Zithulele, Transkei, South Africa (part one)

   On March first my team and I began our trek from Jeffery’s Bay, South Africa to Zithulele, Transkei, South Africa. The second I found out we would be going to such a unique place, I was excited. I could not tell you why exactly I was excited. Maybe it was because I needed a change of scenery but maybe it was the mere fact that I had no idea what to expect and the unknown was burning my heart. I knew I was stepping  into a rural atmosphere. I knew the month might be filled with stepping out of my comfort zone and experiencing new challenges. If I am being totally honest, I did not think this month would be one that I looked back and was sad to leave. I did not think I would fall so deeply in love with people that I met or the village or the mountains with the ocean rolling behind them. I did not expect this place to leave the mark it has left on my life. With this being said, let us dive in to the good stuff!

   The first week I spent in this place was a total adjustment to the way we had been living in Jeffrey’s Bay. We arrived to Zithulele and little did I know, we had to walk fifty minutes to get to the place I would call home the next month. I proceed to follow the group down, up and around mountains until we finally make it. Wow was I impressed with the view we had of the ocean and the mountains. I could not help but to thank God for this place. We lived in a mud hut with our mattresses on the floor. Little did we know we would share this space with some cockroaches and some spiders of course. Needless to say, after the second night our tents were set up inside our mud hut for a peace of mind as we slept. We spent the month cooking on a tiny portable gas stove for all thirteen of us and when I say we I actually mean Auntie Engela our saving grace in the kitchen. I will tell you more about her and Uncle Paul later. We had no electricity and no running water. Without electricity, we were also without a fridge. In Africa, they have huge tanks called JoJo’s that hold gallons of rain water for showers and maybe a tap. Our showers were not hot. Thankfully, the weather was so hot that a cold shower was enjoyable after a long day. We had two showers to split amongst us. Most of the time we were all fighting over using the outdoor shower that overlooked the mountains. Man was that the best shower ever. We used a compost long drop toilet which made using a flushing toilet exciting! We also lived among sheep, goats, cows, horses, donkeys and a pig. Every walk to the toilet and shower included dodging piles of poop as well as the animals. After our first week, Engela and Paul decided we had enough walking to the village so we continued most of the month piling all of us in and on the roof of their land cruiser, trekking on the bumpy dirt roads. It took us about 35 minutes to drive to Zithulele so no matter what, getting to town was a process. I learned a lot through getting a glimpse of life in rural Africa and just as I got used to this living, we were gone. 

   With saying all of this, I do not tell you for pity or for a pat on the back for surviving. I tell you these things because this is how the locals live. Some not even having a gas stove but having to start a fire every time they need a meal. Some starting the fire inside of their own homes. Yet I find these people to live with grateful hearts. They live so minimal yet so happy. I tell you these things to remind you that the stuff you have is a privilege. You and I are blessed for the accessible way we live. I also tell you these things because I came to enjoy this simple way of living. I enjoyed the long walks to and from town because I got to immerse myself in the culture as well as the beauty God had created on this side of the earth. I loved waking up and stepping outside and seeing the beautiful view as I walked to the bathroom. I loved going over to the “kitchen” which was the other girls room and having fellowship with everyone. I love the way God has moved my heart to not care so much about stuff but to care about the people and love he has placed around me. How blessed are we to be able to spend quality time with others and have community? Honestly, this month for me has made material needs so small to me. God designed us for love and for community with others. We were not created to rely so much on the things we have. Material things are practical yes, they make life easier but they are not what brings joy and completeness to my life. God brings me wholeness and when I believe for a second that having more will satisfy me, I rob myself of joy and wholeness. 

   I have to admit, I had no intention of this blog going into this topic but I am glad the Holy Spirit moved my heart into it because it is so important. I fully planned on taking you through my month but I believe God has plans for this to be more of a series of blogs to take you through. I believe this message is to reach you all and challenge you to look inwardly at what brings you joy. Readers, I want to encourage you to search your heart and thank God for relationship. Be grateful for relationship with Him being possible because Jesus made a way for us. Be grateful that the things we have make us no better in his eyes. God loves you with no expectations or requirements other then for you to say yes to Him. The world may tell you that what you have is important but I am here to tell you that is a lie. We will never be satisfied by materialistic things like clothes, devices, appliances or anything that the world says makes you better. God is the only one who truly satisfies. 

   Zithulele has brought me to a place of gratitude. Going into this month, The Lord actually spoke that over me. He spoke to me that this month would be about learning how to live a life in constant gratitude. I am grateful to have learned that things can no longer define who I am because the riches of this world is not what brings me life. God brings me life. Seeking first the kingdom of God brings me life and I wouldn’t want my life to go in any other direction. 

   This is just part one of what the Lord is speaking to me to share. Part two will be next! Thank you for reading a piece of my heart. If I am being honest this blog feels even quite vague from all the more I could add but I am going to stop here and say if you have more questions about this topic, please leave me a comment or message me! I am open to share everything with you. Be expectant and patient as I process this past month and continue to write more and share more. 

Blessings to you all. 

With deep love and gratitude, 

Hannah