in Abu Dhabi when all I had was a very food poisoned man, a weak self and God waiting for me to recognize He was there. I had to find strength in the Lord.
Although we couldn’t contact any family or friends for prayer support, I knew I could still pray. So I did. Having no money to pay for over the counter nausea pills or medical assistance, we took a shot at some free advice from the doctor and decided to ‘wait it out.’ I watched and prayed that he would get well so we could make the next flight. By the time we boarded our flight to Washington, DC 14 hours later, Cornelius’ nausea had subsided. ‘What a messy start to this trip’ I had earlier thought. It’s sad how consumed I was by that whole situation. And yet through that ‘mess,’ God was telling me; “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
Maryland: April 24 – May 2
Being with the Duncan’s in Maryland was like Christmas in spring! It was a sweet restful transition from our work in South Africa to this 60 day support-raising mission, in the States, for the Library Dreams project.
The primary purpose of our time in America this year was to raise support and create new partnerships for our Children’s Ministry; Beats and Books. Since our already existing US-based partnerships are cardinal to the work we do, we also had the objective of being able to consult and report with them while in the US. This was all in a race against a time deadline of August 2015 for the goal of raising $130,000. This money once raised in full, will cover the total purchase costs of a building which will facilitate a children’s library and music center in Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa.
We have already taken a step of faith and signed the legal documentation pertaining to the purchase of this building and have since been given until August 2015 to raise the funds.
Most of our time in Maryland was spent in planning and preparation for the different parts of the US we would visit, as well as collaborating with our primary partner, Grace Klein Community, regarding speaking opportunities we had lined up in the 8 weeks of travel.
We received an invitation to a Wednesday night youth meeting at Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church (GPC). We were invited by Caroline Anderson who felt strongly that we could bring invaluable life lessons to the group of middle and high-scholars who were just beginning group studies on personal sexuality that evening. I must say that I was glad we visited at such a time as this one. It was such an eye-opening experience to the kind of things young people on this side of the globe get to face. I learned that I could be in Africa addressing issues of Alcoholism, Abortion and HIV/AIDS or in America brainstorming teenage questions about self-gratification, pornography and homosexuality. I discovered that young people everywhere are all hungry for someone to be their role model. Regardless of socio-economic status or race, they all were trying to figure out their identity and know that they ‘belong.’ Most of them seem to rather follow a crowd, knowing they are walking into a grave, than live radically and stick out like a sore-thumb. I wish I could have spent more time with the teens, even if it was just long enough to share my story.
While in Maryland, I had the privilege of Cornelius taking us to spend an afternoon at the Library of Congress in Washington DC.
My passion for learning and literacy was ignited as I toured the immaculate architectural building with its many treasures and artifacts. I was especially intrigued by Thomas Jefferson’s Library. Our dream for a children’s library gained more meaning in realizing other people have made history and impacted the world by their love for knowledge and reading. Although our aim isn’t exactly like Thomas Jefferson’s, visiting the Library of Congress was inspirational!
That night, we also had the privilege of watching our hosts’ niece perform acapella, while her peers played in an orchestra. It was a picture perfect day of our vision for Beats and Books! Our goal is to counter illiteracy in Africa by nurturing a reading/learning culture. Our desire is to develop disciples of God who will be worshipers in our children’s orchestra.
The night before we left Maryland for California, the Duncans hosted an exquisite dinner where we shared about Beats and Books. Over $2000 was received that night. We had such an encouraging inception to fundraising for the Library of Dreams Project at the Duncans.
San Diego, California: May 2 – May 11
San Diego was a hotspot. Cornelius and I both enjoyed it for various reasons. We were again hosted by friends who love Africa and have also been there. The parallels of Africa and America were easy to discuss with friends who have also traveled or lived in Africa. Brandon, Dina and Paloma in San Diego made the experience even more valuable because they helped orient us with new diversity and explain things we could easily have been oblivious to.
In San Diego, we were initially hosted by our friend Dina and her parents. They struck me as a very hardworking couple who had given their best years to lay a foundation for her to have a meaningful life. Dina is one of the most remarkable women I have met. She is very capable and has great initiative. Living with her parents gave me evidence of their nurturing and influence in her life. Through them, we were privileged to meet their acquaintances, the founders of San Diego Music Studio. President and professional opera singer, Jenifer Paterson, gave us such great insight into teaching and learning music.
California has its own unique culture, like I had quickly learned was true of the rest of the US. Cornelius and I value cultural diversity and we are eager to learn new things from others. Although we had gone back in time in terms of time-zones, it felt like we had accelerated into a totally different pace and lifestyle altogether. This place had a certain vibe about it. It was like there was a rhythm in the atmosphere that you could catch onto without actually realizing you were dancing to the tune.
One of the visible spiritual challenges I observed was the influx of ‘commercialized’ religion. It felt like people were searching for something to find purpose in, but sadly, many were lured into casual beliefs of things masquerading as truth, but far from it. So many subtle, yet extremely powerful messages, are being consumed in the quest of self-actualization. I also noticed that when people have so much pain hidden beneath the surface of their life they tend to look for things, that offer a temporary ‘high,’ to numb the pain or satisfy themselves. They can potentially sink into trying out every next best diet, ‘chanting for peaceful energy’ or experimenting with other forms of spiritual fulfillment. In the pursuit of feeling like their lives have meaning, they get distracted further away from the truth.
In addition to speaking at the Bethel Seminary campus in San Diego, God gave us a special treat. Brandon was gifted with 3 free tickets to Disneyland and we all went full out for a day of FREE FUN, friendship, thrill and laughter. It was quite an experience for Cornelius and I who were both going to Disney for the first time. One of the gifts the Lord has evidently given us in the US is the opportunity to travel and experience things we never imagined we could. And adventures some only dream of. It’s a common thing, yet so humbling to hear many of our American friends say, “you’ve seen more of the US than I have!” The unexpected experiences are some of our most refreshing and rejuvenating moments. I must say that being newlyweds, it feels like a ‘honeymoon’ package from the Lord to us. We were blessed to stay with Brandon’s family as well and meet his parents who are God-loving, down-to-earth people. His mum treated us to homemade Mexican meals and we enjoyed a fish barbeque that his dad prepared for Mother’s Day. I enjoyed seeing how much Americans value celebration and be reminded of the importance of celebrating and affirming one another.
The other highlights in California were meeting and sharing at Brandon’s small group where we also met Willie and Jane Register. Willie is the youth pastor at North Calvary Church where we had the privilege of ministering at three youth services on Saturday and Sunday.
Holland, Michigan: May 11th-May 13th
We scrambled past the gates to board our plane on time. But to our dismay, a crowded room of anxious people awaited us. After several confirmations that we were at the right gate and constantly being ushered to sit and wait, we finally begin looking for vacant seats. An elderly couple sitting in between two empty seats sweetly offered to switch with me to allow Cornelius and me to sit next to each other. I heard them talk about how their flight had been delayed since the previous night! They were camping at this airport all night and couldn’t wait to get home. Neither the other passengers nor the airline staff seemed to really know why the delay was being extended. About 3 hours later, we finally boarded our flight to Michigan. About an hour into our flight, more mayhem suddenly struck. A growl like scream came piercing through the temporary peace …the elderly man and his wife, who had sat next to us earlier, were now in panic. He was having severe seizures and his wife was calling out for help. As a flight attendant went to them, we watched and then to each other, held hands and began to pray. The details of what transpired were less than pleasant to watch and now narrate. We listened to altercations and then an adamant announcement about never putting medicine in a checked bag. Then I heard the woman’s sympathetic complaint of airline officials who would not release their checked bags for the unplanned delay the previous night. To say the least, the man seized for some time while his wife and their party of friends tried to keep him calm and upright. A paramedic team was on standby when we landed, but by that time, the man could speak and insisted he was fine.
We were met in Zeeland by our friends and ministry partners from Poetice. It was great to be hosted by one of the Poetice Staff and her husband in their quiet and welcoming home. Our short stay in Michigan was a sweet mix of ministry oriented meetings and a great tour of Central Wesleyan Church. We had an exceptional lunch hosted by our special friends Dwight and Kimberly whom we met on an outreach to Lesotho two years ago. Then we wrapped up our time in Holland with a special evening of encouragement and reflection at the Paterson’s, a genuine and loving family, beaming with the presence of Christ. They met Cornelius when they lived in Swaziland as missionaries a few years ago. I enjoyed meeting them for the first time and talking with their teenage daughter about re-entry into American society. I was overwhelmed by the fullness of fellowship with other believers. The gift of communing in Christ is a sweet one, feeling as if I had known them for years.
