The hours are flying by and I want to grab onto every one and never let it go. Time begins to seem so precious when it's running out.
We had an amazing afternoon with the Academy kids today. We spent some time swimming with them and just catching up on their school weeks. We then finished the night off with a movie and ice cream in the conference room of the retreat center. It was awesome to get some more quality time with these kids. All of us received some amazing letters from the kids and I know it made our night. They feel like we came here to bless them but we know that truthfully it was them that blessed us. These kids have taught us so much and our experiences here are things we will never forget.
Girl Sive brought her book of poetry with her tonight and just the honor of reading it was enough to make me tear up. Most of the notes we got from her contained a poem as well. Aphiwe said he's going to college (especially because I may have told him I'm more stubborn that he is and will be praying every day for him). These notes from the kids are something we'll cherish forever.
The first few days may have been rough, but I lost my heart to these kids on that first day and I wouldn't change it for the world.
Prayer requests:
... Pray for our last day with the kids tomorrow. We start off the morning with a Pear Picking Party because a local packing plant agreed to buy them from the students so they can use the money to repair the school bicycles. We'll be helping them with that tomorrow morning.
... Keep those anti-spider/anti-bug prayers coming. Bug bites have been down to a minimum which we are very thankful for. Apparently a giant crab sized spider wandered into the conference room last night and Sinethemba took care of it. All while I was already in bed, which I am thankful for!
... Pray for our hearts tomorrow. We're a bit home sick and yet a part of us doesn't want to leave here either. Give us strength to go with a piece of our hearts missing. Pray for a continued relationship with the kids here and the strength to be praying for them always.
... Pray for a quick trip through Customs tomorrow (and that we don't lose Jared this time) and safe flights home.
I'll try to have up one more post before we leave tomorrow, but if not, we love you all and we'll see you Sunday.
Hey team,
ReplyDeleteWe know how difficult the last few days and hours with the kids are... there's a part of you that wants to go home because you miss your friends and family; there's another part where the thought of leaving hurts so much and you want to stay forever...
Those letters are true treasures. Aren't those kids amazing and so thoughtful?
Praying you home team. For precious last moments with the Academy kids, for your hearts to be prepared and comforted, for safety and no issues in customs, and for Jared to stick with the team! :)
So, so proud of you all and cannot wait to hear all that God did through you and in you. God is so pleased with your hard work, obedience, sacrifice, and most of all, for loving on His people in South Africa.
See you all at the airport! We'll be the obnoxious Americans carrying 'welcome home' signs :)
Love, Lailanie