Tootaloo Campers!

Hello wonderful family, friends, and prayer warriors!

This morning we woke up to torrential rain and blustering wind. The rain was almost poetic as we stood outside and said goodbye to the kids at our OVC (orphans & vulnerable children) camp and the facilitators (leaders and camp counselors that are from the local townships & leading the camps). With laughter, singing, and tears our "normal" routine here in South Africa came to a close. We did our best to preserve memories with photos and videos (we will have much to share with you when we get back). We held the little ones in our arms for the last time, and embraced our dear brothers and sisters in Christ who are serving God's kingdom so beautifully. Looking back, these two weeks have gone by so fast. But it has seemed like a lifetime of worship, joy, dancing and laughter in this place. Saying goodbye to the staff and volunteers was both beautiful and painful. We were able to pray over them and bless them with words of encouragement (gotta love prayer circles/mush pots). We know that they all are going back home to lives very different than our own; but we find such beauty in the connection we have because of our mutual commitment to the Kingdom. The unity of the staff, volunteers and Rock Harbor team has been one of the most beautiful things I have ever experienced in my life.

Once they all left, our team went to work. After having all of these kids here (including some snotty-nosed little ones), the Bridges campus needed a real scrub down. Thankfully, with many hands, it didn't take too long. We were able to rest the remainder of the afternoon and spend some quality time with the Bridges Academy students who came back from winter break early to see us. This week, rest and quiet moments were few and far between, so it was a nice break (specifically for us introverts!). God faithfully provided the strength for us to "leave it all on the field" for these kids. And today, he allowed us to recover and rest from our exhaustion. We went into Franschhoek and treated the Academy girls to dinner. It was so wonderful to spend time together and begin to process through this life-changing trip.

Returning from dinner, we moved into a more intentional time of debriefing. We took turns sharing how we believe our lives will be different following this trip. It is so beautiful to see how each of us have taken something different from this shared experience. I truly believe this is only the beginning of a wonderful journey for many of us. God is going to use this trip to inspire us, to transform our lives and to draw us closer and closer to Him. It will not be easy transitioning back home. There will likely be frustration, confusion and pain that bubble up. But as we press in to our wonderful Heavenly Father, He will show us what it looks like to live in this gap between the Kingdom now & not yet. He has wonderfully and beautifully shown us more of His heart and more of His love through our brothers and sisters here in South Africa.

Our night is ending with brownies, popcorn and games with the team and the Academy girls. It almost seems unreal that tomorrow evening we will be departing this place we have made home for the last two weeks. Please pray for safe travels, strong hearts, and healing from sickness. Even though it is very sad to be leaving this place, we are happy to go home to family, friends, and the wonderful Rock Harbor. Can't wait to see you all so soon and share the wonderful things God is doing in all of our lives!

Much love,

Kristin & the rest of the team