Chicago, Illinois: May 13th-May 15th
We were on the move again, this time on a road trip to Chicago. It was a rather bittersweet time as I inwardly wished we had had more time to share with people in Michigan. I found rest in knowing that the Lord had orchestrated our trip and He was leading us. We were now about mid-way of our trip in Chicago and hit the halfway mark of our first year of marriage. It was a time to re-coup and refresh with dear friends. We spent all 3 days at our friends the Pambuka’s home where we found space to work as well as learn some of Chicago’s rich history when we took an architectural river tour. I had such a great appreciation of excellence of the great minds and skillful individuals who served in building the city. Chicago is a great fusion of synthetic man-made structures and natural creations of God. Being around the Pambuka’s and our mutual friends the Phiri’s, I saw the act of ‘selfless’ living and stewardship played out so strongly in how Chelsea and Cassie mother their children and how our African brothers, Malvin and Ricky, love and lead their families. They both are young parents with toddlers and an infant. Watching their lives being centered on providing, protecting and caring for the little ones, and each other, was beautiful. Their families reminded me to continue being outward focused and aware of the God-given people in my life who I am to selflessly support and audaciously invest in.
Springfield, Missouri: May 15th-May 25th
By the time we arrived on our ‘cross country’ road trip down to Missouri, I was battling anxiety. Not sure why? The Morrows are the wonderful family who hosted us in Springfield, Missouri. We were very well cared for in their home and enjoyed spending time with their kids, Alex and Annie who were a bundle of utter joy for Cornelius and I. Cornelius had the opportunity to speak at a Christian Business Networking group that Matt organized. He met a lady at the meeting who gave him complementary tickets for us to go ice skating! Now I, being the seeker of thrilling adventure, thought that this treat would be a superb experience, but little did I know it wasn’t as instantly gratifying as cliff-diving or roller-coaster rides at Disneyland. Ice skating requires skill and the willingness to fall and get back up, and fall and get back up again. Rachael tried to teach me some balance techniques but it wasn’t as easy to let go of the rail with a sore arm and weak ankles. I was freezing, rigid and afraid I would break my arm. Cornelius had a blast! He was fearless and free.
Well, God seems to teach me a lot through experiences and I have a lesson here too. I was so focused on skating, like the professional girl who was gliding through the ice in front of me, that I forgot to just enjoy the fact that I had a free gift in my hands. I was in an ice skating rink for the first time in my life. As difficult as it is to admit,the hidden attitude of our hearts can be frozen and as hard as ice. I am so thankful for the ice skating experience and it will remain a note worthy highlight.
The other more significant highlights of Springfield were our visits to the Crossway Baptist Church and Second Baptist Church. We had the great privilege of sharing with a Sunday school class at Crossway Baptist and Cornelius meet the Mission Pastors of both churches. We had fruitful meetings and left Missouri hopeful that future ministry partnerships would be established there. I also faced turmoil surrendering my anxiety to the Father. Being a strategic thinker, I had been subconsciously playing in my min, the deadline for our fundraising and how much of our goal we had raised. We were barely at the $3000 mark. We left Missouri with our largest individual check thus far! $5000! In addition, we received $95 from a ladies brunch of Rachael’s friends. I was so convicted by the Holy Spirit, to trust in God’s ways of providing the money as much as I trusted in His will for the children of Beats and Books.
Little Rock, Arkansas: May 25th – May 31st
I coined our hosts in Little Rock as our ‘dessert friends.’ Rebecca is a natural organizer, and with her husband Kal, planned a dessert and worship night in their home where they invited some friends and family to attend. Through this initiative, $700 was raised for the Library Dreams project. We had a great time sharing and encouraging the believers we met there, as they in turn showered us with prayers and genuine friendship. Cornelius introduced me to some more friends he had met on their previous mission trips to Africa. I enjoyed seeing him soak in the friendship reunions as I made new friends. They all gathered around us to ask how they can continue praying for our personal needs. What a timely reminder for us to remember to raise our personal support in the midst of raising ministry support.
