First Day in Cape Town / We Climbed the Lion's Head

After seventeen hours in two airplanes, (and several more hours in three airports,) we made it safely here!

Selfie With an Airplane at the South African Airport

Once we grabbed some snacks in the airport, we hit the ground hiking. After driving up winding roads that messed with my head because of the whole driving on the left side of the road, and then about two hours after landing we were at the head of the main trail to hike up Lion's Head Mountain.

A photo of Lion's head from the parking lot where we started.

Abiola, Andrew, and Thomas discussing some logistics before we head up.

 

They have gorgeous beaches here!

The steepest part of the trail marked on signs as "chain route"

We multi tasked while hiking and got some orientation training. We went over some of Hope Prison Ministry's philosophy and way of doing ministry, we went over some history of the country and culture, and we went over attitudes that will make success and friendship more likely. Then we talked about how our very first scheduled activity was being cancelled. Good thing we went into this prepared to be flexible.

Tom found a rock window :-)

Isn't our new friend cute?

We made it!

We were above some of the clouds at the top.

Now, we are back at the May's house up on a hill. It has a balcony off the living room with thousands of twinkling city lights in view. It also had a delicious fresh dinner, which was extra good after a day of plane food, and an appetite encouraging hike. Now it is time for sleeping laying down on proper mattresses with blankets and pillows, which is exciting to everyone.

Thomas, Andrew, Tatiana, and Abiola when we reached the summit with amazing views in every direction.

~Tatiana on behalf of the team.

As we go into our first week please be praying:

• That God empowers us to speak His words with His heart and attitude behind them.
• That when we meet the rest of our ministry partners tomorrow, we will form fast bonds to enable us to work together effectively as a team in ministry.
• That God would surprise us in His revelations as we serve Him.
• That as we move forward with jet lag and schedule changes and cultural differences, we will have good attitudes and bless those around us.

FYI, The missions department at Park Street will be keeping giving open until the end of our trip. If you would like to contribute, you can at this website, by selecting "STM South Africa". You can designate the gift to go specifically towards one of us by writing our name in the optional memo, or you can leave it blank and it will be allocated where most needed.