World Mission Sunday is February 15!  To prepare ourselves to celebrate the many ways in which The Episcopal Church participates in God’s mission around the world, we present these blogs from our missionaries.

Guest Blogger: Ryan Zavacky from the diocese of Eastern Michigan, serving as a member of the Young Adult Service Corps in Grahamstown, South Africa.

 Two years ago this month, I was baptized into Christ’s Church at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Alma, MI.

That day was an absolutely amazing day filled with many friends and family, and at that time, one of the most powerful experiences of God’s love I have ever felt. Now, two years later, I am even more struck by God’s love.

Lately, I have been really struck by the fact that I am living in South Africa. I know I should have probably realized this 4ish months ago, but you know life and things are happening. The great presence of God’s love has been from the amazing people I have met. I have become friends with many beautiful souls in my time in South Africa. Makhulos who give anything to the many children they watch, the strength of the schools social worker and the school counselor to the horrific stories they hear, and most importantly the wisdom of the little people I watch. They really are wise little people.

On our daily drive down the dirt road, Pheliswa, a third grader, and I talked about many things. One day I thought I would ask her is she was scared leaving Holy Cross next year and going to a new big school. Having changed many schools in life, I thought I could shed some light on changing schools. She told me, “of course I am nervous Bhuti, who wouldn’t be. But changing is life.” I was so profoundly struck by the wisdom of this little girl.

I have loved the journey my faith has taken me on in South Africa. It is really crazy how quickly my faith has taken me to the ends of the earth!

I can see God’s work in the world first hand. It is really interesting the things that can happen if you give up your plans for your life and let God control it. I never planned on going to Africa, but I am so happy I did.