After 2 long plane rides, 3 different airports, and over 30 hours of traveling, we've FINALLY made it to South Africa! Situated in the beautiful rolling hills of Franschhoek (about one hour outside of Cape Town) is the Bridges of Hope Retreat Center that will be our home for the next two weeks. It's the perfect place to rest up, recover from the intensity of the past two days, and prepare our minds and bodies for what's to come.
The journey so far:
After a 9-hour flight from LAX Sunday afternoon, we arrived at London Heathrow at about 2am Pacific Standard Time. Seeing as we had a 7-hour layover, the only logical thing to do was to quickly buy fourteen tube passes and leave the airport for cold and rainy downtown London. Speed-walking despite our heavy backpacks, we proceeded to cram as much sightseeing as was physically possible into the following hour and a half. Finally, we returned to the airport cold and wet but pleased to have been able to see such incredible sights as Westminster Abbey and the London Eye.
We then boarded our second and longer flight - a straight shot from London all the way down to Cape Town. Luckily, most of us were able to get a few hours of sleep (despite the wild turbulence), as we were practically zombies by that point!
Now:
Anyway, we're here, we're happy, and we're so excited for all that God's gonna do. The Bridges Academy students arrive on Thursday, which means we're busy making sure everything is ready to go. We're here to teach - but more than that, we're here to learn. To experience a culture very different from our own. To build relationships across international borders and enjoy community in one of the most beautiful places on earth. We are SO STOKED for what's to come, and so excited to share this journey with all of you. Thanks for reading!
In love and peace,
The Rock Harbor team
The journey so far:
After a 9-hour flight from LAX Sunday afternoon, we arrived at London Heathrow at about 2am Pacific Standard Time. Seeing as we had a 7-hour layover, the only logical thing to do was to quickly buy fourteen tube passes and leave the airport for cold and rainy downtown London. Speed-walking despite our heavy backpacks, we proceeded to cram as much sightseeing as was physically possible into the following hour and a half. Finally, we returned to the airport cold and wet but pleased to have been able to see such incredible sights as Westminster Abbey and the London Eye.
We then boarded our second and longer flight - a straight shot from London all the way down to Cape Town. Luckily, most of us were able to get a few hours of sleep (despite the wild turbulence), as we were practically zombies by that point!
Now:
Anyway, we're here, we're happy, and we're so excited for all that God's gonna do. The Bridges Academy students arrive on Thursday, which means we're busy making sure everything is ready to go. We're here to teach - but more than that, we're here to learn. To experience a culture very different from our own. To build relationships across international borders and enjoy community in one of the most beautiful places on earth. We are SO STOKED for what's to come, and so excited to share this journey with all of you. Thanks for reading!
In love and peace,
The Rock Harbor team
Thankful to hear of your safe arrival and excited for you all as you begin your ministry there! Praying!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your journey! Prayers for an amazing time for all of you!
ReplyDeleteBrooke's Mom
You made it, yay! Proud of all of you! Praying for your preparation time! :) Looks like beautiful weather! May the Lord open your eyes to see as He does and may He fill you with rest, strength and joy! The people of South Africa are blessed by you!
ReplyDelete