I'm sitting in the office now, looking out the window at a bittersweet sight. Grant, Jess, Thuts and Lungi are playing double dutch... Reed is holding Innocent (an orphan at iThemba Lethu) tightly in his arms.
Tandeka and Stella are watching the girls play and cheering them on. They too are orphans here, but couldn't have found a better home to call their own. The love they receive here simply cannot be put in words.
Today we leave Durban. As much as I look forward to to being home with family and friends, I'm not sure my heart is ready to say goodbye to all these wonderful people. Grant and I have taken a special liking to a certain little 3yr old. She has so much spirit and almost always has a big, beautiful smile on her face (the only exception is when she's demanding to be picked up so she can terrorize the office). What a little sweetie pie :) I prayed for strength this morning.
Thankfully, our camp went so well this weekend. We met another group of gifted children. Each one special in their own unique way.
To be mindful of time, we will save our stories and experiences for when we see you. Please pray for a safe and uneventful trip home. It took us 30 hours to get here. We are gearing up for another long trip back :)
Love you all and hope everything is well with you.
Hugs and kisses,
Andrea
Monday, September 27, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Hello? Is anyone out there?
Our sincere apologies for not updating this as often as we would like. The truth is, we've been busy in the most wonderful way. And I hope I'm not sounding too optimistic with our updates (little Miss Glass Half Full), but in all honesty, this trip has been truly wonderful.
That's not to say there hasn't been heartache and challenges, because there has. Each of us have been stretched and tested in individual ways. But as we all know, God is faithful and hasn't thrown anything our way we haven't been able to handle. So now I'm going to hand over the mic to our dear friends Reed and Jess so they can share some stories. Maybe if we're lucky, Grant will hop on and share some thoughts as well.
Oh, and speaking of Grant, apparently he looks like a local. On two separate occasions the S. African's have approached him for directions (on day 1...which he was able to provide), and then again a few days later where a man asked him his opinion of which glue to purchase for paper projects. Ha! Ok, in all serious, here are the Wilson's...
Hey everyone. Thanks for being patient with our lack of updating the blog. We are all doing wonderful. This past weekend Jess and I went with 4 youth workers to the grade 7 camp and Grant and Andrea went to the grade 8 camp; also with 4 youth workers. Grant and Andrea can speak to their experience at grade 8, but for us it was a truely wonderful time with grade 7.
This past December Jess and I were here in South Africa at iThemba Lethu with another OCC team helping with these same type camps. At that time we helped out with the kids in grade 6 - so coming this time we were able to be with the same kids and youth workers who moved up to grade 7. We remembered just about every one of the kids' faces and were also able to remember some of their names too. I think they were very touched that we remembered their names. It was really nice to see them again and build on the relationships that we started last year. The theme of the camp and all of the games and speaking pertained to servanthood and leadership. Jess and I both gave testimonies this year and I think they were very effective. She spoke about serving others and gave a couple really nice examples from her life. I pray that her message made it across the language and cultural barriers to the kids because it was a wonderful testimony. I spoke about how I came to know Christ and how he has been working in my life in the context of leadership. I used my leadership of this trip as an example and urged the kids to be good leaders in their spheres of influence.
We worked hard with the youth workers to organize games, activities, and crafts. We played, swam, danced, laughed, and talked with the kids. There was an "alter call" for the kids to pray and ask Jesus into their hearts. We prayed over individual children who were sick. And overall, we had a great time and brought the love of Jesus to them kids at the same time.
I said it last year as well, but the youth workers are absolutely amazing people. The way they worship God, minister and educate these kids, and act as positive role models to them is absolutely astounding to me. I feel so blessed to be able to come here and work along side them. I pray that our presence and words are encouraging and uplifting to them. I also pray God will continue to give them strength and support so they are able to continue their incredible work. They are literally changing the lives of these kids by providing them with hope for their future.
I very much look forward to our next camp tomorrow to see how God uses us in the lives of those kids.
-Reed.
Honestly, coming down here I really didn't know what to expect, I just felt it was something I should do and that I would be used in some way. I have to echo what Reed, Jess, and Andrea said about how great the youth workers, iThemba Lethu, and the children are that they are working with. The people here are the most spirited and fun people I have ever met; we were basically best friends within 30 minutes of meeting them.
