hi friends!
most of you know by now that our team is back home in the USA and delighted to be here!! our time in cape town was a life changing experience and YOU were a vital part of making that happen. we cant wait to tell you all more but for now, it's bedtime! :-)
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
More pictures from the week
Beth and one of the little girls at Sidewalk Sunday School.
Lindsey shared her sweatshirt with a boy at KTC.
Vironetta amongst the KTC kids.Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Random Thoughts and Reflections
Good Thursday, All.
Well, we've put in 7 full days here in Cape Town, and we're embarking on our 8th and last full day of this mission trip. I hope this doesn't offend any of my family or friends, but I am not ready to leave, and several of my teammates share the same sentiment. I feel like we are truly making a difference, not just here in Cape Town, but in the world. I know without a doubt that we have made a difference in the lives of the people we have ministered to and served, but even more than that, they have made a difference in ours. When our team first came together at the end of July, Elle and Jennifer were on the team. They had just returned from the Summer Cape Town mission trip and were beyond eager to return. I have to admit that I didn't understand why they couldn't wait until next year to sign up for the Cape Town mission trip, but now I have no question in my mind. Not only would I return on the next available trip or jump at the next opportunity, I would extend this stay if it were possible. My personal experience here is that I have truly experienced Heaven on Earth! Race, culture, color, and language do not matter; we are all one in the Kingdom of Heaven. We are all children of the one, true God, and I feel that here more than I ever have. Worshipping at Khanyisa Church on Sunday gave me a glimpse of Heaven as I closed my eyes and listened to at least two languages, representing four countries and three continents, singing praise to our Father!
I want to take this opportunity to thank John and Becky Hastings of Stellenberg Community Church for rallying the congregation to get involved in this mission and in MetroKids and to give according to their gifts and talents. I would like to thank Pam for her tireless efforts (although I know she is tired) for all the administrative work and attention to detail that made everything seem so seamless and easy. Thank you, Colin, for being the best project manager a team could ask for! We accomplished so much in two days at Stormont School because of your leadership. Thank you to the people of Stellenberg Community Church for your hospitality. The braai, sigtseeing on Monday, meals you prepared, and our night with your community groups all made this an unforgettable mission trip!
Last, but never least, thank you to James and Janet Senior for being the hands, feet, and heart of Jesus Christ and for loving all of God's children the way we were created to be loved: unconditionally! You inspire me to cross all boundaries and barriers to share the love of Jesus Christ, and you have shown us all the difference that just one or two people can make in this world! Thank you!
We pray for God to continue to bless you all abundantly and to keep His hand of protection on you at all times. Amen.
Your sister in Christ,
Beth
Well, we've put in 7 full days here in Cape Town, and we're embarking on our 8th and last full day of this mission trip. I hope this doesn't offend any of my family or friends, but I am not ready to leave, and several of my teammates share the same sentiment. I feel like we are truly making a difference, not just here in Cape Town, but in the world. I know without a doubt that we have made a difference in the lives of the people we have ministered to and served, but even more than that, they have made a difference in ours. When our team first came together at the end of July, Elle and Jennifer were on the team. They had just returned from the Summer Cape Town mission trip and were beyond eager to return. I have to admit that I didn't understand why they couldn't wait until next year to sign up for the Cape Town mission trip, but now I have no question in my mind. Not only would I return on the next available trip or jump at the next opportunity, I would extend this stay if it were possible. My personal experience here is that I have truly experienced Heaven on Earth! Race, culture, color, and language do not matter; we are all one in the Kingdom of Heaven. We are all children of the one, true God, and I feel that here more than I ever have. Worshipping at Khanyisa Church on Sunday gave me a glimpse of Heaven as I closed my eyes and listened to at least two languages, representing four countries and three continents, singing praise to our Father!
I want to take this opportunity to thank John and Becky Hastings of Stellenberg Community Church for rallying the congregation to get involved in this mission and in MetroKids and to give according to their gifts and talents. I would like to thank Pam for her tireless efforts (although I know she is tired) for all the administrative work and attention to detail that made everything seem so seamless and easy. Thank you, Colin, for being the best project manager a team could ask for! We accomplished so much in two days at Stormont School because of your leadership. Thank you to the people of Stellenberg Community Church for your hospitality. The braai, sigtseeing on Monday, meals you prepared, and our night with your community groups all made this an unforgettable mission trip!
