The Purposed Trek

Truely a season of Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T22:03:00.004+02:00

I know I haven't posted anything in a while here because I was kind of waiting for something worth while to post. And low and behold I have a few things to post on.

In honor of the season we just experienced and entering into a time of honoring Jesus, the reason for the season, I wanted to give a shout out to show how faithful He is to me. It is a long one...

I returned back from my travels to Boston and Colorado on November 5th. I hopped online and did a search to find out what was happening with the housing market in Norfolk since I hadn't been online in a week or so. I noticed that the place I was very interested, but had been previously taken off the market was now back on the market, but for $25,000 less. I immediately emailed my Realtor and wanted to know what was wrong with the property. With that drop in price and being substantially lower than all the others in the building for sale, I was a little doubtful of the place. Keep that in mind, as I share some other things happening at the same time.

The next day I headed into Macfadden (previous employer) for a meeting because they renewed my consulting agreement for another year and they wanted me to meet new staff and get some of my new assignments. I was asked if I wanted to be a consultant or become a full-time employee. I said I would like to become a full-time employee for job security, but I want to live in Norfolk. I was asked to pull together a job description and salary requirements having me work from home in Norfolk.

Back to housing story...got a reply back from my Realtor that night, that the condo I was looking at was purchased by a company because their employee didn't sell it and he had to relocate for work so they had to take it over and they just wanted it off their books. She said when I got to Norfolk the next day that if I was really interested I should go see if and be ready to put an offer on it because it would go fast. So Friday, the 7th I got into Norfolk, went and visited the condo, and put an offer on it. Crazy - buy a condo with no job. So I immediately submitted my proposal for a full-time position with Macfadden.

Now the stories merge...I got a call from my Realtor the following Thursday saying that the seller accepted my offer and my first thought was okay, God now the job needs to come through. Within 5 minutes of hanging up the phone I received a call from Macfadden saying I was hired starting Nov 24th.

Not at all how I thought things would go down, but it is the best scenario I could have ever imagined. Working for a company I loved working at, buying a place in downtown Norfolk and a loft at that, and working from home. Then to top it off when I got to Florida I found a steal of a deal on a car and just purchased that today.

There are so many more details that go in to this story, it would take a lot more words than any reader would care to read. I am so thankful and grateful to God for making a way and providing for me through every step of the way.

Summary:

Full-Time Job - started Nov 24th
Bought Car - November 28th
Buy Loft - Jan 5th.
Incredibly Grateful - all the time

My South African Family

2008-09-15T11:29:00.002+02:00

The Franzen's have been my family away from family. They have been amazing right from the time I landed up until now and until the day I leave. They made my transition to South Africa so easy and as a matter of fact, not once was I home sick because I already had a home upon arrival. They have included me in family events, holidays, birthdays all the way down to many Friday Night Family Nights. They each have played such a huge part of my time here and words can't express how thankful I am for everything. I am going to miss this family so much, but this won't be the last of me. I will be back for visits.

The Franzen Family

(Skyler, Blake, Rich, Tori, Michelle)

Rich - thanks for making me a part of the team before really knowing me, test driving cars for me since I wasn't confident driving on the other side of the road yet, setting up my bank account, taking me to the DMV and explaining the convoluted process of registering your car, my favorite book in SA - map book, making sure I was always safe, driving me to and from the repair shop, teaching me stick...again, teaching me the ropes so quickly, providing me the opportunity to do what I have done over the past year and some change, making me a part of your family, and most of all thanks for being a friend, a leader, an example, a protector and my family. I am gonna miss interacting with you on a daily basis and you teaching me the funny nuances of South Africa.

Michelle - a friend right from the start, welcoming me into the family with open arms, including me in all the holiday events and birthday parties and letting me help, organizing my big 3-0 with my family, making me laugh all the time, smoothie talks, book reviews, movie nights, Ciao Baby chicken and avo salad, May I?, bringing me food and drink when I was sick, letting me do my wash at your home all the time, rescuing me when my car was stuck in the garage, finding me a place to live, did I mention making me laugh all the time, trusting me with your kids, beating you once at May I, talks I can't mention, hot water bottles, upgrades and downgrades, and some other unmentionable moments :) You rock the house big dude, party nut, happy cat, and fortunately none of those names ever stuck to me. I am gonna miss you a TON!

Sklyer - big hugs, morning greetings, immediate updates as soon as I enter your home, teaching me the life of High School Musical and Hannah Montana, challenging me in rumikube, May I, and Phase 10, sharing your family with me, chatting with my on Skype, all my fun gifts, inviting me to your birthday parties, doing our first mosaic project together, Estcourt roommates and a big thank you for being a part of my life and letting me be a part of yours. Oh and how can I forget Hullabaloo madness - since that seemed to be the game of choice whenever I hung out with you guys. I am gonna miss you Skyler Grace Elizabeth...

Blake - big hugs, teaching me how to play your playstation games - still really bad at it, reading to me, making me laugh, wrestling - even though you loved jumping on my face, telling me I am a great cook when serving chicken nuggets for dinner, doing funky monkey dances, reading your waldo books, trying to convince me Ben Ten is real, hearing more about Starwars than I ever have in my life, teaching you how to skateboard, and sharing your family with me. thank you for being a part of my life and letting me be a part of yours. I am gonna miss you Blake.

Tori - calling me "hey you" for the first month of living here, making me laugh all the time, walking in the door in the morning and greeted casually with a "hey Marc", being yelled at through the gate when leaving "I lub you and I am going to miss you" even though I would be back tomorrow, reading books together, always telling me you liked my hair or I look pretty, calling me "the udder Marci" when dying my hair, screaming "somebody get me my tea" at 8 in the morning, asking me to take you to Disney World to see the princess's, for calling me Cindarella 2 and then Hello Kitty. Thanks for being a part of my life and letting me be a part of yours. I am gonna miss your cute little nose Aurora, Jasmin, Mulan, whichever princess you are when you are reading this.

Bringing Cavatelli to South Africa

2008-09-10T11:38:00.011+02:00

I got this random urge last week to make homemade pasta, sauce and meatballs for dinner one night at the Franzen's. So today I decided to embark on something that I have always do for Christmas with my cousins and my Mom, with my Uncle Tony standing over critiquing every roll, cut and grate we do. So after "cutting" for many years, that was my job in the assembly line, I thought I needed to expand my abilities and make the dough, learn to roll as well as run the cut pasta on the back of a cheese grater. And now I have pictures to prove I can do it all by myself.

2 1/2 hours invested
8 cups of flour
2 eggs
430 cavatelli

Awesome meal - Priceless!

The Bling King

2008-08-08T12:01:00.002+02:00

Just wanted to share a fun picture that was taken in Msawawa squatter camp a week or so ago. Check out his "bling bling" necklace from the Dollar Store. This kid cracked me up - he wouldn't smile for nothin'.

O' the Things I will Miss

2008-07-23T08:03:00.001+02:00

I have been thinking over the past few weeks/month of the things that I will miss when I leave this beautiful country that will always hold a place in my heart. This list is not exhaustive and I am sure there are things I won't know I miss until I am in a new place. I have broken the things I will miss into categories and the order they are in, does not reflect priority.

Things

Driving on the left side of the road
Running red lights legally (highly recommended at night to treat it like a stop sign for safety purposes)
Having someone always pump your gas, clean your windscreen and check your tires and water
Having people help you look for parking spots and carry your groceries
Super duper cheap produce
Cheap movie tickets and theater food
Amazing filets for less than $10
Ciao Baby's chicken & avo salad
South African style Pizza
The accents and learning the lingo of the country

Places

Primi restuarants
Movie theater in Soweto
Fruit and veg markets
Having a garage to park my car in
Rosebank rooftop market
Ciao Baby

People

The Franzen Family (they deserve their own post - it will come soon)
The Hartley Family - I will miss the random game nights, cooking fun meals together, Dan's car and computer advice, using each other as yellowbooks, holding and talking to Miesha, May I, Would You Rather?, Mexian food, finding random missed food products for each other, Survivor Nights, backing out of their driveway when it is raining at night, spending holidays together, movie nights and the list goes on.
Angela - living 10 minutes from each other in another country, fun weekends together, trying new restaraunts, trying out new recipes, making SA Ice Cream taste good, making pig sounds to annoy craig, hugs, support, friendship, unconditional love, until our next time we can be neighbors.
Craig - living 10 minutes from each other in another country, trying new restaurants together, picking me up from the airport, movie nights, hanging out at Ange's together, fun IM chats, giving each other advice, friendship and getting to know each other (2nd opporunity taken and cherished).
Jean - introducing yourself in the squatter camp, including me in activities that allowed me to meet many of your friends, movie nights, coffee talk, Rugby World Cup, teaching me the little Afrikaans I know, Dankie, book reviews, showing me around SA, airport runs, Big Tony, comparing cultures and most of all laughing at our own cultural nuances. Thanks for your amazing friendship.
Makhotso - including me in your outtings, introducing me to Soweto, taking me to movies in Maponya, a night of 1000 drawings, Survivor Nights, introducing me to many of your friends, hooking IA up with free yoghurt, and most of all for being a friend to me in a new land.
Thom & Penny - fun movie and dinner nights, dinners at your house, getting stuck in your complex until the huge truck moved out of the driveway, treating me like a daugther, and most importantly being an example of an amazing marriage and showing me that 2 people can like each other after many years of marriage.

New Do, Hugs & Friends

2008-07-09T08:07:00.008+02:00

I have not fallen off the face of the earth, it has just been very busy and therefore not a lot of time to even think of what to post on a blog. We welcomed a team on the 3rd of July here in SA. The day after arrival was the 4th and we cooked up a very American meal and a rather large bonfire with S'African s'mores. See Michelle's blog for those pics. The team that came in had been in Zambia for a month so after a few days off rest we started things up this past Sunday. We joined up with a church in the squatter camp and we will be there this whole week. On Sunday, 5 little girls at the church decided that while there were no seats left and I sat outside on the stoop that I needed a new do.This new do hurt a bit as each of the girls were pulling in a different direction and one started to braid my hair so small and on top of that she started to dread it and I had to stop her. Thinking I was going to have to cut this one strand out because it was a mess, I asked one of the older (7 or so) girls to help get it out and she did just that. Amazing how watching their Mama's has such influence. Monday - I went around with my camera taking pics of each group of teens while with the Africans. I loved this because I was able to see each of them in action as well as meet a ton of people and was greeted with hugs and babies.

I also got to hang out with my friend Jessica for a week as she stopped over on her way to India to teach English to a house of orphans.

Me, Jessica, Michelle

What to post?

2008-06-13T11:47:00.006+02:00

So I have been pondering on what to post after my last one. Kind of hard to follow the last one when that came so easily to me. It has been over a month and I can't believe it.

