Today marks a week from leaving home and also the big talent show. (FYI our team has been working on a dance routine for weeks and we Brought It!) Ill get to that later.. We put together an appreciation lunch for all the staff here at Bridges. We had all the students take time to write words of encouragement to each one and gave it to them over salad and pizza. It was the first time we had the opportunity to really meet and get to know the staff. This team of teachers and administrators not only sacrifice many comforts, but have devoted themselves to these kids to give hope in Christ and a future outside the townships. They give them confidence to move beyond their own expectations. Long story short.. THEY ARE AMAZING and deserve much more than what we can offer.
As I mentioned, tonight was the big talent show. So much fun! We have been practicing a dance routine to One Direction's "What Makes You Beautiful". We received a standing ovation (even though I personally stood in the back and pretended to know what I was doing) The students got to share their talents tonight with us and blew us away! These students have talent that needs to be seen and heard beyond the gates here at the Academy.
After the talent show we had a dance party in the dining hall. Taylor and Russell led the kids in the "The Wobble" and the students started a drum line on the tables. I joined in to show my mad table drumming skills until I found out there not supposed to drum on the tables.. Sorry Bridges Staff! While the others were dancing I looked around the room and found one of the students who wasn't dancing. When I asked him why he wasn't dancing he didn't respond. I could tell that something was wrong and didn't feel apart of the group. I picked up a notepad and a pen and sat next to him and in my best Simon Cowell impression I said "Absolutely Dreadful!" I got a smirk and he joined right in. After he grabbed his own notepad, we turned the dance floor into an audition for our own talent show. We had the best time scoring everyones dance moves and even pulled people aside to ask "Why do you think you should be the next star of our new show?" Definitely made a new connection tonight and cant wait to follow up with him these coming days.
Tomorrow marks the first day of the CHE retreat and we spent the rest of the night getting together notes and materials for the weekend. We would love prayer for all of us who are teaching The CHE's and the students this weekend. Pray for open hearts and open minds to the teachings. That we are filled with the Holy Spirit while we deliver the wisdom and hope of Jesus Christ. We love you all and love your comments and encouragement. Please respond so we can hear from you. We look forward to reading your comments every night.
Cant wait to write about tomorrow! Talk to you soon,
Jeff
#1- today was the first day I was not in a session at a conference, so I didn't have to sneak a peak on my iPad to see if there was a new blog post up yet!
ReplyDelete#2- I'm really hoping someone filmed the dance performance! I'm sure the kids were beyond excited to see you all perform! #OneDirectionRH
#3- It is a blessing to hear how God is allowing each of you to have unique opportunities with individuals, whether it be staff, students, CHEs, or kids in Sweet Home! I'm praying that this weekend is truly blessed (even though it will be a busy time) not just for the CHEs & the students as you spend time with them, but that it would be blessed for each of you as individuals!
♥ keira
I am so glad you are able to use your super nerdy talents to bless those in South Africa dear (this is Jeff's wife)...I am sure they will never forget the awkward white guy who tried to dance and ended up looking like a dude having seizures lol! I love how you all continue to show us so much energy and affection for those kids! It is an encouragement to us all to do more :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun dance party to celebrate the end of a great week together! Lots of love to the team as you enter your last week together. Praying for all of you and your work during your time together. Lots of love to Aunt Kimmie!! Charlie, Chad, and Kat
ReplyDeleteHey - could ypu please have Russell fax me permission to sign him up for college? i need his student ID number too and permission to Goldenwest for me to do this. i have been trying to get ahold of him. Thank you ; )
ReplyDeleteHi Team!
ReplyDeleteThe Joel Holm family here. We love reading all the updates. We praise God for all he is doing through you to bless the children and the workers there at Bridges. We continue to pray that God will direct you as you show God's love to all He has given you there. Big shout out to our Rachel...we love you honey!
Blessings to you all.
The Holms
You guys rock!!! Praying for your weekend and the CHEs.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful images, and love the story!!!! We look forward to your blog posts with updates and images every day!! Thanks so much for sharing. Continuing to pray for you all that you make more connections and bonds and that the kids feel your love and God's love through you... May God bless you all with energy and perseverance and wisdom!!!
ReplyDeleteOur dogs, Gus and Roxie, send their love too!! hehe
I second that request to have had that dance video taped so we could all see it as well. Im sure you all rocked it.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear the Wobble is being taught ;-) I am sure they loved it. Good job teaching it babe, (Tay!)
What a FUN day of just pure interaction with the kids. Just hearing how you acknowledged the kid off to the side, I am sure that doesn't happen often and it made him feel very special. Praying for an extra amount of energy this weekend. One week in of loving on the kids yet God has SO much more in store for the next week and a half left. You guys got this!!!!!
xoxo
That was a wonderful post Jeff..Dad and I are so proud of you and are inspired by how God is working through you all. I could totally picture you being a buddy to the young man that didn't want to join in. Even since you were very young, you had a knack for cheering the lonely and downtrodden {usually with humor}. It is definately your gift from God. Love you Jeffy!
ReplyDeleteYou have all been bestowed with so many gifts but the one that is most evident as I read this blog is the most important of all and that is Love. Keep up the great work you are doing and know that we are praying that the Holy Spirit will empower you to change that part of the world.
Love to you all!
Hahaha that is so awesome Jeff! I can't wait to see the dance on video!
ReplyDeleteContinued thanks for the Blog, we are enjoying every word and feel like we're there with you. You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers! Elly, we miss you and love you very much!!
ReplyDeleteDad, Mom, Benny
T-Mack!! So proud you busted out the wobble! Haha! Jar, I'm SURE you killed it. Praying for everyone! :)
ReplyDeleteLove reading these uplifting daily blogs - they really make me smile! :-) I'm sure God is smiling on you all as you spread His word of love and grace.
ReplyDeleteHi Ellen T. and Jared!!
So awesome! Can't wait to see the dance! I love that even Simon Cowell made an appearance!!! Way to get all the kids out there! Thanks for posting pics of the Academy kids! It is great to see them. Praying as you guys juggle the Academy kids and the CHE's this weekend. We're praying for God to move this weekend. We pray for God's wisdom on all your time with the CHE's and that He would speak and allow you guys to bond well with them. We pray that you are able to get some rest after the CHE's leave in the morning and that God pours into you to give you a push to finish strong this next week!
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