Home Sweet Home Again

   
    Arriving in Jeffreys Bay has been a dream.  Only a week ago we arrived at the Port Elizabeth Airport with forty-one American missionaries and six leaders.  We survived four airports, 21 lost bags, and a lost passport.  Life here seems so familiar yet slightly different.  When I walked through the gates of Ithemba many familiar faces ran towards me screaming something that resembled Chelsea.  I accepted each hug as though it were the most precious gift of the day.  Once again I felt right at home, I knew that God had called me to be here in Jeffreys Bay and work for Him once again.
    Getting to know the students has been so much better than I ever could have imagined.  Each of the students has such special gifts and brings something special to the team.   I feel blessed each day by the lessons that they have to taught me and the ways that they love the Lord and long to draw closer to Him.  Watching them build relationships in ministry and give all they have really speaks to my heart.  It encourages me that they really long to serve while they are here.  I ask that you can pray for continual direction and protection over their lives.  They are really an awesome team.
    Relationships have really been the biggest blessing in coming to Jeffreys.  Running into people on the street has been such a joy, and makes me realize that I can be at home here.  When I left Jeffreys Bay in May I said goodbye to many dear friends, with the intention of not coming back anytime soon.  I feel loved by the excitement in their faces.  Seeing Nomsa really made everything worth it.  My co-leader Aaryn dropped me at the gate of Ithemba the first morning and I saw Nomsa through the window of the van. She ran through the gate and literally jumped into my arms, almost knocking me over.  I am so thankful for the relationship that God has built there, and he has maintained.  I am so excited for my leadership team.  There are such strengths in all the leaders, and I feel blessed by each of them.