I have gone on two separate missions to South Africa with Jo Fox and Kevin Brawley. Both trips were such a blessing. Having been on several missions prior with other churches, I must say, this was the most organized and well planned trip I have been a part of. Like any mission trip, not everything goes according to plan, but their ability to adjust was so smooth. Each trip we are given a list of things that we would like accomplish, both of my trips with Jo and Kevin were not only successful, but we actually ended up doing even more than was on the list. I made so many wonderful connections with the people in South Africa, I am going back for the third time. It was such a pleasure to work side by side with Jo and Kevin, I will do it every time I get the chance.

We are so excited as we prepare to go to South Africa for the third time. This place is so special and holds a huge space in our hearts.  The children...they are so beautiful and full of joy even in the difficult circumstances of their lives. There is no smile bigger than that of those sweet kids. We instantly fell in love. Knowing and loving the kids and all the staff who serve them has only reinforced our calling and desire to make it a priority with our time and money to continue to go and be a part of God's work in that area. An added bonus of being part of these mission trips is growing our relationships with others in our church at home who also have a passion for South Africa. God always shows how big He is when we go and we can't wait to go back.

This was a trip my husband was called to go on. I on the other hand had many reservations but open to the possibility. It took me a few weeks to sit in prayer before I clearly felt the call to go. God was now calling us all to go as a family. Being my very first trip, I had many fears and worries. Jo and Kevin were amazing in helping me through, including my fear of elephants. They answered any and all questions and explained what to expect. They walked us through the entire process from booking flights, packing, guiding us during our travel, planning meals and organizing our daily missions; Having leaders that were caring and knowledgeable who have traveled to SA multiple times helped to put my mind at ease. Kevin and Jo are amazing, calm and loving, but know how to bring the fun along the way too. Traveling together that many hours you’d want people to smile and laugh with and they did just that! 

During our time, they had everything scheduled and planned out with devotional meet ups every night which was the perfect way to end the day to connect and share in our experiences. My time in SA was one to remember and I’d love to visit again. The feeling you get from the people and children is indescribable. You truly meet Jesus when you are there. The feeling of pure joy and love is what I hold dear to my heart. An experience of a lifetime, and having a week with wonderful leaders like Jo and Kevin to serve and share it with was truly a blessing.

My experience in South Africa was absolutely amazing. In fact, it really changed my viewpoint of everything I saw on South Africa, and how I compared to here in America.  Because my perspective of how I looked at certain things, and people completely changed.  It was really hard to come across some of the environments, and people in South Africa, considering what some of them have been through, seen, or the environments they were involved in, or had to deal with.  But, our leaders, Jo and Kevin were amazing in how they guided us through some of these tough sites, and challenges. And their guidance made for an amazing experience in South Africa. 

This was the first missions trip I had ever been on. I went in with an open heart and mind and God exceeded any expectations I had. The team and church in South Africa sparked in me a whole new desire and passion for God that still has had such a big impact on my life and how I live to this day. Pastor Sandiso’s  passion for God and the community was truly inspiring.
    The joy they have is contagious and it all comes from their love for God and others. 
Jo and John were the leaders on my trip and  although I didn’t know them well before the trip, after two weeks of being led by them they felt like family. Seeing the relationships they had built with the children and South African team  helped make me feel more comfortable and able to adjust easily.
And thanks to the Cove sponsorship program, I now also sponsor a little girl that I met while on my trip and I am able to keep in touch with her thanks to the the team here and in South Africa. I think a piece of my heart was left in South africa and in God’s timing, I will be going back one day soon!