I don't have much to post at this point, other than life is gonna get hectic soon and it is a good hectic. Our volunteer is arriving this Sunday and I am so excited to have her with us. Then it is training for 2 weeks, then teams for 4, then an outreach in another town, then debriefing and then it is time for me to wrap things up. Our volunteer leaves on August 16th and then I have a week to wrap things up at work and home.

As of right now I will be flying out on September 24th arriving in DC on the 25th. Not sure of all my plans at this point, but I have some ideas flowing around in my head. A lot of things depend on job leads, etc. which is a little soon to search out. But a definite is a month or so in Boston with my friends Heather and Josh and the kids to assist with Baby #4 due in October.

That's a wrap for now - sorry it is such a boring post, but it is what it is. For a more exciting post see Angela's site on our outing the other night.

The Amazing John Petko

2008-04-29T08:18:00.010+02:00

May 20, 1916 - April 28, 2008

John Stephen Petko lived a full and wonderful life just shy of 92 years. He passed away at 4:14pm peacefully, sitting with my Gram and full of love. John is my Gramps - the most amazing Gramps any kid could ask for. I have had the privilege of having him a part of my life for 30 years - I am so blessed to have had that honor and opportunity.

Gramps had so much love in him to give and he never stopped giving it even when he was sick himself. He took on 4 kids when he married my Gram 50+ years ago and loved each of them as his own. He had 11 Grandchildren, 17 Great grandchildren and 2 on the way. It is always noted that he made everyone laugh with his witty sense of humor, his charm, his songs and his stories. At the nursing home where he lived the Administrator said he was a friend to everyone, made the nurses laugh all the time and sang up and down the hallways. On valentines day this year he was crowned King of Atlantic Health Care and proudly wore his crown everywhere he went. The picture above was taken days after the celebration at my Grams 90th birthday bash.

There is so much I could say about him and this blog could become very long. I just wanted to honor him, the man he was - Dad, Gramps, GreatGramps, Friend, Husband, Lover, Golfer, Dancer, Singer, Jokester, Story-teller, Card Player, Glazier, etc. He will always remain in my heart - his songs will always play a tune in my mind and all the memories he gave me are ones that will be shared with many. I love my Gramps, always have and always will.

Here is a link to a video that was taken over a year ago - a little blurry, but it is the audio that is so very sweet. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXkVgK7QPsY

A Little More Phleg in My Life

2008-04-25T10:55:00.006+02:00

Many people have been asking me what I have learned during my time in South Africa, what areas I have grown in, etc. since they know I will be departing come September. I share with them some basic things and some more deep things depending no the setting and/or person I am speaking with.

Yesterday I was researching different personality and gifting tests online that we can do with our short-term staff that will be coming in June. I decided to take the personality test since it had been a while since I had taken it last.

Previous Results (in order): Choleric (58%), Melancholy (40%), Phlegmatic (2%), Sanguine (0%) Those are rough percentages, but it will show the change in me.

Current Results (in order): Melancholy (38%), Choleric (34%), Phlegmatic (28%), Sanguine (0%)

So the biggest change for me was a whole lot of phleg in my life and much less choleric. I am a little bit more rounded out, just need to work on those life of the party, center of attention, skills. Not sure what type of a situation would work those in me, but we shall see.

If you are interested in taking the personality test or want to learn more about it visit http://www.oneishy.com/.

Sometimes Good Things Come to an End

2008-04-10T13:32:00.004+02:00

I have been living in South Africa now for almost a year and I really love being here, doing life here, working with the Franzen’s, all those I come in contact with for work, my friends, and cheap movie tickets. Sometimes good things come to an end though and this is one that will be ending

I am sure there is a litany of questions that I could/will be bombarded with so I will try and answer them here, but if there are any I miss please let me know and if I know the answer I will be happy to share with you.

When are you coming “home”?
I don’t have a “home” per se so I will answer as if you are referring to the States and that is sometime in September. Once that ticket is bought I will post the updated itinerary.

What are you going to be doing?
Well, that is a really good question and one that I would love to know the answer to myself. As of right now I am not sure at all other than earning that green stuff again. If anyone has any leads to jobs let me know. The search is on.

Where are you going to live?
Another great question that I would love to know the answer to, but one that is hard to answer being that I don’t have a job which would kind of dictate where I live. For the time being I am sure I will bounce around for a bit and visit with family and friends and squat with a few families until I figure things out. Stefano’s and Yanov’s get ready for me or anyone else who wants a visitor for a little bit.

Why are you leaving South Africa?
The time has come to an end, this chapter is closed so to speak and I am ready for whatever God has next. I am very open and would like to pursue opportunities in other parts of the world possibly, experience another country, continent or a different state within the U.S. All I want to be fulfilling the purpose that God put me here on this earth, and I learn what that is each step of the way.

Are you excited about getting to come “home”?
To be honest it is all bitter-sweet. I really do like it here and the life that has developed around me. I love my friends & family here and I will miss them terribly. There are so many things here that I will miss and I could list them, but I will save that for another post. However there are so many things that I am looking forward to back in the States and one of them is seeing all my friends and family, and making new friends and family wherever I land. So bitter in leaving, sweet in seeing smiling faces when I arrive and walking in God’s will.

What have you learned during your time in South Africa?
I have learned a lot when it comes to cultures and all the people that are from here – black and white. It has been an enlightening experience, one that I will never forget and most assuredly one that I will never regret. I have also learned what to do with time by myself. I have learned to be a friend to myself and then I will never be lonely because I enjoy being with me. I have learned that what it took to come here isn’t as big of a sacrifice as I thought it was originally or because everyone kept telling me what a sacrifice I was making in coming here. On some level it was and I don’t discount the process of giving up the so called “American Dream”. I have learned that a sacrifice isn’t just about things and giving them up, it is also about giving up you for the sake of others. It isn’t just about living without; it is about living with what you have. Sacrifice should be a constant place that one lives in; it should be the very nature of your heartbeat. I am reminded of a song by Jason Upton called No Sacrifice that was played often when I learned South Africa was my destination. The words are listed here: To You I give my life, not just the parts I want to To You I sacrifice, these dreams that I hold onto To You I give the gifts, Your love has given me How can I horde the treasure, that you designed for free To You I give my future as long as it may last To You I give my presence, to you I give my past Your thoughts are higher than mine Your words are deeper than mine Your love is stronger than mine This is no sacrifice, here’s my life

This is the life that I am living. My life wasn’t a sacrifice, but something that I gave to God that already belonged to Him because of the sacrifice that He made. I want to continue life in this place of surrender and obedience to my purpose. That doesn’t mean I will know each and every step I am to take before I take it, but taking the steps and trusting that the path will be made clear before me and that my steps in faith will align with my purpose. So far this has been the case.... .....and so the Purposed Trek continues.

Dark Entertainment

2008-04-04T08:16:00.002+02:00

Yesterday I got a call from Rich asking if I minded going by the house and hanging out with the kids because him and Michelle were running behind schedule and they wouldn't be home in time. Sure not a problem at all - I know the routine, what they like to eat, their bedtime routine, what they are and aren't allowed to do. Arrive around 4:30 - get supper going and serve it up around 5:15 or so. The funny part is the kids didn't even flinch or wonder why are you here and doing all this. It is normal to them. In the mean time I had invited Angela over to enjoy some pasta with us.

The kids eat their dinner and lots of it and we decided to watch Herbie Fully Loaded. We are all watching the movie and I painted Skyler and Tori's nails. I asked Blake if he wanted me to paint his too and he looked at me like I had 4 heads. I took that as a no :) Fortunately kids nails are quick to pain and to dry because at 6:00 the power goes off. I know what this means. The rest of the evening with no power. I apologize to Ange and convinced her that I didn't invite her over to help me entertain the kids in the dark. The kids helped me get all the candles rounded up and found matches for me. Her and I ate and the kids ate another round of supper too over candle light. How romantic!

Now what - the kids don't go to bed until 8 because it is holiday for them. So we tell stories, watch them sing and dance, play games all using torches (flashlights) and then finally at about 7:50 we call it quits and start the brushing of the teeth and get to bed.

One thing I learned from this whole experience is how grateful I am for electricity, lights and light switches. I can't imagine raising children in the dark - it wouldn't be so fun.

Movie Review

2008-03-21T10:30:00.005+02:00

In the past 2 nights I have seen 2 movies and I enjoyed both of them and recommend them for various reasons. Gotta love cheap ticket prices.

Step Up 2 the Streets I like this movie strictly for its' dancing talent. The plot is typical for a dance movie - the main character is from an environment that is less appealing and they come out of ahead through a dance competition and they win at various things in life in the end. My favorite character in this movie is one named Moose who is the nerdy boy that no one talks to or associates with. He has a great roll and has some great lines and unsuspecting dance moves. You do not need to have seen the first Step Up to get this movie.

Juno (there are some lines in this movie that need to come with warning and I don't recommend this movie to those under the age of 16) This movie is so creative and smart. I thoroughly enjoyed the dialogue and Ellen Paige did a phenomenal job in her roll. She was convincing from the opening scene. If you don't know much about this movie and what it is about, it is a 16 year old girl gets pregnant by her best friend (not boyfriend). I really enjoyed the parents roll in this movie - they had a great outlook and really accepted her regardless of the situation. And a bonus for this is the music that was put to it - appropriate and really fun. The soundtrack is now in my library.

Winter is on its' way

2008-03-17T18:06:00.006+02:00

So Thursday I was wearing shorts and a t-shirt and flips...Friday I wore Jeans and a t-shirt and trail shoes and Saturday I didn't leave my house because I was frigid. It dropped from 80 degrees to 55 overnight. Now I know 55 isn't that cold, but when it is so sudden your body kind of freaks out. On top of the 55 degree weather there has been a constant rain and no sun for now 3 days straight.

So 4 hot baths later, wool socks, sweats, a hoodie, a cup of hot chocolate, a fleece blanket and a heater I am warming up. Thank you Jesus for all these great inventions to help us through the weather you have given us.

We have a team arriving Saturday and I just sent them an email out of warning that they might want to pack in layers and we might have to change our fun work project of painting the exterior of a classroom and putting on an Easter egg hunt to painting the interior of the classroom and "kids enjoy your eggs" as we pass them out.

Okay, Okay, Okay

2008-03-12T10:11:00.003+02:00

I will continue blogging for my 15 fans. I will try and write more often, however the entries might not be very exciting or entertaining. I am going to start blogging a little bit more of everyday life and not just funny or interesting experiences that I have encountered.

Thanks to ALL my readers who have supported my decision to continue blogging and seriously don't feel any pressure to leave comments. That last post was to make sure there are readers out there.

Last night Michelle and I went to the movies for the whopping price of $1.10 - that is normal price at this theatre on Tuesday nights. We saw Fools Gold - it was an okay movie, nothing to exciting or entertaining and one of the characters is dumber than dumb and drove me nuts through the whole move and was thinking to myself - I really hope there aren't people out there that dumb.

Do You or Don't You?

