Siobahnne here.
There will be a post from Wood and Tanya in the morning, but for now we're all exhausted and ready to be asleep! We have an early morning tomorrow (as always) and a place to attend church before the OVC kids arrive.
As many of you know, today we spent the day in Cape Town. With the CHEs we went to Robben Island and learned some important historical facts pertaining to this amazing country we're visiting. It actually reminded me a lot of the story of Joseph. Robben Island is this beautiful island filled with so much pain. The prison there housed many men who unjustly served out long and cruel sentences. It amazes me that the men who walked away from that prison walked away with a heart seeking redemption, not revenge. The do not hide the fact that horrible things happened there, but they rose above in that place. My heart truly felt God's hand at work there.
We also had a big answered prayer today! We saw PENGUINS! A childhood dream came true for me today in seeing penguins in their natural habitat. It was incredible.
We had lunch with the CHE's (after which, I got to hold one of the women's adorable 3 month old son!) and then the team got to wander around Cape Town for a while.
Now for the truly exciting part:
Sinethemba lead us to UCT and we got a tour of parts of his University! The UCT campus is amazing (I may have to look into their Doctorate programs...) and it was awesome to see how far he has come in his life. He's been such a blessing to us here at Bridges, and as a graduate of the academy all of the students look up to him. We say it jokingly, but he really is a big deal here, and he handles that responsibility very well. He's been a huge inspiration to us all.
Some prayer requests:
...Giant white spider thing in the building tonight. I did not have to see it (Thank God!) and Wood and Tanya got rid of it. But please keep the anti-spider and anti-bug prayers going!!!
...Pray for rest and refreshment for the team. We're tired, but still kicking!
...Pray for the CHEs, translators, OVC kids and the team tomorrow as we begin this next part of our trip here. Pray for open hearts, open minds, clear communication and lots of love all around.
...Pray for Steph. Don't know if you guys have hear, but she may have torn her achilles. She's in an ankle brace and really hurting and could use the prayer.
Love and Blessings to you all!
Hey team! We are definitely praying for you. The Che's are amazing! There stories are so precious. It is definitely stretching because they don't all speak English, but even just sitting with them is so special.
ReplyDeleteSo cool that you got to go to UCT! Sinethemba is an amazing man of God who has pushed past the hardship. God is already using him mightily.
As you move into the OVC Camp, we are praying for extra strength and patience. Remember to stop for that one child or one Che and make that your moment for the day. God is with you, and with Him the possiblities are endless! Love you guys!
2 Samuel 22:33 "It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure."
Give Sisanda, Akhona, and Soso a big hug from us! And all the other precious ones, too! There is just something so perfect about sitting and holding one of those little ones!!!
Good Morning Africa! So glad to hear that you had a relaxing day off. May God continue to fill your hearts and his glory shine through you all. SO many people are praying for you all. When i go to the store (anywhere for that matter) I tell anyone who will talk to me what you all are doing and ask them to pray for you all. WOW, in a week you will be landing on our ground. So excited to hear your voice Nicole. I miss you so much, this has been kinda hard on me. I think about you every minute of the day. Allison & Owen got on their knees last night and prayed for their Aunt Nicole. (so cute and so serious) May God bless you and keep those spiders away. Mom
ReplyDeleteHi all. May all your dreams and endeavors unfold before you. I know they will. Bless you all.
ReplyDeleteJeff
We're glad you all had a good first week, and a better Saturday. Excited to hear you finally saw your penguins!! Keep writing, we look forward to seeing your posts every night. Wishing you a good second week. Love, Dad and MommaJean
ReplyDeleteSending love and prayers to all of you in South Africa. Hearing about your experiences has filled me with such light this past week, and is helping me understand my own journey with God more. I shall continue the "spider prayers" and can't wait to hear more about this amazing journey you all are taking. You are missed!
ReplyDeleteSally