Last minute vaccinations

We always recommend you get your first shots three months in advance of our trip, but if you don't want to deal with the hassle of the county health clinic or waited until the last minute you don't have any choice but to go to a private clinic.  When I was bitten by a dog this was the top recommended doctor in Orange County to deal with travel vaccinations and infectious disease. He was awesome. Highly recommended.

Peshimam, Mahmood, MD
Mahmood Peshimam, M.D.
10900 Warner Ave. Suite # 115
Fountain Valley CA 92708
United States
Telephone: [+1] (714) 968-8600
Email:mpesh@mol.net
Languages: Principal - English; Other - Spanish, Urdu, and a little French
Pre-Travel Vaccination, Official Yellow Fever Vaccine Center, Post-Travel Medical Consultation

3rd Wednesday Prayers

Last week, we had the opportunity to be prayed for at 3rd Wednesday at RockHarbor. Amanda J, Makenzie, Kari and myself were there along with Jared from our leadership team. Our church had the opportunity to gather around us and pray for our trip. We were prayed for individually, that we would have strength to do God's will. We also prayed for those at Bridges and those in Sweet Home, that their hearts will be prepared for our arrival. It was amazing to have so many people gathered around us, all praying for this mission we are about to embark on. I look forward to having the same opportunity to pray for the rest of our team at the packing party!

MEET THE FACES OF THE SOUTH AFRICA 2012 TEAM

Hello All,

As the days tick down closer and closer to our departure, 53 days and counting! We've forgotten one important thing and that is to put some faces on our blessed team. So, with the help of Will and Amanda Phelps, and an ever growing strong league of Christian fellowship, I want to officially introduce everyone on the 2012 South Africa team!

Last Sunday was our seventh official meeting of the group and God has really been doing some work on preparing us for this great venture. The meeting brought back a number of old team members from past mission trips showing their support and preparing us emotionally and spiritually. The meeting started off with a powerful and valuable devotion from Jared Gibo sharing his thoughts and feelings before getting onto the plane and heading off 8,000 miles away!

As far as it is from our own respected neighborhoods in Southern California, we also learned more about the people of South Africa and how its political and racial discrimination became ever so potent and clear with its Apartheid laws. These laws were set by the white minority government called the National Party to deliberately separate their citizens by three different categories: Blacks (Bantu), White (Europeans), and Coloreds (of mixed race). This help enforce segregation onto the blacks and coloreds and racial discrimination. It wasn't till the late 1980s and early 1990s where the S.A. constitution was redrafted and ended many of the apartheid laws!

As our trip grew closer and more tangible, so did our itinerary for the the next two weeks of our trip. We had already divided our team to host and come up with ideas for the children during their first week of coming into the Academy. We hope to bond and enjoy each other's company in those short two weeks. We planned games, arts and crafts, as well as teaching social health and academics. Alan Freedman and Mark Gamo are also continuing on developing a sustainable business plan for a group of women who wishes to start their own sewing and tailor business.

Our team has been working really hard to prepare ourselves for this and really appreciate every one's support. I would also like to bring light to our past teams and leaders that willingly open themselves up on becoming a solid support and who help bring this all together. Please pray for our team for power and courage that we may act on God's purpose and follow him devotedly. Pray for our team as a whole and may we find strength and anchor within each other. Please pray for each member on our fundraising for the trip. And also please pray for our team leaders: Alan Freedman and Claire Coyne as they take eleven frightened people into an an unknown land for them and hopefully may we all make it back!

2 Corinthians 5:6-7 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight.

November 4, 2011-Defining our personality...

Team Social #2-We decided to get together for "nutritious" pizza and a good game of 'Apples to Apples' which we learned is a good way to define your personality!

October 23, 2011-Spiritual Warfare

Today was our 3rd team meeting in preparation for our January trip to South Africa. Andrew started off our meeting with a devotional geared towards trusting in God’s plan for our life. This led us into an opportunity to grow as a team in an unplanned, unexpected way as we shared the incredible influence that spiritual warfare can play into our lives. Our team leaders advised us several times that from the moment we turned in our applications, we would be faced with spiritual warfare of varying degrees. Today we had the opportunity to share how we have all been challenged in different ways as we prepare for our trip. Spiritual warfare is powerful but allowing yourself to open up and trust that your team members will support you is what will help us overcome. So for all praying for this trip, please pray that each team member will continue to trust in God’s plan and overcome any and all negative influence that may attempt to deter us.

On a lighter note, we had the opportunity to debrief following our trip to Watts. What an amazing experience for all of us! I loved the chance to serve alongside my team members. Through discussion and reflection, we came to realize that what the children and people of Watts need more than anything is love, compassion, and a feeling of community. Watts has an amazing group of people that are passionate about loving God. Our prayer is that they are able to spread this love further, into their community…That Powerhouse Church in Watts will continue to reach more and more people…And that every member of this church will feel God’s love and spread it to every person they come into contact with.

A special thanks to everyone who is supporting our team with prayers and with finances. We are so humbled by your generosity. Please continue praying for each team member as we continue to raise money for this trip.

Ephesians 6:10-11 Be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.

POWERHOUSE CHURCH VIDEO BLOG

Hello All,
Our South Africa team was all about diving into Fellowship with the Powerhouse church community. We cooked, cleaned, played, taught, worshipped, shared, and played some more with these bright eyed kids and after talking to a member of the serve team group Clint Robinson, I too also felt that I was the one who was more touched with humility, praise, and God working on me from the inside out just from being around these kids. Here's a little Video Clip shot and edited by our team Videographer: Amanda Phelps.
We hope to bring more of our team expeditions through videos as well as pictures shot by Kari Messina. Have a good weekend all and please share this blog to anyone you think may be inspired by it as much as you and I. Speak and share Jesus without fear.




