Cape Town and Travels: Part 2

December 11th 2010 was the celebration of my 25th Birthday but moreover it was the celebration of a new marriage. Carrie and Errol wed on the beach early Saturday morning. The Ocean and Mountains! The weather was wonderful! It was an absolutely stunning and beautiful setting.

For my birthday we had a big party in the evening… really it was the reception! I felt as if I wore many hats at the reception from wedding planner to helping instruct the MC to cutting of the cake to clean up (the list could go on and on) but everything turned out well.

After cleaning up from the wedding and returning to Carrie’s one bedroom flat I realized I no longer live in America…. It was midnight. We had two car loads of people (seven) and everything from the wedding - decorations, extra food, and gifts. It only took us a few minutes to unload everything, but the whole time a very suspicious man stood across the street and watched us. We were not about to allow the guys we were with to leave, as there was safety in numbers. The suspicious man stood out there for an hour plus, talking on his cell etc. At one point one of our guys approached him and ask him what he was doing. He said. “No, man, I am just waiting for friends to pick me up. I live just around the corner." Hmm, likely story!! It got really dodgy when a car full of four men drove by very slowly and stared into our house, yet didn't pick up the guy. The seven friends stayed till about two a.m. with us, as we called the police and waited for this guy to leave. Neither me nor Sarah felt like it would be safe to stay in Carrie’s flat alone so three of the guys offered to stay all night. It was a fitful night of sleep after a very hectic day but we were all safe and did not get robbed!! I felt it would not be safe to stay there the following night alone. What would stop them from robbing the next night?! I stayed with another friend of Carrie and Errol’s Sunday night.

Sunday morning (Dec. 12th) I said a sad goodbye to Sarah – it was absolutely amazing to have her with me!! And headed off to try my hand at surfing with Henrick. Henrick was a guy I met in South Africa two years ago. He offered at that time to give me surfing lessons; I was excited that I could take him up on the offer. It was great fun and very difficult. It takes a lot of strength and coordination; and maybe it would have been helpful to have a little more rest the night before.

The reminder of my time in South Africa was primarily spent on the beach. I went to Camps Bay beach Sunday night and again Monday morning as I stayed at a place within walking distance of the beach. It was beautiful! Refreshing!

Monday afternoon I flew back to Windhoek from Cape Town. The Lord has an amazing way at putting incredible people into my path. On my flight, I sat next to a dear woman, Alice. In Africa often people pronounce my name as Alice, so we immediately had a bond. She was a born again believer and loved the Lord with everything. For two hours we talked about everything to family to worship music. She was a precious soul and so encouraging. This encouragement could not have come at a better time!! The Lord knew what He was up too! My journey back to Rundu concluded with an eight hour taxi bus ride on Tuesday. I was one of about 30 people. I think they all wondering why a white person was talking a taxi bus – I was the only white! Honestly, I did not mind. I am now up to date on the techno remixes of familiar tunes! Even though it was tight, I must say I was extremely blessed because it was not hot!! It was an overcast and rainy day, and we did not break down. We only had to stop and get luggage/paperwork checks at two of five plus road blocks!

Since returning I have felt the extreme exhaustion and yesterday I ran a fever, which I am not sure I have totally shaken. Please pray for my readjustment to Rundu, not missing home too much this Christmas season, and safety. There have been several incidents happening on almost a daily basis. Pray that Satan will be bound. Thanks!

In Christ’s love,
Alysse

1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.”