Friday, December 19, 2008

staff introductions

Hey everybody! Here are a few bios from our staff team:


School Leaders:


Hi, my name is Dominic. I’m 24, born in New Zealand, and grew up there most of my life. At the same time, I’ve been in YWAM since I was 3 yrs old, so that’s an interesting dynamic. I love putting on a shirt and khaki’s, getting on planes, and flying to crazy places. I love different nations, climates, cultures, foods. Anything to do with traveling and exploring gets my heart going. I’ve been on staff here with YWAM Muizenberg for a year, and lead the January DTS. I came here a few years ago to do a school of Biblical Studies, and felt God prompt me to stay and get involved. I really enjoy the DTS environment because I love learning, relating, and being with others who also do. My belief is that God can speak at any time through anything and anyone. So I always want to be open to Him in this. Recently, God has been encouraging me that there is more of His heart He wants to reveal to me in the nations…. Of course, I’m pretty excited! There’s always more ideas and possibilities to explore!

Hey... so I'm Michelle but I am also called, Mish, Meesh, Ameesh, Shelly, Mitch, Mitchy, Mitchkonovish, Mitchovski and more recently Chov's, I somehow seem to draw different names to myself, so I respond to all. (except Shelly belly)
I am originally from a place called Durban (East coast of S.A.- where it is almost always hot) but most who meet me, find that they cannot place my accent (which I use to my advantage on different occasion). My age is another mystery to most... so I'm not going to share it with you, until the right time. I come from a family of 5 (mom, dad, brother & sister) and pretty much grew up in a Christian family. I have done many different things - bookkeeping (basic), hockey coaching (field), worked at a video store, worked at a pre-school (kindergarten), worked at a veterinary clinic, volunteered at church, worked as an orthodontic assistant and now am a YWAM Missionary. (hopefully this does not give away my age). I have enjoyed most of these job.....So hopefully that gives you a little information about me.....peace out.


Staff:

My name is Henk van der Merwe, a mouth full for foreigners. I am South African, from Johannesburg . I have been staff with YWAM Muizenberg for 4 years, working with DTSs and also with the Intercessory Prayer School . I like Africa , soccer, people, but by far most of all I like seeing God show up and change peoples lives. He likes doing it too, and that is why I am here. I ride a bike, but I am not a biker. I surf, but I am not a surfer. I love God and His ways and that is what I want to be known for. I am intimidated by sharks, quite gullible, must not be asked to sing in public and still have not figured out how to fly with my own arms. I cannot wait to meet you!!!!


Hey everybody! I’m Elise, and I’m from the US. I grew up in a Dutch-festival- and-wooden-shoe- filled town known as Holland, in the state of Michigan. I did my DTS at this base last January, and studied psychology for a semester back home in Michigan before coming back here to staff. I love to draw, and being creative in general really. I enjoy being outside (especially here in beautiful Cape Town :), traveling, reading, and taking pictures. I’m also known to be somewhat accident-prone; I recently walked into a glass door, split my eyebrow open, had half of it shaved off, and got four stitches, so I might look a little peculiar when I meet you if it has not grown back by then . I love talking to people, really talking, and I’m hoping at some point in the future to open up a coffee shop (not of the Dutch variety, ha) that will be a place where young people can come and talk and be encouraged in their dreams and the gifts that God has given to them. That’s about it, I think, for now. I can’t wait to get to know all of you!


Hi Everybody! Welcome on the january DTS 2009!
I am Jenneke Zwijnenburg. I’m coming from the Netherlands where I studied social work. I have three brothers, one sister and two sisters in law  (most of them younger then me). After my study I worked for a little while. But I always wanted to go to foreign countries and ‘do something with my faith’ so... now its happening. After my DTS in january ’08 I am back in Muizenberg again! I love people, music, sports, friends, beautiful weather and....God! I am really excited for the DTS and for what God is going to do in and through our lives. I am convinced that there is a lot that Gods want to show us, a lot of who He is and what He has given us. And that He is so glad to see us here, all of us, with a different purpose, different personality and gifting... Living for the same God. I pray that this will be an amazing time of growth for all of us.
Bless, Jenneke