Rock Harbor South Africa Team: Watts Serve Day in LA! from Amanda Peck Phelps on Vimeo.

Mission Series

[This blog post was written by one of the August team for the Rock Harbor Main Blog. The post continues the discussion that the church is having on Family, Mission and Identity.]

I remember my first mission trip ever. It was with my high school youth group and we were going to Mexico for spring break through Azusa Pacific’s Mexicali ministry.

I was so excited. I had been waiting for what seemed like forever to get a chance to go on this trip. There was planning, prepping VBS curriculum, and so many other aspects. Every Sunday leading up to that week I would stay after church with my team and work hard. Finally the day came where it was time to leave.

And all of a sudden I was so nervous. I didn’t know if I wanted to go. I didn’t know if I could sleep in a dirt field for a week in a tent surrounded by thousands of people. I got in the church van and headed for an adventure that unbeknownst to me would hide in my heart for years to come.

Since that spring break over nine years ago I have had the opportunity to return to Mexicali one other time and also spend three weeks in China teaching English in a summer program. Even with those three trips I never felt that mission was a calling in my life. I didn’t feel called to mission in any way.

I was wrong, God had other plans. Isn’t that always the case? Over the last year God has stirred a fire in my heart for the country, the people, and the kids of South Africa. So this year I decided to apply to go on the ROCKHARBOR trip to South Africa. So in April I started a journey of planning, prepping, fundraising, with a team of 22 amazing other Christ followers.

In August we set out on two long plane rides to get to South Africa. And then for two weeks we ministered to, loved on, laughed with, and had deep discussion about God with the students of Bridges of Hope Academy. These students had been through more pain and struggles then I could comprehend, but had such joyful hearts and such passionate faith. I truly lack the words to describe the ways that these students touched and impacted our team. Though they have been broken, they know Christ brings them together.

There are so many moments and stories that I could think of personally to illustrate how I saw South Africa and how I saw my teammates and friends serving God. Looking back the verses that we have been reading in church from 2 Corinthians keeps coming to mind. Christ’s love urges us. It compels us to serve out of the overflow of His love in our lives. I learned on this trip that this is what mission truly is no matter where you are. While in Africa I went through some incredibly low, stressful, anxiety ridden times. I was being attacked in places that are my weaknesses and my team came around me and prayed. They encouraged me, served me, and blessed me. And in this same way they blessed, encouraged, and served the people we come into contact with. My team taught me what true mission was in Christ.

And because of these lessons I am empowered and ready to keep my mission going. One of my wise teammates stated in one of our late night debriefs that while the people of South Africa were our short-term mission WE were part of a long-term mission. The people that we are in contact with daily are our long-term mission. Out of the overflow of our hearts, the overflow of Christ’s love for us we need to be urged on to serve the people around us everyday.

This is why it is so important to learn of Christ’s mission for us and to not be afraid of it. I never thought after that first trip to Mexicali nine years ago I would now being feeling a calling and burden for people in a country across the ocean. I never thought that I would desire and strive to live mission in my daily life. But that is what Christ calls us to do. We need to not step away from it or say it’s not for us. We are Christ’s ambassadors to the people we see everyday.

POWERHOUSE CHURCH OUTREACH

FELLOWSHIP

On Sunday Our South Africa team went for a fun adventure to Powerhouse Church in Watts, CA. Powerhouse is a church that brings people together and one of the main reasons why our team was there to learn fellowship and unity within our team. We arrived early to help prepare breakfast for the Children service. We plunged right in with connection with the kids through playground activities and serving them pancakes and eggs.

As I walked through the spaces and looked through artwork and the motivational praises that's abundantly surrounding us all through out their walls, I saw that this church provides a safe and loving environment to all that seeks God and its people. Taking the passage right from their mission statement on their website: (http://www.wattspowerhousechurch.com/) "Bring our neighbors to Christ through works of love and the Work of the Holy Spirit!" (Mathew 22:39)

CONNECTION

After worship held by our own Rockharbor members and a powerful message by our own Alan Freedman, we served the church members lunch and had more time to get to know more about the people. From my own experience, I saw that people of this church had a real strong faith and connection with God. Just from looking accross the room, I saw a unity within a neighborhood that might be challenged by the economical and social hardship that enatils in their city. I pray that our team will grow in faith and unity learned and practiced by Powerhouse Church.

September 30, 2011-Team Social

We are so excited for our next trip to South Africa! The January team has already started some training sessions and this past Friday, we had our first team social. This gave us all an opportunity to get to know each other in a laid back setting. Our team member, Amanda, was gracious enough to ask her parents for permission to use their amazing house in Laguna Beach to hold our event. The night started off with us playing Catch Phrase while we waited for everyone to arrive. Claire brought us food from Wahoo’s as we were able to share our first meal together. After a wonderful tour of the property given by tour guide, Amanda, we had an opportunity to listen to our leaders share their “defining moments.” These are moments in our lives that we had to rely on God in a real, tangible way. It was a great opportunity to watch our leaders be open about their relationship with God. We plan on all being able to share our own “defining moments” in future meetings. For now, we are looking forward to our serve day this Sunday at Powerhouse Church in Watts. Please pray for our time at Watts. Please also pray for each team member as we continue our fundraising for this trip!