2008-03-07T13:40:00.003+02:00

Hey friends - I know I am not a consistent blogger, but honestly I am not really convinced that it is read by many based on the lack of comments I receive, therefore providing me no motivation to be creative.

I know you might just be one of those people who don't like leaving comments...like me :) So if you do read my blog and just don't leave comments can you this time just so I know whether it is worth it to continue blogging.

I have a secret number of comments that I need to reach in order to keep the blog going, so it is up to you.

$3.00 Can of Beans

2008-02-29T11:26:00.004+02:00

Yesterday Angela and I were at a grocery store buying some stuff to make dinner together and I saw their Mexican section had just been stocked and took a stroll to see what they offer now. You browse a lot when grocery shopping here because products change on a regular basis.

You can't get refried beans in this country - you have to use sugar beans, blend them and add taco seasoning and they still come out a little runny. They don't taste too bad though. Well yesterday they had Refreid Beans. I picked up a few cans to have on stock and then looked the price and walked away with 1 to try. The can of beans cost $3.00. That is a bit extreme when you go to Casa Fiesta's website and they sell them for $1.00. 200% mark-up. No thanks!

I choose to eat Mexican food in America, not South Africa. How many other countries can I mention?

Last Day

2008-02-23T22:40:00.003+02:00

So here I sit in the Dulles airport waiting for my plane to board. I hopped online as an hour of Internet on T-Mobile is reasonable priced here in the good ol' USA.

Yesterday my parents, brother and I went to Island of Adventures and Universal Studios for the day. We had so much fun - we rode Incredible Hulk and Dueling Dragons twice. They are 2 of the most amazing coaster I have ever been on. I just love roller coasters. We also road Blutos Barge which is a water ride and I got completely soaked - from head to toe. It was awesome. Then we went over to Universal and my favorite ride there was The Return of the Mummy - we thought it was a dinky little fun ride until the lights went out and we started going backwards on the track. Come to find out it was a roller coaster in the dark and it was awesome. I think it was so great because we weren't expecting that and we were sitting there all relaxed and not holding on. We rode that 2 times - in a row :)

Today my parents took me to the airport where the sweet man at curbside took really good care of me. Both my pieces of luggage was overweight for the domestic leg of my trip, but he took my boarding pass and passport inside and figured it all out and checked my stuff all the way through to SA for me with no fees. Otherwise some items were going to be left behind like the 4 lb bag of chocolate chips for Craig and the black beans for Michelle and I. The only thing I spared was my winter coat and a book - figured my parents can bring them when they come in April for a friends wedding.

Then during my long lay over I was picked up by Dan, Cindy and Gab and was taken out to lunch at California Tortilla. It was so fun to see them and catch up. And confirm the fact that Gab is taller than me, but as beautiful as ever.

Now I sit and wait and pray that I fall asleep and experience no jet lag upon return. Michelle - I am coming back soon and will provide you with some escape time and some socializing with an adult.

So Far...

2008-02-19T06:26:00.018+02:00

...since I have been in the States I have done a few things that are noteworthy. I landed on the 12th and spent the day with Christy and her boys, Ashlee, and Heather and her 3 kids. Here are a few pictures.

Jack and I; Me and the Kids; Sam and I

Taylor; Alex; Kate

I stayed in VA until the 14th. I was able to play with the kids, see Taylor at ballet, attend Taylor's piano lessons, shop at Target, eat at Red Robin, watch movies with Heather, and shop at Trader Joes on the way to the airport. My Bro picked me up in Orlando and we drove to my Grandma's. I walked into her house and wished her a Happy Birthday and I think her jaw about hit the floor. She had no idea I was coming. It was lots of fun.

Then on Saturday was the big 90th birthday party for my Gram. It was so fun to see her so happy and enjoying her family and life. My Gramps was able to come, but it was a little rough on him and us because he is ailing, but still manages to pull of an amazing sense of humor. Here are a few pics from that event.

Hannah & Ella (2nd cousins); Michelle (cousin) & Alexandra (2nd cousin); View from my parents back yard at sunset

Vinnie (2nd cousin); Cullen (2nd cousin Bubba); My Gramps as King; a few of the 90 balloons in the lanai; Grams and Gramps

Then today my Mom and I cleaned up a bit and hit the shops - Target, Old Navy, Bed Bath and Beyond, Pier 1 Imports, and Publix (grocery store). Tonight my parents, bro and I had burgers and veggies and then went and sat in the hot tub. A nice life I must admit :)

May the Schwartz be with You

2008-01-25T08:57:00.000+02:00

This past weekend I spent a good part of it reading. While I was reading there were times I couldn’t focus anymore so I would take breaks and do my dishes, clean up some, organize things and watch some shows/movies that I have PVRed (Tivo or DVR in America) over the past month or so. I like to keep a line-up going because some weekends I have nothing going on and it is nice to watch a movie you have been wanting to see. My line-up has been really long because I was in and out so much.

So last Saturday while I ate lunch and took a break from reading I selected to watch “Spaceballs”. In my opinion it is a classic Mel Brooks movie – poking fun at Star Wars, Star Trek, Alice in Wonderland, Snow White and many other movies. In lieu of Darth Vader you have Dark Helmet played by Rick Moranis, his right hand man is Colonel Sanders, and John Candy plays a huge Cheshire Cat character named Barf. Yoda is called Yogurt and he has the power of the Schwartz. It is really dumb and the story line is lame, but I laughed so hard because it reminded me of my childhood and how we would watch it over and over again because it was so stupid, yet made us laugh.

So may the Schwartz be with You as you go forth this weekend. I am hoping the Schwartz allows us to have power.

A Little Sad

2008-01-23T11:11:00.000+02:00

I was excited to hear the nominations for the Oscar's yesterday and at 3:30 my time I tuned in and watched the announcements live in CA on the website. Technology is great. While I was watching the announcements I realized that I have no idea who many of the nominees were much less the movies that were selected for best picture.

I am not a movie buff, but I did keep up with things and try and pretty much watch anything that came my way. I enjoy all different types of movies, with the exception of super-hero, sci-fi and some victorian period films. In South Africa movies are cheap here so was looking forward to watching anything and if I didn't like I didn't feel too bad walking out after paying $3. But with cheap tickets comes less movies and if they come at all they usually come months later.

With that said - I haven't a clue about movies anymore. Any tips, suggestions, or don't go see it's are welcomed. I did see August Rush and loved it, and I am seeing The Bucket List this weekend and excited because I am proud to admit that I love Jack Nicholson in anything.

Lights Out

2008-01-14T14:54:00.000+02:00

As of late, you need a flashlight when you go the bathroom at my office. There is this thing in South Africa called “load shedding” and it happens often, usually for a short amount of time. Load shedding is when the power company turns off power to lessen the load in the grid in order to save electricity (and money). Lately, the office complex where I work is on a grid where it happens for hours at a time on a regular basis. So not only does it prevent you from doing projects where the Internet is required, but it causes the ladies bathroom to be incredible dark. So as soon as the power kicks off, I have a knee-jerk reaction and that is to stop drinking water until it comes back on because I don't typically carry a flash light with me to work.

And one other thing about the bathrooms at the office, they are in another building. So when it rains outside, I quit drinking water too, especially if I didn’t bring my raincoat with me.

Happy New Years

2008-01-01T17:14:00.000+02:00

Just wanted to wish all my friends out in blogging world a Happy New Year. Thanks for stopping by. Life starts back to a normal routine on Monday so no more fun holiday posts will be coming from me; just the usual.

Hope 2008 is a year of amazing wonder for each and every one of you. Cheers from Cape Town!

If I Could Walk 500 Miles...

2007-12-18T15:26:00.000+02:00

Oh wait...I did. Last night in the pouring rain we walked 10 Kilometers to search for Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles laying their hatching's. It was the longest walk on the beach I have ever taken because it was in the pitch black, pouring rain and wind.

There was 7 of us - the island guide, the guide we booked through, his 3 daughters and Charlene and I. I was fun, but it wasn't for the faint hearted. My body was tired, but seeing a Leatherback turtle come out of the water, creating a trail as wide as that of one tractor tire and start digging her cavity to lay her eggs was amazing. It took a period of one hour and she wasn't even done - we decided to leave because the guide said it would take up to 2 hours and it was already 11 o'clock.

Here are some pictures of both the loggerhead and the leatherback turtles. Amazing!

Kosi Bay

Leatherback Turtle (just its hind flippers)

Leatherback turtle laying her hatchlings Loggerhead Turtle waddling back to the sea Loggerhead Again

Supa Quick Fund

2007-12-17T10:05:00.000+02:00

One would think that one visit to the Supa Quick (like a firestone) on holiday is enough. Nope - we decided to add additional business to the Supa Quicks all along the coast of South Africa. This visit was made in Margate (near Durban). This time at least we didn't destroy the tire, we bent the rim which could be beat out by a trusty Indian man at the Supa Quick. As we drove through the crater on the R61 we also lost our hub cap. There was a sweet older couple who decided to pull over and tell us that it was lying back in the intersection.

While we pulled into the petrol station the attendants helped us change our bent rim tire to our spare and we headed back to the intersection. I ran out into the middle of the road and came running back to the car like Rocky holding a medal. The unfortunate part of the story is that the snaps were all broken off. We zip tied the hubcap back on, but we lost it shortly after pulling out of Margate.

So needless to say we are buying this car one piece at a time. If anyone wants to donate to the Supa Quick fund we are starting please feel free to PayPal funds to mdepersig@yahoo.com and we will be glad to accept your generous gift. :)

Hopefully we will not be sustaining anymore Supa Quicks along the way and we made a promise that we will only take R## roads if the directions call for it. We love the N2 (the main highway) which is usually clear of craters, speed humps and speed tables. This country loves their speed anything.

Don't Do It

2007-12-15T10:30:00.000+02:00

If you are ever feeling the urge to take a drive to Coffee Bay on the wild coast of South Africa, DON'T DO IT. I am sure it is beautiful there, but not beautiful enough to endure the drive down Coffee Bay Road for 83 Kilometers and 3,000 potholes, in the rain and fog dodging cows, sheep and goats. This picture is not one of the actual potholes on this road, however they were like this, sometimes larger and took up almost 3/4 of a 2 lane road. You could go fishing in some of these potholes, you couldn't avoid them.

This place was the place I was looking forward to visiting the most on my whole trip. It changed shortly after we arrived and endured a 1.5 hour drive traveling 83 K's. It was miserable. We hit more potholes than we missed. Needless to say we also experienced a flat tire, but not from a nail or puncture, no we completely sliced open the sidewall of our tire and it was dead, nothing could be redeemed. A spare was put on by a nice Afrikaans man. We immediately both agreed to leave the next day because the weather was so crappy that we would rather spend it driving in the car than hanging out on the beach, hoping to pick up another day at the beach when it is sunny.

