It's funny how God does choose to provide for you and for things that you don't expect. I have wanted to go skydiving for a really long time. The day after it was cancelled, I found out that I was signed up for shark cage diving. Really? How did my name get on that list? The answer was "I don't know, but you're going." After a long, loud, crazy skype conversation with mom, a bus ride, and a little bit of a boat ride we were getting asked to suit up. Getting a wet suit that is wet is no fun, of any kind. Getting into a wet suit and getting into a cage with four of your friends so that you can get an up close and personal look at one of the scariest animals on earth, is incredible. We saw sharks, up close, and personal, and they are even more impressive in person than they are on the television. On the bus ride back I marveled at God's creation and the magnitude of His grace and love for us. I also sat in curiosity of "how does a sharks impressiveness get lost in translation?" Is it because you're not surrounded by water? Is it because you know you're safe on your couch? Is it because you don't think you'll ever experience their presence first hand?
The first time I walked through Capricorn Township was very similar to my shark cage diving experience. I was in a position that I had only seen on television, I had only experienced racial segregation and that kind of poverty through a screen. Walking through the township, looking into the eyes of the people walking down the streets, seeing how a barber shop has been made out of a old railroad car, how a home was made out of scraps of metal, the reality of it sunk in. It sunk in even more when I met eyes with one of the children. When I walk up to the soccer pitch (really just a giant sand pit) I have to remind myself that even if I make a difference in the life of one of these children that's all that matters. Even if I don't get to really sit down and have a great conversation with one of them, at least I jumped in {the cage}. There are a lot of battles to be fought for on behalf of these children. They have a mob mentality, informers are brutally punished, you never go against the older kids and you always do what you're told by members of the group. Every time I walk up, I have to remind myself that it's like getting in the ocean, discern where the sharks are and focus on the good parts. South Africa is a beautiful place filled with beautiful people who are pursing God's will and who I know will continue to fight for these kids long after we're gone. I'm going to be honest with you, sometimes it's hard to have faith that change will come, but so long as people don't give up on obeying God's will for them to help these children, there is hope. Thank you soo very much for reading, and I hope that you're doing well. God bless you and keep you. I hope to be able to post again soon.
Prayer requests:
Several of my squadmates need donations to make their December deadlines, Amanda Brucki, Marian Padilla, Maria Rocha, and Megan Miller. Please pray for provision for them. Thank you so very much for reading.
