http://chelseashort.myadventures.org Chelsea Short First Year Missionary - en-us Sat, 19 Jul 2008 20:09:33 GMT 30 http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=pictures1 http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=pictures1 Siyena working on his t-shirtNomsa and her daughter CandySima, the cutest cubby thumb sucking baby!Lompi painting his t-shirt Sat, 3 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=its-almost-over http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=its-almost-over     There are two official days left in our ministries.  I can't believe the time is really coming to an end.  Right now I can't imagine myself leaving Africa; my heart is here.  I have fallen in love with the children, the singing, the beauty, the people, the culture, and the lessons I have learned.  This next week is going to both emotional and exciting.  We are having a carnival for Ithemba on Monday, at Deo Doxa the church Ithemba was planted by.  Sat, 3 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=for-real http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=for-real     Currently right now we are still in Jbay. I know I said we were really leaving for Lesotho but it seemed like the Lord had other plans for us to stay here. As we were preparing to leave all of the plans seemed to be not coming in line. Our leaders felt at peace that the Lord wanted us to stay in Jbay, and this gave us a chance to stay in our ministries for the next two weeks.    This week we have been painting the classrooms at Ithemba which has been a really Wed, 9 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=the-real-lesotho http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=the-real-lesotho     So I know that  posted saying that we were going to Lesotho, but there was a major change of plans and we are now going to Lesotho tomorrow.  There was a major mix up with our visas and it required that we leave the country when they visas expired.  The Lord worked it all out but the plans were still changed.  The past two weeks we have spent hanging with people from our ministries and taking a little spring break.  It has been a really relaxing two we Fri, 4 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=lesotho http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=lesotho Our team will be leaving for Lesotho this weekend and we will be gone for the next few weeks.  We will have no water, no electricity and definitely no internet to be in contact.  When I get home I will update my blog from the time there and also what has been going on at Ithemba the past few weeks. Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=egg-babies http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=egg-babies     My kids are at the age where their bodies are starting to transition from children to teenagers.  Sex is a topic that is avoided by most schools and families in this area of the world.  It is easier for people to avoid the consequences that come along with choosing to have sex.  AIDS is so rampant here that people have started to think that it is so normal.  Nomsa and I decided that it would be important to have the sex talk with the students.  We spli Sun, 9 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=happy-birthday-lusanda http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=happy-birthday-lusanda One of the ladies that we work with at Ithemba told us a few weeks ago that she never had a birthday party.  On Wednesday night we realized that her birthday was on Thursday.  Automatically we started planning a birthday party that would be special for her and fun for the kids.  We baked 90 cupcakes, made a banner made play dough, filed water balloons, and planned a few games.  Two of the girls took her out to lunch while the rest of us set up the room for a birthday party, s Sun, 2 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=join-the-awakening-discipleship-missions http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=join-the-awakening-discipleship-missions Awaken to the Adventure Disciples aren't born; they're made. It's a process that takes time, discipline, and God. In reality, it looks more like waking up than attending a class. As part of The Awakening, you can undergo a discipleship program like no other, experiencing four months of intense training in another country to prepare you for the ministry that awaits you for the rest of the year.Join The Awakening Your mornings will be spent in training and your afternoons Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=house-olympics http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=house-olympics     Community has been one of the most challenging and fun experiences that I have had in Africa.  Don't get me wrong, we all have those days where we just have to go into our rooms, well actually our bunks, and pop our earplugs to have some alone time.  Today was one of those days that I was so glad to live with eighteen people.  Every Saturday night we have a "family night".  This is where we all get together and do something fun.  