another step in the journey

Showing HOPE

As many of you know, I've spent many years traveling around the world and sharing God's Word through books. Several years ago we identified the fact that only using the printed word will not allow us to reach every child.

From that moment we have been working hard at developing ways to reach those that can't read, won't read or we just can't get the book to. One of those developments is a movie called the GodMan.

The GodMan

There's nothing like driving into a rural village and getting out a big screen and sound system...people start to gather long before you will ever push play. Watching a movie is not a normal occurance in these areas. Having a tv is rare. We are definitly not your local movie theater. Most people end up sitting on the ground or crowding into a small tent.

But they come. And they watch. And they see how Jesus came to this earthto bring HOPE to them!

Thanks for being a part of getting God's Word to thousands of youth nd children through the GodMan. Would love to take you to a showing....let me know when you are in town :  )

to be an American in a village

life here in South Africa can be a bit different than in the USA. life in a rural town like Mokopane can be even more different. life in a village, well that provides some good stories.

there are 2 new American girls living in the area. they are part of the Peace-Corps. one is from Michigan and one is from Kentucky. being from Ohio myself makes us all kind of like neighbors...well in a round about way. they are both working at drop-in centers that i visit often so we get to chat ever now and then.

the other day I was at the center to do a training and I was chatting with one of the girls about how we have these crazy things happen to us and so often no one to share the experience with. I can't tell you how many times in a week I wish I had a video camera following me. there are these moments when I just can't get to my camera fast enough and moments when it wouldn't matter if I had a camera cause no one would believe what just happened...

so I started my training. it goes well, nothing too crazy happens. I'm almost done when the door to the room opens. its not odd to have people coming and going, but when i look over i see 4 guys walking in. carrying a cow carcass. each one holding a leg.

they made their way through my training and into the center's kitchen. I just stood there. unbelievable.

I looked at my new American friend and we both just smiled. welcome to the village.

 

Yummmm!!!!

It's one of those small things you miss. You can live without it, but man is it nice when you find one :  )

Thank you Auntie Anne's for your pretzel kit. It makes Africa taste like home for a few hours!

Do you have this sign in your neighborhood? At first you might think it not necessary, that its more of a fun photo opt for the tourists.

But then you realize it might be there with a real purpose...that there might actually be an elephant crossing the road.

the things you never see in Ohio : )

You looking at me??

when you have a rhino looking at you like this you can't help but wonder what he's thinking....

 

One of the many joys and privileges of living in South Africa. On this particular day I was able to enjoy an afternoon game drive with a team from the states that came to work with us for the week.

Come on over and I'll introduce you to my good friend :  )

Being Away

I packed up the students on March 6th and we headed to Rustenburg SA. It's not too far from home. about 3.5 hours. We are here for 3 weeks for training with a great friend of the ministry. We are working through many skills that will help the students when they return to their communities. Everything from counseling to HIV. From orphans to feeding schemes.

This might surprise some of you, but I'm really not that fond of traveling. Packing everything you MIGHT need for 3 weeks, cleaning out the fridge, hoping you don't forget something...man it's a lot of work! It's been great to see my Rustenburg friends and we are learning a lot but i miss the little pleasures of being home, like when my favorite 3 year old comes to visit each day when he gets home from school!

I probably won't have time to post pictures of our journey till we get back home. Pray that the rest of our time is full of learning, fun and growth together!

A NEW YEAR!!

Many times a new year comes and goes without much change in your life. Things carry on as they did the year before. For 2011 this is not the case for me!

As many of you know, I work with an amazing group of people here in South Africa. OneHope partners with Reaching a Generation to reach the children and youth of South Africa with God's Word. Our aim is to influence those that influence the next generation. Parents, teachers, peers...these are all people that speak into a child's life, and these are the people we want to train.

This past year we felt the Lord directing us into more and more towards mentorship and helping the local church to engage with their communities. With that desire we decided to launch a mentorship program called REACH.

REACH is designed to develop and equip young people (approximately ages 18 – 24) with practical ministry skills they can take back to their communities and churches. The skills and resources they gain through these courses will help to develop them into the leaders God has called them to be.

Our aim is to mentor young Christians who will return to their communities and churches ready to serve and proclaim Christ in such a way that true transformation is the only possible result.

REACH is a 10 month commitment. The first 5 months will be in a workshop/practical setting at Shikwaru Lodge and Game Reserve, in Limpopo, South Africa. The second 5 months will see the student back in their local community and church launching the programs and processes they acquired while in the class. Throughout the process we will help to foster a strong relationship between the students and the leadership of their home church.

So this year brings a change to what i have been doing for the past few years in South Africa. I will continue to manage the US teams that come to work with us and in addition I am honor to be directing REACH. I know that with Christ these students can change this nation!! I would love for you to meet the current students and see what they are up to each day. If you can't get to South Africa for a visit feel free to stop by our blog - REACH Update

Thank you so much for helping me be here!

