Monday, November 23, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Last couple of days
Going to try and summarize the last couple of days in South Africa while being back in the comfort of my own home.
Wednesday, Nov 18 – At Catch today was the girls club. Jobi hosted a beauty party for the girls. These girls were treated like little princesses. All were given their very own beauty bags. Foot massages and beauty tips were abundant, but I believe the icing on top of the cake today was the fact that almost 80 young women accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. (Boys were not allowed at the party, so when I get some pictures, I’ll post them.)
Thursday, Nov 19 – After a year of planning, Amy was able to finally show case her “Happy Birthday Jesus”, party. When the numbers were finally in, the guest list exceeded 100 plus kids. At first, the boys and girls were separated into two smaller groups and shared the stories of Jesus’ birth, presented by Cynthia and the Christian Candy Cane story, presented by Bill.
While the stories were being read, other team members were setting up the numerous game stations for the kids. They included: kite flying, duck in the pond game, potato sack races, face painting, and many more. From the word “go”, the sheer excitement on the children’s faces running from station to station were priceless. Most, if not all, of the children have never been to a party like this. Even thought the main purpose of the party was to celebrate the birth of Jesus………., it also was for the kids, allowing them to be kids again. After the fun and games, the kids were treated to a chicken meal and concluded with a cup cake dessert. This was our last day at Catch; I think it was a success!!!
In preparation for the party I would like to thank all the team members, including our house cook, Mark, for the late night work on Wednesday night. After a long day, I think we finally wrapped things up around the 1am hour. Great job team!!!!!
Friday, Nov 20 – Final day at the school. In the morning hours, the ministry team went to a “Farm House" School while the medical team went to Mzamowethu to set up the clinic.
At the Farm House, we were able to minister to numerous age levels and they were so appreciative. The teachers and students were all so grateful. This place really touched my heart.
After the visit to the farm house, we travelled back to Mzamowethu. Class room ministry and the medical clinic were opened for just a couple of hours. Once we had finished, the supplies were packed up, the school put on a good by program for the Americans. It was held in the community’s recreation hall, which was down the street from the school. When the program began, it was standing room only. All the students, teachers, staff and even members of the community came to say good bye to us. There was a lot of dancing, singing, laughing and tearful moments during the assembly. At its conclusion, we began walking back to our van, hold hands with the students and community members. This connection, this bond…………I can’t even put it into words. We all were walking as one.
Saturday, Nov 21 – Sunday, Nov 22 – We did our final packing and traveled to the airport on Saturday. Travelling all night, we arrived in Jacksonville early Sunday morning to a warm welcome from our families. Great big hugs were given and even a few tears were shed.
Until next time, thank you for allowing me to share our experience.
Wednesday, Nov 18 – At Catch today was the girls club. Jobi hosted a beauty party for the girls. These girls were treated like little princesses. All were given their very own beauty bags. Foot massages and beauty tips were abundant, but I believe the icing on top of the cake today was the fact that almost 80 young women accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. (Boys were not allowed at the party, so when I get some pictures, I’ll post them.)
Thursday, Nov 19 – After a year of planning, Amy was able to finally show case her “Happy Birthday Jesus”, party. When the numbers were finally in, the guest list exceeded 100 plus kids. At first, the boys and girls were separated into two smaller groups and shared the stories of Jesus’ birth, presented by Cynthia and the Christian Candy Cane story, presented by Bill.
While the stories were being read, other team members were setting up the numerous game stations for the kids. They included: kite flying, duck in the pond game, potato sack races, face painting, and many more. From the word “go”, the sheer excitement on the children’s faces running from station to station were priceless. Most, if not all, of the children have never been to a party like this. Even thought the main purpose of the party was to celebrate the birth of Jesus………., it also was for the kids, allowing them to be kids again. After the fun and games, the kids were treated to a chicken meal and concluded with a cup cake dessert. This was our last day at Catch; I think it was a success!!!
In preparation for the party I would like to thank all the team members, including our house cook, Mark, for the late night work on Wednesday night. After a long day, I think we finally wrapped things up around the 1am hour. Great job team!!!!!
Friday, Nov 20 – Final day at the school. In the morning hours, the ministry team went to a “Farm House" School while the medical team went to Mzamowethu to set up the clinic.
At the Farm House, we were able to minister to numerous age levels and they were so appreciative. The teachers and students were all so grateful. This place really touched my heart.
After the visit to the farm house, we travelled back to Mzamowethu. Class room ministry and the medical clinic were opened for just a couple of hours. Once we had finished, the supplies were packed up, the school put on a good by program for the Americans. It was held in the community’s recreation hall, which was down the street from the school. When the program began, it was standing room only. All the students, teachers, staff and even members of the community came to say good bye to us. There was a lot of dancing, singing, laughing and tearful moments during the assembly. At its conclusion, we began walking back to our van, hold hands with the students and community members. This connection, this bond…………I can’t even put it into words. We all were walking as one.
Saturday, Nov 21 – Sunday, Nov 22 – We did our final packing and traveled to the airport on Saturday. Travelling all night, we arrived in Jacksonville early Sunday morning to a warm welcome from our families. Great big hugs were given and even a few tears were shed.
