We arrived safely in Port Elizabeth, South Africa at Khayalethu.
Khayalethu is a home for former street boys. They have an amazing ministry here where they totally rehabilatate these boys by pouring into them from the moment they arrive (which can be as early as age 6) until they graduate school (which is typically no earlier than age 21). One of the main qualifications for boy’s to come to Khayalethu is that they are/were living on the street for some portion of their life.
The boys that end up living in the street for one of many possible reasons including the death of one or both parents, one or both parents are addicted to alchohol or drugs, or any other of the horrible things that happen to these children every day. Khayalethu is a program to keep the boys off the street and teach them needed life skills in order to be a productive member of society.
Once they arrive at Khayalethu the boys are introduced to a strict schedule where “there is no room for mischief;” are fed a well rounded meal including fresh fruits, veggies, bread, and dairy; are sent to the proper school for their needs or are homeschooled 5 days a week; and are shown the love of Christ by their child care workers.
No matter how well this home is structured it scares the living daylights out of me. These boys come from a background that I can’t even imagine. they have learned lessons as children that most of us will never have to learn. In addition to that the boys have been on homestays for the last couple of weeks and will be there for 2 more weeks. During their homestays they are re-introduced to the life they came from and the structure is removed from their lives.
What terrifies me is the shock they will go through not only coming back to the structure of the home but will be coming back to 6 Americans who they have never met living in their home. I just ask that everyone who reads this will be praying for us and for the boys. Most importantly be praying that the boys will be open to the love, compassion, and peace that comes from Jesus Christ.
Thank you all
Love,
Lexi