Hey everybody! My name is Justin and I’m from the sunny and really hot city of Johannesburg (at least it is right now!!). People have called me everything from Justo, Justification, Justintime and Justincredible to Jman, Jlow and even Jdawg... you could probably just add a J to the beginning of any word and I would respond!!
This is my first DTS I will be staffing, as I just did my DTS January of 2008 at the beautiful YWAM base in Muizenberg. My heart is for the young people of the world and seeing them come to know and walk in their God given destiny. Seeing young people on fire for God, filled with His power and unconditional love is what I’m all about!!
I love learning new languages (even though as an English South African I can only fluently speak English!),one of my favourite things to do is worship (so I’m trying really hard to learn to play the guitar!) and I love music, food, working out and reading a good book! I also enjoy being around nature (one of the main reasons I love Johannesburg) and getting to know people from all over the world!
Words cannot express how excited I am about meeting everyone, and witnessing how God moves in you and through you during this time!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

introductions

Hey everybody! Here are the intro paragraphs and photos that I have received so far. Enjoy getting to know each other a little bit before you come.

Hi, I'm Marie from Norway. I'm 20 years old, and at the moment I'm working in a nursery to save up for the DTS. We have only 1 year olds, and their favourite activity is making us change their nappies.
Last year i lived in London, and this year I thought it would be good travelling a bit further. I've always wanted to go to Africa, and also to take a DTS, so I'm excited to finally find out what it's like!
Home in Hamar, is loads of snow, and freezing. It's great for Christmas, but I'm looking very much forward to summer in Muizenberg. And also to meet all of you! See you soon!

My name is Michael and I'm 18 and live on the south coast of England. I have been to Cape Town once before which is where God first gave me the calling to do a DTS. I have been working as much as I can up to January. I love watching films and also like to edit videos. I am good with computers and I have facebook.

My name is Tim. I'm 19, and I've lived in London all my life. I completed my school/college education earlier in June 08. Before going to university I wanted to take a gap year (so I could come to Africa and go on the DTS), so since September I have been working as a receptionist (my first paid job). I've been at the same church for my whole life, a very relaxed, informal, Anglican church where my Dad used to be the vicar. My main hobbies are sport and music. I love most sports, but in particular football (soccer), rugby, tennis and ski-ing! I love playing guitar in our band at church, and going to concerts and just listening to great music! In the future I would love to work in Africa in economic delevopment and politics, and I dream of one day being British Prime Minister!

My name is Stefan, i'm 23 years old and I come from the small but beautiful country of Switzerland. That's probably one of the reasons why i love to spend time outside. I have an older brother and sister, so i am the youngest in my family, but I am taller than all of them :D, I'm exactly 1.95m. Some of my hobbies are taking pictures, reading books, travelling, cycling, running, swimming, playing football, hiking, reading more books, playing the guitar, listening to music and spending time with friends.
Before i can finally come to South Africa i have to finish my studies in economics at university (yes economics, don't ask me why :D).
What's more? I'm also Dutch citizen, so i hope to learn the Africaans language quickly. I am looking forward to get to know you all and to the things God has ready for us!!!



My name's dani and i'm 19! just left school and currently have no plans of ever going on to uni! but we will just have to see what God has planned i guess. i'm working as a street fundraiser at the moment in the lovely belfast for the charity children in crossfire.. and i'l be doing that until january 1st.. then travel down to s.a to hopefully be changed into a whole new woman of God! can't wait to have my outlook on life changed. exciting stuff!
but yes: God bless and i look forward to meeting you all in jan!xo

My full name is Elisabeth Grace Hannelore Faulkner. I am 18 years old and I live in Toronto Canada. I am the second oldest of four girls. I love art, and majored in visual arts at a high school geared towards the arts. Art is my hobby and passion. I also love to run, and used to play soccer at a very completive level. I have left North America only once, on a school trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. I have been wanting to get out into the world and do something since I was very young. I took a year off from school to figure out what I want to do with my life, and decided to go on a DTS. I found out about YWAM through my older sister who went on an Australian DTS in 07. The only thing that worries me about this trip is being away from my dog for such a long time period. Other wise I am excited beyond words to come to Cape Town. Right now I am a full time employee for American Apparel.


