Bucket List Checked!!

Well…we are officially done our second week of ministry! We have also had our first adventure day! What adventures can you get into in Africa you ask? The possibilities are endless, but… since South Africa has the highest bungee bridge in the world, you know where I will be:).

The week started out with a bang, well kinda… it starts with Saturday. Saturday we normally get the day off but on this particular day we were able to help out with a disability event put on by our partnering ministry, Global Leadership. Kids with disabilities in Africa often do not have parents that want them or can take care of them so they are passed on to a facility that can attempt to. These kids are not able to get out and do things that we may seem normal like decorate a cake, see a puppet show, go to a concert, get out and dance or even just interact with people. We helped put on an event that celebrated these kids and allowed them to enjoy a fun filled day and be a normal kid for a day. Our team was in charge of the puppet show and believe it or not… I had a pretty big role. Haha. I was the narrator and got the kids hyped up for the show. I was also an important character in Peter and the wolf. I was the wolf! We also had girls split up and lead each group of kids around to different stations of fun. It was so amazing to interact with these kids and being smiles to their faces.

There were two kids in particular that stole my heart. They were two brothers. One was 13 and he had cerebral palsy. His older brother was helping him around and was 17. They both were small for their age, probably because of being under nourished. They came very shy not wanted to say things but from the beginning there was something that stole my heart. I kept asking them questions and showing them attention and love getting them to open up. It took a little but soon I saw their beautiful smiles. They definitely melted my heart even more. After the event I talked to the older brother about his life and the rest of his siblings and family life. By the end of the conversation we both were laughing, I couldn’t stop telling him how cute he was either:) he would just smile and blush a little. I don’t think they have many friends or support so just pray for them with me.

Sunday was a good rest day… had church and was able to eat good food with my team. Monday started ministry again at Beats and Books. Bad news… they have been getting a lot of break ins and so prayers are needed for protection over Beats and Books as well as for the leaders Jonathan and Carla. They give so much for the ministry and things like this may cause discouragement so just pray for them. Ministry is good though, we are still making connections with the kids. I know most of their names now so I can call them by name!!! They get so excited to hear their name. It’s makes them feel seen and loved so it is really awesome to see. God has definitely came through in this area as well as I am not good with names. He has provided me with the capability in this short time! Also another praise! Some kids in our ministry have been excepted into the local Christian Academy (Global Leadership Academy, our ministry partner). They are all so excited and we are all so proud. They are able to get a proper education to prepare them for a better future, as well as their families, and get to know the Lord in the process. We also were able to have a party for them to celebrate them and Gods goodness. It was full of laughter, fun, worship, food and dance!

In the middle of the week, Wednesday, we had a national holiday in South Africa. It’s called youth day. This is the day you could have caught me jumping off a 695 foot bridge! It was not as scary as I thought. Our group used it as an analogy to represent our relationship with God. If the rope is God then he is with us and catches us every step of the way. We may know it as we prepare to take the leap of faith but as we are falling we may get scared and forget it however, he is still with us. He is with us at the top of the bridge, the fall and the lowest valleys. I also got the opportunity to go surfing in the surfing capital of the world! It was such a great experience. A lot harder than I expected but I did get up in my feet in the end. Sooo… a few things have been checked off my bucket list this trip! and so many more to come! I am so happy for the opportunities to bring people to Jesus and show them love. Definitely opening my eyes to the power of God’s love and mercy. Until next time, love you all and thank you for the prayers!

Here are Pictures from the week!!!

Bungee jumping fun!

Fun with the girls! Second picture Is is enjoying the delicious cuisine of South Africa. Haha. Her name is Olivia and she is an absolute doll. she is so sweet!