First off--I'm sorry. I have had a few opportunities to blog but it's so intimidating. How can I put into words how strongly I feel about this place, these people, and the experiences we've endured? I want to give as much credit as I can with my words but words alone can fail to do justice. Regardless I will attempt to update y'all. Last I talked to you I had moved into my host family's house neh?(the local's way of saying yeah) well I am on the other side of the country now in the outskirts of Darling. The western cape is utterly breathtaking. There are valleys surrounded by mountains sprinkled with farm fields, wild flowers and small farm towns in between. Jeria Sending is the church/farm/home/kids club etc. place we are staying. Pastor Gert (produced like a combination of hurt and hat but with a throaty gah hahh thing) and Evelyn are the sweetest leaders with two kids, Zoë and Nahum, that melt hearts left and right. What they do is bring Jesus all over the area. Every Sunday there are two services but they change location. They travel to different farms and those close by come and worship. Like the church services, they travel to schools all over and share the word of God to classes. We have had the pleasure to climb into the back of the bakkies (pickups) and travel 30 mins give or take to schools in surrounding areas and minister to God's children. Our team has taken on the task of writing sermons, bible studies, kids lesson, and devotionals as well as giving the lessons and testimonies. We were intimidated by the word sermon and the fact that we plan everything we say and do with the community. We are now in the groove of things and support each other very very well. It's exciting to share and experience God speaking through you.
Showers and wifi are not a thing for 4 weeks (halfway through). We take bucket baths and go to town on Saturday's to use the local coffee shop's wifi. We smell fabulous and have had moments of going crazy due to being with the same 12 people with no contact with the outside world. But we are doing well. Tyler (the boy of the team) gave a nice message to the team Thursday night and refreshed our minds. He washed our feet like Jesus did to the disciples. We all needed the refocus and spend some alone time with God. God is very active in each and every one's heart. I don't think I can ever explain how much love I have for this team. We are humbled by how well we get along and how strongly everyone compliments the team in their own unique way.
While in Centurion we would stay with our host families and travel
to Olieven everyday to work in the school. I had the joy to teach along side Ma'am Martha to the sweetest grade twos around. Olieven filled me up and I miss it greatly. 3 weeks and I felt at home. Hopefully we will be able to see our host family one more time before we leave the country.
Prayer requests: all of the children impacted by FAS (fetal alcohol syndrome), that the community lessens drug and alcohol abuse, our team to remain strong, and that our bunk beds don't collapse.
Peace and blessings ❤️
Showers and wifi are not a thing for 4 weeks (halfway through). We take bucket baths and go to town on Saturday's to use the local coffee shop's wifi. We smell fabulous and have had moments of going crazy due to being with the same 12 people with no contact with the outside world. But we are doing well. Tyler (the boy of the team) gave a nice message to the team Thursday night and refreshed our minds. He washed our feet like Jesus did to the disciples. We all needed the refocus and spend some alone time with God. God is very active in each and every one's heart. I don't think I can ever explain how much love I have for this team. We are humbled by how well we get along and how strongly everyone compliments the team in their own unique way.
While in Centurion we would stay with our host families and travel
to Olieven everyday to work in the school. I had the joy to teach along side Ma'am Martha to the sweetest grade twos around. Olieven filled me up and I miss it greatly. 3 weeks and I felt at home. Hopefully we will be able to see our host family one more time before we leave the country.
Prayer requests: all of the children impacted by FAS (fetal alcohol syndrome), that the community lessens drug and alcohol abuse, our team to remain strong, and that our bunk beds don't collapse.
Peace and blessings ❤️