Africa

Here it is. The blog post that I know for a fact, most of you want to read. I know ya'll have so many questions regarding my move to South Africa, and I hope this post will give some clarity on my position. That being said, this may be a long one...

Preface

In order to really understand the reason behind my trip, I must start at the very beginning.

On March 4th 1996, in a small Michigan town called Lansing, a child was born. That child was me.

Well maybe not that long ago, but my African story takes place a number years ago, back in 2002. It was this year that the Nguyen family met Israel Mosehla. Israel was (and still is) a renown gospel artist, and was on tour in the great United States of America. It was when he and his group performed in Illinois, that our divine meeting took place. Our family hosted his group in our humble home on Abraham Ct, and there was an immediate connection. Over time that connection weakened, till we eventually lost contact with Israel.

Fast forward about 11 years, and a miracle happened: my parents got a Facebook. The glorious rise of the mainstream social network led to my parents connecting with old high school friends, distant cousins, and eventually Israel Mosehla and his family. For the next 3 years, my parents stayed in contact with Israel and the family. A like here, a comment there, and every now and then a message or two.

In 2015, my Mom and Dad made sudden plans to go to South Africa to meet up with their long lost friends, and participate in multiple missionary opportunities. So in January 2016, they went for two weeks, and came back with some BIG news.

(this is where I come in)

Following their mission trip, I got a call. At the time, I was a Sophomore at Olivet Nazarene University, already planning my Junior Year. I remember it like yesterday:

It was late night on a Tuesday. It was open dorms ( the one and only day in the week that girls were allowed in our dorms from 7pm-11pm. Got to love private christian schools). Me and my buddies were playing Super Smash Bros, like we do every Tuesday, when I get a call from my mom. She tells about her trip and how amazing it was, la da la da la da, and then she tells me this:

"I think God is calling us to move there"

What?!?! This woman is crazy. I know missions trips are great experiences and all, but moving to a different country is a completely different story! She told me to pray about it, and I did. Fast forward 8 months, and here I am writing this blog in a new country.

So why South Africa?

I asked myself this question even after we moved into our new African house. I mean I had a lot going for me, and I left a lot behind. I was a first generation college student going on my third year. I majored in film, which we all know that industry thrives in America. I had so many friends and family. I was leaving my little brother, who decided not go for "not-so-great" purposes. Shoot, I even met an amazing girl who I started falling for the week before I left. Why would I leave this place I called home?

Well I knew I had to be with my family, being the eldest child this was a given responsibility, but I was still unsure. It wasn't until our second Sunday here, when the we went out to feed the less fortunate, that I truly understood my purpose here. God called me to serve the people of South Africa, and to be a light to them. A light to the beautiful children that have already stolen my heart. A light to the blacks and the whites, because racism has cast a shadow over this nation, and has led the people into blind hate. When my purpose for moving here was revealed to me, I had peace with my decision to trust in my parents and to trust in God.

So here I am. In South Africa. Experiencing change. And fulfilling God's plan for my life.

I hope this somewhat clarifies on this stepping stone in my life. If you have any more questions feel free to contact via the contact tab. Stay BLESSED!

-Hoa Nguyen