It seems crazy that we are already wrapping up our first month in South Africa!
We’ve been working with BEAM Africa ministries in Pretoria, South Africa. It’s been an interesting time—nothing like what we expected–but still so good.
When we arrived to work here we were expecting to work with the orphans of the surrounding townships (villages), but we soon learned that BEAM Africa and their directors, Erika and Louis, were in the midst of huge transition. BEAM has recently been forced out of Nellmapius, a township they’ve been providing services in for over 8 years basically due to racism and corrupt government. South Africa has such a deep history of racism that even with everything we’ve learned in our time here it’s still incredibly difficult for us to wrap our heads around racism and especially the visible gap between rich and poor. It both broke and filled our hearts to have had the privilege of going to Nellmapius to feed the children for BEAM Africa’s last time.
The time here, although not what expected, has been good for all of us as team as well. In between helping with construction at a church in a township called Mamelodi and doing other projects, God has given us tons of time to also set a foundation as team and new little family. The Lord has sweetly met us in our laughter, deep conversation about Him and life and love, and through each other’s stories. We’ve already learned so much about each other—learning how to best journey with one another and love—and we’ve learned so much about the Lord, His presence, glory, and the super cool adventures He’s planned for each of us. It only makes me more excited for what the next 10 months are going to bring our way.
Our friends in Mamelodi
Courage the Dusty Dog (with a donut)
South Africa is pretty pretty
My friend Jenni with a friend.
all my love
k