August 2011 video

Here is a video from the recent August team.

http://www.blackbird-portraits.com/2011/08/26/south-africa-twenty-twelve/

Sewing Update

Sewing Business Update!

Hi everyone.

We wanted to give all out there an update on the sewing business in Sweet Home. While we were in South Africa many of our team members were able to meet with and work with the CHE’s and help with the business.

Jessica B. has a couple updates from the the ladies!

The sewing business ladies have had some trouble with the their sewing machines but have been working on getting them fixed. They have two machines from which two women know how to sew on and our helping teach they other ladies.

Currently they are making bags to sell to tourists and locals in the township and these bags are also getting sold in the Gift Shop at the Academy! [Many of our team purchased them :)] They want to continue to grow their sewing skills by learning how to sew clothes and tracksuits for the people in the township.

There many ways that you can pray for the sewing business

• That the machines will keep running properly and that the women are able to find ways to fix them when they break
• That they are able to keep learning and growing in their skills
• That the business keeps flourishing and they are able to help support themselves and others from it.

Thank you for your continued prayer for the people and students that we came into contact with. Please continue to pray for the new team as they are begining their training!

South Africa Barbeque

We are having a community event on Thursday September 8th from 7-10pm on the ROCKHarbor patio. Please come and learn more about the South Africa ministry. There will be people from every team that has gone so far and many people who have just returned. Come and get all your questions answered. Everyone is welcome.

Also, Matt & Kristy Andre are moving to South Africa to work with Bridges of Hope and need to raise support. We're hosting this Barbeque to send them off and help them raise a little money.

Come have dinner and say goodbye!

Suggested donation of $10.

Please RSVP so we buy the appropriate amount of food. Invite as many people as you can!

See you there!

The Andre's are moving!

About 3 years ago, Matt and I were on the first Rock Harbor team that went to Bridges of Hope. We were just friends at the time, but we both had discussed how much we'd love to live there. Matt and I went back with teams for the next two years, and we knew in our hearts that we really would love to move there. About a year ago, we married and continued to seek God and ask if it was His will to move. We've made some great relationships in South Africa, and it is so hard to go for a few weeks and then leave. Now as we are preparing to go, we are just so excited and amazed by the way God has directed our path. It is definitely hard to leave our friends and family here. As a teacher, it was really tough to leave my staff and students. We agree that there is a need here, but we do feel like in this season God has called us to the need in South Africa. As always, we know that we will probably learn more from these amazing people than we could ever teach them. We are humbled at this opportunity and can't wait to be there. Matt will be using his gifts of accounting as the Assistant Retreat Center Director. The Retreat Center is the place where our teams stay, but the hope is to bring in others while teams aren't there and rent out the retreat center to make the Academy self sustainable. I will be teaching at the Academy, and working with the amazing staff there. Please pray for us as we begin the journey ahead. For updates, prayer requests, pictures, please follow us @ andresinafrica.blogspot.com. Comment on this post if you'd like to be added to our mailing list.

With love, Matt and Kristy Andre

I know the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. Psalm 140:12

 

Matt and I (and team members) with Sibusiso 2008



Kristy with Soso in Sweet Home 2009



Matt and Akhona in Sweet Home 2009



Matt and I with some kids in Phillipi 2010

One last update from ZA!

**South Africa team will arrive at LAX in the afternoon at 1:oo PM on Sunday August 21rst!**


Hey everyone! Meghan here...Brent and I just wanted to each have one last update from ZA! I want to thank each and everyone of you for your prayers and Support while we have been in South Africa. It has been so encouraging every night during our debrief to read your comments, scriptures and love from across the ocean.

Please continue to pray today as it will be an emotional day for us. We will be having one last morning devo as a team and then cleaning the retreat center along with the grade 9s and 10s [Bridges has an amazing program of community service with each of the grades- today is the day for community service where they serve around their local area- the 9s and 10s are helping us today!]

Then we will be having a closing time with the Academy kids. We have been so blessed and have learned so much from these students. It is beyond word and description.

Please pray for safe travels and rest along our journey. Thank you again for EVERYTHING.

Brent here, my official last blog update from South Africa. I think I can speak for everyone and say that we can't believe it's already our last day here! We hit the ground running and time just seemed to fly by here! The retreat center is currently busy with everyone packing their bags, showering one last time, and cleaning cleaning cleaning. We're getting ready for our last devotion then for our last lunch with the students.

We have a photo slide show planned (from of our AMAZING team photographer Jess! We easily have over 1,000+ photos to choose from!) Following, we will say our final goodbyes with the students and head to Cape Town International airport where we will depart for Heathrow.

Please pray for our travels and that the team could get some much needed rest on the planes.

We want to thank everyone for all of your encouraging comments, commitments to prayer, and for everyone's support for the team before and during this trip. YOU ALL are one of the biggest reasons we are here and we feel so blessed and privileged to have your support.

I know we are all looking forward to see all of our family and friends and sharing with them all of our stories, pictures, and memories from what has been the trip of a lifetime!

Goodbye South Africa! You have made a lasting impression in our minds and in our hearts. We hope to see you someday again!

Our Last Full Day in South Africa

Melody here---Wow, what a day today was at the Academy and what an awesome way to end our two week stay here in beautiful South Africa. Although the clouds were asphalt colored and they sprinkled bits of water every now and then, thankfully, the rain storm held off. Actually, after the morning tease of on and off sprinkling, we were blessed to see the most beautiful half-arc rainbow! Many of us stood in awe of the vibrant rainbow that seemed to embrace the Academy's property. Thank you Lord for Your creation and for letting us take such pleasure in it!