Until next time, thank you for allowing me to share our experience.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
SA 19 Nov 2009
19 Nov 2009
8:30pm here, just finished dinner with the team. Broke free for a few minutes to post some pictures. More to come when I can download them. We've probably got another 4 to 5 hundred more to go.
8:30pm here, just finished dinner with the team. Broke free for a few minutes to post some pictures. More to come when I can download them. We've probably got another 4 to 5 hundred more to go.
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| SA Pictures |
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Pictures of the Mission
Here are some of the first pictures of the mission. When time permits I will blog and tell you about the day.
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| SA the first couple of days |
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
SA, Tuesday
16 Nov 2009
7:30am to 1:30
Day 2
Another amazing day at Mzamowethu public school.
The ministry and medical teams have really stepped up to the plate. I believe that all of us have had spiritual, heart filled moments with the children and have developed an unreal bond. Experiences that we all have had will be cherished for a life time.
Several of us were able to walk through the community today prior to leaving for "Catch" in the afternoon. Most of the residence seemed open and pleased about our presence and appreciative to our being in the school and their community. While others just closed the door and waited for our passing.
Our medical team, headed up by Ana Alverez, have just really gone above and beyond anyone expectations. Beside sleep deprivation, spirits are high and no one is being turned away from medical treatment. I believe that approximately 300 students have been treated in the past 2 days. Can you say wow. And that's not counting the children that are being seen in the afternoon at Catch. Hats off to the medical team.
1:30pm to 3:00pm, leave Mzamowethu and travel to Catch.
At Catch today we hosted the boys party. Theme was aviation. The program was lead in by scripture, Isaiah 40:28-31, and a short recap of the salvation beads. After our discussion, the boys assembled toy airplanes and allowed to go outside and be boys. As they say, boys will be boys, and this time was no exception. Their faces of pure joy, excitement, smiles and appreciation were priceless.
Again the medical team treated children at Catch. I'm unsure of the number of children that were seen this afternoon, but I am certain of this, they are growing day by day. Again, wow..........
South Africa time 11:15pm............. good night, we'll blog tomorrow.
7:30am to 1:30
Day 2
Another amazing day at Mzamowethu public school.
The ministry and medical teams have really stepped up to the plate. I believe that all of us have had spiritual, heart filled moments with the children and have developed an unreal bond. Experiences that we all have had will be cherished for a life time.
Several of us were able to walk through the community today prior to leaving for "Catch" in the afternoon. Most of the residence seemed open and pleased about our presence and appreciative to our being in the school and their community. While others just closed the door and waited for our passing.
Our medical team, headed up by Ana Alverez, have just really gone above and beyond anyone expectations. Beside sleep deprivation, spirits are high and no one is being turned away from medical treatment. I believe that approximately 300 students have been treated in the past 2 days. Can you say wow. And that's not counting the children that are being seen in the afternoon at Catch. Hats off to the medical team.
1:30pm to 3:00pm, leave Mzamowethu and travel to Catch.
At Catch today we hosted the boys party. Theme was aviation. The program was lead in by scripture, Isaiah 40:28-31, and a short recap of the salvation beads. After our discussion, the boys assembled toy airplanes and allowed to go outside and be boys. As they say, boys will be boys, and this time was no exception. Their faces of pure joy, excitement, smiles and appreciation were priceless.
Again the medical team treated children at Catch. I'm unsure of the number of children that were seen this afternoon, but I am certain of this, they are growing day by day. Again, wow..........
South Africa time 11:15pm............. good night, we'll blog tomorrow.
Monday, November 16, 2009
South Africa
15 Nov 7:35pm.
Weather: Am hours, rainy and chilly
Pm hours, partly sunny and warm
Some minor issues with the internet, but now we are posting. Today was our first day in the school and at "Catch". What a rush............
This morning at 7:30am, we arrived at the school and was welcomed with a joyful assembly in the court yard.
The headmaster, the teachers and the students seemed very pleased that after almost a year of planning, the "Americans" were finally here.
The ministry today at the school:
2 sixth grade classes (Approx 75-80 students)
2 seventh grade classes (Approx 75-80 students)
The Medical Clinic at the school:
Approx 75-100 students were seen by the medical team
The ministry at Catch:
Ministered to approx 90-100 children
The Medical Clinic at Catch:
Approx 25-35 students were seen by the medical team
.............................................................
Will get back online hopefully later on tonight after our team meetings. At that time I'll start downloading pictures of today. They were amazing, all 986 pictures................ wow!!!!!
Weather: Am hours, rainy and chilly
Pm hours, partly sunny and warm
Some minor issues with the internet, but now we are posting. Today was our first day in the school and at "Catch". What a rush............
This morning at 7:30am, we arrived at the school and was welcomed with a joyful assembly in the court yard.
The headmaster, the teachers and the students seemed very pleased that after almost a year of planning, the "Americans" were finally here.
The ministry today at the school:
2 sixth grade classes (Approx 75-80 students)
2 seventh grade classes (Approx 75-80 students)
The Medical Clinic at the school:
Approx 75-100 students were seen by the medical team
The ministry at Catch:
Ministered to approx 90-100 children
The Medical Clinic at Catch:
Approx 25-35 students were seen by the medical team
.............................................................
Will get back online hopefully later on tonight after our team meetings. At that time I'll start downloading pictures of today. They were amazing, all 986 pictures................ wow!!!!!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
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