A hair full of little hands in the most beautiful way possible. Braids, twists, and ponytails… “Auntie Taysha can I touch your hair?”. There is Hope living strong in these hands. Our laps, shoulders, and necks wrapped with wide eyes and white smiles. A joy that is overflowing from children who have experienced far more than the human mind can or would want to understand.
A smile kissed with a tear all in the same glimpse. These children are full of laughter, love, and the Lord. Yet each new day can bring something that breaks your heart. Majority of these children are affected or infected by HIV/AIDS. Some have experienced the obscenity of murders, drugs, or sex. Some aren’t fed on a three times a day basis. Some sleep in a room full of other people yet without much warmth. Although, there is much HOPE here.
The children’s artistic ability blows me away. Watching them color pages, and then add on with their own drawing. This week I worked with the 2nd graders who could read every single word, and their vocabulary was astronomical. They pick up songs and dance with ease. They know their native language “Xhosa”, and they are being taught English and Afrikaans. To say the least they are brilliant little people. Above and beyond all the small details that add up quickly the most important and beautiful quality that the children of Hope School honor is that Jesus Christ is their Lord and Savior.
Our team was blessed to work alongside 2 other American teams during Holiday Club (aka VBS). They both came from New York: Fathers Heart and Journey. As we are coming to our last day with them some of the team graciously donated malaria medication, toiletries, money for blankets, etc.
I couldn’t possibly express everything we have experienced, but I will try to touch on a few. Travel days were long, exhausting, and pretty chilly. Our first night in South Africa we celebrated the 4th of July with an African brie (aka BBQ), we walked the beach of the Indian Ocean, had some interesting clothes washing experiences, and road in cars on the left side of the road with the driver on the right side of the car. We have been blessed to sleep in beds, have nice showers, and more food than imagined. Our hosts are absolutely amazing! Can truly feel the Lords heart living within them.
Our Internet time is short… oh wait my computer will not connect at the moment, but I must go. Please keep the children of Hope School, Fathers Heart, Journey, First City Baptist Church, our hosts: Dawn, Ryan, Bebe, and Ethne in your prayers. Along with the whole U Squad! Cheers to our first week in East London!
