New Beginnings

by Karen Ross

As we begin our long journey home, I am reflecting on how this goodbye is different from the last time I visited. My first trip to South Africa was in November of 2022. It was the beginning of something beautiful. I met so many wonderful people and began to build lasting relationships. I felt a new purpose as I walked alongside my new friends at Avodah, a Christian group of intellectually and physically challenged young adults. This time together provides them with a safe place for fellowship, a home cooked meal and an opportunity to learn and cultivate each of their God given gifts. Simply put, here they receive unconditional LOVE. 

When it was time to say goodbye, I struggled. I wasn’t sure if I would see them again and they had already woven themselves into my heart. From then until now we continued to grow our relationship, to connect them with our group in the US, the New Life Rock Stars. Across 8000 miles countless prayers were shared, cards and small handmade gifts were exchanged and something magical began to happen. Despite the physical distance separating us, we were joined in His love and our relationship began to grow deeper. 

Throughout our time here on this trip, I kept seeing signs of “new beginnings”. At one early morning prayer group, we discussed how God sometimes uses fire to strengthen our faith. (Daniel 3:8-30) It can be extremely hot but he is using it to bring out something beautiful. 

One afternoon the other Avodah leaders and I took a drive to a beautiful garden with an outdoor chapel. During our fellowship time there I received a message that one of our members from New Life in the US had suffered a setback from a recent illness and was quite ill in the hospital. At that moment we were standing at the “Tree of Life” that was being fed by natural springs flowing to its base from four different directions. It was a peaceful and serene setting. We began to pray for her and it was an extremely powerful and moving experience. She is now home and beginning to heal. On our drive back through the mountain pass, we couldn’t help noticing the extensive damage from a recent wildfire. To one side of us were beautiful towering mountains lush with green and flourishing with life. To the other side, scorched and black earth with no signs of life. Suddenly we spotted a few tiny stems with a few green leaves sprouting up through the gray ashes and burned branches. 

See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? 
I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:18-19

On our last evening as we gathered for dinner, we received the devastating news that the home one of the ladies we have become close with here in South Africa was burning down. Thankfully her family was ok but by morning her humble brick home and all of her belongings had burned to the ground. Our hearts were heavy but the next morning she was blessed and she will be getting a new home built for her soon, one that will be safer and provide more protection in the future. 

God’s plan is not always our plan and his timing does not always align with our desires. We left there trusting that He will watch over them and that something beautiful is to come of this. 

Everywhere I went this week and in all we did, I saw signs of new beginnings. So as I said my goodbyes this time my heart was sad but also full! Full of joy, full of love, full of memories and full of excitement! This is not goodbye forever. This time it is not if but when I will see them again. I have found a purpose here and a heart connection. As my dear friend, another Avodah leader, described it…Hartsplekke. In Afrikaans this means “heart’s place” and I am grateful that my heart has more than one♥️

So I return home inspired by ways we can not only stay connected but grow together in our faith. We will continue to help each other and learn from each other as we grow in Christ’s love. We will serve alongside one another to bring Him honor and glory. He is beginning something new and we are excited!