Activities can be bowl Sat, 23 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=february-in-jbay http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=february-in-jbay Aaryn, Chelsea, Cassie at SupertubesMatt, Chelsea, Cassie, Aaryn Valentines Day 2008Nomsa and ChelseaMaraina and Chelsea hanging out on a SaturdayNomsa's Daughter Candy, Chelsea and DruckiePlaying at the ParkMy class at Ithemba Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=valentines-day http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=valentines-day     I have loved how lately my relationships are growing even deeper with the people I have met here in Jeffrey's Bay. Nomsa is one of the women that I work with at Ithemba and she has become one person that I always look forward to spending time with. Yesterday I took her out to a Valentines Day lunch, and it was one of the high lights of my week. I love the time we spent together walking and talking. She is one of those people that you have a lot to talk about with, but it i Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=the-downhill-car http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=the-downhill-car Friday is always the day that we have off. When walking is our only mode of transportation, we often spend the days downtown or at the beach. Today I had the chance to go with two friends to Port Elizabeth, the closest city to Jeffrey's Bay. Being from Chicagoland area I often miss the feel of the big city living in this small town. The three of us climbed into the volkswagon chico and got on the road. As we were climbing a hill out of town the car suddenly stalled. Their seemed to be noth Fri, 8 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=an-early-morning-super-bowl-party http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=an-early-morning-super-bowl-party     The change in the weather has been a really nice blessing the past few days.  During the day the weather is still warm and sunny, but the nights are cool.  I am reminded of what August feels like when I am in Holland, Mi.  All I can hear right now are the few conversations that are taking pace throughout the house and the crickets outside.  The fact that I have not had to experience more than a month of the Chicago winter this year was really a bonus.  Tue, 5 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=get-off-the-gate http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=get-off-the-gate     Being back at Ithemba this week has been better than I thought.  The best part was when I would be busy playing with one kid and another would yell my name across the room.  Having my relationships with the kids go deeper has really showed that my time at Ithemba has meant something.  Seeing Queen, Nomsa and Lusanda again really topped off the experience.  Those three women have become my closest friends in ministry and I have learned a lot from them.  Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=pictures-from-break http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=pictures-from-break Ce, Chelsea and Cindy (My sister and Mom)My Brother Cletus's Wedding!Chelsea, Meghan, Ann, StynaMariana the cutest little neighbor and flower girl!A snowy New Years Day at my houseAnn, Kierra, Meg, and Chelsea Tue, 22 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=the-semester-begins http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=the-semester-begins It has been one month and I am already back in Africa.  I can't believe that a few days ago I was in a cold Chicago winter, and today I was at the beach with my team playing a few games.  I am loving the weather here, it reminds me of Hope College in the spring.  Spring semester was the best when the weather would start to change and we would all go outside to do our homework.  People would be all over the lawn playing Frisbee or football, or just reading their books.  H Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=home-for-christmas http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=home-for-christmas     In only a few days I will be heading back to America, and it is unbelievable.  I can't believe that I have only been in Africa for three months.  This past weekend we spent time debriefing about how the semester went.  We talked about how God has worked in our lives and on the team.  It was mind blowing to think about all that we have done this semester.  I am excited that God has given us another chance to come back here and minister to the people.&nb Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=christmas-at-the-beach http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=christmas-at-the-beach     Yesterday I was cleaning my classroom after the lesson that I had given on prayer.  While putting crayons in boxes and cleaning scraps of paper, Homotso came in the room.  He is below grade three, which means he is not in my class.  I could tell that he was lingering around me while I was cleaning.  Usually he likes to help me do things, but I could tell that he had something to say.  Finally after a few minutes of silence he spoke.  "Chelsea", he Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=a-view1 http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=a-view1 Climbing down the mountainWith Bulelo at Ithemba Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=i-ate-a-chicken-leg http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=i-ate-a-chicken-leg One night last week I came home and a few of my teammates were sitting in our student room.  Candles were lit and they were drinking coffee.  It became a late night of deep talks, one of my favorite activities.  We sat around and just got to know each other a little better.  You would be surprised how much you have to learn about your teammates even though you have all lived together for two months.  Topics ranged from what candy bar we would be to our greatest fears.