A miracle Cornelius and I have witnessed, in our own lives, is the constant supply of our personal needs. Throughout our travels, God has connected us with friends and families who host us for free, some even contributing to the purchase of our flights and other travel costs. We have seen God’s faithfulness to us as we focus on His work. He has supplied all of our needs according to His riches in glory.
On our last day, we worshiped and attended service at Fellowship Bible Church. We enjoyed meeting Rebecca and Kal’s small group where we met kindred spirits. We value their wisdom and desire to do church in a way that promotes spiritual growth rather than fueling religious practice. Many of these people are skilled and experienced in teaching children. I was filled with so much gratitude for His sovereign provision and that we are called to live these purpose driven lives to tell His story.
Birmingham, Alabama: May 31st- June 15th
Down south in Alabama, Monday prayer and worship nights with Grace Klein Community were a hit. Cornelius was able to share and teach. We had great fellowship and a brief re-entry into the lives of our community on the other side of the world. I loved hearing and discussing how we all are growing closer in intimate relationship with our Father and what we were learning in our lives as fellow workmanship in Christ. We love the people in Birmingham. As cliché as it may seem, this part of Alabama has become like home for us because we have a Christ-family there who support the vision God has given us and our personal lives tremendously.
One of the special highlights at the Waltman’s was being part of Amelia Grace’s birthday weekend celebration. She decided that this year for her African-themed birthday, she wouldn’t take gifts for herself. Instead, she asked all her friends to give money towards the Library Dreams project for Beats and Books! I was so flabbergasted to see a young girl take such great initiative and go to those measures to impact the world.
Robert Hope and Jonathan Flurry, are two men we were blessed to host when they visited South Africa a week before our traveling to the US. It was even more of a blessing to meet their families and share at their small group. Robert also invited us to speak at a teen camp where he was the worship leader. Cornelius and I were so encouraged by their prayers and their fervent seeking and following after the Lord. Over $1000 was received from both events.
We had small dinners visiting and connecting with friends. Our friend Scott Elliott did an amazing work keeping our US schedule filled and organized. In Birmingham, we especially enjoyed getting to know Scott and his family, who often visited with us while transporting us to various speaking events. He also set up some individual meetings for us such as Reverend Cutlip from Globeworks who gave us insight into fundraising for missions. To end our visit, our Birmingham family and friends hosted an event for us to speak at Seeds Coffee Company. But little did we know what awaited us – a surprise wedding reception! A perfect gift to complete our journey because our 7th month wedding anniversary was the next day.
Pensacola, Florida: June 10th –12th June
As some of you may know, last year God blessed me with a miracle surgery in Pensacola, Florida. And while the details of that story may be better read in a book, Pensacola and the people we met there have been very special to us. Through our hosts, the Stevenson’s, we went to speak at a Chain Reaction Teens conference where we had several class sessions lined up throughout the day. We encouraged and challenged the teens on topics such as service projects and leadership.
Stevenson Klotz Law, attorneys in Pensacola, FL, plan to “fill the shelves” in their law firm for their Christmas philanthropy. They will be collecting books to donate to Beats and Books. We enjoyed a night of sushi with these friends.
We were also blessed by Christ Church – Pensacola with a wine and cheese reception where Cornelius was able to share about Beats and Books. The time and energy these friends gave to host a generous and beautiful event humbled us. Loving us more than we could have ever imagined! We left with a full suburban of books that they gifted to us during our visit. They plan to have a competition between the Brotherhood of St. Andrew and the Christ Church ECW to raise additional funds for Beats and Books. We are considered family and they already extended us an invitation to come back next year. Wow, the Body of Christ is beautiful.
Maryland
With arms wide open, the Duncans received us again in Washington DC. After 8 weeks of time-zone jumping, cross-country bus rides, plane switching and divine speaking opportunities, we were glad to rest again in their love nest. Their home is truly another ‘home away from home.’ We are returning home to Africa, with full hearts, thankful for all the people who have been part of making this time count. Praise God and all our gratitude to you for the $11,000 raised in the 8 weeks we were in the US.
Please help us raise the remaining $119,000 as the clock is still ticking. August will be here soon and we are praying for a miracle. Pray and give as our Father leads.