Running the camps has been an amazing experience; especially working with these children that don't have anything --- literally, many barely have a roof over their head at night living in shacks made out of scrapwood and metal, no running water, and worst off, some don't have families to go home to.
I have to admit, I'm often shy to ask their story because some of the things they have gone through is too hard to hear coming from a young kid --- domestic violence, no parents, girls that have been victims of rape, AIDS, etc. In the grade 8 camp we focused on trying to help them learn not to hang onto their past and look to making wise decisions for their future so they do not get caught in the same trap. I expected these kids to be hard to work with because of their rough home life, yet I was shocked to find that they were quite respectful and really just happy to be taken out of their home and to a camp where they could actually take a warm shower (sadly for many this will be their ONLY shower this year).
After just a day into camp, most of the kids warmed up to us, and we were able to really connect with a number of them, and answer all of their questions about America. One child that really stood out, had a very strong and outgoing personality, has a passion for music. There happened to be a piano in the meeting hall, and he asked me if I could teach him how to play. In just a short 15 minute lesson, he was able to learn all 88 keys by memory and was starting to play a simple tune on his own. Within minutes, 6 other children gathered around all wanting to learn the piano. It's interesting, these kids were so eager for someone teaching them an old, out-of-tune piano, when many children in other parts of the world wouldn't care because they have so much of everything else.
I was blown away by these kids, depsite the hardships they experience everyday, they are HAPPY and they have so much passion for life and the future, they just need people to believe in them. If they could have just 1/10th of the opportunity that we all have in the U.S., it would be amazing to see what they could do.
Last thing- 35 of 69 kids raised their hands to accept Christ last weekend at our camp. It was a really powerful sight.
- Grant
We are all so thankful for being here. And thanks to many of you for your continued prayers- we can certainly feel them!
As for tomorrow, we leave for our last camp. Grade 6. Reed, Jess, Grant and I will be working together at this camp, along with four other youth workers. As opposed to our 70 kid camps last weekend, we will be working with 35 youngsters this weekend. This means more 1:1 time getting to know the kids! YAY!
Once again, we miss you so much and hope all is well at home :) Can't wait to hug and squeeze you (Jenny- I can't wait to hear all about Reggie & Trixie's meeting- so cute!).
In Him,
Andrea
That's not to say there hasn't been heartache and challenges, because there has. Each of us have been stretched and tested in individual ways. But as we all know, God is faithful and hasn't thrown anything our way we haven't been able to handle. So now I'm going to hand over the mic to our dear friends Reed and Jess so they can share some stories. Maybe if we're lucky, Grant will hop on and share some thoughts as well.
Oh, and speaking of Grant, apparently he looks like a local. On two separate occasions the S. African's have approached him for directions (on day 1...which he was able to provide), and then again a few days later where a man asked him his opinion of which glue to purchase for paper projects. Ha! Ok, in all serious, here are the Wilson's...
Hey everyone. Thanks for being patient with our lack of updating the blog. We are all doing wonderful. This past weekend Jess and I went with 4 youth workers to the grade 7 camp and Grant and Andrea went to the grade 8 camp; also with 4 youth workers. Grant and Andrea can speak to their experience at grade 8, but for us it was a truely wonderful time with grade 7.
This past December Jess and I were here in South Africa at iThemba Lethu with another OCC team helping with these same type camps. At that time we helped out with the kids in grade 6 - so coming this time we were able to be with the same kids and youth workers who moved up to grade 7. We remembered just about every one of the kids' faces and were also able to remember some of their names too. I think they were very touched that we remembered their names. It was really nice to see them again and build on the relationships that we started last year. The theme of the camp and all of the games and speaking pertained to servanthood and leadership. Jess and I both gave testimonies this year and I think they were very effective. She spoke about serving others and gave a couple really nice examples from her life. I pray that her message made it across the language and cultural barriers to the kids because it was a wonderful testimony. I spoke about how I came to know Christ and how he has been working in my life in the context of leadership. I used my leadership of this trip as an example and urged the kids to be good leaders in their spheres of influence.
