Making progress....Day #3

Today was absolutely fabulous. When we arrived the chlidren were there to greet us with hugs and kisses and they are so eager to help. They have learned our names and have been trying to speak to us in English. Lynne and Ruth continue on with their groups and when its time for the chlidren to go, they are excited. A few of the women came back to day even though there were no sessions scheduled. How wonderful.

We are making great progress on the house. Today we finished all of the back washing and the brick laying. Tomorrow we will do the floor and start painting and hopefully the roof. Almost there!!! The team's spirits are very high and I know that when Friday comes it will be diffucult to leave. I continue to ask for prayers.

In the jungle the mighty jungle.... Day #2

Today was filled with sore muscles as we made our way to Shongweni. Everyone is having a wonderful experience. Those that are here for the first time can't stop talking about how loving the people are and how much fun the children are. I am so excited for them. We stopped off at the houses for a brief moment so I finally got my hugs from Skhumbuzo. He is such a bundle of joy. Everyone absolutely fell in love with him and he gave one of his special hugs to everyone on the team.

I stopped in to see Gogo Toli and she was so happy to see me, she gave a shout of joy as we embraced. I gave her yet another picture that I took on my last trip in November. She was happy to meet the rest of the team. Next we went to the Madondo home to see the garden. It is just wonderful. They are growing quite a nice variety of vegetables. Many of the homes have cleared a small area in the front where some folks are planting flowers. The community looks great and I am so glad that God has blessed me to help make a difference in the lives of so many.

Finally we headed down to the house. Today we started on the roof and started back washing the interior walls. We always have lots of help. The therapists are doing a wonderful job as well. They had a womens group in the morning of 20 and a kids group of 25. They have also had the opportunity for home visits. The people inthe community are very receptive to them and have been sharing quite a bit. The all miss Pastor Majola.

Please pray for Pastor Majola's sister Entebeko. She is very sad because she doesn't know what her life will be like. Pastor Majola was everything to her. All in all another good day in Shongweni. We went on a game drive at the Tala Game Reserve. It is always amazing to see the animals in settings like that. We saw giraffe, impala, inyala, wildebeest and the white rhino. God is amazing! We ended the evening having dinner under the stars.

Sawubona.....Day #1

Sorry for the delay, the internet in the hotel has been down. Well we made it finally. It was a very long trip. We left Washington DC late due to storms in the area, had a lay over in Dakaar, Senegal for re-fuel and finally made it to Joberg. And yes we missed our original flight so we were able to get on the last flight to Durban that left at 9:00pm getting us into Durban at 10:00pm.

Sunday was an awesome day. We went to the Karkloof forest and did a series of 7 ziplines across the forest. It was so awesome. Getting to see some of God's creations from so high above it. The team loved it and it help us to continue to bond.

Today was the first build day. As we headed to the community we could see the row of brightly painted houses that were built last year. When we got close enough we could see the children waving and saying hello. I did get to see Skhumbuzo but I haven't gotten any hugs as yet. We proceeded to the church. It was sad not seeing Pastor Majola, but good to be there to continue his legacy. His sister Entebeko was there and as we embraced she started to cry. I told her that it will all be okay. Dear Nelson and Alfred was there to greet us, and Fanie (our builder). Our task this week is to finish the house that Jen's team started. Today we finished the interior wall, back washed the outside. Alot for a day's work.

Many of the children came around to help and the team members who are there for the first time just embraced them with lots of hugs. It was a good day. Looking forward to tomorrow despite all of the aches and pains.

I'm leaving on an airplane...

Well the time has come, the team leaves in the morning.  By now all of our suitcases are packed, hopefully everyone is off to bed, but will be early to rise.  We have a long flight ahead of us but it is well worth it.  Thank you to everyone for your love and support.  Please keep us all 10 of us in your prayers.  

3 days and counting.....

I am getting anxious but not in a bad way.  I just want to get to Africa.  I know that the rest of the team is probably experiencing the same thing.  So please keep us in your prayers.  I am almost packed, just a few more things to put in the suitcase and then I am ready.  The excitement is mounting... can't wait to get on the plane, then I know for sure that we are on the way. 

4 days and counting....

I hope that the week goes by quickly. I am ready to go back and see everyone. I am actually almost packed, just a few more things and the suitcase is closed. I am so excited for the rest of the team, especially those going for the first time. What a blessing it has been to be able to lead such a wonderful team. As we prepare to serve, please keep all 10 of us in your prayers. 4 days and counting.....Woo! Hoo!

It's that time again!

It's that time again.....I am headed to South Africa on the 27th of this month. So much has happened since my last trip. Just recently Pastor Senzo Majola who worked very closely with the Orphan care program passed away. So this trip will be a bit sad but there is a great joy of getting to see everyone that I have met and worked with again. I look forward to seeing the children and Gogo. I can't wait to get a hug from Skhumbuzo (one of the orphans who is 3 yrs. old). So time to start counting down. And yes that is Skhumbuzo with me.