Team Jacksonville worked very hard for the remainder of the week to get all the painting finished on the inside of the creche. They were also able to finish installing the Sonke. The Sonke is a developmental playground with a series of tires and a balance beam. In the afternoons they continued to interact with the children and help with the lessons on the USA and South Africa. It warmed my heart to see the team members hugging the children. Scott tried to teach them American football and he had a blast. Pastor Kaster could be seen with kids climbing all over him. Stella and Virginia jumped in and ran the craft table. Bill was the master builder helping the little ones with the blocks.
On Thursday the team visited the Ntshongweni Primary School. Upon arrival we were greeted by 100's of smiling faces. The school choir sang for us and we returned the favor by singing our national anthem. We didn't sound too bad and received a round of applause. We were able to visit the first and second grade classrooms and the children were very excited to have us. I had a few moments of fun dancing with the kids. It feels good to hear the kids calling out "hello Shara" as I walk past their classrooms. After the school visit, some of the team members walked back to the center with Pastor Thwala, Julia and myself. They were able to see more of the community.
Friday came quickly and we started the day at the Hillcrest AIDS Center Trust. We wanted the team to see some of the programs that have been successful. The staff has been very gracious to share their ideas with us. Following the visit to the center the team wanted to get South Africa soccer jerseys since it was indeed "soccer jersey Friday." All over the country people wear their soccer jerseys in support of the World Cup and to support the South African team. I thought that it was very cool of them to take part in it. That afternoon we talked about South Africa and the kids sang and did a bit of Zulu dancing for the team. Stella and Karen did a bit of dancing and showed the kids how to do the "Hokey Pokey." The Sonke and tire tower were finished and it was great to see the kids playing on them. In the final moments we were able to get the team and all the kids together for a picture. As the team walked to the church the kids were very sad to see them go.
Team Jacksonville, thank you for all of your hard work and for the love that you shared with the children. God's blessings to you. Please keep the children of Ntshongweni in your prayers.
Bill helps the kids build the great wall of China
Stan and Scott painting the tires for the Sonke
Stella and Virginia help the kids paint their prayer rocks
Pastor Thwala, Pastor Kaster & Bill work on the tire tower
The team stands with the staff and choir of the Ntshongweni Primary School
Julia, Bill & Pastor Thwala painting the tire tower... it's looking good
Pastor Kaster takes a break to play with the kids... "High five"
Scott shows Spha his wrestling moves
Stan & Karen did a great job with the landscaping
The kids having a blast on the new playground...woo hoo!!
The tire tower was fun for these girls
Bill is showing his support by getting the South African flag painted on his face
Pastor Kaster with his buddy Sifiso on his shoulders
The team and the kids waving good-bye.....
2 comments:
What a glorious day! I love the face painting on bill.
Great pictures. What wonderful memories for all of you. I am proud and envious of your experience.
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