I have only been in South Africa for 6 days but I have already fallen in love with this country. Breathtaking mountains stretch across the landscape along with beautiful beaches which line the coast.
This month my team is involved with the Volunteer in South Africa program. We hold soccer practice, surfing lessons, and reading time with the kids who live in the township near Muizenberg. These children come from poverty stricken households and do not usually get the chance to play in organized sports. Another part of our ministry is connecting with the street kids who roam the city. Our goal is to get them back into school and a motivation for this is if the kids go to school, they can play the sports. Sports provide opportunity and opportunity provides hope.
This past week I have spent each afternoon in the township library where I listen to kids read, help them with their homework and do crafts together. The children are so sweet and crave attention and love. I’ve bonded over Justin Bieber with one little girl named Andiswa. Here is the note she wrote me:
Dear Maria, I’d love to say that we all appreciate to be with you at the library thank you for being nice to me and the other children. Thank you for being nice to my cousins. I’ve never spoke to an American like this (spend time) I love you. I like to be your friend. I hope you injoy the letter. Andiswa + Maria= Friends forever.
I am loving the quality time I get with the kids and excited to continue to build relationships with them during my time in South Africa. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