Last, but never least, thank you to James and Janet Senior for being the hands, feet, and heart of Jesus Christ and for loving all of God's children the way we were created to be loved: unconditionally! You inspire me to cross all boundaries and barriers to share the love of Jesus Christ, and you have shown us all the difference that just one or two people can make in this world! Thank you!
We pray for God to continue to bless you all abundantly and to keep His hand of protection on you at all times. Amen.
Your sister in Christ,
Beth
Day 2 - Stormont School Rehab Project
Greetings from South Africa - Kim online tonight...
Today we accomplished exactly what God had ordained. We did not grow weary in doing HIS work; despite the rain and cold weather. we were able to finish our projects at the school today. Here is a brief recap:
7:00am Wake up call
8:00 Breakfast
8:20 Devotional time
9:15 meet at SCC to organize. Prayers for our day started with encouragement from John Hastings, Pastor of SCC.
10:00 Arrive at Stormont in the pouring rain, slightly discouraged about the challenge that the rain brings, but encouraged by the opportunity to finish painting, electrical work, and carpentry work on the Inside the classrooms.
3:00pm Finished! We had prayer with the principal and teachers of the school to bless them, the work that they do, and the children that attend Stormont. The much needed new lighting, doors, ceiling and roof repairs, as well as a fresh coat of paint over the entire exterior and part of the interior brings encouragement and new life to the school that serves 528 elementary children.
This evening was a special treat. Our hosts invited us in groups of two and three to join their small home groups for fellowship and dinner. We all had a chance to get to know more people from SCC and create memories that will last a lifetime. Each one of us will go home with new friends and joyful memories of the night. A special shout out to the Hastings’ group – Jeff, Vironetta and I had a wonderful time. Thank you so much for your hospitality and loving kindness.
As we draw near the end of our trip, we all have a knowing in our hearts that we were meant to be right here, right now, and have been humbled by God’s presence in our midst. I am so grateful to be a part of this team. Thank you, Jesus!
Signing off for now…it’s 1am and I’m off to bed.
Today we accomplished exactly what God had ordained. We did not grow weary in doing HIS work; despite the rain and cold weather. we were able to finish our projects at the school today. Here is a brief recap:
7:00am Wake up call
8:00 Breakfast
8:20 Devotional time
9:15 meet at SCC to organize. Prayers for our day started with encouragement from John Hastings, Pastor of SCC.
10:00 Arrive at Stormont in the pouring rain, slightly discouraged about the challenge that the rain brings, but encouraged by the opportunity to finish painting, electrical work, and carpentry work on the Inside the classrooms.
3:00pm Finished! We had prayer with the principal and teachers of the school to bless them, the work that they do, and the children that attend Stormont. The much needed new lighting, doors, ceiling and roof repairs, as well as a fresh coat of paint over the entire exterior and part of the interior brings encouragement and new life to the school that serves 528 elementary children.
This evening was a special treat. Our hosts invited us in groups of two and three to join their small home groups for fellowship and dinner. We all had a chance to get to know more people from SCC and create memories that will last a lifetime. Each one of us will go home with new friends and joyful memories of the night. A special shout out to the Hastings’ group – Jeff, Vironetta and I had a wonderful time. Thank you so much for your hospitality and loving kindness.
As we draw near the end of our trip, we all have a knowing in our hearts that we were meant to be right here, right now, and have been humbled by God’s presence in our midst. I am so grateful to be a part of this team. Thank you, Jesus!
Signing off for now…it’s 1am and I’m off to bed.
Greetings from ATL!!!
Hello everyone!!! I have greatly enjoyed reading all of your stories and seeing all of the amazing photos. It looks like the trip is going extremely well. I know that you are carrying out God's work, and it is SO exciting to watch. I wish you well and hope that you have a safe trip home. Please tell everyone at SCC that I said hello, and that I hope to see them in '09. Also, if anyone has met my Metro Kids child (Inam Madubela), please give her a hug for me and let her know that I can't wait to meet her one day.
