The Dump, Christian Fellowship and Rebuking Myself

Day 3 - It seems like we have been
here for a week. I dont know if it is because we have done a lot or if its still the jet lag wearing off or if its running with the Z-pak all day (there are 7 of them) Well, today is Sunday. The Zaks usually go to a church in Pretoria called Central. This church has a mix of like 20 different nations. It is mostly white Afrikkaans. (This is the youth from the pics above, Day 1) However, a group of ladies from a church in Kekana Gardens were preparing lunch for us and to not go would be offensive (even tho they didnt tell us someone else did). So we drove about 30 mins north. The service was phenominal! I ran out of battery and couldnt video, but their singing was absolutely breathtaking! The service was about 15 people in a 10x10 room that during the week holds 200 for preschool. They filled the room with their singing. It even drowned out the roof rats. Candi, Reb and Mrs. Z sang and I gave a testimony.
After service we went to Mary's house for lunch. I got to lead the pack, so, like Blake said, I prayed and ate. It was good...well, almost all was good. We had milli-pot (like enschima or thick grits), rice, a spicy thing with meat and bones in it, and two other warm cole-slaw like dishes...and the sausage. I have never had to hold back from throwing up in my entire life!! I was rebuking myself in my head, "swallow it Tracy Ann, just swallow! Drink water!!" I managed to clean my plate without throwing up but it was a challenge. After lunch I helped with the dishes. It was cold water and soap in a white porcelain basin. I washed, Candi dryed...yep, no rinsing. Later a group from Kekana Gardens and a group from Soutpan came done to Onderstepoort where the Zaks are starting a church. This church is about 2k from the house. We all huddled around a fire before the service started. Once again the music was amazing. Mr. Zak spoke on loving the sinner and hating the sin, and how to help those around you know Christ. After the service the 3 groups came to the Zaks house for cookies and rebose tea. Mmmm! We played games and fellowshiped, then Mr. Zak drove them home. Whew! What a night!! I got to use and learn a lot Tswana and get laughed at alot!!



This is Nathan and Ben....members of the Zak pack that are master Rook players.


Day 4 - Well, today was a relaxing day. We slept in a little bit, and cleaned. Then Mr. Z, Reb, Candi and I went to the mall to exchange some money so we can start paying for the Moz trip. I found out that the pick-pockets here are very good so you have to be especially careful when withdrawing money and carrying a purse. Thanks to Al Blesner I have a purse that holds my passport and money under my jacket. When we got back we ate lunch - brier rocks (like stromboli) with ostreich meat. Then Josiah (an African) and I painted the walls. It was funny, not too long after we started, Caleb, Courtney and Josiah were out there helping. Nko Thusa? (Can I help) Lil Josiah, now known as Moto (because the Tswana word for painter is Motokagana), was even using a paint-set paint brush. After painting, Caleb and I read, we ate dinner, and I shelled probably 2 pounds of pecans from the pecan tree. Then we relaxed as a family. Even though I was expecting a rigourous schedule, I am very glad for the down time. While I was painting the girls went to the dump, dropped off the garbage and gave oragnes to the poor people. I will have to tell you more when I have a chance to go.