An update from Team 91:1 - first week in Durban, South Africa

I thought I’d send an update from our first week (not quite a full week but it feels at times like months…). We have been in Durban this week with Glenridge Church and today we leave for Pinetown to stay with the folks from Victory Faith Church (planted years ago by Rob Rufus). This week has been more about adjusting to the time zone and relaxing and having some good fun, next week we get put to work!!

So far we have been to a water park and loads of shopping!!! Yesterday we got to swing through the trees – literally! One of the guys from Glenridge has been a real blessing (Kurt Holdstock). He’s treated us like royalty. He took us up to a town deep in the forest to zip line through the trees for 2 hours! What a hoot!! One line got us up to over 80 klm/hr!! For 320 Rand we even had a hot lunch afterwards (times that by 7.5 and you’ll know how much we had to spend).

We’ve seen a little bit of wildlife, one of the girls from Southlands Church in LA had her breakfast stolen by a monkey and we got to see more monkeys in the forest – swinging alongside of us.

Durban is very much like LA, full of palm trees and ferns but they drive on the other side of the road and like crazy people! Zipping in and out of traffic trying to avoid pedestrians who think they own the pavement! Don’t worry, we’re safe!! J

The air is different here in Durban though, much thicker and more humid – not to mention some of the houses are older and have old wood floors, which creates a bit of dust and it has caused some issues for a few of us with allergies. Note for next year… if you are allergic to anything… please tell us BEFORE you leave Canada!!!

Everyone is doing well, with the exception of Ashley and I who have caught a cold. Sarah is doing excellent, she loves the people here. Kris and Stephen are doing their best to keep us entertained as only Young boys can and Jeremy’s impressed his host with his natural leadership skills and compassionate heart. Ashley is receiving rave reviews from her hosts as well. J Our kids in truth… have been incredible. Kris is back to his own self. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue on to our next location.

p.s. We learned real quick not to say a few words… we’ll have to work on our vocabulary a bit earlier before next years trip! J

Lots of love,

Shannon
On behalf of Team 91:1