I can’t believe it’s been over a week since I arrived in South Africa. The days are long (in a good way), but this week has seemed to have gone by so quickly. I don’t even know if that makes sense. I am currently living in Jeffery’s Bay, South Africa. Picture a beautiful coastal town, set in the fall, with a surfing vibe, all wrapped up in the wildness of Africa. Its perfect.
Our ministries this month include but are not limited to; working with Hilmary on the horse farm, building a school with Andrew, or helping lead a Children’s Camp with Lyndon and Anthea our wonderful hosts. This first week we worked with the wonderful Hilmary (don’t know her last name) on the horse farm. My team and I had a blast. We did everything from taking children on rides to the beach, to “covering horses” (making babies). Hilmary really invests in her students. She told us a story about this girl that would not get on a horse no matter how hard she tried. The little girls mom would drop her off and not worry about how the girl was doing in her riding lesson. Hilmary, after chasing her around for a couple weeks, finally sat her down on a hay bale. The girl then began to tell her in her 5 year old words how mommy and daddy are living in different houses, how they fight now. Hilmary then for the next 3 months wouldn’t try to get her on a horse, she would just sit her down and talk. She took the time to get to know her, to care about her. After those 3 months the girl started to ride the horse. And now this girl, who had so much hurt in her heart, and who had to be chased around the horse arena trying to get her on the horse, loves horse riding and has a beautiful imagination. I had the privilege to take her out on a beach ride the last day we were there. We talked NONSTOP for a good hour, about her favorite things, her mom and dad, and her pet unicorn named Marishka. It was a really special time. Until, according to her, I ruined it by singing Let It Go. She said it was her favorite song….
Grace and Peace,
Jace