So we left at 8:30am from Coffee Bay and endure the grueling road again, this time we didn't experience a flat though. Good thing because we didn't have a spare now. We made it this time in 2 hours because we couldn't see jack from the fog. We made it to Mthatha which is a big town about 20 K's up the road. When I say big town, it was big in population not size. This experience reminded me that I do live in Africa - it was amazing. Couldn't even drive down the street because there were so many people walking. We found a Supa Quick and got a new spare tire so we were covered if anything happened again.

Off to Port Edward, we were very excited, but however the weather was so bad that we didn't pull in until 6 o'clock. We were exhausted. We settled in, found a place to eat and enjoyed a nice dinner overlooking the beach and watching the waves crash onto the rocks. It was excellent food too, which helped out a lot. We headed home and feel asleep pretty early. We woke up expecting to hit the beach, but it is overcast and a little breezy, so we are going to hit the grocery store for some food and such and then find a movie theatre and hopefully catch something we both want to see.

We are here for another night before we head up to Richards Bay where we will get to go on a sunset sail for 2 hours. Hopefully the weather will pull through and things will brighten up. We need it :) We are making the most of things and regardless of weather, flat tires, and 3000 potholes, are having fun!

Day 6: Storms River & Jeffreys Bay

2007-12-11T19:57:00.000+02:00

This morning was a relaxed one as we didn't have to be anywhere until 1:00. So we sat on the deck at our hostel and ate breakfast and read. It was really nice. The night before we spend tooling around Knsyna and we found a Mugg & Bean (S'Africas Starbucks) that was open and sat there and drank coffee and Italian sodas and played 500 Rummy until they kicked us out.

Our big adventure of today was canopy gliding in Storms River. It was a blast. There were 10 zip lines that went from different trees in the forest. The highest one was 30 meters high and the longest one was 94 meters long. It was a lot of fun. Here are a few photos:

Tomorrow we are enjoying the morning in J-Bay and going to head to the beach and collect shells and read while we lay out. Then we are heading out to East London where we are staying with a couple that I have never met except via email through someone my parents know. Strange connection, but we are really looking forward to it because the first thing he said when I phone him this morning was maybe when you get here we can all go out for sushi. Both mine and Charlene's ears perked up and said absolutely.

Signing off for now, more to come later.

Oudtshoorn Fun

2007-12-09T11:10:00.000+02:00

So we made it to our hostel in Outdshoorn which was an amazing drive because you drive through a mountain the whole way - up, over and through. It was beautiful. Outdshoorn is a tiny town about an hour off the coast in the mountains and is home to tons of Ostrich's and the Cango Caves. Sunday we visited the Cango Ostrich farm and got to feed them, and I rode one. There are pictures to prove it. The only comment I have on that is Ostrich's are made to lay eggs and get their big ugly toes made fun of, not to ride. It was quit entertaining and a little unnerving.

Today, Monday, we went to the Cango Caves which were amazing. I took photos, but they just look like rocks - hard to capture the architecture and design that water and stone together form. We then drove down to Knysna (Nies-Na) a cute town on the coast. There are lots of cute little shops, restaurants and of course this Internet cafe. Our hostel is interesting - looks like a washed up druggie runs it who is probably 40, but looks 60.

Tomorrow we head to Storms River where we will be canopy gliding, which is zip lining from tree-top to treet-top. I am really looking forward to it.

Here are some photos...

Day 4: Mossel Bay to Oudtshoorn

2007-12-09T10:45:00.000+02:00

Well I haven't had access much to the Internet, but we finally found a hot-spot in Mossel Bay in a restaurant. So here we sit typing on our laptops, not talking to each other drinking a Coke Lite and a glass of tap water staring into our laptops. Pitiful I know.

Our travels have been wonderful so far and have laughed quit a bit. We spent almost 2 full days in Cape Town and traveling around the town, eating dinner with friends, lunch with another friend and then hit the road and it was a windy road. Switchbacking around beautiful kloofs (mountains) here along the coast.

We spent the night in a train in Mossel Bay that is parked on the beach and it was tiny, but cozy. This morning we both got henna tattoos and soon we are off to Oudtshoorn where we will go ostrich racing and visit the cango caves.

I will post photos once we are somewhere that doesn't charge you per megabyte for the Internet. Can get pricey uploading photos. If you want to see Charlenes blog on our stay in Cape Town click here. Hope your December is treating you well.

Good Times

2007-12-03T22:48:00.001+02:00

As my friend Janell always says "Good Times". The past week and a half has been nothing but fun. My parents, brother and I went on an amazing safari on a private game reserve outside of Kruger National Park and experienced some amazing sightings. My pictures of the safari are posted on my shutterfly page, but here are a few for a quick preview.

Pot Belly

2007-11-22T10:13:00.000+02:00

So while working out in the gym I heard this song called Pot Belly by a local band called Freshlyground. I almost stopped working out because I was laughing so hard at the lyrics.

Even though I have
Fat thighs
Flabby arms
A pot belly still gives good loving

I can't escape the thought that maybe we were
Destined to be together
The easy way we love confirms the fact
its just getting better

Dance with me, Flirt with me, Have a little fun!
I'm glad to see your here with me.
Let's have a little fun!

The song goes on with other lyrics, but the chorus line is the part that cracks me up. What an appropriate gym song right? If you want to hear the song visit http://www.freshlyground.com/ and on their fresh player click on Pot Belly. I tell you it is quit catchy and funny. Unfortunately iTunes doesn't carry this album or song otherwise I would be the proud owner. I actually like their other songs - a little afro-pop don't hurt nobody.

4-Year Olds Pledge of Allegiance

2007-11-21T11:45:00.000+02:00

This is my little cousin Ella saying the Pledge of Allegiance. She is 4 years old and this is something she learned in school this year. Too cute.

Joburg Streets

2007-11-17T18:48:00.000+02:00

So after being here for 6 months, I get pretty excited when I can provide someone with directions or say a street name correctly. I know it might sound corny, but if you could read some of this street signs you would be excited too. To name a few:

Hendrik Potgieter (still can't pronounce it)
Hendrik Verwoerd (Hendrick Ververd)
Hans Strijdom (Hans Stride-om)
Wit Koppen (Vit Copen)
Jan Smuts (Yon Smuts)
Christian De Wit (Christian De Vit)
Ysterhout (You-stir-hoot)
Knoppiesdoring

So after learning how to practically spit when trying to speak Afrikaans, you might be able to pronounce the street names. But not so fast - the government plays tricks on you because many of the street names are named after government leaders. So when that leader leaves, so does the name of the street.

I finally learned where Hendrik Verwoerd was and how to pronounce it and then over night it is now named Bram Fischer. Hans Strijdom is now Malibongwe (which I like better). So not only do you have to learn a new pronunciation, but your 300+ page mapbook is out of date already and you bought it 6 months ago.

Another fun thing about streets here is that they change names every couple of Kilometers. For example, Christian De Wit, is also known as Northumberland and Wit Koppen depending on where you are turning on it. So you have to think way too much when providing directions. I usually just say it is either this, that or the other and hope they find their way alright.

And a leader responded to someone when they asked why he spent R60 Million renamed every street in his town...something to the effect of "it is about freedom". So I guess in this country you can place a price tag on freedom. They would rather see the name of a black leader on the street corner than making sure their neighbor has food and shelter. Another day in South Africa.

You Need the Consent Form

2007-11-13T07:35:00.000+02:00

On Monday, the 12th of November, I encountered my first experience with the government of South Africa. I feel like I could break this post into about 3(forms, mapbooks, ever changing street names) but I will refrain and try and shorten it for the readers experience.

During our research for opening up the pre-school here in South Africa we found that we needed to submit a "consent use form" to the government to use the land we have because it is zoned for agriculture. No problem right? Find the website, download the form and mail it in. I can do that. NO. Spend a few hours searching the web for a website that even has the words "consent" "use" or "form" on it lead me on a wild goose chase for a few hours. I surrendered to the fact that S'Africa's Internet offerings are at about 10% of the states. I emailed the lady who told us about this form and she emailed me back within minutes the website. Great I am on my way to conquering this feat. Not so fast. I called and called and called, multiple numbers - was sent from one person to the next to the next. Told I needed to call a phone number which didn't exist nor fit the format for a S'African number. I finally emailed the one email I could find on the website in hopes that at least we can read English if we don't understand each others accents. Within about 10 minutes I got a reply, but it was my email being forward to another man by the name of Kobus. Great - maybe Kobus will be just as quick to respond. Nope - still haven't heard from him and that was last week. I emailed the original email responder and asked for Kobus's phone number.

So now I have the phone number and I finally got someone to tell me what I needed to do and where I needed to go. 156 Loveday Street in Braamfontein. Easy enough - get out the 300+ page mapbook (not an atlas, a book). This book is a beast and your best friend. This book is just for my province - each page holds a small radius of Joburg on it and you turn from page to page when getting directions. It is hilarious. I map my route out - didn't even right it down - just did a visual and on my way. I was successful in finding the building with no wrong turns even though the streets I was supposed to turn on didn't exist (very common here). I walk in and head up to the correct office on the 8th floor.

Me: "Sorry, can you tell me where I can get a 'consent use form' for opening up a creche?" (You say 'sorry' here instead of 'excuse' or 'pardon me')
Lady: "On the table."
Me: Holding up the packet labeled "Roodeport: Consent Use Form"
Lady: "No the 'Consent' form".
Me: Holding up the packet labeled "Randburg: Consent Use Form"
Me: Standing there puzzled along with another gentleman looking for the same form. I turned around to see the lady holding 2 'Consent' forms for us. "Oh that form, well there are none like that on the table."
Lady: "I know, here you go".
Me: Thinking...are you kidding me, thanks for your help.

Headed back to the office and started to read through the packet. Calling all requests for prayer regarding this packet - if it took that much effort to retrieve the packet, I hate to see what it will take to get it approved.

Crocodile River

2007-11-05T08:23:00.000+02:00

My friend Angela and I left home at 5:30am on Saturday and drove about 40 minutes outside of town to Hartbeesport Dam. There is a very small entrance into an official picnic area and the sign to enter says "Picnic". But if you continue back in you find a very small unofficial path. We trekked in and were very happy we went so early because it turned out to be a very warm day. We practiced our photography while enjoying the beautiful land and water that is tucked away in the area. Here are a few photos from the outing. You can also check out a few more pics at http://mdepersig.shutterfly.com/.

Seeking His Face Not Just His Hands

2007-10-25T08:50:00.000+02:00

In church this last Sunday, one of the teaching pastors spoke on being in a State of Disobedience. The message was excellent and entertaining, I laughed a lot. This pastor makes me laugh whenever he speaks. However, even though he makes me laugh, he causes me to think as well.

He had a couple in the church come up front with him and he had them shake hands and then he had them kiss. Of course people were laughing and making sounds as they kissed. But when they separated he asked us what was offered in the hand shake? Everyone answered "their hands". Then he said what was offered when they kissed? All different answers went around, but then he shared that when you seek the face, you also get the hands. When the couple kissed they automatically put their arms around each other in an embrace. So if we seek just the hand of God that is all we will get, but if we seek His face, we don't just get His face, we get his arms, hands and an embrace. There were no more laughing, there was deep though remarks and people writing quickly.

