I've already lost track of how long we've been here, it's either the lack of sleep or the whirlwind of activities we've been doing with the kids. Today was the first day with the OVC camp kids, and they are nothing but contagious in their laughter. But let me take a step back. There have been a couple of things that have stood out to me so far on the trip, and the first was right when we left the airport. Lining the sides of a modern highway, within sight of a modern airport, stood the townships. It was a striking contrast, and while the government of South Africa is doing some things (like build basic housing, provide sanitation, and electricity) there is still a big difference between cobbled together shacks and the shining cars zipping past in the background.
The second thing that struck me was when we went into Sweet Home and met some of the kids who we would be ministering to at the camp. It was amazing the joy that was on these kids faces, despite their circumstances, and the environment around them, they had the biggest smiles. Those smiles continued today when they arrived at Bridges. 36 kids ages from 6 to 17 showed up for a day of worship, stories, crafts, and games. You really can't help but fall in love with these kids, with their silliness, and big smiles. Some of them started off a little closed off, but you should have seen them dancing by the end of the day. That goes for some of those on our team too. I think God is breaking down some barriers for some of us, and we're starting to jump in all the way. Words can't really do the day justice, so it's a good thing I brought my camera with me, take a look for yourself:
Post by Adam Rogers
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing the pictures of the kids whose lives your touching!
ReplyDeleteI wish we were all there with you. It is truly an extra ordinary experience and words couldn't possibly express the joy I felt after the third day of camp in 2011. So glad you are getting to experience it. The prayer from one of the kids (Wanga) before bed still rings out from time to time. "Lord thank you for the best day ever, a day I will never forget and a day like I've never had before". I know you are giving those kids the same sort of experience and you may never know how significant a course change you make to a young life. All is well here, no sleep but nothing out of the ordinary. Day/Activity planning begins with "What would Monica do?...".
ReplyDeleteWood
Someone left a new comment for Erin and Ryan on the blog post from Tuesday, July 30, 2013. You should check the comments on that post. The post is titled "Day 2: First Day in Home Sweet Home" from the previous team.
ReplyDeleteMay the smiles and laughter of the OVC campers be the fuel you need to overcome any tiredness or sickness you may encounter these first few days!! Praying for protection against any ploys of the enemy to take away from all that God wants to do with and through you!! Remain vigilant in your prayers against "distractions"! God is good and His love for you and these kids is so evident in all you have been sharing!! Blessings!!
ReplyDeleteLoved the pics! Those faces speak volumes. God is working thru you and blessing these sweet children. Thank you for you compassionate work.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting pictures! It is so great to see these faces. Praying for you guys! Praying for language barriers to be broken and for extra strength each second of the day. I pray that you are able to stop and really soak it all in and that you can have some really amazing moments.
ReplyDeleteSo excited to hear you all arrived safely and have already jumped into so much activity! You all are troopers for diving in right from the airport! Love the pictures - so cute! I will be praying for continued energy and endurance, for hearts to be open, and protection. Blessings, Chalane Records.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you all arrived safely and are getting settling in. It makes me wish I was there with you! Thanks to all of you for caring to help these beautiful people, and stepping out of your comfort zone to grow in ways God would like to transform your hearts, while being a vessel in which God can transform others. Love and prayers to Kaila and all.
ReplyDelete-Taylor
Thank you so much for giving us all a glimpse of what you are experiencing and the photos always make my day; it is so precious to see all the faces! I pray that the Lord gives you the rest you need and the energy & wisdom for each new day as you trust in HIM!
ReplyDeleteIn other news...for those of you who want a little Juan-uary update (The Bachelor)...the first episode was filled with the usual drama, some really cheesy jokes, bad first impressions, and catty interactions, but mostly it was excessive commercial breaks & "previews" for the coming season that they have already shown way too many times. Basically...what you are doing is WAY better & much more interesting!
❤ keira
Praying for you all as you start your day that you will be filled with the spirit and see God's hand all around you. Love the contagious joy! Can't wait to hear more and see more pictures! Please say hello to Di and Clive for me! :)
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