Today a group of our team went to Sweet Home for the final time of this trip and shared two lessons with the CHE's(math skills and book keeping)and also acted as human "jungle gyms" for the many, MANY, precious Sweet Home children. While some of our team was at Sweet Home, the rest of us were hanging out with the Academy kids and treasuring our final afternoon together. This afternoon and evening at the Academy was quite busy, but so unified. We had many crafts and activities and we also had a talent show, bonfire and an ice cream social.

There were so many amazing moments today and I think that even pictures would have a hard time doing justice in showing just how amazing those moments were, let alone my tired words. Today was a day of great joy, a day of praise, a day of reflection, a day of adoration, a day of humility, a day of awe, and of course, a day seeking the Lord and asking for more of Him, more of His love and less of ourselves,and less of our own will.

Tonight at debrief Luke 17:5-10 came up and I thought it was a beautiful capstone to our time here in South Africa. We were reminded once again of the beauty of faith and further, that we as servants of the Lord are not worthy of praise because we simply have indeed done the duty that the Lord compelled us to do. So awesome! :)
Praise the Lord for his faithfulness and for being the God of this continent and this country. Praise the Lord for His loving kindness and for being simply I AM.

See you soon friends and family. We love you and can't wait to see you! We are excited to share this experience with you and continue to declare the great works of the Lord Jesus Christ!

2 days to go!

Brent here... We can't believe it's only 2 days until we make the long journey home! Our time here has been incredible, filled with stories that we all are so anxious to share with our loved ones at home!


To all who were concerned about our team health... We did have a little stomach bug that seemed to affect 3 of our team members. HOWEVER, I am very excited to report that we are all feeling well and have all recovered. PTL! (Praise The Lord, that's how we do it in SA) Continued prayer for prolonged health is always appreciated in addition to finishing up our last two days here strong. Pray that we can make the most of the little time we have left here, continuing to pour into the students and children and CHE's at SweetHome.


Hello friends and family, Evelyn here. Today was Academy day for me. The team here had a morning of cleaning and organizing the Retreat Center. After lunch we had activities; some were in the shed for some more bead making which was fun for both male and female...really! The boys enjoyed it just as much as the girls. Others were on the field playing frisbee and other fun filled games. Then we all headed to the basketball court to cheer on the Academy boys in a game against a local team. It was a close call but they won 30-24. Go TEAM BRIDGES!! Later the other half of our team went to SPUR for dinner with some of the Academy kids who had earned the privilege of a special evening out based on good academics and behavior. We had a fun filled evening with lots of burgers, ribs, dessert and even some dancing in the aisles. :-) Miss you all. Love you lots.



Hi friends and family, Tammy here. It's been amazing. A trait of the Academy students that stands out to me is the way they give and share with each other. At meal times, they eagerly share food. At Arts & Craft time, they help each other develop their pieces. I am reminded of the verse: But just as you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us - see that you also excel in this grace of giving. Tomorrow is the talent show. I expect to be blown away by this gifted and talented group of kids. I miss my family, but I have found family with the team and in my relationships with the kids. Yesterday, Vuyokazi and I took a walk, and we shared testimonies and dreams for the future. She gave me my Xhosa name: Nosandiso ("More Blessings to Come"). I guess this means there will be more mission trips to come.



Love 'ya.






Tammy and Vuyokazi eating at SPUR





Evelyn and the kids at Sweet Home

Word Pictures of South Africa

I can't believe it's already the 17th of August. Time has truly flown by. So much so, I've barely had time to stop and reflect. Seems like every break in the schedule has been used for drawing on the Lord for more strength and endurance. Maybe it will start to really sink in on the plane...how much the Lord has done here in such a short amount of time. There will be so many memorable highlights to ponder, but one stands out to me today. I have never enjoyed leading worship as much as I have for these kids at the academy. Words can't describe the powerful feeling I get when my hand strums the first chord of a song and 40 beautiful voices ring out boldly worshiping our God. I can't even hear myself sing over their glorious voices. Tonight we asked the kids to lead us in worship before devotions, acapella, as a treat for Kathi. It was indescribable and blessed us all so much!!!

~Garrick

I really do feel like a broken record by saying that time has just flown by so quickly.I just feel so blessed by this experience because truly I have changed tremendously. The kids are so loving and just being able to give them even more love and to hangout with them is such an honor. My connections with the kids are just growing even more and more and just conversing with them daily is so wonderful. I have been given the opportunity to tutor some of the academy kids in math ( they call it "maths" ) and I absolutely LOVE IT. To see the joy on their faces from getting a problem right and actually understanding a concept is so rewarding. Sometimes it can be challenging because you have to break down EVERY problem so simply, and even make up a story to go with the problem ( HA...). Honestly though, I love every minute of it because they are coming to understand and that alone just brings them joy and probably even more, me. Just as Garrick described, the worship that occurs between the kids is SO mind-blowing that I will never forget it. Their voices just sing out so loudly, and bring so much meaning.

Another aspect to this trip that I have been blessed with is to play basketball with the boys here. They love playing basketball and just have so much pride, but they know now that they can be beaten by a girl :) Everyday, we usually play a couple games of lighting/ knockout and then scrimmage 4-4 or depending on how many players it will vary. The competition is great, but in the end it all comes down to having fun and enjoying ourselves. God is good and I am so grateful.
Blessings to all!!!