All for $20.00

2007-10-22T10:11:00.000+02:00

There are many things here in South Africa that cost more money than in the States such as electronics, books, appliances, tacos, etc. However I was so pleased today when I went to the fruit and veg market and bought all of the following:

1 large watermelon
1 small spanspek (cantelope)
1 punt of green grapes
2 punts of strawberries
1 punt of nectarines (6 in a punt)
1 punt of peaches (6 in a punt)
1 bag of pears (10 in a bag)
2 bags of cleaned lettuce mixes
1 english cucumber
1 flat of nartjes (15 in a flat)

All for the whopping prices of R140.00 which is $20.00. Fruit season is approaching which means apples and pears aren’t my only choice. The fruit such as strawberries and peaches are becoming super cheap. I love it! There is no way to not eat healthy here – it is cheaper than eating processed/prepared foods.

We Are the Champions!

2007-10-22T10:03:00.000+02:00

So after being in the country for 5 months I hunkered down last Sunday (10-14) and watched a full game of rugby. It was the semi-finals, South Africa versus Argentina. I still don’t fully understand the rules, but I understand that point and the basics enough to know that South Africa kicked butt in that game. I knew that the following Saturday (10-20) was going to be huge here. South Africa versus England (Reigning Champions). Huge because South Africa hasn’t gone to the finals since 1995 and they were playing England. I was getting excited for a sport that I just started to watch. However I had to learn what a scrum, tries, and match all were and then it all started to make sense. But no matter how much sense you make out of it, it is still odd seeing grown men groping each other for an oblong shaped ball and players run off the field because their eye was split during the last scrum and run back on 5 minutes later with stitches in their eye and blood still fresh on their face. I was invited to a Rugby World Cup Braai (bbq) where a bunch of South Africans were gathering to cheer on the Springboks. I had a blast – people had Springbok gear on, their faces painted, awesome food and a whole lot of spirit. As the final seconds ticked away, the Springboks were being pressed on their line, but held on and won the game. The streets were filled with cars driving around sporting Springbok and South African flags, ‘hooters hooting’ (horns honking) and people screaming out their windows. We went out on the streets and joined the fans – people were running around and we cheered at each car driving by. It was a ton of fun and people were thanking me for joining up with South Africa and cheering on the Boks. The best part of the whole thing was is that people were saying that it was one thing that unites the country – Black, White or Indian, they were all cheering for the Springboks.

Big Tony

2007-10-05T12:41:00.000+02:00

On the 4th of October I went and saw a show at The Performers Theatre in Pretoria. The show is called Miss Rock. I went with a friend of mine who is from South Africa because his friends are in the show, otherwise I would have never known or driven myself to Pretoria. All the performers are from South Africa and there were bits and pieces of Afrikaans thrown in there. Needless to say I laughed a lot, not because the show was hilarious, but because the emcee called himself "Big Tony". Now Big Tony had an great voice, kicked butt on the drums and was an excellent guitar player. However, when it comes to his accent he needs some practice. He tried to imitate a "Big Tony" character from Brooklyn. I can't imitate a Brooklyn accent to save my life and I am from the States. Big Tony used the Joey Tribiani phrase from Friends "How you Doin'?" a lot, which I am not sure is associated with the city of Brooklyn, but that could be up for debate. Then Big Tony would throw in there words like 'brilliant' and 'fantastic' which are commonly used S'African or British adjectives, not at all a New Yorker thing. All-in-all it was quit entertaining and I did enjoy myself - they were excellent musicians and singers and I never turn down 80's music.

Bubba Shoots Two

2007-10-04T08:16:00.000+02:00

Here is a hilarious clip of my little cousin Cullen "Bubba" Clark and I playing basketball in his basement this past spring. When I say playing, I was actually pegging the ball at him and he would laugh and then try and shoot for "two". Before watching it there were no injuries sustained during the filming of this video, it was completely candid and not staged. His Mom was recording so it wasn't some cruel trick I play on kids while their parents are out :) Mom's of who's kids I have watched don't worry - they were/are in good hands.

Pap Idols

2007-09-30T12:37:00.000+02:00

Only in South Africa do you turn on the tv and there is a show called Pap Idols on. Now for those if you who don't know Pap is maize meal or corn meal. It is a main staple in this country. Pap is very deceiving to Americans because it looks just like mashed potatoes, however it tastes nothing like it. I have seen many Americans dig in and then make a face like this definitely isn't mashed potatoes. It reminds me of when mainland Americans take a big taste of poi in Hawaii thinking it is pudding. So if you are ever bored in South Africa just look for an episode of Pap Idols and watch a pap recipe cook-off. It is highly entertaining...depends on what you find entertaining!

Golden Ring

2007-09-26T20:01:00.000+02:00

I was at small group a little while ago and we were talking about James 2 in the Bible. The passage says in verses 1-4 about not showing favoritism or discriminating against people because of things they may or may not have.

...Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

And then we talked about our golden rings. Meaning these days when someone walks in we don't look for their gold ring necessarily, but we measure them against something. What is that something for you, what is your golden ring? When someone walks in the room what do you measure them against? It might be appearance or could be education or social status. Whether tangible or intangible it isn't right, but we all do it regardless of knowing we hate it when it is done to us.

What is a 'golden ring' to you and what do you consider 'rags'?

Can't Talk

2007-09-21T15:50:00.001+02:00

Have you ever called someone and they answer the phone, whether their cell phone or land line, and after introducing yourself, they respond like this: "I can't talk now, can you call back in 20 minutes?"? Now I understand that people are not available 24 hours a day, even on a cell phone. However, if you can't talk, then don't answer your phone. Let it roll over to VM and call that person back.

Just a pet peeve of mine that I experienced today when calling someone. What is a pet peeve of yours?

Skins or Shirts?

2007-09-18T15:46:00.000+02:00

When I don't have access to live NFL my boys are undefeated. Now I realize that it is early in the season, but I feel that their time has come to make a mark. They are long over due for a great season and a team that is talked about on ESPN in a positive manner.

I grew up attending many games at the best stadium ever, RFK, and if we weren't at the game screaming we were sitting, well jumping and screaming in our own home. I have fond memories of driving to the stadium and people honking their horns in the tunnels so there would be echoes, taking the metro and feeling like I was going to get separated from my parents, eating lots of junk food, tailgating before the game eating Italian sausages and peppers, wearing my Joe Theismann throw-back jersey, taking photos with the hogettes, and standing in the parking lot after games trying to get autographs from the players (I had a white turtle neck that I wore to every game and it had a good portion of the teams autographs on it). The 80's era was the best, including our now out-of-retirement Coach Gibbs.

A little football history in my family - we are all huge fans. Every game was a family affair - most of my family would be at the games, the cousins (the young ones) would all take turns going. In 1984 the Redskins played the Raiders in Super Bowl XVIII. We were all at my house having a party and of course a little gambling was taking place. Well it was a pool - gambling for those in denial that they gamble. We had to write the final score on a piece of paper and whoever was the closest won the pot. Well being that we are all Skins fans, everyone put that the Skins would win. I was 5 at the time and I said the Raider were going to win. So yep - the 2nd youngest in the entire family won, out of 19 of us.

And we are still huge fans - 2 Christmas's ago (our family celebrates the Saturday after New Years) we were all watching the Skins play the Buccaneers in the playoffs. The woman were upstairs cooking pasta and watching the game, and the kids. The guys were downstairs watching the game. It was coming to the final minutes and we were holding on - it was a close game. Well when the final second ticked and the Skins won, there was silence from downstairs. They guys probably gave each other a five and took another drink, but upstairs the women went nuts. We started to sing the Skins fight song and we even went to the extent of getting pots/pans and wooden spoons and marched around outside singing the fight song. Hey we were proud of them, even if they didn't go all the way, they did far more than they had in the past decade.

We even used to drive up to Carlisle, PA and watch them during training camp and get autographs there too. We were freaks and some people think we still are.

So all that to say - I am going with Skins, not Shirts. Go boys - you have a fan in South Africa even if I am having to follow via the Internet or replayed games. And now sing a long with all the other fans out there.

Hail to the Redskins
Hail victory
Braves on the warpath,
Fight for old D.C. (even though they don't play in DC anymore)

Run or pass and score -- we want a lot more!
Beat 'em, Swamp 'em,
Touchdown! -- Let the points soar!
Fight on, Fight on,
'Til you have won,
Sons of Wash-ing-ton. Rah! Rah! Rah!

Hail to the Redskins
Hail victory
Braves on the warpath,
Fight for old D.C.

Click here for the old version: we are now somewhat politically correct :)

It's a Great Day in the RSA

2007-09-10T08:43:00.000+02:00

Some may know or not know that I am not a big soda drinker at all. I hardly every drink it, but when I do it is typically because there is a can of Barqs Root Beer being offered. I am a huge fan of root beer and that is one of the few things that I miss. However someone did send a 12 pack with one of the teams to Rich and he was kind enough to share a couple with me.

Michelle was at the bread store the other day and she said she saw a bottle of root beer, but didn’t try it. So today when I was at the fruit market picking up my fruit for the week, I figured since the bread store was right next door that I needed to check out this root beer.

Frankies Old Style Root Beer, brewed in Natal Midlands, RSA by the Olde Soft Drink Company. Here is too some decent root beer that will bring much joy when I have a hankerin’ for some good ol’ beer. It tastes different, but it is still good. A home brew taste. Thanks Frankie…an American’s life will be changed while residing in the RSA.

Bandito's

2007-08-29T08:40:00.000+02:00

So I know it has been a while since my last post, but I actually haven't had much to post on. Nothing too exciting going on, but I had to share a little "you know you live in South Africa when" I experienced a couple of weeks ago. I was at the Super Spar (nicer grocery store here) and I found nacho chips, Old El Paso salsa, and taco seasoning and bought them up to cook when my friend Charlene was in town. I am posting a picture of the bag that the nacho chips came in. First of all it is a baggie - not a typical chip bag in the states - you have to use scissors to open the bag. The cost to make tacos here is: $4 for a small jar of salsa, $2 for a pound of mince meat, $4 flour 6 tortilla wraps, $1.50 for a packet of taco seasoning, $4 for a bag of shredded cheddar, $4 for the bag of chips below. Then about $4 for the rest of the items. So needless to say it is not a meal cooked often. I am focusing in on the bottom of the bag because I thought the tag line was hilarious.

I wish I could post the sound it makes when eating them because you practically crack your teeth when biting into them, they are very hard and are definitely not my favorite. I do miss good ol' tortilla chips, especially the blue corn ones and the tostitos with a hint of lime.

What...

