Rock Harbor South Africa

Things in South Africa are never what they seem to be...the first couple of days were HARD but God has been so good and provided me (and the team) with the strength to get through the days. The past two days have been so great and full of blessings! One of the many little "nuggets of God's goodness" I experienced was the other night when I slept in one of the girls' rooms. As all girls do we were up chatting for a while but these girls love to sing before they fall asleep and I was not going to stop them! These girls have the MOST amazing voices and to hear them signing in Xhosa as I fell asleep was one of the best gifts I could have received! BY far the good times have far outweighed the stressful times experienced thus far. Thanks for all the comments and prayers -- they are a HUGE blessing! And I've got to add this one...Go Patriots..beat those Jets!!! Blessings and Love, Claire

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Wow, I can't even believe we are here in South Africa, let alone it being our fourth day here. There have been some challenges, and times where I don't feel effective. Through it all God has been so faithful and amazing. God has brought us closer as a team and given us even more love for these kids. There are some amazing kids here, full of joy, compassion and an incredible knowledge of God and the bible. Today we got to swim with the kids and it was just down right fun. They also did a talent show tonight and I couldn't believe these kids. Talent oozes from their pores. My favorite was the native dances and singing, seriously they sound like angels. I am so thankful and feel so privileged to be here and serving with an amazing team and phenomenal kids. Oh and did I mention it is hot, beautiful and I got a little bit of a tan. Man now you're all going to think I am on vacation! So on that note, miss you Kameron and Harley and love you...you too Mom and thanks to everyone praying.
Jennifer

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Siobahnne here.

There's a natural rhythm to South Africa. Laid back, but strong. It feels like the heart beat of creation. Today was a good day, and I feel many of us really found and rested in that rhythm.

Today was the day of the Talent Show. Something the kids went crazy for! I was smartly informed by the 11th grade class that reading a book was not considered an acceptable talent for the Talent Show (these kids have me pegged already!). I was able to barter with Azile a little. I would sing, but only if she would accompany me with voice and drum.

We sat outside before dinner today, and we sang Cannons together and for a few moments everything stopped. The world was still. And then our voices faded with the ending of the song and it was as though all of creation applauded. The wind started blowing, the trees swayed back and forth, the animals raised their voices. It was an incredible moment from God.

These kids are seriously talented and they blessed us in abundance tonight in song and dance. It was beautiful, and I couldn't keep the grin off my face as I watched them shine. Such beauty and joy should be protected.

Today was a much better day for us. Classes were blessed and prayer was the foundation of everything we did today. It's hard to believe the week is almost over.

Prayer requests:

...The kids leave to go home for the weekend tomorrow afternoon. Please pray for safety and smart choices. Already some of the kids are indicating that when they go home they will not be making the best of choices and of course we want what's best for them.

...Like most kids middle school and high school age, there can be a lot of negativity among peers. We are blessed to have Sinethemba here as a mediator between the team and the kids. He really called the kids out tonight on the way they put each other down and hurt each other. Pray for them in this. It's so easy to be mean to one another, and often so much harder to continually love one another. Help them love and lift up, not hate and tear down.

...Continue to pray for our team. Tomorrow is a new day and anything can happen. His mercies are new every morning, but it's also another day within which the devil may find a foothold. Keep us strong against the enemy Lord.

...Pray for rest this weekend for us. We get a slight reprieve before the OVC camp begins and we could really use it. The guys are beginning to catch Wood's cold and I know many of us girls are just tired from constantly being on the go.

...Please pray that the Spiders continue to stay away. Laugh all you want... but it's important to us.

We love you all so much. South Africa is winning pieces of our hearts and it's a blessing to be able to share this with you. Please keep praying, and know that we are praying for you also. Your efforts and support mean so much to us here.

God bless you all!