Enjoying this new step in the journey!

 

Lunch Ladies

In SA schools there are things that are similar to America and things that are very different. If i started making a list it would be long. From the types of buildings to the way they dress and the kind of supplies they use. If you want to see the whole list you will have to come visit.

For now i will introduce you to one thing that is the same - the lunch ladies. They might cook different food, use really big knives and have a kitchen that wouldn't really pass American health code but the concept is the same. Make a bunch of food for a bunch of kids who need to eat so they can concentrate in class!

For this we salute you ladies!

enjoying lunch on my way along the journey!!

my feet

I don't know how it happened. I think I was in Guatemala one day. Maybe in 2004. Can't really remember. The countries and years have started to blend together.

But I'm pretty sure I was sitting in a school waiting for a presentation to start. I remember having really pink toenails so I took a picture of my feet. Pink toenails, sandals and a skirt. And it went on from there.

Years later and countries later I have a nice size album of my feet around the world. It may not give you the best view of what I saw that day but it challenges me to find ways to communicate where I am and what is happening.

If you haven't had a chance to take a look i invite you. Just finished catching up 2010. Click here to check out my feet...

Enjoying the journey, ONE STEP AT A TIME!

cause i know you love the monkeys

I get asked all the time

"Do you see lions walking down the streets?"

"Are there elephants in the neighborhoods?"

"Do people have zebras as pets?"

I hope for the most part that these questions are in jest, however sometimes I'm pretty sure they are people's true visions of what South Africa is like. And although we DO have tons of amazing wild creatures, most are behind some type of fence living an abundant life of roaming and grazing.

AND I know that many of you have read of my adventures involving monkeys who have a habit of breaking and entering...

BUT I was still amazed when one night at dinner I looked over at a neighboring table to see a family eating WITH their monkey!!!! There he was with his leash and diaper enjoying a nice meal. I tried so hard to mind my own business but i figured that if you 1) decided to have a pet monkey and 2) bring it out in public, you had to be ok with strange Americans coming up and asking about said monkey.

and so I did. They were a very nice family and he was a very friendly monkey. Only a few months old, he still had many of his baby mannerisms...my favorite one being when he sucked his thumb. We become good friends that night as he climbed all over me.

So if you come visit I can't promise you that we will run into the monkey owning family....but I can promise you good food, great company, a beautiful sunset AND an amazing adventure!

Enjoying the journey!

here are a few pics. slightly blurry I know, but a baby monkey is hard to get to hold still

get out your dancing shoes

There is something about the music of South Africa that makes you wanna get up and dance. And for the most part that's what they do. It's not strange to see a kid dancing down the road or a momma waving her arms in the air as she sings some song of old.

There is no need for musical instruments besides maybe the occasional drum. Rhythm is in their blood and they love to share it. So now i share it with you.

I didn't take this video but it's a great view of what I see many days when I'm visiting a school.

Shosholozah

Shosholozah

Ku lezontabah

Stimela siphum' eSouth Africa

Shosholozah

Shosholozah

Ku lezontabah

Stimela siphum' eSouth Africa

Wen' uyabalekah

Wen' uyabalekah

Ku lezontabah

Stimela siphum' eSouth Africa

what i saw for the holidays

when i head to the States in December it is never just home to mom and dad. there is always a trail of people and places. sometimes it wears me out but i wouldn't trade getting to see my amazing people. the Lord has really blessed me with a great support system of friends that have become family.

so here is a little journey of where i went and what i did and who i saw. sorry if you didn't make it on the "tour" this year. 2011 might be your turn : ) thanks to everyone that hosted me and loved me!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=262201&id=547913230&l=8485fadf11

http://www.flickr.com/photos/leahfuller/sets/72157625743859450/

flying from here to there. the great Atlanta airport out my window

 

i'm home...well the other home...

it gets really hard trying to define where "home" is. i have several homes around the world, which is not normal for most i know. it might sound glamorous and adventurous however it can be confusing and sad.but every time i get back home (doesn't matter which one) I am remind why I love it there so...and usually find something I thought was lost!

i just wrapped up a 6 week tour de USA and can't be more thrilled with all the friends and family i was able to see. it's amazing how fast a year can go but at the same time how much can happen. Kids have grown, people move on, jobs have changed and babies are born. i love getting to hear about the new things that are happening and see how God is working in people's lives all over the world.

so after some historical sightseeing, a big ole' turkey, crazy midight shopping, some train time in PA, a retreat to "sunny Florida," a white Christmas, a star struck New Years, several birthday shindigs and one more time in the Capital i'm back HOME in South Africa. if i didn't get to see you i am genuinely sad. there is never enough time to get every where and see everyone but as a good friend told me last month " don't worry Leah...we have the rest of our lives to visit each other" how true it is!

enjoy the new year where ever you may be. and don't forget...you are always welcome to stop by my place : )

the Fuller Family

rock stars

ever want to feel like a rock star? come hang out with me on a school day...they think we are pretty cool :  )

just makes driving a bit challenging

i'm just saying....

