“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:11-14
What an amazing thing God has promised us!! It has been such an important verse for us to keep in mind this past week. In our time here at Bridges, and also throughout life, it’s easy to forget that ultimately, we are not in control. It has been such a wonderful experience to really have to let go here and rely on God and have faith that what his plans for us here in Africa are, are so much bigger than we could ever imagine!!
Our days here have been filled with many blessings. It has been great to connect with the kids on a personal and spiritual level. It is such an eye opener to learn about their stories and past and hear how they came to know the Lord. Even through all of the hardships and unimaginable things these kids have been through, God has just completely restored their sprits. There faith is something I can’t even begin to explain! Their love and commitment to God exudes from their pores!
Last night was a night I will never forget! We had girl’s night. We danced all night long, painted each other’s nails and made friendship bracelets. We were all in our element! I don’t remember the last time I felt this free to just go wild and be a total girl! We talked about God, boys, family and friends…you name it we covered it. It was a great reminder that these girls are just crazy teenagers with the same hopes and the same issues that we all had to deal with at one time.
While the girls were in the house, all the guys got a chance to hang out in the shed. We played pool, listened to music, and kicked the soccer ball around. God really blessed our time. Hanging out together without an agenda or objective other than just being available really opened the doors for some meaningful discussions that went on late into the evening.
They kids really seem to be responding well to the classes we’ve put together to prepare them for the upcoming year. We’ve reviewed the benefits of positive character traits, shared practical tools to improve the quality of their study time, demonstrated and practiced healthy conflict resolution, and discussed what it means to be true leader.
We are excited about what God has in store for our team, the kids, and Sweet Home as we persevere and continue to seek His plan and purpose for our time here. Please pray that we continue to exercise faith and obedience as our comfort zones are challenged so that we may be confident that nothing was held back and ultimately that God was glorified.
Blessings,
Chelsea and Alan
What an amazing thing God has promised us!! It has been such an important verse for us to keep in mind this past week. In our time here at Bridges, and also throughout life, it’s easy to forget that ultimately, we are not in control. It has been such a wonderful experience to really have to let go here and rely on God and have faith that what his plans for us here in Africa are, are so much bigger than we could ever imagine!!
Our days here have been filled with many blessings. It has been great to connect with the kids on a personal and spiritual level. It is such an eye opener to learn about their stories and past and hear how they came to know the Lord. Even through all of the hardships and unimaginable things these kids have been through, God has just completely restored their sprits. There faith is something I can’t even begin to explain! Their love and commitment to God exudes from their pores!
Last night was a night I will never forget! We had girl’s night. We danced all night long, painted each other’s nails and made friendship bracelets. We were all in our element! I don’t remember the last time I felt this free to just go wild and be a total girl! We talked about God, boys, family and friends…you name it we covered it. It was a great reminder that these girls are just crazy teenagers with the same hopes and the same issues that we all had to deal with at one time.
While the girls were in the house, all the guys got a chance to hang out in the shed. We played pool, listened to music, and kicked the soccer ball around. God really blessed our time. Hanging out together without an agenda or objective other than just being available really opened the doors for some meaningful discussions that went on late into the evening.
They kids really seem to be responding well to the classes we’ve put together to prepare them for the upcoming year. We’ve reviewed the benefits of positive character traits, shared practical tools to improve the quality of their study time, demonstrated and practiced healthy conflict resolution, and discussed what it means to be true leader.
We are excited about what God has in store for our team, the kids, and Sweet Home as we persevere and continue to seek His plan and purpose for our time here. Please pray that we continue to exercise faith and obedience as our comfort zones are challenged so that we may be confident that nothing was held back and ultimately that God was glorified.
Blessings,
Chelsea and Alan
It was great to hear that the Guys & Girls' nights went well & that you had some good quality down time with the kids. What an awesome opportunity to get to know one another better. Love & prayers from CA.
ReplyDeleteoh to see the kids and your photos- brings back great memories and we are sending you love and strength and empowerment from Jesus Christ. bless you all and drink in every minute of your time. give the Shays our love at SweetHome and we are praying for you all. love kathi
ReplyDeleteGreat pics! So glad you're all connecting with the students! Prayers that your connections grow deeper and deeper and that God shows up in big ways during the trip!
ReplyDelete-Brent
I spy Andile! That kid brings me so much joy.
ReplyDeleteWhat fun to hear about your guys/girls nights! I pray that you guys find the moments for "the one" while you are there.