Hey everyone, Lailanie here, doing my due diligence and writing on the blog even though I am not fond of writing at all!:) The special visitor actually came to Bridges yesterday, but time and schedule got away from me and I haven't had a chance to write until tonight...
One of the best things about coming to South Africa is by far the relationships we are able to build with the students at the Academy and the kids and CHE's in Sweet Home. Having had the privilege of serving in South Africa the last 5 years, I feel so blessed to have made true connections and friends on the other side of the world. Being here honestly feels like home.
Last Sunday after the amazing church service, I was in my room when one of the team members yells, "Lailanie, you have to come out here and see who's outside, NOW!" As I run to the front of the retreat center, I see Sinethemba standing in the hallway. I happily let out an excited scream and give him a big hug.
Sinethemba graduated from Bridges Academy in December of 2009 and is now attending the prestigious University of Cape Town. I met him on my 2008 trip and have seen him ever year since. He comes back to the Academy often, wanting to visit and give back to the school that gave him a second chance. We spent the afternoon catching up, sharing stories from about students and teams from years past, and just had a great time hanging out. It meant so much that he took the time to meet the team and encourage the current students, when I know he had a a lot of school work to do.
It was also so inspirational to have him around, to know his background as a orphaned township boy who got the incredible opportunity to get a quality, Christian education at Bridges Academy, and is living out his faith as he goes to college. Anyone who has ever come in contact with Sinethemba knows how intelligent, driven, and funny he is, and we all have no doubt he is going to go far and do great things for the Kingdom.
As we have 1 more week here in South Africa, I look around at the kids here at the Academy and I am so grateful God has chosen each one to bless with this opportunity. Yes, these kids as orphans have had struggles and will continue to struggle, but we have faith that God is in control, loves them more than we ever could, and will take care of each one. I also have the hope and dream that one day, the little ones in Sweet Home that we hold, play with, and hug each day will also have the same opportunity...
God is so much bigger than I can ever comprehend and I have full trust and faith that He has good plans for each one.
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Hey everyone! Brennan here, wrapping up the blog with some updates on our time with the kids at Bridges today!
Today was such a great day at the academy! We started off our after school program with our first day of HIV/AIDS education with our special guest Kathi Winters. We are so blessed to have such an amazing woman of God here along side with us during our ministry here. We have outlined our week with the kids to focus on three aspects of living with or knowing someone with the virus/syndrome. The three sides of the topic we are focusing on the Body, Mind, and Soul.
Today we kicked off with talking about the Body and how the virus/syndrome affects the human body, including ways of transmission, as well as some facts and information regarding transmission and some myths/stigmas surrounding HIV/AIDS. Our academy team performed a powerful drama which incorporated the facts about transmission in a dramatic visual way for the kids to see. In addition to the drama, we had several of our team members share testimonies about their lives, specifically areas of their lives where they found themselves in a sinful life, becoming vulnerable to HIV/AIDS, and the power of repentance and finding the welcoming love from the Father when one turns from sin and chooses God. The story of the Prodigal Son was shared, and God spoke to the kids so clearly through this story.
Overall, in our two hour session with the kids today, God showed up in a BIG way. Not only was truth spoken about HIV/AIDS, confronting lifetimes of lies and stigmas, but the healing and saving power of Jesus Christ and his love for us was echoing throughout our time with the kids. Super powerful. Super God filled time. Praise the Lord for this opportunity to educate the students here.
Thank you all for your prayers and love. We totally feel the support from all around the world! Please continue to pray for the kids, the team, and the education on HIV/AIDS. Pray that the kids hearts and minds are opened wide as we teach them and share with them.
God is truly doing an amazing work here, and it is such a privilege to see it happen right here right now in the lives of these kids. We love you so much! Thanks for everything!
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