Back to Sweet Home

Heather here!

It’s a little sobering to think that we have only 3 more days left…

Most of the team went in to Sweet Home today, but a few were scheduled to stay back to help run the Academy after school programs.  The Academy has had a number of curve balls thrown at them this week with a few teachers either leaving or deciding not to return the day before school started.  Our team was asked to help fill in for a couple of these classes with today being their 1^st day back to school.  As of last night our understanding was that we were going to be helping in the Math and Science classes, but were informed this morning that we were needed to fill in for English, Religious Studies, and EMS (Economics/Business) as well.  Ryan, Steven, Caitlin, Morgan and Kristin did an outstanding job stepping up to the need!!!

Today was our first day back in Sweet Home since the 1^st day we arrived.  It was bittersweet for many.  Being able to see some of the kids from the OVC Camp last week was exciting, but the reality of their situation became much tougher now that we have names and stories to match the faces.   Monica led the morning session with the CHE’s (Community Health Evangelist) in a discussion to develop a flyer to assist sales and marketing for the ladies who sell chickens.  The intention was to also meet with the ladies who are starting a fast-food restaurant, but not all were present.  We are hoping to talk with them in the session I will be leading tomorrow on money management.  

Before we began our afternoon session, we were able to do a couple home visits.  God has really stirred up the hearts of many on our team to pursue what options exist to get kids who participate in the informal school the option to attend the normal school.  The 1^st home we stopped at was one of the homes we prayed over when we 1^st arrived.  The child who lives there has been unable to attend normal school because she does not have possession of her birth certificate.  This is unfortunately a fairly common road block these kids face.  The 2^nd home we stopped at was one of the kids that attended the OVC camp.  This 11 year old kid has been through quite an ordeal the last couple of days.  After being locked up in his home by his caretakers, he was able to run to his aunt for refuge.  He is also one who does not have his birth certificate.  The big dilemma for him is that he does not know his actual birthday, just the month and year.   He asked us to come to his aunt’s to pray and she was gracious to allow us in her home.  After Sisanda (who is on Bridges staff) was able to translate the discussion and we prayed, many of the girls began to discuss ways we could help including meeting with the social worker to learn more.  Please pray for this situation and for our heavy hearts.

The afternoon session to review ideas for the After School Programs (specifically life skills, health and discipleship) was productive as well. 

When we returned from Sweet Home we went to the Academy to have dinner with the students and for devotion.  We all shared in our debrief tonight how much we enjoyed just having another opportunity to spend time with the students.  They are already telling us (some fighting back tears) that they don’t want us to leave.  This is already preparing to be an emotional last few days!  Pray for focus, comfort and the ability to embrace each day without the fear or sadness that our time here is coming to a close.

And please continue to pray for our time in Sweet Home that over the next few days God would move in mighty ways!

Thanks so much for all your thoughts and prayers!  Goodnight!!!