2007-07-27T13:38:00.000+02:00

Thursday I went on an elephant ride and these creatures are amazing and really only cute in Dumbo. They have some of the ugliest features; including hair coming out of everywhere, their skin is like that of mud that has dried and cracked, their trunks weigh so much that in my attempt to lift one I barely budged it, and standing near the backend of an elephant while your guide is giving you instructions is not a good idea. Let's just say I thought it was making some loud breathing sounds through it's trunk...not quit, it was the other end and that male (yes it was a guy) cleared out the deck and had no more human friends for the rest of the morning. After all that I had a great time and will always remember those massive creatures that caused majore saddle legs.

...I can't hold this thing up myself either!

...do I have something in my nose? ...is this side of my nose prettier or less hairy?

Still Can't Dance

2007-07-16T18:35:00.000+02:00

Well after almost 2 months of being in Africa, the white girl still can't dance. I have pictures to prove it. But for the record they started the can-can circle, I just joined it because it was a rather simple move for my rhythmically challenged soul.

And as an innocent by stander watched - I was given the sign of approval.

And for the record today was an amazing 70 degrees which is really warm for July, which is why some of the kids are in tank tops. I haven't been lying about the bone chilling temperatures previously. It is supposed to get cold again at the end of the week.

Proof

2007-07-06T15:55:00.000+02:00

Just to prove to you all that I am in South Africa and I am working with the people of South Africa, not just the Franzen's, here is a photo from my time out with the children today. I spent yesterday afternoon dancing with these 2 guys and this morning when I pulled up they both came running over, hugged me and started dancing. As you can see one is missing a few teeth and the other is enjoying chewing on an umbrella handle. The things children find to play with here is ingenious and are typically things that Americans would scold their children for playing with or picking up off the ground and putting in their mouths. This is a group of adults that are showing off the blankets that Impact Africa and the teams are passing out. It is very cold here and the blankets are a warm welcome by the African people. We distribute them by wearing them as a coat and then giving the people the blanket off our "back". Their faces are precious when you hand them one. I love it here. The people are beautiful, the children love the attention and just want to be hugged, held and played with, and they have an ability to cause you to forgoe the "I don't want to get dirty" mindset.

And the 'Thank You' goes to...

2007-06-25T16:20:00.000+02:00

The Franzen Family

(Skyler - 8, Blake -5, Rich, Tori -2 1/2, Michelle)

Thanks to the amazing hospitality of your family and the warmth that has been shown has made this first month here in South Africa amazing. You truly have made me feel so welcome and allowed me to invade not only your ministry, but your family, your flat and your kitchen. Thanks for finding me my flat, buying my car, opening my bank account, showing me the different markets and malls, and how to navigate the aisles in the grocery stores. I am so happy to be a part of your family and I look forward to all the things I get to experienc with you during the time I am here.

Such a Time as This

2007-06-20T04:17:00.000+02:00

I was talking to my friend Bethany over IM tonight and we were talking about being clay on the potters wheel. I was reminded of how about 3 years ago, I felt a sudden change take place in my life, but I couldn't tell you what exactly it was or why it was the way it was. I was clay on the potters wheel and I was feeling like the wheel was spinning rapidly. We all knows what happens when the wheel spins real fast, you sometimes get some interesting looking pottery. So after some high-speed spinning which was fine-tuning and purging things that would cause the pottery to loose its beauty, the wheel slowed down and I felt like I was being formed and shaped for a specific purpose. I learned that if I remained pliable during a season that seamed so out of control, that is when I would truly walk into grace and peace. I believe that it took 3 years of rapid spinning to get me here, the place of grace and peace, which happens to be South Africa. It is so normal and right living here. The transition was super easy and I know it was because I was being shaped for this time and this place. I love it! I can now see why it took, intensely, that time and my life leading up to today, to tweak my shape. Otherwise I might not have been so excited or transitioned as well has I have into a completely new continent, culture, and lifestyle. For such a time as this, I am here in South Africa with my whole heart and being and will be here until my shaped is changed again.

Posing Lions

2007-06-12T18:01:00.000+02:00

I have posted some new photos to my collection for your viewing pleasure. The lions were in the mood to pose for me and it was amazing. (http://mdepersig.shutterfly.com)

A Problem in Every Country

2007-06-07T19:50:00.000+02:00

I move half way around the world and I didn't expect to see some of the same things as in America. But I have learned that many of the same issues exist. Some things that are in America and NOT here in South Africa are...street signs, extreme commercialism, free anything, sales, cheap electronics, decent ice cream, Starbucks, super size everything, 24 different kinds of croutons, and the list could go on.

However one thing that has made it's way to South Africa is crack. Today, during the kids crusade, I was exposed to crack. I was shocked.

Isn't that a Dodge?

2007-06-06T15:28:00.000+02:00

Actually nope...it is a Chrysler Neon. I have never owned an American made car in my life until I moved out of America. I just purchased a 2001 Chrysler Neon. It only has 58,000 KM's on it. It was such a good deal and I was so very thankful that I found it in less than 2 days of looking. It took longer for the money to be wired than the transaction at the dealer, which took about 15 minutes. No signing your life away like stateside car purchases. Here are some pics.

Better to be a Man in South Africa

2007-06-03T17:21:00.000+02:00

I have learned something living here in South Africa...it is far better to be a man than a woman. Men have to "sit" on the toilet fewer times in the day than a woman and goodness if that seat isn't bitter cold.

All Nestled In

2007-05-23T22:48:00.000+02:00

I have arrived in South Africa, safe and soung and my luggage all together the way it was packed - thanks to my Mom and Tisha. Duct tape sure is great. When Rich and I pulled in, I was met by hugs from each kid and Michelle and handed a card from the kids welcoming me to their country and home. We had dinner together and then some of their friends came over to hang out who are from Oregon and Washington doing missions work here as well. I am all nestled in bed now as I write this with an electric heater going, under 3 blankets, winter pajamas on with socks and multiple pillows to block out some of the cold air. Amazing how cold 50 degrees feels when you don't have central heating. But the weather is supposed to warm up throughout the week. Just wanted to send a big shout out to everyone who has supported me throughout this process of getting here, financially and emotionally. It has meant the world to me. As time goes on I hope to provide updates more frequently than I have been. I will send an email out later next week with contact information once I learn of it and how the postal system here works.

Out with the old...

2007-05-14T23:28:00.000+02:00

In with the new...

I just donated my hair today to Locks of Love and hoping that some little kid will get to romp around with nappy hair :)Yes white people can have nappy hair too.

Obedience:Required

2007-05-03T04:26:00.000+02:00

I have learned a lot through out this time of planning and working towards relocating to South Africa. Me being the planner that I am and one who has everything figured out, cannot figure one key aspect out about this venture. I have figured out how to get a visa (3 years at that), how to pack efficiently and purge the unecessary, how to make the time I have left exciting yet somehow running out of it sooner than what I thought I would...there are other things that have worked out. The one thing I cannot figure out is how this year will be financed. I have learned that I can do what I know to do to raise funds/support, but the bottom line is...it is not my reponsbility. Now yes taking care of ones self if their responsbility and I feel that I am doing just that, going through the things I know to do and know how to do. This whole experience is a stretch - not moving to another continent (I am sure I can write more on that stretch once I am there), but letting go of the responsbility of providing for myself. People have been asking me - how do you feel about the finances and the fact that I don't have my year 100% funded at this point. Obedience is what is required, not the know how. Meaning I know that what I am doing is in the "cards" so to speak, it is something that is required of me and something that I know is in my destiny. Therefore how everything unfolds is up to God, He is the one who put the plan in motion before I was even born, therefore I have to just be obedient and He won't let me down. He never has before, so why would He now. Sure things might be tight at times, I might not have everything at my fingertips like I have had and I am okay with that. But will I have shelter and food - yes. That is all that is required to live. Am I blessed beyond measure in this current, fluid life as I know it? Yes I am - more than I could have imagined. Am I loved unconditionally - yes I am and He makes it known to me daily. The God who makes us alive with His own life says..."I am God. I have called you to live right and well. I have taken responsibility for you, kept you safe." He has done that in the past, He won't leave me high and dry now. So here I sit - 20 days away from flying out, and supper relaxed - taking every day as it comes, whether it is working late or having dinner with a friend, I am very content and at peace in this place. I am half way packed, have 7 more days of work, a going away party, a birthday party to attend, hosting a friend from Colorado for a couple of days, donate my hair to locks of love, and drive to the beach to hang out with my parents some and then head further south to my cousins wedding...and everything seems right. South Africa here I come.

Not very many days and counting

2007-04-16T04:17:00.000+02:00

Well now that it has been almost 2 months since my last post I thought I should provide an update...I am alive and moving towards the departure date. Still with many items on my task list, I can't wait. On the agenda for my remaining time in the states: obtain my visa, dinner with friends; go to Florida with 5 of my cousins to celebrate my Grandparents 50th anniversary with my parents, brother, 3 Uncles and 2 Aunts and about 50 of my Grandparents friends; fundraiser event, cousins wedding shower, cousins wedding in Nags Head, haircut, going away party, pack, pack and more packing. Oh and work too. 31 days left of U.S. Living for the next year - any recommendations of things I should before I leave do that doesn't cost money? Ben's Chilli Bowl is on the list since I have never been.

D-Day

2007-02-22T17:47:00.000+02:00

There is finally an answer to the question...I am departing May 22nd of 2007 for South Africa. Plane ticket is purchased, agreement is signed and there is no turning back; not that I want to. I mean, look who I will get to visit on a regular basis:

I have quit a bit to accomplish before May 22nd: obtain a visa, purchase insurance, see some family, figure out what books I will want to read over the next year and attend my cousins wedding in Nags Head. Any tips, suggestions or thoughts are welcome for this transition.

Starting now and during my time there I will be accepting donations in order to complete and fulfill my commitment as a volunteer with Impact Africa. If you are interested in donating one-time, monthly or whenever you are able to; there are multiple ways to do so and can begin now.

Tax Deductible Check - check made out to Impact Africa with an attached not that it is for me (Do NOT write my name anywhere on the check) and mail to Marci DePersig 4737 24th Road N, Arlington, VA 22207.
Tax Deductible Credit Card/PayPal - Visit Impact Africa and click on the "Donate Now" button on the left hand side. When donating through this site please include my name in the Memo/Note field otherwise my account will not be credited the amount.
Not Tax Deductible - login to PayPal and send funds to this email address mdepersig@yahoo.com or mail checks made out to me to the above address.

If you have any questions regarding any donation or other ways you can contribute please contact me directly. Thank you for considering giving into this opportunity. I know it will be an amazing experience and not only will I be forever grateful, but the people of South Africa will be to.

Flying Solo...Sort Of

2007-02-16T19:17:00.000+02:00

Okay, so everyone (a lot of people) feel the need to express their excitement, in the fact that I might be going all the way to South Africa to meet my husband. When these comments are made, I laugh, and smile and say "who knows". I mean, who really knows but God. I am not throwing it out as an option, but I am also not making it a priority. I did not sell everything I own, quit my job and move clear across the waters in hopes of finding a husband. I believe my heart goes deeper than that and the destiny of others, including myself, is far more important than getting married.