My name is Rebecca Crone. I am from Union, Kentucky, USA. I am so excited about meeting and getting to know everyone! This semester before DTS I have been working a few jobs in my community and full-time volunteering in my church. My hobbies and interests include church-family, work, school and sports. I graduated a year early and hope to make learning my life long vocation. I Ride, Ski and play Ultimate (a game I'm looking foreword to teaching everyone :D). There are a few "fun-facts" about myself.

Hey Hey!!!! My name is Jaclyn from South Africa , Cape Town … I’m 18 years old and I’m Afrikaans…I just finished my Matric year end Nov ( finally 12years of school is ova!!!) and at the moment I’m having an awesome time on my summer holiday.J Where can I start…HMMMMM!!! I’m really outspoken…I’m lank into art. My fav subject EvaJ. Painting and drawing is an awesome way to relax for me J(anything arty I rate)…I love the beach…I just can’t get enough of it…I mean who can???? I’m a really happy go luck Bettie … I’m lank into my music…totally love going 2music festsJJ!!! I’m super inluv with God and can’t stop bringing his name on high....He has changed my life in such an awesome way and I totally dedicate my life too serve him in all ways… I was going to go study fashion designing in 2009 but since I gave my heart full on to the Lord on a Botswana outreach I knew God wanted to use me in another way then just designing…I decided to take a gap year and do the DTS course through YWAM, before studding theology full time and design part time- I’m lank amped for it… I’m soooooo looking forward to the DTS course….C ya all there!!!!JJJ

My name is Keith Nelson. I'm married to a girl named Lisa who is going to be in South Africa with us. I like to do pretty much everything, so if you go do something please invite me. Thanks. I look forward to meeting you all.


Hey! My name is Lisa and I will be coming into lovely South Africa from Seattle, WA with my husband Keith. I am getting really excited about the adventure before us all! I can't wait to see how God will change us through our DTS! I just graduated from Seattle University in June with a Business Management degree. Keith and I have been dying to go on an International journey for years now and we're finally doing it with all ya'll! I thoroughly enjoy sports, in particular soccer (which I hope we'll all play together!), hiking, laughing, campfires, my family, the sunshine (deprived of it in Seattle), Jesus, and friendships. Lookin' forward to meeting you all!

I'm Michelle Brennan. I'm 18 years old and living in the lovely little country of Swaziland. I've lived here for 2 years with my family doing missions work. I like hanging out with people, hiking, swimming, taking pics, and doing just about anything that's fun and exciting! I'm super pumped to be doing a DTS. Can't wait to see what the Lord will do! Looking forward to meeting you all in January! And yes, I will bring my pet lion. God Bless.


My name is Caroline. I'm from Switzerland, 20 years old. I've got 4 brothers, love them all very much (mostly :-)). I like doing sports, especially soccer and snowboarding. I also like being involved in the christian scouts group, playing the guitar, doing arts and drawing and spending time with my friends and with children. My greatest love is Jesus. I want to get to know him better every day.This summer I finished school. At the moment I'm working as a secretary to earn some money for the DTS. After the DTS I will start with a school to become a teacher. I can't wait to come to the DTS start and to get to know you all.


I'll be adding more as soon as I get them. I hope this was helpful and good.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

flight info

Hey everybody!

One of your fellow students, Elisabeth, wanted to let you know her flight details in case any of you are booked or want to book the same flights as her. She will be leaving toronto on December 31st at 6:05pm, and then arriving in Amsterdam on January 1st at 7:15am. Im departing from Amsterdam at 9:55am and arriving in Cape Town at 10:30pm. She's flying dutch air lines (KLM).

If any of you want to get in touch with her, let me (Elise) know. Have a great day!

Friday, December 5, 2008

Here are a few photos of Muizenberg and the base.


Muizenberg Beach


The beach at sunset.



YWAM Muizenberg base from the front



The unadorned DTS classroom.



Relaxing in the sunroom on the base.


Inside the base, in the living area.


Work duties in the wash-up room.

A braai on the base.

An outreach team preparing for a bake-sale fundraiser.



Going surfing at the beach just down the road from the base.

I hope those were helpful and good to see. We will see you soon!