Day 13: There is nothing like hearing a group of orphans sing praise songs.

Today was too stinking rad. We woke up before the sun and hit the road to make it to Aquila, a safari game drive. It was probably one of the coolest things ever. We got sooo ridiculously close to all the animals. It is so neat to see God's creations up close and personal. Such a testament to what an amazing, holy, and creative God we belong to.

Sadly, when we got home we had to say goodbye to our friend, sister in Christ and one of our leaders Lailanie, as she left a day early to make it to a wedding in time. She will be missed on our last day!

Afterward, we hosted "South Africa's Got Talent." The Bridges students and some of the RH team have been practicing different talents for weeks, and tonight was the night they got to show them off. It is absolutely unbelievable how talented these kids are.

After the talent show concluded, we gathered outside and had a bonfire. It was probably the best way we could have possibly ended out our journey in South Africa. It started out with fun games and dancing around the fire, but as the night dwindled down, we mellowed it down a bit. As we all held the kids and sang praise songs around the fire, I think we each realized how much we have fallen in love with these students the past two weeks, and how difficult going home will be.

As Michael said this evening, "I've seen miracles happen every day on this trip--What will it look like to go back home?"

Here is a bit from our teammate Kelsey,

"Wow! What an amazing experience! I can't put into words how amazing God has been these past 2 weeks. I have to admit that I was hesitant about coming on this trip. Will I get enough fundraising? What would I teach, would I be able to teach it? Will I be able to connect with people from a completely different lifestyle and culture? But most of all, how can I teach someone about God when I have my own doubts, confusion, and insecurities?
All I can say is that God can do some pretty incredible things when you're able to be vulnerable. The more I opened up to others and asked to see Him the more it became evident that He is here; from praying for a women sufferring from HIV and aches all over her body; who then danced around the room once the prayer was over, to seeing precious little boys and girls accept Christ.
I am afraid to come back, ok I said it, and I can say I am not the only one on the team. Not only will I have to leave this beautiful place and the even more beautiful people, but I won't be living day in, day out with a small community of fellow believers. Instead I'll be returning to a world where most people's main focus isn't to do God's will of serving others. A world where most people don't know or care for their neighbors, and a society driven by materialism and self-centerdness.
My main fears are how will I be able to keep the changes that I've made and be able to explain what has happened to others who weren't here with me? I know tomorrow will be so sad and upsetting for us as we say good-bye and leave the safe haven of a mission trip. So please not only pray for us for safe travels, but pray for the transition back home. Pray that we don't become numb to what has happened by falling into our old routines. We aren't the same, and we can't be. My hope is that we will pray, love, and feel God's presence as strongly back at home as we have throughout these two weeks." -Kelsey


Transitioning back home can be very difficult. But here is a letter from Dennis and Susan (the leaders of Bridges of Hope) that better explains how you, as family and friends, can help us transition. One of the worst things about coming home, is that people don't ask questions, or know what to ask. So here is a list of suggestions:

"It is normal for people returning from a trip like this to be faced with some unique challenges re-entering American life. Though Franschhoek, where they stayed, has many first world elements, the overall environment in South Africa is very different from that in America and the issues that are daily struggles for our friends here are unique to a nation ravaged by HIV/AIDS. When the team returns home it will be a transition as they adapt to the environment, relationships and overall life there. It is common for people returning from a time of ministering abroad to experience reverse culture shock, often times over the little things of life, such as driving on the other side of the road, or by being confronted with values that are at odds with those of the people they have been ministering to.

The team had a powerful ministry in South Africa and they will have many stories to share about lives that were touched, including their own, while serving here.

As the people closest to the team members, and as those I was asked to send this letter to, you will play a key role in creating a smooth re-entry back into life at home. The most important thing you can do is to offer your listening ear. Be prepared to take them out for Starbucks or Peets and invest some time asking questions, looking at pictures and enjoying the stories they will have to tell. If you ask questions like the ones below, you will help them to process the many things they have just experienced (and it will keep them from repeating the same general answers over and over again):

• Share with me about one experience you had in South Africa that touched your heart.

• Tell me about one person who affected your understanding of love, ministry, joy in suffering, etc.

• Are there any symbols that represent the trip in your mind?

• How did God reveal Himself to you during this trip?

• How are you different as a result of this experience?

Encourage them in the ongoing ministry at home that will spring forth from this experience.

Please let us know if you would like to receive quarterly newsletters or weekly prayer updates from Bridges.

God bless you,

Dennis and Susan Wadley

Bridges of Hope

DennisW@BridgesWorldwide.org

www.bridgesworldwide.org "

Thank you everyone. Please pray for our goodbyes with the students, and for our flight home.