Now I say all that to say, I am over it. I am over the fact that life starts when you are married. Yes, I am slightly tainted; as we all are, but I still believe that marriage is a wonderful union established by and for God. So when I say "I am over it" I mean I have accepted life where I am at, I am happy, I look forward to what lies ahead as a single person, flying solo. It is very "Christian" to continually pursue a spouse, thinking that life begins when you find your spouse. Yes, there is power and amazing things that take place with a life partner, but in the mean time life doesn't suck and God doesn't look at me like I am less than because I am flying solo. Yes, I do look forward to the day I meet the man I am to be with and share my life with, but in the mean time I am going to fly, albeit solo.

"I would rather be an old maid, than a miserable wife." That is my line and I am sticking to it. I ain't desperate for a man.

I am going to reflect on the pros of being single and loving it:

Go wherever you want
Go whenever you want
Hang out with whoever you want (did I mention whenever you want)
Go to bed when you feel like it
Wake up when you feel like it (less the daily job)
Watch/Go to whatever movie you want
Move to South Africa whenever you want
Live in England for 2 months whenever you want
Take up the entire bed and blankets whenever you want

Now there are many others I missed (feel free to comment on the pros for your life), and one important point to make is that I can still do all these things when I am married, however the phrase "you want" and "feel like it" needs to disappear or else it will be a miserable marriage.

This is what happens when I have too much down time on a daily basis.

Time-Filler

2007-02-14T19:00:00.000+02:00

I am very thankful for my job, however it is incredibly boring and leaves me with countless hours of waiting in between searches to do nothing. Since reading a book might appear to be a little slackeresque, I am looking for any good sites to visit that will keep me occupied through an 8 hour day. I have gotten really good at keeping up with peoples lives on their blogs, but that only occupies very little of my time. Any suggestions???? And Happy Valentines Day!

Temporary Life

2007-01-26T21:54:00.000+02:00

Everything in life is seems so temporary. Since I have returned everything is temporary from my home, to my job, to even my thinking. The good news is that I have a place to live, I have a job, I have a car, and I most importantly I have people who I love all around me. The job is great - it was originally a 6-week assignment for a investment firm in Bethesda, but it turns out they want me as long as I can stay. This is a huge blessing because I need to save up for the move ahead and everywhere I looked for work, people didn't want someone temporarily - every place wanted temp-to-hire. But a way was made... So no matter how temporary everything might be, it is the people around me that keep me grounded, along with God. So even though I can pack everything I own in my car, I am so blessed with awesome friends and family.

Stateside Update

2007-01-14T20:55:00.000+02:00

Well...I am back in the states and it has been a flurry of events since my return. Catching up with people has been wonderful and reminds me of how much I appreciate my friends and my family. I am currently living in Arlington with my cousins and their kids. This is a huge blessing...thanks Tish, Chris and kids. I am looking for work to keep things moving along and to save up. Many have been asking where my next destination is or where I am going to land and the answer is there, but the details are still being figured out. If you refere to my entry, Don't Plan on the Plan, you can read into my heart a bit and how things change if you allow it to. So NO Colorado, but YES to South Africa. I have had a heart for the continent for years and was a tad bit hesitant about allowing myself to be/live there. Well the time has come where I need to be there not just my heart. I will be volunteering with an organization that works with squatter camps, leaders and the children in Johannesburg and other cities in South Africa. The organization is Impact Africa and the founders are friends of mine from my Texas days. More will be shared once we have nailed things down. Timing is unknown right now as we are still working things out. In addition to that being the main thing I will be doing while over there, I will also be volunteering in an orphanage as well. That is my life update! I am amazed at the peace and confidence in moving to another country. Thanks for your encouragement, love and support. It is very vital to me and much appreciated. I will keep you posted.

Best Birthday Gift Ever

2006-11-24T23:57:00.000+02:00

Alex: "Knock, knock." Me: "Who's there?" Alex: "Auntie Marci" Me: Auntie Marci who?" Alex: "Auntie Marci, I love her." followed by a big hug and giggle... Thanks to the Yanov family for making my birthday one I will never forget...I love you guys sooooooo much. Mom, Heather and I ate "GU" tonight in celebration...

Typical Day

2006-11-14T15:09:00.000+02:00

SIDE NOTE TO POST: I need to preface my next statement with this...I am so happy to be here and I absolutely love the time I have with one of my favorite families. I would like to say that anyone whoever disses or disrepects a stay-at-home mom, especially when you have 3 children under the age of 7, you will hear words from me if not a slap in the face to knock some sense into you. I have been asked what my typical day is like with my friends here in England while the Dad is deployed in Iraq (so me, Mom and 3 kids). Here is a typical day when we don't have gymanstics or ballet to attend: 7:30am Awaken (about an hour and a half after Heather awakes) and get ready for the day 7:45am: Go downstairs and see what I can assist with, do the dishes, feed kids breakfast, clean up after breakfast, change Kate's diaper, help get the kids dressed for the day. 8:15am: Every other day run about 1.5 - 2 miles 8:30am: Taylor starts homeschool, so I either do math and language arts while Heather hangs out with Alex, or I hang with Alex and Heather does school. (Kate - 1st nap). 11:30am: Prepare the kids lunch (always a veggie first, then usually a sandwich of some sort) 12:30pm: Play time, play games, etc. Clean the kitchen/lunch table up. 1:30pm: Rest time for Taylor and Alex, and Kate takes her 2nd nap of the day. Heather and I eat lunch (no kids to beg from our plates) :) 2:30pm: Taylor and Alex down from rest time. Taylor finished up school (Phonics with Mom) and I hang with Alex. 3:30pm: Kate wakes up and I usually get her up because Heather is on her daily 3-4 mile run. Kids and I watch a 30 minute video and I give them their snacks. Fruit or rice cakes usually. 4:30pm: Heather starts to prepare supper and I help unless I am entertaining the kids. They are usually running around everywhere at this point. 5:00pm: Eat supper 6:00pm: Clean off the table and the kids. Heather takes the 2 older ones up and gets them ready for bed - teeth brushed, in jammies, and in rooms with some books. I play with Kate and bring her up to her room. Do the hand off to Heather, and I scoop up the kids water cups and takem downstairs and fill them up. 6:45/7:00pm: Kate is now sleeping, the kids are listening to their Papa tape (their Papa reads stories to them on tape since he is gone), and Heather wraps things up there. I clean up the kitchen so when Heather comes down she can do whatever she wants to and we usually sit and have dessert on the couch and chat or watch a movie or by the computer and do Christmas shopping/searching. 10:00pm: Lights off because the kids wake up at 6ish every morning. I usually go up and read or call West Coast friends since I get to sleep in a little longer in the morning :) So that is a day in the life of Marci...Here is a picture of bedtime - all hands involved this night.

I know, I know

2006-11-05T21:42:00.000+02:00

I need to post...when my brother said he has been checking the sight daily and there are no posts I thought I better do so :) I love you Jon. I am here in England with my friends and spending time on the Internet is very limited because of 3 adorable kiddos always wanting to play, be tickled, be spun around, fed, dressed, homeschooled...the list goes one. I love every minute of it and I am so thankful for this time I have with them and of course their amazing Mama. Here are their pics...in order of appearance...Taylor (6 1/2), Alex (3 1/2) and Kate (15 months). So that has been my life since November 1st. But to the trip to the motherland, well not necessarily mine, but someone's. I had a wonderful time - I love the people and the land. I had a wonderful time...having to run up a termite mound (yes a hill of dirt built by termites) from fighting hippos that were running towards us, feeding giraffes, petting lion cubs, sitting 6 feet from a big lion and huge elephants, having monkeys look in your room at you while napping, having to get out of mosquito netting, grab a flash light, and check the toilet before sitting on it to use the restroom in the middle of the night, showering virtually outside for 7 of the days, to loosing my voice, to almost drowning in and drinking too much of the Zambezi river while rafting (did I mention drowning), and finally ending the trip in the most amazing city I have ever been to...Cape Town. I took tons of pictures, too many to count or admit to, but as soon as I get some internet stuff figured out here I will post them for your viewing pleasure. I am going to move away from shutterfly and actually start to post my pictures on a website where the pictures will be for sale. Hey I have to earn a living somehow :) Love to all my friends in DC and everywhere. Thanks to Rich & Michelle and kids for an amazing week in Joburg, to Cindy, Ange and my Mom for making the other 2 weeks unforgettable, and to Heather and kids for opening your home and Josh for letting me keep your family company while you are deployed.

Last Night

2006-10-13T06:19:00.000+02:00

It is the last night (technically morning) for me in DC, for at least the next 2 1/2 months, and I am sitting here thinking what should I be doing or feeling? It is a strange place for me because I used to think..."Man I would be so sad if I had to move from DC." But I sit here not sad, but peaceful. Sidenote: I am going to miss my friends greatly, but friendships can last a lifetime and go the distance if that is their purpose. So bringing the story full circle, I am reminded of a scripture that I read on New Years Eve of 2005 (Message): Jer 29: 12-14a "When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. "When you come looking for me, you'll find me. "Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed." God's Decree. When I read that scripture on New Years Eve, I decided that it was my scripture for the year - it was one that I was going to meditate on and apply to my life and heart. I began to call on God and invite Him into my daily routine more than ever. I not only looked for Him in everything I did, but I invited Him to be a part of everything I did. I got serious about finding Him and wanting Him and his will for my life more than anything else, especially material things. I fasted the month of April from any form of entertainment that required money, eating out, shopping, etc., in order for my focus to be on relationships and not entertainment. Bottom line is I was tired of consumerism. In the midst of that time I had no idea that my life was going to be where it is today, where I am ridding myself of things that I thought were important, but none-the-less, just things. I say all that to say, leaving DC in my mind in the past would have been a disappointment and difficult for me to walk out. But because of the preparation and place God brought me through in the last year, I am so NOT disappointed, but expectant for my future and fulfillment of my purpose, regardless of where I live. So a lot is happening daily in my life and heart and this "Trek" that I have been calling "Purposed" from the beginning when I didn't really know the "Purpose" is being defined and made clear to me in a greater way, daily. So come December 30th upon my return to this great city, or even sooner, you will read a post of where my final destination for this next season is. Things have been made clear to me and confirmed in my heart, but the details still remain blurry. So please when you think of it, pray for the right doors to open, with the right people and at the right time. Until November 1st, when I land in England, be well. A post with a plethora of pictures will appear from the African excursion.

