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.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Exploring Cape Town
Allison here...today was our first official day off, and we definitely took advantage of every minute. A few of us began the morning with a hike in Table Mountain led by Becky Hastings, wife of Stellenberg Community Church Pastor John Hastings, and their daughter, Leah. Having the chance to wash our faces in a fresh mountain spring, run along pine-shaded trails and witness the sun ascending over Cape Town made our 6 a.m. wakeup call well worth it.
Next, our entire group headed toward Cape Point, which is the southwesternmost point of Africa and the place where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. On the way, we stopped at a beach where penguins roam freely (yes, there are penguins in Cape Town--go figure). We also commenced what would become one of three stops at "curio" shops around town, where we purchased gifts for many of YOU!
After seeing Cape Point and taking lots of pictures, we were off to Hout Bay, where we boarded a boat and ate a delicious lunch of fish and chips. (Note to Americans--drenching your "chips" in vinegar and salt is fantastic!) The boat took us to a place called Seal Island, which is basically a series of boulders that serve as home to thousands upon thousands of seals. This is the No. 1 Great White Shark capital of the world, as the seals are to the sharks what McDonalds is to us back home--instant dinner. We didn't see a shark, but we were looking. On the boat, we met a gentleman from South Korea who started a church in Cape Town...the coolness of meeting Christians from all over the globe definitely has not lost its wonder for me.
Last, we took the scenic route home, stopping at Camp's Bay (Cape Town's answer to South Beach) for gelato and then Clifton Beach for a stroll along the sand. It was a jam-packed day but I think we all felt like we got a better sense of the city--its versatility and its beauty.
A few notes:
1) We absolutely could not have found a single place I listed above without the help of our incredible guides, Adel, Gareth and Julie (sorry if I'm butchering the spellings). These folks from Stellenberg took the day off from work just to show us around, and we are SO grateful for their time, patience and wonderful hospitality.
2) When the boat left for Seal Island, four of our team members--David, Katie R, Jodie and Julie--left with Adel to attend a meeting with Metro Kids' leaders. They had a fantastic time getting to know these special teenagers even more, and they were priveleged to witness a party the kids threw for James and Janet in recognition of their efforts over the years.
OK, off to bed...we love and miss you all. Keep praying for us...tomorrow's construction day!
Allison
Next, our entire group headed toward Cape Point, which is the southwesternmost point of Africa and the place where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. On the way, we stopped at a beach where penguins roam freely (yes, there are penguins in Cape Town--go figure). We also commenced what would become one of three stops at "curio" shops around town, where we purchased gifts for many of YOU!
After seeing Cape Point and taking lots of pictures, we were off to Hout Bay, where we boarded a boat and ate a delicious lunch of fish and chips. (Note to Americans--drenching your "chips" in vinegar and salt is fantastic!) The boat took us to a place called Seal Island, which is basically a series of boulders that serve as home to thousands upon thousands of seals. This is the No. 1 Great White Shark capital of the world, as the seals are to the sharks what McDonalds is to us back home--instant dinner. We didn't see a shark, but we were looking. On the boat, we met a gentleman from South Korea who started a church in Cape Town...the coolness of meeting Christians from all over the globe definitely has not lost its wonder for me.
Last, we took the scenic route home, stopping at Camp's Bay (Cape Town's answer to South Beach) for gelato and then Clifton Beach for a stroll along the sand. It was a jam-packed day but I think we all felt like we got a better sense of the city--its versatility and its beauty.
A few notes:
1) We absolutely could not have found a single place I listed above without the help of our incredible guides, Adel, Gareth and Julie (sorry if I'm butchering the spellings). These folks from Stellenberg took the day off from work just to show us around, and we are SO grateful for their time, patience and wonderful hospitality.
2) When the boat left for Seal Island, four of our team members--David, Katie R, Jodie and Julie--left with Adel to attend a meeting with Metro Kids' leaders. They had a fantastic time getting to know these special teenagers even more, and they were priveleged to witness a party the kids threw for James and Janet in recognition of their efforts over the years.
OK, off to bed...we love and miss you all. Keep praying for us...tomorrow's construction day!
Allison
Pictures from the week
Katie D., Angie and Leah (daughter of Stellenberg Church pastor) hand out backpacks at KTC township.
One of the faces that has made the week so worth while!
Sidewalk worship program in KTC. Approximately 700 kids attended.
Tremaine spends time with one of kids at KTC.
Justin and kids at KTC.
We had some much needed down time on Monday. This team pic was taken at the top of Cape Point, nearly the most southern point in Africa. Unbelievable views!Sunday, November 9, 2008
Another Amazing Day in Cape Town
JoAnna here. I'm on blog duty tonight, so I've got the impossible task of describing another of our action-packed days here in Cape Town. This morning we went to a church in the township of Guguletu. It was so moving to worship alongside people who struggle against poverty, sickness and violence on a daily basis. Many of us were moved to tears as we sat in this warehouse across the world singing praises to the same big God. We spent the afternoon fellowshipping with the gracious leaders of Stellenberg Church and learning more about their various ministries and the culture around us.
There is just no way to convey the feelings that are team has been dealing with during our time here. Even though we've all been told our whole lives how lucky we were to be born in the U.S. and how good Americans have it compared to other nations, it just doesn't sink in until you look deep into the eyes of kids like the ones we've been working with in the townships. They have nothing, and they are so desperate and grateful for our time, attention and affection. Just a hug or a piece of candy means the world to them. This experience has been unforgettable and such a wake-up call for each of us. God has blessed us with so much and we each have so much to give to those who live our worst nightmares every day. My heart has been truly changed for the better and I'm so grateful for this experience.
On a lighter note, tonight we went to the top of Table Mountain to get an 360 view of the spectacular city at sunset. I was blown away by the beautiful scene and God's handy work.
I'm off to bed!
Pictures from Leader Appreciation Day
Katie D on the slide.
Allison and Ben during the foot washing ceremony.
Jodie with Leba, one of the older Metro Kids leaders.Saturday, November 8, 2008
Leadership Appreciation Day
It's Saturday night about 11:30 and we have had a FULL day! We spent the entire day with the student leaders from Metro Kids. Our day began at 7:30 at Stellenberg Church - pretty much home base for us. We begin each day with team devotion time. It has been a great time of sharing - organized by David and Vironetta - but others participate as well.
Today we had a leader appreciation day for the student leaders. These children are all of the helpers and leaders at Metro Kids. They range in ages from 12 to 24. These kids are truly amazing kids. They are from the townships in which the SideWalk Sunday Schools are held. The helpers help manage all of the children - sometimes up to 700 or 800 kids during the Sunday Schools. We have gotten to see these kids in there service roles and it is incredible to watch. The younger kids attending the Sidewalks really have respect for these student leaders. Let me give you some information into how kids become leaders/helpers. Once kids reach the age of 12 (even though there were some that were younger) if they have been attending Sidewalk regulary some are asked to be leaders. They begin helping in the managing of the children - and running the games. They meet either once a month or once a week and get training about MetroKids and how it works as well as dicipled by James or other older leaders. Some kids serve at more than one Sunday School a week. They have such servant's hearts and are amazing leaders.
So today we took all the leaders - about 70 kids to a water park. This waterpark had 3 slides. The kids had soooo much fun. Some were scared of the slides and most of them could not swim. Some of the kids went right for the big slides and some took more convincing. It was tons of fun to go down the slides with them and just interact and have a blast with these kids. From the water park - we went to a park for a Bry (BR-long I) Don't know how to spell it - but a bar-b-que. The staff from Stellenburg was amazing in organizing all of this. We had grilled lamb sandwiches - and potatos. It was delicious. Some kids had 3 or 4 sandwhiches. They could not get enough. We also had cake - all made by members os Stellenburg Church.
Then we had were able to minister to these kids in an amazing way. We read the story of then Jesus washed the diciples feet. Then we told them that we would like to wash there feet as Jesus did. We started by washing there leaders - James and Janet's feet - which I think then made it "okay" for the others to participate. We had 14 washers set up and the kids came and we washed there feet. It was so incredible. These kids have never had anything like this. It was such an HONOR to serve them. It was also amazing to see how the older leaders made sure all of the younger leaders went first and then they came. Even if the kids didn't completely understand it - I believe it will have an everlasting impact on them. The fact that we as adults (white American adults at that) were washing (and rubbing and drying) there feets - they don't experience that ever! I think they were truly touched!
We were then all divided into teams - 6 teams total - student leaders, "American friends" and members of Stellenburg church. We participated in a variety of games from cake eating and stuffing marshmellows in mouth - to MetroKids favorites - "The Chocolate Jump" Really everyone was a winner today. We also gave out t shirts and backpacks to the students! They were sooo greatful! It amazing me - there GRATITUDE and the love there show all of us. Today will be a day that I'm sure none of us will forget!
The evening ended with our team planning out our "free days" ie - Let's be a tourist day - and then grabbing some dinner!
Oh yeah - I forgot - we also took pictures of each of the students today. We have frame/cards to put them in with a note and the verse 1 Tim. 4:12 - "Do not let anyone think less of you because you are young.." (sorry I forgot the rest of it and it's now 1am - and just to give you some reality of South Africa - the adaptor I was using for the laptop didn't work and the battery died - so I've snuck down to the computer in the lobby. Also we are buying internet time and I currently have 2 minutes left on this passcode.) So goodnight - or goodmorning or good afternoon to whoever is reading this wherever you are!
Thank you for your support! Until next time!
Cape town team - Katie R
Today we had a leader appreciation day for the student leaders. These children are all of the helpers and leaders at Metro Kids. They range in ages from 12 to 24. These kids are truly amazing kids. They are from the townships in which the SideWalk Sunday Schools are held. The helpers help manage all of the children - sometimes up to 700 or 800 kids during the Sunday Schools. We have gotten to see these kids in there service roles and it is incredible to watch. The younger kids attending the Sidewalks really have respect for these student leaders. Let me give you some information into how kids become leaders/helpers. Once kids reach the age of 12 (even though there were some that were younger) if they have been attending Sidewalk regulary some are asked to be leaders. They begin helping in the managing of the children - and running the games. They meet either once a month or once a week and get training about MetroKids and how it works as well as dicipled by James or other older leaders. Some kids serve at more than one Sunday School a week. They have such servant's hearts and are amazing leaders.
So today we took all the leaders - about 70 kids to a water park. This waterpark had 3 slides. The kids had soooo much fun. Some were scared of the slides and most of them could not swim. Some of the kids went right for the big slides and some took more convincing. It was tons of fun to go down the slides with them and just interact and have a blast with these kids. From the water park - we went to a park for a Bry (BR-long I) Don't know how to spell it - but a bar-b-que. The staff from Stellenburg was amazing in organizing all of this. We had grilled lamb sandwiches - and potatos. It was delicious. Some kids had 3 or 4 sandwhiches. They could not get enough. We also had cake - all made by members os Stellenburg Church.
Then we had were able to minister to these kids in an amazing way. We read the story of then Jesus washed the diciples feet. Then we told them that we would like to wash there feet as Jesus did. We started by washing there leaders - James and Janet's feet - which I think then made it "okay" for the others to participate. We had 14 washers set up and the kids came and we washed there feet. It was so incredible. These kids have never had anything like this. It was such an HONOR to serve them. It was also amazing to see how the older leaders made sure all of the younger leaders went first and then they came. Even if the kids didn't completely understand it - I believe it will have an everlasting impact on them. The fact that we as adults (white American adults at that) were washing (and rubbing and drying) there feets - they don't experience that ever! I think they were truly touched!
We were then all divided into teams - 6 teams total - student leaders, "American friends" and members of Stellenburg church. We participated in a variety of games from cake eating and stuffing marshmellows in mouth - to MetroKids favorites - "The Chocolate Jump" Really everyone was a winner today. We also gave out t shirts and backpacks to the students! They were sooo greatful! It amazing me - there GRATITUDE and the love there show all of us. Today will be a day that I'm sure none of us will forget!
The evening ended with our team planning out our "free days" ie - Let's be a tourist day - and then grabbing some dinner!
Oh yeah - I forgot - we also took pictures of each of the students today. We have frame/cards to put them in with a note and the verse 1 Tim. 4:12 - "Do not let anyone think less of you because you are young.." (sorry I forgot the rest of it and it's now 1am - and just to give you some reality of South Africa - the adaptor I was using for the laptop didn't work and the battery died - so I've snuck down to the computer in the lobby. Also we are buying internet time and I currently have 2 minutes left on this passcode.) So goodnight - or goodmorning or good afternoon to whoever is reading this wherever you are!
Thank you for your support! Until next time!
Cape town team - Katie R
Friday, November 7, 2008
Hot off the press
Wow what a Day. Before the day started with the Stellenberg staff , some people went for an early hike/walk/at table top mountain. We followed that with breakfast and off we were to Stellenberg Church to start our day. We had an early devotional and that was followed with the plans for the day by the staff. We spent the next 2 hours gettin the backpacks ready for Town.the kids at GTC and then loaded the boxes onto 2 trailers. Next was lunch and then we were off to GTC where there 650 kids at Sidewalk Sunday School. Our team had a great time with the drama and the different games that were played such as putting your face into some beans for the longest time. Afterwards we headed back to the church to have supper with the Stellenberg Community and watch Kid Stuff. Their presentation was very funny and informational. That is all for today but tune in tomorrow for more updates from Cape
Thursday, November 6, 2008
What an incredible day! God really spoke to our team while visiting two groups of children. All the kids wanted us to do, was hug them and hold them. Hand shakes are down by touching and clicking your thumb with a child or another party. There was so much love in their eyes! We couldn't stay with them long enough. Loving the children was incredible! The primary message consisted of four simple but powerful truths: 1. GOD keeps his promises. 2. We all have sinned. 3. Jesus died for our sins 4. Place our trust in Jesus and he loves us. It is currently mid-night and the day is finally over. It is so very clear how much we are loved by God and in turn how much he wishes us to love others. How can we not! Until tomorrow......God Bless.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Live and in person from Cape Town!!!
We made it to Cape Town safely and without any travel issues, any major issues anyway! Everyone made it through immigration and proceeded to baggage claim. And the good news is that everyone should have their bags by Friday. Really...everyone's bags arrived except Tremaine's and Julie's. Tremaine's bag made a detour to Germany and will be here tomorrow. Julie's is nowhere to be found, but she has a great roommate with lots of clothes.
We checked into Pineland City Lodge and then went to Stellenberg Church to meet leaders from SC and Metro Kids and have dinner. Thanks to all for a great meal and conversation. It was great to meet them all in person.
It's late here and we're exhausted. Check in with you tomorrow!!
Goodnight!
Julie and Jodie
We checked into Pineland City Lodge and then went to Stellenberg Church to meet leaders from SC and Metro Kids and have dinner. Thanks to all for a great meal and conversation. It was great to meet them all in person.
It's late here and we're exhausted. Check in with you tomorrow!!
Goodnight!
Julie and Jodie
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
cape town bound!
Made it to the Big Apple airport and had lunch and got pedicures. The next flight leaves at 4pm.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Cape Town Bound!!
Let the countdown begin .....
Our team leaves early tomorrow morning and we are very thankful for your prayers while we're gone. It's a looonnnnngg flight from New York to Cape Town (18 hours) so please pray that we'll all be able to sleep on that flight and that we'll arrive rested and ready to go!
Here's our outbound travel itinerary:
Delta #5878 - ATL to JFK :: 8:25am to 11:05am
Delta #125 - JFK to Cape Town :: 3:40pm to 4:25pm
(we arrive on Wed 11/5)
Once we arrive and get to our hotel, we'll update the blog ... and check election results too. Thanks again for your prayers, friendship and support!!
Our team leaves early tomorrow morning and we are very thankful for your prayers while we're gone. It's a looonnnnngg flight from New York to Cape Town (18 hours) so please pray that we'll all be able to sleep on that flight and that we'll arrive rested and ready to go!
Here's our outbound travel itinerary:
Delta #5878 - ATL to JFK :: 8:25am to 11:05am
Delta #125 - JFK to Cape Town :: 3:40pm to 4:25pm
(we arrive on Wed 11/5)
Once we arrive and get to our hotel, we'll update the blog ... and check election results too. Thanks again for your prayers, friendship and support!!
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others,
faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
1 Peter 4:10
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