~Jaleigh

Today was an awesome day, starting with a little "field trip" with 10 of the CHE's. We made the trip to the beautiful Table Mountain, a very popular tourist spot in Cape Town. We were going to take a cable car to the very top of the mountain, which overlooks the waterfront, ocean, and Robbin Island. However, things changed because of the winds so we decided to take some scenic photos and book it to the waterfront in Cape Town, pretty much one of the wealthiest spots around. We got down there and went to lunch at the amazing Spur Restaurant (oh yes, we went again!) And some of us will be going another time tomorrow night. It really is loved and cherished by the people here. We had some great conversations during lunch with the CHE's and really got to know them on a different level, outside of their typical environment. One of the CHE's said this was her first time seeing the ocean. So precious. We said our goodbyes and made it back to the academy. We had our last day of the HIV/AIDS training with Kathi and then started a really fun craft... magazine bead making! It really caught on with not only the kids but our team too! As a matter of fact, as I am typing this Ryan and Brent are in the room hard at work on their very own beads. Thanks so much for all your prayers and for thinking about us on this mission! So appreciate and we feel so loved.
Peace out,
Michelle

Prayer request UPDATE:
Hey everyone! There is still some sickness on the team. We are one woman down and have a couple of colds we are all fighting off. Please continue to pray that we will remain unified and strong as a team and that we will finish the last days WELL!
Thank you for EVERYTHING! Here are some pictures of the last couple of days!



Michelle and Jess B. on the field with the Academy students


All of the boys playing soccer! Hanging out in the goal



This is what heaven will sound like... worshiping with the Academy Students



Table Mountain in the background with the CHE's

Rachel here...

Rachel here. The trip has been incredible so far, so many memories have been made and lives are being changed. Yesterday we went into Sweet Home and spent another day with the kids. These kids have truly stolen my heart. It continues to amaze me that even though there is a language barrier we are able to love and spend a day full of joy together. It was also our last day of VBS, and even though it was chaotic, with kids of every age running in and out, God was there. We made salvation bracelets with the kids and the CHEs and I truly believe that some of the kids invited Christ into their lives. I feel so blessed and honored to be apart of God's greater plan. Continue to pray for Sweet Home and the children there.

Once back at the academy we had a little time and then half of the team headed off to Spur, with some of the 8th grade girls who were able to go as a treat for good behavior/good grades. The experience was so fun. The night was full of laughter, dancing in the aisles with the waiters, and taking silly pictures. These students have become friends, and I love spending time with them.

Thank you for all your prayers! They truly mean a lot!

A Beautifully, gorgeous day in South Africa!

Hey Jessica here-so excited about updating you all on our fabulous expiriences here in South Africa. Today was a packed day! For those of you that know me back home know my little obsession with the show "Hoarders" well I was able to put my organizational cleaning to practice with my fabulous teammates. We cleaned and organized the Miriam room for the staff here at Bridges:) What a accomplishment. Then my beautiful girlfriend Jessica taught us all how to tie dye bandannas with the academy kids.

We continued our day with our wonderful teacher Kathi on HIV/AIDS awareness. We had a great question and answer session and let me tell you-wow-the questions that these kids ask are great. They really want to learn and be able to help educate on this terrible disease.

We ended the night with a trip to Spur. Spur to us at home is a cross between well Red Robin meets Denny's meets some kinda random native american restaurant that everyone's dances in the aisle. Let's just say if you ever come out to South Africa it's a must to visit spur and yes it's in your local mall:) The students here had to earn there way to Spur tonight by good grades and great attitudes. As staff we felt very privileged to join them in their great accomplishments.

Family and friends-Jaleigh and I are doing great. I am a very proud mom watching my daughter everyday grow with these kids and love all over them. Thank you for all your prayers and please continue to pray for us. Please tell my precious angel (Jolon) at home mommy misses you very much.







Love to you all...
Jessica Belles

Prayer Request Update

Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement. Thank you for bringing the Word to our team! Just a quick update: We got word from Mama Lulu that it was safe to go to Sweet Home today and the team was very excited. We got to love on the creche kids, have an amazing time with the CHE's and HIV Support group, and share the story of salvation with the children and CHE's at VBS. Praise God!!!

Please keep praying for peace and order in the townships. Also keep praying for health, strength and endurance as our bodies are growing weary, but our spirits are strong. May we all finish well, enjoy these lasting moments as a team with the kids at the Academy and Sweet Home.

Thank you! We love and appreciate you all and even though there are parts of us that want to stay here, we are excited to see each of you and share what God has done in us and through us.

With lots of love and appreciation, Lailanie

Important Prayer Requests

First of all, we want to thank everyone for their prayers and comments that encourage and uplift us daily. We'd like to share 2 important prayer requests with you, as we know you are being faithful in supporting this trip and team through prayer.

* 3 team members have been hit hard with sickness that have had them out of commission for days at a time. The other 2 are back and healthy, but we are one man down because of the sickness. Please pray for complete healing and that it won't spread to anyone else.

* As the team was headed out to Sweet Home, we received a call that there was some civil unrest in the townships. The local leaders we work with strongly recommended that we turn around. The team returned to Bridges, and ended up having a productive and blessed day serving at the Academy and being part of the first day of our HIV/AIDS education program- which in the end we believe was part of God's plan for today, as intimate conversations took place. Please pray for the townships- for safety, order, and peace. Please also pray for the local and team leaders to have good discernment as to what the next days look like. We do not want the enemy to have his way and disrupt the work and blessings that have been taking place in Sweet Home through the workshops, VBS, and loving on the precious children. But please know that if there is any reason at all that it is not safe for us to go, we will not take the chance and make sure everyone's safety is of utmost importance. Prayers are most, most appreciated.

