Saying goodbye to SA - Ryan Emery

I woke up this morning realizing that this will be the last full day I will have in the great God fearing country of South Africa... This morning involved waking up to the inspiring words of a Donald Miller book, "Through Painted Deserts" then to a very moving time of Worship to prepare for the last service we would attend at Mbonisweni. I caught myself asking God to show up in every way possible to make this service the most memorable of them all. I have to admit I was a little nervous about playing a couple of new songs I wrote this morning. I wanted so badly to play the best I ever have and wanted to leave these people with something special that they would always remember. But I realized that its not about what I can show these people or what memories I can leave with them; Its about sharing in the presence of God and praising our creator as equals. If there is only one thing that I take from here it is that I have changed my attitude about what I have to offer this world. Before when entering the different communities I would think to myself that I am going to play with this kid better then anyone else ever has or I am going to bring these people something they have never seen or felt. Quickly realizing that I couldn't offer any life changing advice or materialistic object but I could share the love that our Father has shared with all of us from day one. Gods gift of love is is the most influential thing in my life and is the number one thing I want share with anybody I come in contact with.
I have enjoyed learning and growing with these kids spiritually. Learning how to work through the language barriers and trying to understand each others life morals, when it came down to it we could always talk about the joy that God has put in our life and how that is the most important thing to us.

South Africa, I will always remember you and I will take a piece of you for the rest of my life. Everything from the strong women and volunteers in the communities to the amazing youth group in Mbonisweni have all invested time and love into me and I want to thank you for that. Pastor Stimbiso, God has amazing plans for you and the body of Christ. Watching how you are affecting the lives of many people in your community and how it is flooding outward as well. I pray blessings and favor on you and your beautiful new family. I love you and can't wait to come back and see where God has taken you to the next great thing. South Africa Saligassi!
-Ryan Emery

Photo Credits

Photo Credits for my new blog banner in addition to many other photos used on this blog to my sister, Rae Dunn. :) Love ya lady.

When one door closes...

They say when one door closes God opens a window. I have to say that this is certainly proving true in my life in this moment. I came to Africa with little expectation and it got into my blood, my heart and soul in a way that I was not prepared for. Although I feel that it was right to cut our trip short to start a new chapter in life, I don't feel like any of this was in vain. Africa has changed me to my core and I will never be the same again. I love the pace of life here; taking the time to have a cup of tea with a friend will always come first before business (so naturally, relationship comes before timeliness.) I love the song that God has placed in every Africans heart and how singing comes just as naturally to them as regular conversation. I have to say what has truly inspired me that most about Africa is the thankfulness that the strong women of this continent have in the Lord to get them through any trial in their lives. The respect and love that they have for God is such a beautiful and awe inspiring thing that it has humbled me in a way that I desperately needed. My heart breaks for the children when I think about what they go home to every night; an empty stomach, a crowded one room house, no running water... It's hard to let these thoughts go on for too long when I take the time to look into their eyes and see the broad smile that stretches across their faces because they're happy to see me and they're happy to be alive.
Yes, my departure is bitter-sweet. I am leaving my short life here behind me for now to hopefully pick up again soon as a married woman with my loving husband by my side to embrace the world with me. We are at a place in our lives where God has a blank canvas in front of us and we can do anything. We have very few belongings, even less money and all the freedom that money can't buy. We have big dreams to travel the world and make a difference by following the hand that leads us. We wont linger long when we return home; we have the whole world to learn from! I don't believe I have ever been so liberated and thankful.
I am absolutely in love with it all.
-A

Wedding Bells...

Big News! Ryan and I will be back in the states on October 21st until the begining of January! We've been praying together and seperately and we feel like it's time for us to take the next step in our relationship and get married. I can't explain the path that God has put us both on, but it's like once He shows us something, and we submit to it, everything happens so quickly! We're both really excited and are in the process of working out all the details now; pre-marital couceling, rings, photography, cake...the list is a mile long. Please keep us in your prayers as we prepare for the next big step in our lives. We love you all so much and CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU!