Oh Happy Day...

I used that title because for some reason I overheard some one singing or humming that song or some version of it at least 3 different times today. So I figured it might be fitting to tell you why this was a "happy" day for us:

1. Even though it was a South African National Holiday (Women's Day), we were able to go in to Sweet Home. We were grateful that Sisanda and 2 other CHEs gave up some of their day off to host an OVC (Orphan and Vulnerable Children) meeting. It was also great to have Matt and Kristy Andre join us again this week (as they will be making Thursday trips to Sweet Home a part of their regular routine during their time here in South Africa).
2. We were able to meet with the OVC group of about 21 children (between that ages of 6-16) in the building that is currently being used by the creche (preschool). Please be praying over this building, and those who use it, as there seem to be many points of contention over who has the right to use the building and when then can use it, etc. The time with the OVC group was a really great! We only were able to be with them for a couple of hours, but I would say it was quality time. We started of with a couple of Xhosa worship songs led by 9 year-old, Akhona and then I was able to share a verse with them (1 Peter 5:7 "Casting all your cares on Him, for He cares for you.") and talk a little bit about what it means to know that God cares for each of us as individuals; not only that He cares for us, but he also cares about what we might worry about or have anxieties about. We took time to break in to small groups and pray with and for these children before having fun with a craft and a game. It was some precious time that we had to be spent with this group of children and we are so grateful to have the CHEs , like Nelly & Mkulie, who work with Sisanda to keep this group going. As always one of the hardest things for me is saying goodbye and leaving Sweet Home, but I am so appreciative of the time we had there.
3. Back at the Academy I might have been in "hog heaven". We split the students up into 6 teams and had an Olympic Trivia Challenge. I was so impressed with how well they did and how seriously they took the task (and I didn't even promise prizes, although I am getting prizes for the winners)! After our Olympic Trivia Challenge we had a little time to dance the Cha-Cha Slide and play Big Booty, as well as a few other games that the students taught us before dinner.
4. At evening devotions with the students, after worship (where Emily is going gang-busters with teaching them all sorts of new worship songs which they love & pick up amazingly quickly), Kim led the students in lesson on Breath Prayer. Once again I lucked out and had a great discussion group when it was time to talk about Breath Prayer. I was with Aphiwe, Thandile, Kanyo, & Lusanda and we talked about how this type of prayer, although different from what we might be most familiar with is really great for when you just don't know the words to say.



Trivia Teams

5. It was a gorgeous day so we were able to be outside in the sunshine without the chilly wind today. I think that the students are enjoying this nice weather as well...it is helping to alleviate some of the "cabin fever" type feelings they might get being inside all the time during the rainy season.

 Thank you for your continued prayers! Specifically we would ask for you to pray for our health and also a couple of different meetings that are coming up.  Tomorrow some representatives from Common Ground Church in Cape Town will be coming out to Bridges Academy; please be praying for discernment in regards to this potential partnership. On this coming Tuesday Sisanda has a meeting in regards to the location of the informal school in Sweet Home, ask for the Lord to bring resolution to this situation. ❤ keira

OVC Group in Sweet Home