A Surprise Visit From a Special Person

Hey everyone, Lailanie here, doing my due diligence and writing on the blog even though I am not fond of writing at all!:) The special visitor actually came to Bridges yesterday, but time and schedule got away from me and I haven't had a chance to write until tonight...

One of the best things about coming to South Africa is by far the relationships we are able to build with the students at the Academy and the kids and CHE's in Sweet Home. Having had the privilege of serving in South Africa the last 5 years, I feel so blessed to have made true connections and friends on the other side of the world. Being here honestly feels like home.

Last Sunday after the amazing church service, I was in my room when one of the team members yells, "Lailanie, you have to come out here and see who's outside, NOW!" As I run to the front of the retreat center, I see Sinethemba standing in the hallway. I happily let out an excited scream and give him a big hug.

Sinethemba graduated from Bridges Academy in December of 2009 and is now attending the prestigious University of Cape Town. I met him on my 2008 trip and have seen him ever year since. He comes back to the Academy often, wanting to visit and give back to the school that gave him a second chance. We spent the afternoon catching up, sharing stories from about students and teams from years past, and just had a great time hanging out. It meant so much that he took the time to meet the team and encourage the current students, when I know he had a a lot of school work to do.

It was also so inspirational to have him around, to know his background as a orphaned township boy who got the incredible opportunity to get a quality, Christian education at Bridges Academy, and is living out his faith as he goes to college. Anyone who has ever come in contact with Sinethemba knows how intelligent, driven, and funny he is, and we all have no doubt he is going to go far and do great things for the Kingdom.

As we have 1 more week here in South Africa, I look around at the kids here at the Academy and I am so grateful God has chosen each one to bless with this opportunity. Yes, these kids as orphans have had struggles and will continue to struggle, but we have faith that God is in control, loves them more than we ever could, and will take care of each one. I also have the hope and dream that one day, the little ones in Sweet Home that we hold, play with, and hug each day will also have the same opportunity...

God is so much bigger than I can ever comprehend and I have full trust and faith that He has good plans for each one.

.....

Hey everyone! Brennan here, wrapping up the blog with some updates on our time with the kids at Bridges today!

Today was such a great day at the academy! We started off our after school program with our first day of HIV/AIDS education with our special guest Kathi Winters. We are so blessed to have such an amazing woman of God here along side with us during our ministry here. We have outlined our week with the kids to focus on three aspects of living with or knowing someone with the virus/syndrome. The three sides of the topic we are focusing on the Body, Mind, and Soul.

Today we kicked off with talking about the Body and how the virus/syndrome affects the human body, including ways of transmission, as well as some facts and information regarding transmission and some myths/stigmas surrounding HIV/AIDS. Our academy team performed a powerful drama which incorporated the facts about transmission in a dramatic visual way for the kids to see. In addition to the drama, we had several of our team members share testimonies about their lives, specifically areas of their lives where they found themselves in a sinful life, becoming vulnerable to HIV/AIDS, and the power of repentance and finding the welcoming love from the Father when one turns from sin and chooses God. The story of the Prodigal Son was shared, and God spoke to the kids so clearly through this story.

Overall, in our two hour session with the kids today, God showed up in a BIG way. Not only was truth spoken about HIV/AIDS, confronting lifetimes of lies and stigmas, but the healing and saving power of Jesus Christ and his love for us was echoing throughout our time with the kids. Super powerful. Super God filled time. Praise the Lord for this opportunity to educate the students here.

Thank you all for your prayers and love. We totally feel the support from all around the world! Please continue to pray for the kids, the team, and the education on HIV/AIDS. Pray that the kids hearts and minds are opened wide as we teach them and share with them.

God is truly doing an amazing work here, and it is such a privilege to see it happen right here right now in the lives of these kids. We love you so much! Thanks for everything!

Sunday - Not So Much a Day of Rest

Hello everyone, this is Trent.

As is almost everyday here in SA, today was a very full day. We began today with our Rock Harbor led church service here at the academy with the theme "More than Conquerors". It was a very special service as the team lead worship, a couple of us shared a message and testimony and then we closed with communion. Several of the students joined the praise team as we worshiped. There is something about hearing all of their voices so freely praising the Lord that is just so pure and joyous.

The afternoon was filled with some intense games of "Do You Love Your Neighbor?" (sort of a SA version of musical chairs that included 50 people), Bridges of Hope vs. Rock Harbor World Cup Soccer Game, several crafts and then the ever famous Capture the Flag...which the winner is still being debated. To close the free time we had a great Photo Scavenger Hunt that all the kids loved.

Then tonight we kicked off our HIV/AIDS education and awareness week by watching "Beat the Drum". It is a movie based in South Africa that follows one child's journey to understand what is killing off his village. It was very powerful and moving and as we closed the night we invited all the kids to anonymously write any questions or comments they may have pertaining to HIV/AIDS and drop them into a "Dear God..." box. Over the course of the week we will spend time answering these questions, as best we can, and at the same time discussing that there are some that we just have to take to the Lord and trust Him to answer in His timing. While reviewing the questions we immediately began to pray as so many were spiritual questions, probing much deeper than even the practical prevention questions. We are so thankful that all of you are praying for our time here and ask now that you add to your list these questions that we know will be opening up conversations that only the Lord can lead us to answer wisely.

