At YWAM Muizenberg we believe you have so much to give and offer and will be an integral part of our community. That being said the mission field can at times be a very lonely place and, although we try to create as many opportunities as possible for isolation not to be felt, this can be a reality for anyone moving their lives to join a new community (and for many a new nation). We recommend doing whatever you can to plug yourself into the YWAM Community. Speak up, express your needs. We want to help your time on staff with us be as meaningful and life giving as possible. We want to know you and to see you all flourishing in your missionary journey.
A few things to consider as a single person in missions:
What type of accommodation is right for you? Where is right for you? What can you afford?
What do you need to budget for so that you can be fully independent around the city? (This may look like making sure your accommodation is safe, to buying a car)
What are your individual expectations for joining YWAM Muizenberg? And moving to Cape Town?
What do you need in order to not feel isolated or lonely in your time in missions?
How can I more deeply immerse myself in the local culture?
If you are dating (whether someone in the area or long distance) what healthy expectations and boundaries can you as a couple put in place to protect your hearts, your relationship and your commitment to the call of God on your life as individuals?
We highly recommend that you have many conversations about your expectations before you arrive as YWAM Muizenberg staff. Often upon joining something new (especially if you are moving to another part of the world) there are many expectations (and much excitement) that you may have (whether or not you are aware of it). These could be expectations of the culture, your accommodation, yourself, your ministry role, your team, your team leader or YWAM leadership (to name a few). It would be a great idea to speak these over with your team leader. Do you expect to have a weekly coffee with your team leader? Do you expect a welcome party upon arrival? Often uncommunicated expectations can be areas that create deep pain if they go unmet, especially if they happen early on in your missionary journey. If you have expectations of your leader (even before arriving): tell them. We as YWAM Muizenberg are far from perfect and may not meet all your expectations but it is better to communicate them up front so that you can be told whether or not that is realistic and achievable.