With just over 2 weeks until we head out, the details of our trip are starting to take shape. After arriving on the 9th, we'll begin a construction/cleanup project with rural schools in the area. The next week we'll focus on our holiday club for the inner-city kids, and continue to do community outreach through play groups and survey work.
It's going to be an amazing 11 days, so keep praying for us to be flexible and patient as the schedule takes shape!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
the 1 month countdown begins
It's hard to believe that in a month we'll be heading to East London. Based upon my amazing experience last year, words can't begin to describe the journey that lies ahead of us. Wanted to share just one of last year's experiences.
Last year we visited a shantytown, Gompo. We had the opportunity to do survey work and meet with families. Most of the homes were tiny; the walls were barely thick enough to hold themselves up; and the shacks did not have running water, electricity or heat. Despite these conditions, the children had huge smiles on their faces and the people were genuine.
One day during our survey work, a small group of kids (like those pictured below) began to follow us. I noticed that one of the kids had the outer part of a bicycle tire. Turning the tire into a mimic game, the kids got a kick out of simple playtime. After the tire, we heard the song “4 Minutes” by Madonna and Justin Timberlake. To the kids amusement and my amazement to hear this American pop song in the midst of a South African shantytown, I started to dance, and before you knew it we had a dance party.
The kids were happy because of what they had and the love they were receiving in that moment. A simple reminder…we have so much to be thankful for each and every day. I pray for these "simple" lessons and "huge" experiences as we prepare for this year's trip.
Last year we visited a shantytown, Gompo. We had the opportunity to do survey work and meet with families. Most of the homes were tiny; the walls were barely thick enough to hold themselves up; and the shacks did not have running water, electricity or heat. Despite these conditions, the children had huge smiles on their faces and the people were genuine.
One day during our survey work, a small group of kids (like those pictured below) began to follow us. I noticed that one of the kids had the outer part of a bicycle tire. Turning the tire into a mimic game, the kids got a kick out of simple playtime. After the tire, we heard the song “4 Minutes” by Madonna and Justin Timberlake. To the kids amusement and my amazement to hear this American pop song in the midst of a South African shantytown, I started to dance, and before you knew it we had a dance party.
The kids were happy because of what they had and the love they were receiving in that moment. A simple reminder…we have so much to be thankful for each and every day. I pray for these "simple" lessons and "huge" experiences as we prepare for this year's trip.
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