A long time ago I was listening to the radio station, and the person asked, “If your 10 years old self could tell you something right now, what would they tell you?” And I said that I would tell myself to play more. To run, jump, be wild, and free.
Here, in South Africa, I am a Kid again. This past week has been filled with laughter, love, and joy. The joy is from the Lord. The love also is from the Lord. Love for my team, for the kids, and for myself.
And the laugther, oh, the laughter. Definitely from the kids. They bring such a big smile to my face. I look forward to waking up. They go to school, and when they come home, they finish homework, and then we play. This past week has been about settling into a routine with the kids, knowing their names, cooking, cleaning, living in community with my team, spending time in the Word, with the Lord, in prayer, staying present, and making sure I stay health, connecting and playing with the kids…with all of that, this week has flown by.
So, this past week, we were assigned three boys to bond and connect with, and we also were given assignments for this upcoming week. Today, my teammate Jackie and I start tutoring. I am very excited about this.
We also can help in other areas, like choir, dance, karate, swimming, etc.
I have been able to bond with my three boys, but also I have been able to bond with the other ones as well. They all are so unique and different, but one thing they share in common, are their beautiful smiles.
This past week, my days have been spent learning new dance moves, playing soccer, tag, running races, climbing tree’s, playing cards, watching movies with the boys, basically everything you remember doing as a kid, that’s what I am able to do everyday.
I am so happy. I love being a kid again. I love bonding with the boys.
They are such a joy, and bring the biggest smile to my face. Do not get me wrong. They can be trying at times, but every kid has those moments. Just the fact that they are given th oppurtunity through this ministry, to live a normal life as a kid, and not have to live on the streets, or live in rougher conditions, is incredible.
For privacy reasons I cannot say the name of the ministry, or names of the boys. But i want everyone to know that I am very happy, present, and overjoyed to be here in South Africa, in this ministry, with these wonderful kids, on the World Race.
I feel like life here is such an adventure. And I am so grateful to be here on the World Race. Thank you to everyone who has made this possible.
Blessings to all you friends, your ecnouragement, love and prayers mean so much to me.
Love,
Ari