&nb Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=turning-dirt-with-a-teaspoon http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=turning-dirt-with-a-teaspoon When we first arrived in Jbay we went to a seminar on AIDS, because our leaders thought that it would be beneficial for our team, considering the number of people that we would come into contact with who were either HIV positive or were sick with AIDS.  The point of the seminar was to teach the community about AIDS, how to prevent it, and how to take care of children so they don't get it.  Obviously this seminar was not directed towards white American missionaries, but I can't seem to Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=respect http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=respect This week has been both great and discouraging at the same time.  The devil used this week to whisper in my ear that I am not good enough.  He wanted me to believe that I don't have a reason here.  I kept hearing that things are not going to get better.  I know that this is a lie, but that doesn't mean sometimes I can't help from being discouraged.    Tension has been building in this house this week, but there was a relief from that yesterday.  It's hard Fri, 9 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=ithemba-means-hope http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=ithemba-means-hope Have you ever picked up your bible and read the book of James?  I have at least a few times, but it never quite impacted me as much as it did this week.  We have been studying it as a team, and this week I was shaken by how selfish we can be.  I feel like God has been opening the bible up to me in ways that I never knew.  At this point in my life there is no turning back from Him, because he will never turn away from me.  No matter what I do to push Him, He KNOWS that Thu, 1 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=pictures http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=pictures http://picasaweb.google.com/chelsea.e.shorthere are some of my pictures!  sorry it took so long the internet is not the quickest or easiest to access. Fri, 26 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=sun-beams-on-the-patio http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=sun-beams-on-the-patio Yesterday afternoon I sat on the back patio reading my fitness magazine, and I really felt that I was at home.  My mom and I often will go out to our back patio just to sit in the sun and read; many times that turns into a great nap time.  I love that time because I feel that my mom and I are closer by just sitting with each other.  I felt that same peace as I sat on the patio of my house in Jbay.  The one small difference on my Jbay patio were all the pink and red clothes th Sat, 20 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=dolphins-in-the-distance http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=dolphins-in-the-distance   So this morning I woke up at 7o'clock to Afrikaaners yelling at me to put on my tackies get out the door.  I was thinking to myself what are tackies and why are these strangers waking me up.  In case you were wondering tackies are shoes, and these strangers were friends of our leader Chris.  As this all happened I realized that I am finally in Jeffrey's Bay, my home for the next few months.  Although I was planning on sleeping in this morning, Gods plans were even bet Mon, 15 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=georgia-dirt-and-orange-sunsets http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=georgia-dirt-and-orange-sunsets This past week has seemed both very long and very short! I can't believe that only a week ago I met the team of people that I am going to be spending the next nine months with. I have created some bonds already that I know will last forever. I feel blessed to be here, and I am so excited for what the days to come have in store.Right now I am sitting in the Frankfurt airport waiting for my next flight. We flew from Georgia straight to Frankfurt and now we are waiting for our connecting flight to Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=sundae-sunday-and-eight-minte-abs http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=sundae-sunday-and-eight-minte-abs     This morning I sat at the breakfast bar eating my typical breakfast of cheerios with milk and bananas, and it hit me that I am really going to Africa! The farthest that I have gone from home is to Mexico, where I went for a mission trip two years ago. I am going to a country that I have never seen with a group of people that I have never met, and I can't wait! I can't wait for the people that we are going to meet in Africa, and the language that they will hopefully teach us wh Tue, 4 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=jewelry-party http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=jewelry-party As August is almost here I cannot believe that the trip is coming closer. I am feeling the pressure of all of the preparations and money raising. Tonight I just had to sit down a pray that God would work it all out. I think that some money got lost in the mail so I am feeling a little discouraged about that. I am having a jewelry part on August 12 from 2:00-6:00. The jewelry has all been made by me and my sister. All of the proceeds will go towards this trip, specifically t Mon, 30 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=run-the-race http://chelseashort.myadventures.org/?filename=run-the-race "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the Tue, 17 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT