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
Monday, November 10, 2008
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.
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