Day One

Well what a day we’ve had! We took the convoy half an hour outside of Durban to the LIV village. Where we joined the kids for their last assembly before the Easter break. We had an amazing rendition of Psalm 23 as well as readings, the kids are so passionate about school and church. As its great to see so quickly how God is moving in their lives.

As we talked through the verses a couple of the lads and I had to act as sheep in a dramatised version, the kids found this all rather hilarious to see a bunch of twenty something guys on all fours pretending to be sheep.

After this we toured the village, situated on a hill, the views around LIV village are stunning. The facilities are great too, and it’s great to see the village become more and more towards self sustainably financially. As well as improving the micro-economy of the nearby community of Cottonlands.

We spent the afternoon setting up a medical questionnaire to use in the Cottonlands township later in our time here. So we were mainly confined to an IT room, but we were soon attracted the attention of some of the boys living at the village. They were quite intent on showing us their favourite football players and the online maths games they play in school.

Just back from a quick trip to the beach, kind of odd being there at 6pm and still being warm enough.

It’s really amazing being out here, and it’s exciting seeing how God provides and hearing how he’s changed and led people’s paths to bring them to this village. I’m sure there’s much more to learn as this is only the first day.

Peace

H T Warrell

Arrival

Finally reached Durban at 15:35 local time this afternoon. After a scenic route we’ve reached the hotel which is fabulous, I’ll upload some photos soon.

Was great to catch up with those from my team who had arrived over dinner, which starred a chorizo and peri peri steak! We begin projects early tomorrow morning over at LIV Village, so stay tuned for any updates and if you are able, please pray for trust and open hearts.

Night all

H T Warrell

The Final Packing Session

I’ve employed the fabulous Steph Lester to help make sure I’ve packed everything I need for tomorrow. Mainly because she is my better half (and her abundant skills for organisation and checklists) I’d definitely be spending 2 weeks without socks if it weren’t for this amazing woman of God. Like to think this has stretched my skills for delegation too!

Peace

H T Warrell

P.S. Steph is convinced she can fit in my suitcase, think she’s going to miss me.

Steph curled up in suitcase

Just 24 hours away…

Dear readers

I’m currently packing up my suitcase as within the next 24 hours I’ll be embarking on the 8500+ miles trip to Durban.

I was very blessed this morning to tell the congregation at All Saints Church more about my trip and also be prayed for. I’d like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to everyone at All Saints who have been amazing in helping me prepare for this trip.

Over the past week I’ve really been reminded of how God provides, taking me back to Phillipians 4:19

but my God shall supply all you need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

I haven’t even got to Durban yet and God is already teaching me about his ways and how he has already set so much of this trip in stone before I get there.

Well I must get back to double checking I have enough sun cream!

Peace

H T Warrell

Half packed suitcase on bed

Just One Week to Go!

Well here we are in just one week I would have touched down in Durban, South Africa. I’m completely overwhelmed by how fast it has gone since I signed onto the #OperationDurban2015 project back in the summer of 2013. It’s been amazing what God has already taught me before I’ve even left, especially realising what I’m actually capable of in terms of planning. I ask that if you are willing, to be praying that in the following week God will continue this and also open my and the teams hearts to be sensitive to our mission out in Durban on the LIV Village and in the local townships.

Keep watching this space for all sorts of updates and thoughts over the next week and also in my time in Durban.

signing out

H T Warrell

The Countdown Begins

As of March 10th it is three weeks to go! In exactly 21 days I’ll be covering the last couple of hundred miles on the plane to Durban. Last week I got myself all up to date with vaccinations for the trip, so now starts the countdown to finish my work, pack my bags and get myself on to that 24+ hour plane to Operation South Africa. Thank you for your continued support and watch this space for any updates while I’m there.

H T Warrell

The Big ‘not-pub’ Pub Quiz

The Big ‘not-pub’ Pub Quiz was a major success, and a massive thank you goes out to all who attended, donated and assisted in making it such an amazing evening! At the last total, the quiz helped me raise in excess of £375 too.

The night saw some tough competition from groups such as “The Quizzly Bears“, “Universally Challenged” and “99 Problems but a Quiz ain’t one, Hit Me!” (as you can see there were many puns made involving quiz’s). But there could only be one winner, this team destroyed the dingbats, succeeded in sports and jogged their memories in the (not so) General Knowledge round, congratulations once again to “The Chews Dased” who rose victorious!

Download Quiz Scores