I feel like I saw and learned so much on my trip to South Africa in May of 2006. The culture alone was a wonderful experience. South Africa is made of many tribes and people. We had close contact with the Afrikaans, English, Xhosa, and the Zulu people. The people of each culture were amazingly hospitable, welcoming, and loving. It was really moving to see the joy of the Zulu people that we interacted with at God's Golden Acre. Even in their rough circumstances, the people were always dancing, singing, and laughing. It reminded me that happiness doesn't require good conditions or material possessions, just a good attitude and living in the joy of God's mercy and love!

Some sights that really stick out in my mind are the faces of the children. As their noses were constantly running, they were busy giggling and being normal kids. The children at GGA were there because of the AIDS epidemic taking hold of their community (1 out of 3 people in the Valley of 1000 Hills has AIDS), yet they were still smiling and laughing like children love to do. My heart cried out as I thought about the attachment issues many of these children must have. I did my best to cuddle with and give as much attention to them while we could. They are beautiful, talented children with dreams and goals; I hope that through prayer and (hopefully) times in the future I can be apart of making those goals more attainable for the orphans.

Overall, I met SO many amazing people and saw such a breathtaking part of God's creation. God really used the experience to teach me more about who He really is. He made it clear that He is everywhere and truly loves His creation. I really felt Him showing me that He wants His people to be present where ever hurt is present. God wants to use His people to support and love the hurting in this world, whether through prayer, finances, or physical surroundings, which is a lesson that I think that will really stick with me.

--Liz E.

Through my trip to South Africa, God has shown me a window into another culture, different and yet very similar. He has shown me that children, no matter where they are on the map, will always be kids; that even though cultural differences do exist, so does humorous harmony. He guided me in understanding that our cultural differences do not make one right and the other wrong, but rather provide everyone a chance to teach and a chance to learn.

There were so many memories created during our time at God's Golden Acre, including one evening of storytime, in which we tried to keep the children occupied and quiet. I can almost 100% guarantee that no one paid close enough attention to be able to recount a summary of the story! I gained a new fondness for children; a better understanding of how to connect; a love for the children's readiness to pounce into your lap, regardless of who you are, just wanting your attention and affection; and an appreciation for the many surprises they each uniquely came with.

The woman who initially began the orphanage is named Heather. I began reading a book about her story and how she developed GGA; reading about her thoughts, struggles, and ideas. She spoke of this as being her call - the Lord's call to serve him in this significant way. As I read her story I began questioning my life and future. My best friend Elizabeth, who also came on this trip, put it nicely when she said in response to my thoughts, "It doesn't matter whether your 'profession' be as a math teacher or a missionary, you can still influence lives by the life you choose to lead." This trip was instrumental in teaching me about the kind of life I want to lead!

--Sangeetha