Living Hope a HUGE organization. Geographically it's spans more townships than I can currently count. It actively partners with the government, many other churches and local NGO's. People-wise it's totaling out at around 173 paid employees with over 400 annual volunteers. It took us four hours this morning just to tour the many campuses by car.

I continue to have my expectations exceeded by this ministry. I'm so impressed by what they have accomplished in the last ten years, since their establishment in 2000. Considering the difficulty of the challenges they face in the townships, I'm blown away.

Although I am sure the time is coming when my expectations will need to be thrown out the window, as every organization assuredly has it's messy bits, it's nice to know that my instincts weren't off base about the ministry as a whole. They are doing Christ's work in a very tangible way and they are doing it well.

Today stands in excruciatingly stark contrast to the beauty I've already seen of SA. In summary: it's worse than you fear. It's twice as bad as you probably can imagine. It's horrific. No need to mince words with that. The very few pictures I took today don't even come close to giving an accurate portrayal of any township, and the total depravity of what lies within. I will post pics as I am able, but just like in any clinic or hospital in America, there is patient privacy to consider, as well as not wanting to exploit the members of these communities. This isn't a petting zoo suitable for photo ops, by any means. No story told here is new to these seasoned vols. I have a feeling that there are many heartbreaking stories ahead of my listening ears and open eyes in this next season.

Today my emotions have ranged all over the place. I've been brought to tears on an hourly basis. I am more than convinced than ever that I am in the place God wants me. It feels more than right. Mostly I am proud of the work that is done here. I am proud to know the most decent human beings on the planet that work here day in and day out. I'm so thankful they are letting me in on their little group. They already have treated me better than family. Their volunteer spirit is indomitable. I'm so privileged to work with this organization.

Danielle helped sum up my tour of LH this morning with this common colloquial NGO phrase about the enormity of the task that lies ahead: "How do you eat an elephant?... One bite at a time."

Today wasn't even bite one, it was just a lick. Tomorrow I start officially in the Health Care Center with my first nursing shift. Wish me luck!

6 comments

1. Tracy on March 14, 2011 at 11:23 AM

   Tim and I are praying fervently Amy. As you are comforting others, we know our mighty God is comforting you. "As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you."~Isaiah 66:13

    
2. Tonda on March 14, 2011 at 11:24 AM

   loving your excitement and heart about the place God brought you. praying for you as you go about your Father's business....being Jesus with skin on to those who are hurting, sick and in need of a gentle, loving touch.
   
   Miss Tonda

    
3. gallion on March 14, 2011 at 11:53 AM

   You and those you serve are in my prayers, Amy! ~Erin

    
4. Kaylan on March 14, 2011 at 12:45 PM

   So proud of you. Love you much.

    
5. Casey on March 14, 2011 at 2:17 PM

   smiles from ear to ear. LH IS such an amazing organization. Now you know why I get so worked up about it (not that you didn't understand before). So excited for you!

    
6. Jena on March 14, 2011 at 9:35 PM

   So glad you feel the affirmation of where you are right now. Loving you...