Samba Jean

2006-10-05T15:48:00.000+02:00

This post is in honor of the family dog - Samba Jean Stefano (a.k.a Samba Jean the Nose Machine, Girlfriend, Baby Girl, Samba Juice, Girlfrienda, Samba Bamba). Samba has provided our family entertainment for the past 12 years. The first time we all laid eyes on her we were in love, well maybe not my Mom :) But eventually Mom surrendered and she knew that this dog would bring love back into our family (at the time Mom, my brother Jon, and I). And sure enough Samba did just that. She was one reason for all of us to be in the same room together, laugh together, hang out together. Then enters Dave and his dog Jake and Dave trained Samba so she would actually be a well-behaved dog (she was an outta control puppy). Our families were joined together and there some issues between Samba and Jake, but they became protective buds throughout the years. Samba has been the worlds best dog and we are all sad to see her depart the earth, but today, October 5th of 2006 has been the designated day. She has been diagnosed with lymphoma cancer and has lost a significant amount of weight. So we decided as a family to put her down so she doesn't have to live in pain any longer. So our golden dog (as incurred lots of medical expenses in 12 years) has left us, but this dog has had an effect on so many people, even those who are not dog lovers. Here are some of the emails I have received: "How sad!! I mean, Samba isn’t supposed to die. :( I haven’t teared up but I feel sad inside." - Angela "I love her. I love her so much. She's not a dog - she's a person. And she's going to heaven." - Monica "I am tearing up and I am not even a dog person." - Heather "This stinks, it just stinks." - Evan As you can see Samba isn't just a dog she is part of our family. So girlfriend, you are loved and will be missed by many.

The Question of the Hour?

2006-10-02T03:48:00.000+02:00

Well I have returned to the city, for more than 2 days in a row over the last month, and I have been asked many questions. The answer to a particular question seems to really stump folks. The question is "So when are you moving to Colorado?" and the answer is "I am not 100% convinced I will ever get there." People have valid reasons since I have posted and emailed saying in January 2007 I will be moving to the Springs upon my return from England. Now the explanation to back-up my answer to the frequent question of the hour is that the more and more I surrender, the more and more I am convinced that I will end up in another country for a period of time. I think God was wondering if I was willing to trade in everything I had for everything I can have. When I say everything I had, I mean surrendering all the material things and when I say everything I can have, I mean the hearts and souls of lost children, people-groups and most of all the confidence of walking in the path that God has predestined for me. "The purposed trek." The scripture that God showed me back in the spring before I had a clue that any of this would be happening was brought back to my remembrance on September 30th which is: Psalms 16:1-2 (The Message) Keep me safe, O God, I've run for dear life to you. I say to God, "Be my Lord!" Without you, nothing makes sense. Without God, nothing makes sense. I know that to some this whole new venture may seem strange, out of the ordinary and definitely out of quilter for me. I felt the same way, but when I surrendered everything, including my thoughts, it just made sense. So stay tuned because I am confident that in the next 3 months that God will surely reveal the greater plan and open the appropriate doors in order for me to continue this trek.

Shalom Zambia

2006-09-24T16:59:00.000+02:00

I just learned of an amazing project taking place October 16th - 23rd. Shalom Zambia is the project and you can visit the website at www.shalomzambia.com and see the amazing works that are being done and learn how you can support the project. I heard Paul Wilbur (leading Shalom Zambia) speak regarding this project on Saturday and my heart was gripped for the children in this nation and the current situation. He said the average life span of an adult there is 39 and that there are children wandering the streets alone, orphaned at the age of 2 and 3. Can you imagine a 3 year old wandering the streets with no food or shelter, then to find out they don't even have parents because they died due to HIV or other plaguing diseases that run rampant in this country, in the continent of Africa as a whole? Zambia is one of the top three poorest countries in Africa. Paul asked us "Who will cry out for the children of Zambia?" My question to you is "How you can sacrifice your time in prayer/tears or any other way regarding people or places that causes your heart to break?" It isn't just about Zambia, it is about a generation that is dying because of corruption on so many levels. The people don't just need your money or mine, they need you and me, they need our tears and our prayers. Sacrifice is what these people do daily, they sacrifice to live, to take a breath. What do we sacrifice and what is the sacrifice for? It is all about shalom and being a vessel to bring peace to a place or a people group that grips your heart and causes it to break just reading, hearing or seeing the place or people. The nations are at your finger tips, how will you touch them?

In Honor Of...

2006-09-16T04:40:00.000+02:00

NOTE: This post was supposed to take place on September 7th, but I was in the Dominican scuba diving so I couldn't post it. Angela Rose Hess. Happy Birthday to one of my dearest friends. Angela you are an amazing person and I just wanted to take this posting to tell everyone about your heart and how honored I am to have a friend like you in my life. You have inspired me in so many ways...to not only let everything go and pursue my dreams, but to walk into situations of the unknown with such grace. I so appreciate you Ange, your honesty, your laugh, your touch, your heart and your friendship. Even though you are so far away, I feel like our friendship has increased since your move to Angola. I wish I could be there to give you a big hug and kiss, but I just have to remind myself that it is only a little over a month away and I get to spend almost 2 full weeks with you in Africa. It will be 10 months that have gone by and we have only spoken 3 times, seen each other...zero times, but emailed our hearts concerns, passions, cries and with the utmost honesty. Thanks for being a safe place for me and for being you. I love you dearly and I hope that you have an amazing Angolan Birthday. I can't wait to see you. Who else can I go camping in my car with?

6 Days and Counting...

2006-08-26T07:14:00.000+02:00

...some say freedom, some say relief, some say vacation. I am not sure what to say other than obedience is a real good thing. My last day of work is September 1st and I will miss seeing my co-workers 5-days a week however my communication will still continue personally and professionally. I have been given the great opportunity to continue working with them as a consultant from wherever I am living. I enjoy what I do for a living for the most part and have really come to take pride in certain aspects of my job. So when given the opportunity to choose which responsibilities of your job you would like to maintain as a consultant from the location of your choice it is a pretty darn good deal. 5 months ago when I was agreeing with the plan and began to trust God and allow every aspect of my life to be uprooted, I had no idea what was in store or how it all would work. In the midst of fatigue, working 14-16 hour days lately and knowing that I have to work Saturday and potentially Sunday...again, I am forever grateful for the opportunities put before me as a result of direct obedience and trusting the plan of God for my life. This is "The Purposed Trek". I, for the first time in my life, can honestly say that what I am experiencing and walking in right now is a direct result of obedience. I didn't know what lay ahead when everything was changing in my life a few months back, I still don't know what lies ahead when I return from traveling, but what I do know that the only thing that matters is that I am remain open to His plan for my life, no matter how many times the direction "changes" (what I think is change, but God knew all along). My good friend Christy, over the most amazing Cake Love cake, asked me tonight "What is for sure in your life, Marc’?" My answer was "I am flying out to the Dominican on 9/7 returning 9/13, flying out to Florida on 9/17 returning on 9/20, and flying out to Africa/England on 10/13 and returning on 12/30. And the very thing I am most sure of is God’s in control." I kept thinking/asking why is everything a blur beyond December 30th?...and then it hit me, sometimes things in the future become blurry so you can clearly see the path that is immediately before you and walk confidently in it. Bottom line - I am okay with blurring the future plans, so that I can walk in confidence down the path set before me, marked clearly for me to see NOW.

Don't Plan on the Plan

2006-08-02T23:17:00.000+02:00

Here I sit, August 2nd at my desk at my comfortable job, thinking about all the things that I thought I needed in life...a house, a car, amazing parents, great friends, awesome church, decent salary, and the list can go on. Now it isn't that I don't need these things anymore, but they aren't the reason for my existence. I love my family, friends and the folks I work with, but a new plan has come forth and it was time to rid myself of things (not people) that were holding me back in life and following my dreams and passions. One might ask...what are your dreams and passions Marci? Well that is what has been unfolding in the days past and the days to come. I would have told you previous to my recent encounters with God that my dreams were to be financially stable and independent, to have a home, car, etc...now as I rid myself of those items and the mindset of thinking how important those things are in life, the dreams and passions that I thought were mine are being stripped away and the purpose God has created me for and the passion within my heart is being revealed. So although I am confident in the plan over the next few months that it is the right plan and the thing to do, God made it clear to me..."Don't plan on the plan". Meaning, I did show the next steps to you, but be flexible because it can all change. That was enough to cause me to cry...not just sniffle or tear-up, but an all out gusher. In the midst of bawling like a baby I surrendered to the uncertainty of my future. I surrendered to the instability of everything and the adventure that is before me. I have come to the conclusion that this is not a plan I would have ever concocted and those who know me well would completely agree. Oversees travel, no job, no home, no agenda when I get to CO, is not the typical Marci thing to do. But in this whole process, the very thing that I have been crying out for the last 2-3 years of my life is freedom and it is the very thing I am feeling. It isn't about where I reside or what I am doing for a living, it is the complete and total mindset that I am breaking out of. So in the next few months the plans thus far revealed to me may change. I did purchase the tickets to be in Africa and England from October 13th - December 30th, but what comes after that...God knows, and it could be revealed before the new year or not. It is all okay in my book - I just want to free and if that requires me not knowing the plan, then I am okay with not knowing the plan. Stay tuned for any updates. I will be posting pictures and entries for sure once the purposed trek begins.

Life's Newest Face

2006-08-02T23:14:00.000+02:00

Here is the original email sent out regarding my life... I wanted to send out an update to everyone regarding my future plans. I am relocating to Colorado Springs, Colorado in January 2007. I am looking forward to a change of scenery, life and job. I am very excited for this new path I will be walking down. Some questions you might have I will put out there with the answers: Q1: Where will you be working? A1: I have no idea, I am going to start interviewing once I move out there Q2: Why Colorado? A2: It is where I believe I am supposed to be, I love it out there, I have some great friends out there and it is half the price of DC Q3: Where will you live? A3: I have no idea. I will work with my friends on finding me a furnished room to rent and once I get a job I will then purchase a place. Q4: What is your time-line? A4: I will work full time through August and then move to part time or as needed until the middle of October. Middle of October fly to Africa (South Africa and Zimbabwe) and do a safari, white water rafting and visit friends. On the way back stop over in London and spend 2 months with my friends there. Fly back to DC after Christmas and 1st week of January head west with my clothes, shoes, music, books, some photos, and my computer...and possibly a friend for the trip. Q5: What do your parents think? A5: 100% in support of my decision, as a matter of fact they might be joining me for the trip out west when I move. Q6: What are you doing with your condo? A6: I am in the midst of selling it and will be out within the first 2 weeks of July. Q7: Where are you living until you leave in October? A7: My friend in Northwest DC has graciously opened up her basement apartment to me (Thanks LWalker). So that is what my next 6 months look like. If you have any questions I would be happy to answer them. I also welcome visitors out west - there land is ready for hiking, biking, snow sports, boating and hanging out, and I will be ready too. Did I mention there is no humidity? That makes me smile. Last but not least, I want to acknowledge God in everything. He has made this path very clear and has provided me with awesome friends and parents who have been nothing but an encouragement and I would not be where I am today or in 6 months without them. So thanks to all those who have shared in the excitement and encouraged me to take the step of faith and go with my "gut". I will truly miss everyone here in DC, but won't forget where I have come from.