I'm Here =)

Hey everyone! I made it safely in Joburg. It was a long flight (17 hours) but well worth it. Sorry I couldn't get on before now, my internet access was somewhat limited
Life here is awesome. It couldn't be better. The staff here (mostly South African) is incredible and incredibly welcoming, and they have made the transition easy. Everyone is a family here, and it really feels warm. Speaking of, the weather is freezing, or at least way colder than I thought. Today it is probably in the low 50s, which is cooooold compared to summer in Virginia. Oh well, if that is the biggest sacrifice I really don't mind
I'm getting along incredibly well with Heather, the other girl who came with me. She and I are similar in so many ways, but not to the point where we are in conflict with each other. That's such a huge blessing, as she has been a constant encouragement to me. Last night she brought out her guitar and I used a pot to play drums, and we worshipped with two other girls from North Carolina. It was incredible
God has been teaching me so much since I've been here, and a lot about the love He has for His children. 2 kids have already been adopted, which is awesome, and a few others should get adopted soon. I am a little sad to see them go, but it's such a blessing for them to live with a real family instead of at an orphanage. No matter how loving and caring the staff here is, there are still a lot of babies to focus on, so I'm sure it is much better for each kid to get individual love, and have parents and be able to grow up in a good environment
I have so much to say, and I don't even know where to start, so for the most part I'll have to tell you all in person when I get back. I'm keeping a journal so I don't forget anything, don't worry. I have to go soon, but before I do
Each day of work (which is 3-4 days a week, depending) looks like this
7 am--wake up the kids (I am responsible for 12 babies between 3 months and 1 year), bathe them, change them, clothe them, and feed them
7-10 am--play with the kids
10 am--nap time, thank goodness. We have a break here for tea and staff devotionals
Noon--wake everyone up, feed them, change them
3ish pm--feed the kids, change them
5 pm--dress them all in pajamas
530 pm--put all the kids who are still drinking milk to bed
6 pm--put the last 5 to bed
Overall it is an 11 hour day, which is exhausting, but well worth it. The kids are incredible. I'll tell you guys more about each kid later, or else this post will get too long

Reasons to thank God
1. I get along so well with Heather, and the two other girls, Rachel and Katherine. We are all sharing a tiny room, so it is a good thing we like each other
2. Of course, there were no problems traveling and we made it safely here
3. The transition has been the easiest it could possibly be
4. South Africa is beautiful, even when it is raining. Just to look outside and see beauty, different from the kind I see in Virginia, is a huge blessing
5. The kids are wonderful. I'm not allowed to post their actual names or faces online, but I will tell stories about them later using nicknames. They bring such joy to my life, and make this whole trip worthwhile
There are a ton more reasons to thank God, but those are the big ones

Prayer requests
1. Both Heather and I have had a little trouble sleeping. Last night was much better, but rest is necessary as we work long hours
2. Pray against any attacks on our relationship with each other, which are going so well so far
3. Pray that the kids will continue to get adopted. They need families
4. Good health is important. I hurt my hip pretty badly on the way here, but it is getting better. Nobody has been too sick so far, although Rachel fell and hurt her elbow last night
5. That I will be open to everything God has to teach me

Thanks so much for reading, and I will post more soon. I love you guys. Oh and Kara--I won't be able to post videos for CGS all summer, but I will once I get back I'm sure

=)