A few months ago I visited the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg. It's a great place to learn about the vibrant history that makes South Africa. After walking the halls and taking in a ton of information I decided it was time for a break. There was only one thing that would make my visit complete

 

 

i'm not saying Coke is the answer but it sure makes things better!

i'm an addict

it's red and pretty and it makes me happy. i know it's not the best thing for you, but i can't help it. there's something about driving on the African road with a can of coke in one hand and a bag of salt and vinegar chips in the other.

and whether you believe me or not...it taste different here. i'm ruined forever

 

 

 

Hope all is well where ever you may be today. It’s a bright and warm October day here in South Africa. Winter is gone and summer is taking over. I’ve been sitting here watching the monkeys circle the house. Not sure what they are up to, but I have definitely checked all the windows a few times!

It’s been a busy year here in South Africa. You may be able to tell by the lack of updates that have come across your screen this year. Keeping in touch with those of you far away is always on my list of things to do, clearly I don’t finish my list often : )  While the country has been busy with prep for the 2010 World Cup and then hosting 6 weeks of games, games and more games, we’ve been busy bringing God’s Word to as many youth and children as possible. At times it seems like an impossible task, but there are days when you realize that all the planning, driving, meetings and hard work have paid off.

A few days ago I was visiting one of the communities I work in to meet with a pastor. While I was waiting I noticed some kids in the street so I went over to play. We used a lot of hand actions to fill the language gap until older girl named Martha started to translate. After a few games she asked where I was from. As our conversation continued I realized that she attended one of the schools where we had handed out the Book of Hope in March. When she realized I was one of the people who helped give her the Book of Hope her face lit up. She went on to tell me about how the Book of Hope had changed her life and the lives of her friends. They had been having many problems at school with fighting in the classroom, but since reading the book they had learned how to work out their problems.

I’m still not sure who was more excited that day. A little girl from Mahwelereng South Africa who found hope in a special book or an American who has fallen in love with a nation full of kids who still need to hear about that same hope.

Getting that book to Martha was a team effort that many of you were involved in. Thank you SO MUCH for all the support. For emails, FB messages, monthly donations and prayers. I couldn’t be here with out each one of you.

Take a few minute to meet Martha - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHMOTNFt9A4
and check out photos from the first half of the year - http://www.flickr.com/photos/leahfuller/

Until next time...enjoy every step in the journey!


Me and my friend little Jacques at the USA vs. Slovenia game – GO USA!


If you are interested in being a part of this journey financially donate online at https://www.onehope.net/leahfuller or send a check to OneHope, 6th Floor Finance, 600 SW 3rd St, Pompano FL 33060 with my name in the memo.

monkey story with pictures. dang monkey

cheeky little monkey. a phrase you may have heard and thought to yourself "what a cute little phrase."

no. there is nothing cute about a cheeky little monkey. very much the opposite. cheeky little monkeys are dirty, noisy, smelly, rude, annoying, and frustrating!

when i came home the other night i noticed things had been moved...items had been eaten poop had been spread throughout the house. hum...i don't think i left it this way.

flipping on the lights revealed the culprit. one monkey mama and her monkey baby. this is not good.

we each claimed our areas...monkey - the bathroom, humans - the rest of the house. after several hours of enticing, coaxing and plotting we gave up, shut the door bathroom door and went to bed.

 plan a = fail

plan b = fail

plan c = fail

plan d = success!

it took a while but eventually (thanks to beth!) we were able to de-monkey our house.

now we just have to get rid of the spiders and the mouse and we're good to go

buy a book = support a missionary

Each day many images pass through my viewfinder. They are people i meet, places I get to visit, tasks I work through and animals I never thought I'd get this close to! This year I want to give you a chance to be a part of this experience. 30 days is a photographic journey that takes you through a month of my life in South Africa.

By purchasing 30 days you are able to be a part of my next year in South Africa. Each book that sells allows me to continue helping place God's Word in the hand of every child in South Africa.

Take a few minutes and check out the preview. I hope you will add it to your collection of coffee table books. No coffee table?? Consider putting it on a shelf or in the bathroom or on a counter!

PREVIEW 30 DAYS

Getting Ready for 2010

Well it's 2010 and the journey continues! It's time to head back to South Africa but I need your help. For the first time since coming to OneHope (Book of Hope) eight years ago my support has gone below the level that allows me to travel.

To be able to get back I needed to add $1500 in monthly support.The response has been great but i still need help!!!

Would you consider joining me each month with a donation? Even from the States you can be part of reaching millions of kids just like my friend John in South Africa.

Donations can be made on line. (just put my name "in honor of")

Or you can mail a check to OneHope, 600 SW 3rd St, Pompano FL 33060. Make it out to OneHope and put my name in the memo