Hey ya’ll! First I want to start off by saying Happy Birthday Dad!! Hope you like your present (although I know you will) :) Mom, I haven’t been sick or anything and the malaria pills are going good Kiss savannah for me!
Well we have been gone for a week now but it feels like months because we have done sooo much! Our team is such a great combination and the Lord has shown us all so much! We were able to spend some time this morning just talking about things the Lord has shown us! Yesterday, we went to see USA play Brazil. We got beat very badly and now I know why we are not huge into our soccer team! After the game we went to a refugee camp. I have never seen anything like that. They really live with nothing; they are in a broken-down warehouse with no roof and once it is dark, you can hardly see anything. We sang to them and gave testimonies and they really enjoyed it! It touched my heart how appreciative they were for music and we could see the joy in the midst of hard times. A few days ago we went to stay with Pastor Nicholas and his wife Stephina in their village of Opperman. We had a great time walking around the village and talking to different people and then Pastor Nicholas talked to us for hours about South African culture. That helped a lot with understanding things. The outhouse was also a fun experience. J We went to a restaurant called Carnivore where I had crocodile, warthog, lamb, waterbuck, and many other interesting things! My favorite were surprisingly Crocodile and Watertbuck (family, don’t fall over but I was an adventurous eater). Well continue to pray for us! We have a 5k to run tomorrow then will be on our way to Mozambique!
#1 by Trish Bergstresser at June 19th, 2009
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I’m thankful that there haven’t been any adverse side effects from the malaria pills. I can’t believe you ate crocodile, but I’m so proud of you for trying it and amazed that you liked it. Melissa says she is jealous!!! She should probably stick to locusts! Have you gotten your luggage? We are praying for you and the group and missing you too!!!! Love, Mom
#2 by Grandma & Grandpa at June 20th, 2009
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Hi Nichole,
Glad to hear how the Lord is blessing and helping you to understand other cultures.
We pray for you and your team throughout the day.
Just be careful of what you eat.
It is not the food itself so much but it’s preperation that causes lots of problems.
Say hello to the Zaks for us.
We love you.
Gm & gp
#3 by Anna Long at June 21st, 2009
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Hey Nichole! South Africa is my dream destination! I am sorta jealous:) I have been praying for you guys and these stories you guys are posting are amazing. I am so glad you have this opportunity. Oh yeah, I cannot believe you ate some of that crazy food, I would be losing weight b/c I can’t handle that stuff:) Stay safe.
In Christ, Anna Long
#4 by Tammy Frost at June 21st, 2009
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This is really neat to be able to hear from you and how things are going. I will be praying for you and may the Lord use all of ya for his glory. Stay safe. love ya Tammy
#5 by Cheryl Drexler at June 21st, 2009
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Dear Nikki,
We are praying for you and your team. Wow, you were very brave with the food! I’m impressed.
Love, Auntie Cheryl
Say “Hi” to the Zaks from Uncle Paul and me.
#6 by Ben Schnur at June 22nd, 2009
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It sounds like you are staying busy, and I hope that the trip will continue to be a spiritual blessing to you. FYI, Kerianne and I are super jealous…we would love to be doing what you are right now. Never did hear how the luggage thing turned out, but we will continue to pray for you in the college/career class. Stay safe.
We’re looking forward to hearing in sunday school class a testimony/report when you get back.
Ben
#7 by Grandma & Grandpa at June 23rd, 2009
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Hi Nichole,
We are praying for you daily.
Be wise and keep safe.
We know The Lord is watching over you.
You will be home before you know it.
Time flies when you are serving The Lord joyfully.
Have a great day.
Love ya.
Gm & Gp
#8 by Ron & Eileen at June 26th, 2009
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Just a note to let you know that we are praying for you and your team as you minister for the Lord so far from home. The entire church is lifting you up in prayer on Wed.
Looking forward to your first E-mail when you get back to a place where you can send communications.
Always remember that there is nothing that will happen in any days time that you and the Lord can’t handle together.
Blessing and prayers,
Ron & Eileen
#9 by Anna Stewart at June 26th, 2009
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Oh my goodness, Nikki!!! I am so proud of you. I can’t believe that you actually tried all of that food. I don’t think that I could have done it. I had a ard enough time with shrimp and lobster. lol. I miss you TONS, but am so glad that you get to have this experience. You’d better call me as soon as you get back because I want to hear all about it.
Love you!
Anna
#10 by Pat & Terryl Woods at June 29th, 2009
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Hi Nichole, Just a note to let you know that we are praying for you and the team.
I had crocodile in Florida a couple of times. It was quite tasty.
Keep in touch.
Pat & Terryl
#11 by Trish Bergstresser at June 30th, 2009
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Hey Nikki!!! You should be back with the Zaks now. I can’t wait to see you and hear all about….everything!!!! Love you! Mom