Flying into Cape Town, South Africa was amazing; I have always believed the most beautiful landscape is where the mountains meet the ocean. I mean, why pick just one?! As we began our descent, I had a unique vantage point - one that we are not typically privy to unless in flight. From that small plane window, I noticed the lushness of the landscape in the valley of the mountain range. Being a Florida girl, I don't know much about mountains, so I leaned over and asked my husband why. His answer was simple, and something I probably should have known (I blame exhaustion from the 23-hour flight), but the way he said it hit me... "There's fertile soil in the valleys." My heart skipped a beat. This is so true. We went on about our trip and explored as much as we could in the 8 days we had there. A few days were spent in those lush valleys enjoying small tastes of its fruit's juice and great food, the others, spent working our way to the mountain tops to soak in the views. As we "hiked" (in our flip flops) to the peaks, we were tired and (some of us) needed to catch our breath along the way. But once we arrived, we instantly forgot the pain it took to get there because of the spectacular views - the ones that photographs can't even begin to capture. The funny thing, once we were able to take a look around, and snap a couple selfies, we couldn't (and honestly wouldn't want to) stay there all day. I believe this is why people make millions selling t-shirts and other souvenirs at the top. You can't stay there forever, but you want something to help you remember the feeling, the view, and to be able to tell others about your experience - proof you have been there. Beyond said souvenir stand, there is not much work to be done at the top. That's not where the most fertile soil is. The valleys are where we grow, where our faith grows, and where the fruit is produced - where we learn more about who God created us to be, who He is, and what He wants to do through us. I had the opportunity to visit some of our very best friends' church, The Journey Church Livonia, this past weekend, and while teaching on God's promises, Pastor Bill Comai said, "The gap between when God says it and when you see it is where faith grows." That's the valley, friends. Valleys aren't bad - they are necessary, and without them, there would be no peaks. See, from where I was in that plane - above it all - I had a grander perspective. I could see the mountaintops and the valleys. The whole picture. From God's perspective (like mine in the plane that day), He knows where we are and where we are headed. He has ordained it all - the mountains we are facing from the valley or the peaks we are standing atop. As we prepare to launch Cape House, some days feel like an uphill climb - like we are never going to be able to relax and take a selfie of that view from the top. But I am reminded as long as we stay planted, fully rooted in the One who guides, we can be confident that He will produce fruit through us along the way. So, if you are in the valley, huffing and puffing in your flip flops, remember to keep your eyes fixed on the One who knows your next step. If you are on your mountaintop, take a moment to acknowledge the valley you just came out of, thank God for what He did in your life while you were there, and then keep moving - there is more work to be done. xo,