I love you!
Elle
I love you!
Elle
Pictures from work day at the school
Allison and Julie freshen up the school signage. 
Kim on pressure washing duty.
Julie and Katie D. take a short break from painting.
Jeff sawing wood to reinforce the roof.
Katie and David
The finished product!Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Tuesday, November 11th, 2008
Lindsey: Hi everyone and welcome back to our blog for Tuesday November 11th, 2008. I'm sitting here with team member Vironetta Lawrence to recap todays events. So Vironetta, without further delay, please tell me a bit about what you did today in wonderful Cape Town, South Africa.
Vironetta: Hi Lindsey, today while in the Guguletug township, I was given an opportunity to use my amature painting skills at a local school. The weather was windy and cold which made it somewhat of a challenge however we were very successful at accomplishing our goal for day one of the two day project. Please tell me how you were able to serve today at the school?
Lindsey: Well thanks Vironetta. Sounds like a busy day for you. Today was truly extraordinary. I began the day working with Allison and three locals girls who attend Stellenberg Community Church by sand papering the ceiling of the school porch. We then painted the ceiling black. It complimented the white walls you and your team were painting, Vironetta. After concluding our project, which by the way took up much of the day, we joined your team at another section of the school grounds. I had the pleasure of seeing fellow teammates installing new doors and windows, pressuring washing buildings and reconstructing the roof of one classroom. Other than the pesky wind, it was truly a great day!! So what's on tap for tomorrow, Vironetta?
Vironetta: Tomorrow Lindsey we will finish up our project at the school by putting on a second coat of paint on the exterior along with hanging new doors and making sure that clean the school grounds. Lindsey, where did your team have dinner this evening?
Lindsey: Funny you should ask. What a delight! We stopped by a place called Pungas in the townships. It was quite an interesting experience. Inside the restaurant one gets the feeling they're in a butcher's shop. You peer through a display case at an assortment of meats ranging from sausage to pig's head. You then select what meats you would like for them to prepare in the back on a grill. They then serve the food on large platters, you grab what you want and eat with your hands. They also served loaves of bread, a local staple called pap that is similiar to American grits, and some interesting mixture of vegetables and legumes that tasted outstanding!!!! It was a trip.
Vironetta: Well until next time, this is Vironetta Lawrence and Lindsey Pogostin signing off from Cape Town, South Africa.
Vironetta: Hi Lindsey, today while in the Guguletug township, I was given an opportunity to use my amature painting skills at a local school. The weather was windy and cold which made it somewhat of a challenge however we were very successful at accomplishing our goal for day one of the two day project. Please tell me how you were able to serve today at the school?
Lindsey: Well thanks Vironetta. Sounds like a busy day for you. Today was truly extraordinary. I began the day working with Allison and three locals girls who attend Stellenberg Community Church by sand papering the ceiling of the school porch. We then painted the ceiling black. It complimented the white walls you and your team were painting, Vironetta. After concluding our project, which by the way took up much of the day, we joined your team at another section of the school grounds. I had the pleasure of seeing fellow teammates installing new doors and windows, pressuring washing buildings and reconstructing the roof of one classroom. Other than the pesky wind, it was truly a great day!! So what's on tap for tomorrow, Vironetta?
Vironetta: Tomorrow Lindsey we will finish up our project at the school by putting on a second coat of paint on the exterior along with hanging new doors and making sure that clean the school grounds. Lindsey, where did your team have dinner this evening?
Lindsey: Funny you should ask. What a delight! We stopped by a place called Pungas in the townships. It was quite an interesting experience. Inside the restaurant one gets the feeling they're in a butcher's shop. You peer through a display case at an assortment of meats ranging from sausage to pig's head. You then select what meats you would like for them to prepare in the back on a grill. They then serve the food on large platters, you grab what you want and eat with your hands. They also served loaves of bread, a local staple called pap that is similiar to American grits, and some interesting mixture of vegetables and legumes that tasted outstanding!!!! It was a trip.
Vironetta: Well until next time, this is Vironetta Lawrence and Lindsey Pogostin signing off from Cape Town, South Africa.
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