We close this very busy weekend looking forward to starting another week here in SA as some of us head back to Sweet Home tomorrow to continue that work and as we dig deeper into our HIV/AIDS discussions. There is no doubt the Lord is opening doors here at Bridges and we are all motivated to continue His good work! With love from all of us to you.

A Generally Ordinary Day Becomes Extraordinary

Saturdays here at the Academy are not generally filled with 20 people from America running games like three different variations of dodgeball, five different groups of jump roping, more dodgeball, crafts, basketball court games & five on five matches, more games and much laughter, not only from the Academy students but also from the Rock Harbor team! In short, Bridges Academy allows Rock Harbor teams to take over a good portion of the weekend for the students not only to allow the RH team to minister to the kids through fun and games but also to give the Bridges staff a bit of a rest. It is our joy to step in with a whole heart in this way because the staff here need rest from their "work" just as you and I need rest from our work. The students are happy to step away from the peers they see everyday in order to engage with the RH team and other visiting teams alike. Pray that the students would not only show cooperation and respect to the short-term teams who come to visit, but also to their teachers and peers who they see and interact with on a daily basis.

With all numbers and games aside, everyone took a break from activities today around midday to continue a "talk" that the students have been having with two of the resident staff, Wade & Tara, husband and wife. Wade has been meeting with the boys and Tara with the girls to discuss a very serious topic and a topic which has been and is currently affecting the lives of many students here at the Academy. The topic of discussion is that of sexual sin and lust. For boys, questions like, "How are things like sexual thoughts and addictions dealt with on a daily basis, in a Biblical manner? What does it mean to respect a girl and her body?" And for girls, "How does the way you act and dress affect those around you? How might you cause a boy to stumble?" The discussion with both groups is very open and raw and who better to lead it than a married couple whose relationship is firmly planted in the root of God's tender love and mercy, and today, with the help of the RH team. Pray that God would use Wade & Tara's boldness to influence the students here in radical ways.

The day came to a close with the traditional Rock Harbor girls & guys night. This is generally a more passive time where the RH men can simply spend time with the boys of the Academy and the RH women can simply spend time with the girls of the Academy. A beautiful time to connect and shine the light of Christ to the kids. Pray that the RH team would continue to connect with the Bridges students, not for our glory but for the Lord's.

Congratulations to those on the RH team who participated in an early morning 5K run with a handful of the students this morning in a nearby town. Such a unique way to build relationships with some of the students, showing them that we are all one, on the same path, at the same time, in the same country. That we all have two lungs and a beating heart. That we all have been uniquely made, with some of us going slower, some going faster, some of us seeing what another does not, some of us hurting our knees or having to walk... "For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all." Ephesians 4:4-6

We thank you all dearly for your comments and prayers and we ask that you would keep them coming!! Please continue specifically praying Ephesians 1-4 over our team and the remainder of our time here.

I would like to personally thank those who commented with birthday wishes...so, thank you! Though I love everything about sharing this day with the students, RH team, and South Africa, I am very much looking forward to celebrating with friends and family upon return.

Finally, as you can now read, a generally ordinary day for us all, team and students alike...became extraordinary.

One week down! (already?!?!)

Hello family and friends! Brent here!

I can't believe we've already completed our first week here at Bridges! We've done so much already but our schedule is definitely packed to capacity for the remaining week that we are here.

Yesterday we finally felt the difference in hemispheres, dealing with South Africa's winter. Unfortunately, our VBS in Sweethome was rained out and no children were able to attend. We still had an amazing CHE training and then had the opportunity to spend some time with the OVC kids (Orphan and Vulnerable Children). We learned some very interesting but fun South African games. I'm sure the team will gladly share those with you once we arrive home! (hahaha!)

The rest of the team who stayed at Bridges were creative and found some fun inside activities to do with the students. They showed their creative sides while doing various art projects inside the "Shed" (aka basketball/gym/multipurpose room) We all tried to make the best of a cold, wet, rainy day!

The night held it's own exciting events! All of the 9th-12th grade students, along with some RH members, had the opportunity to attend a youth rally in the local town of Stellenbosch. The students of Bridges had an opportunity to meet other Christian youth from the area and worship passionately together! They had a great time and ended up getting home pretty late but were filled with joy and excitement.

The 8th graders stayed with a few RH team members at the academy and had a relaxed game and movie night. We enjoyed watching "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe" while munching on popcorn.

A few of us had an early morning with some of the academy students for a 5K run! More photos and stories of that to follow later today!

Another Day in South Africa..

Meghan here! It was another awesome day here in South Africa. We had our team split up again half going to Sweet Home and the other half staying at the Academy. Sweet Home had day two of VBS and a CHE training on selling and marketing with Jess B. The highlight though for everyone was Cultural night where the students of Bridges rocked our world with some amazing

performances. Let me just say American Idol has NOTHING on the kids at Bridges. We ended the night with devotions and worship where the students lead us some of the most heavenly worship I have ever come into contact with. For more on our day here is a post from our absolutely amazing photographer Jess S!

Hi Friends.. wow. Today was sort of epic. Long, crazy, wild, and umm.. fantastic. I was in Sweet Home this morning/afternoon, so playing with and loving on the little ones. Got a few great shots with my little point and shoot {5D was veto'd for s

afety}. The kids were absolutely beautiful. Dirty, messy, and a bit attention deprived, but totally children of God, loved by God, and worth the dirt and mess of it all. Truly. It is so easy to see the heartbreak end of it, but I just keep reminding myself about love. It was crazy to get the opportunity to show our Lord's incredible love in the

simplest of ways, by holding them, hugging them, and giving them a bit of attention. We were able to put on a VBS with about 45 little ones, and later feed them before departing back to the Academy for Cultural night.

