We are here! We are loving it. We are outside of Cape Town in a community called Ocean View. We are staying in a lovely small house that has two bedrooms, a living room, a small kitchen with a sink and microwave, and a bathroom. I would definitely not say that we are roughing it by any stretch of the imagination; however, it is much less than we are accustom to. It can get cramped and chaotic for 7 people to be staying there (9 when our squad leaders are visiting). Nevertheless, we are greatly enjoying being together as a team and growing as brothers and sisters. My team is truly amazing!
It has been a long, busy first week of ministry. As long as it has been, it has also flown by. Saturday we went to an indoor soccer field where we held like a mini sports camp for a church youth group. It was a blast. We were able to lead them in drills and also just play with them. I was with the older guys. We also did a skit with them and Tellus explained the skit to them afterwards. I was also told the night before that I was going to be the one to give the small message to them. So, I read Luke 8 and explained it. I then did some spoken word and gave my testimony. I hope and pray it went well. We loved our time there.
Sunday, we went to church with our host Bradley. He is truly one of the most amazing men of God that I have ever met. His church was definitely different. It was more charismatic than I am use to, but God is constantly stretching my view of him and stretching my comfort zone.
Monday through Thursday we were at a school in Simon's Town. Our schedule was relatively simply. From 9-11 we were with the young children, but ages rotated every other day. Monday and Wednesday was with first and part of second grade. Tuesday and Thursday was with part of second grade and third grade. Then from 11-12 we had lunch. From 12-2:10 we had 4-7th graders. It was very hectic at times, but so much fun. God really opened up the hearts of many students. I was mostly in charge of the soccer game with the older boys. It was such a blast being able to connect with kids through soccer and have them feel comfortable to share life with me.
We definitely had some highs and lows of this week, but God IS in control. Teammates are dealing with life here as well as situations back home, but I am praying that God's comfort, love, and peace floods their hearts, minds, and souls. God is steadily teaching us more about himself every day. He is so amazing. I cannot wait to see what God does in and through my squad over the next week. I am not focusing on the length of the trip because I do not want to miss what God is doing in the moment. God is a present and active God. Ahhh! He is so so good. I am slowly seeing his love for me more and more also.
I AM MY BELOVED'S AND HE IS MINE!!!
(please comment if you need prayer for anything. let's be a community of prayer!)
thank you all for your support! God bless.
much love!
David