For dinner, we had been being teased by the students that we would be eating ostrich eyeballs and chicken's feet and all sorts of other funky "South African" tribal dishes, so dinner had been, well, something I was having a little anxiety over. I was certainly not alone in this. So when our fearless leaders ate the Lychee.. err.. ostrich eyeballs.. yeah.. we didn't actually have anything too weird. We did however get to experience the awesomeness of having our faces painted in a South African tribal form.. so cool.

Here's a photo of my travel buddy and devo. partner Molly, along with one of the girls in mine and her small group.

After dinner, the Academy students gave me one of the most amazing experiences of my life. They performed several tribal dances and sang in such beautiful tones- unlike anything I've ever experienced before. Once their ridiculously fantastic performance ended in our standing ovation and cheers, it was our turn to show off a little... Compared to the students, we were mediocre, but

they loved it. So.. friends, yes, we performed the "Bieber" Dance this evening. It was really fun, and the energy in the room was such a fun exciting thing to experience. I'm so excited to hang out with the students tomorrow, as I'll be back at the Academy making duct tape purses ;)... A few more photos from our day, and a huge huge hug to my friends and family back home! I love you guys and miss you major! Pray for me to receive the Lords blessings in this, and to show His love daily.

Hey guys! Meghan here again to close this blog out with some prayer requests! Please continue to pray for the health of our team as we have some unwanted sickness staying around. Pray for continued unity and for us to be discerning in our time with the people that we interact with in Sweet Home and at the academy.

Thank you again so much for joining along with us in the amazing journey that God has called us too. Thank you for partnering with us and supporting us. You are as much apart of God's plan for the people we interact with as we are.

and may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should how wide, how long and how deep His love is. May you experience the love of Christ though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all of the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:18-19

Hey Family and Friends!

...BT here! Just completed day 4 with the team and already maximizing every hour of the day! The team split today with half going into Sweethome an the other half staying at the Academy with the students. Two awesome stories coming to you from Kim (our amazing, fantastic leader of the VBS team and CHE training/early childhood development expert) and from Dustin (humble, soft spoken, but apparently the man-of-steel human jungle gym to 30 pre-school students!)

Mark 10: 16 says, "And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them." This is the verse that the VBS (Vacation Bible School) team has adopted as their verse for this trip. Today, we definitely saw scripture come alive. Within 10 minutes of arriving in Sweet Home, I turned around and saw every single member of our team holding a child with another group of other kids eagerly waiting their turn to be held. It was pure joy to see how tangible God's love can flow in and through people who are willing to serve others just by holding them in their arms.

Since it was the first day of VBS, we had the opportunity to share about the story of Creation. Everyone on the team did an amazing job of encouraging the kids to participate through games and crafts that echoed the story for the day. It's such a great opportunity for us to be able to share God's story with children who may have never heard it before. Today's overarching message was definitely that God loves them best. We hope this message continues to become alive and real to all of the children who come to VBS over the next 4 days.

Today in Sweet Home, we also had the opportunity to train the teachers working at the informal school (grade 1-6)and the creche/preschool (0-5 year olds). These women are simply amazing. They haven't received any sort of formal training about how to teach children. They are volunteers from the community in Sweet Home who have recognized how important it is for the children to receive an education and to come to a place where they feel loved and cared for. Their story and heart bring such a light to a place where so much darkness can prevail. You can definitely see God's hand print covering the work that is being done in these two schools.

Our training today was about language and literacy. Through shaving cream letters and puppets, the teachers were actively engaged from start to finish at the training. Their openness toward what we had to teach them made the training both easy and fun for Lailanie and me. From last year to this year, I am amazed to see how much growth has taken place within both of these schools. Student attendance has increased. There is a new building being built where the schools can take place. One of their teachers has now gone back to university to receive more formal training about how to run a preschool and to learn more about early childhood education. It's encouraging to see how just a few people can make such a life-long impact on children.

~Kim

Here's Dustin....

Hey all! Today was such an amazing day in South Africa! There were a lot of stories tonight from our team of amazing experiences throughout the day with the children of Sweet Home and the kids at the academy.

Like Kim said, upon arriving at the academy we were literally rushed by at least 30 preschool aged kids who wanted nothing more than to jump on us all at once. It was amazing to see the pure excitement in the children's eyes and the joy on the faces of all the volunteers who we all holding a child, or two, or three. I encountered a small boy named Naboo who decided he wanted to latch onto me and never let go. Throughout the day he was either in my arms or on my shoulders and even fell asleep at one point. Even then, with his little hands clenched onto my shirt. It made me realize that even though we were unable to communicate so much as one word with most of these children directly because of the language barrier, the act of simply holding a child and showing them the love that they desire so badly can be so powerful.

In short, our arms got quite a workout today!

Later in the day when the whole team was together back at the academy, we were able to have dinner with the kids and then leads small devotion groups. This was another amazing experience for all of us as some of the kids were willing to open up to us almost immediately and share. Some of the boys I was talking to were completely honest about their thoughts and struggles in their life in the townships, and questions that they had about some really amazing topics such as faith and miracles. I also got to hear some amazing statements of faith from another boy who was more than an encouragement to me.

It helped us to see what an amazing place this academy has been for these kids and how much it has shaped them despite how hard situations can be all around them. God has most definitely been at work in this organization and through the leaders here at the school. Please continue to be praying for our group, the leaders, and the all the incredible children!

Until tomorrow!

Dustin