We worked hard with the youth workers to organize games, activities, and crafts. We played, swam, danced, laughed, and talked with the kids. There was an "alter call" for the kids to pray and ask Jesus into their hearts. We prayed over individual children who were sick. And overall, we had a great time and brought the love of Jesus to them kids at the same time.
I said it last year as well, but the youth workers are absolutely amazing people. The way they worship God, minister and educate these kids, and act as positive role models to them is absolutely astounding to me. I feel so blessed to be able to come here and work along side them. I pray that our presence and words are encouraging and uplifting to them. I also pray God will continue to give them strength and support so they are able to continue their incredible work. They are literally changing the lives of these kids by providing them with hope for their future.
I very much look forward to our next camp tomorrow to see how God uses us in the lives of those kids.
-Reed.
Honestly, coming down here I really didn't know what to expect, I just felt it was something I should do and that I would be used in some way. I have to echo what Reed, Jess, and Andrea said about how great the youth workers, iThemba Lethu, and the children are that they are working with. The people here are the most spirited and fun people I have ever met; we were basically best friends within 30 minutes of meeting them.
Running the camps has been an amazing experience; especially working with these children that don't have anything --- literally, many barely have a roof over their head at night living in shacks made out of scrapwood and metal, no running water, and worst off, some don't have families to go home to.
I have to admit, I'm often shy to ask their story because some of the things they have gone through is too hard to hear coming from a young kid --- domestic violence, no parents, girls that have been victims of rape, AIDS, etc. In the grade 8 camp we focused on trying to help them learn not to hang onto their past and look to making wise decisions for their future so they do not get caught in the same trap. I expected these kids to be hard to work with because of their rough home life, yet I was shocked to find that they were quite respectful and really just happy to be taken out of their home and to a camp where they could actually take a warm shower (sadly for many this will be their ONLY shower this year).
After just a day into camp, most of the kids warmed up to us, and we were able to really connect with a number of them, and answer all of their questions about America. One child that really stood out, had a very strong and outgoing personality, has a passion for music. There happened to be a piano in the meeting hall, and he asked me if I could teach him how to play. In just a short 15 minute lesson, he was able to learn all 88 keys by memory and was starting to play a simple tune on his own. Within minutes, 6 other children gathered around all wanting to learn the piano. It's interesting, these kids were so eager for someone teaching them an old, out-of-tune piano, when many children in other parts of the world wouldn't care because they have so much of everything else.
I was blown away by these kids, depsite the hardships they experience everyday, they are HAPPY and they have so much passion for life and the future, they just need people to believe in them. If they could have just 1/10th of the opportunity that we all have in the U.S., it would be amazing to see what they could do.
Last thing- 35 of 69 kids raised their hands to accept Christ last weekend at our camp. It was a really powerful sight.
- Grant
We are all so thankful for being here. And thanks to many of you for your continued prayers- we can certainly feel them!
As for tomorrow, we leave for our last camp. Grade 6. Reed, Jess, Grant and I will be working together at this camp, along with four other youth workers. As opposed to our 70 kid camps last weekend, we will be working with 35 youngsters this weekend. This means more 1:1 time getting to know the kids! YAY!
Once again, we miss you so much and hope all is well at home :) Can't wait to hug and squeeze you (Jenny- I can't wait to hear all about Reggie & Trixie's meeting- so cute!).
In Him,
Andrea
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Team USA Has Arrived!
That's right! We've arrived in Durban and are all doing great! Despite the jet lag kicking in this afternoon, our stay here has been nothing less than wonderful. It's truly a beautiful place.
Unfortunately, this short message is all I'll get to post on our blog for the next few days. We received an IMPRESSIVE welcoming from the iThemba Lethu staff this morning and have spent the day preparing our supplies for camp, buying food and are now getting ready for church service tonight. Needless to say, there's not a lot of extra computer time at the moment :)
We'll return to the blog with a full update when we get back on Sunday. I just wanted to send you all a quick message letting you know we're here and doing well :) Even Reed seems to be feeling better!
Can't wait to share our stories with you all. Please pray for Gods blessing over our 7th and 8th grade camps this weekend.
Hugs to everyone!
Andrea
Unfortunately, this short message is all I'll get to post on our blog for the next few days. We received an IMPRESSIVE welcoming from the iThemba Lethu staff this morning and have spent the day preparing our supplies for camp, buying food and are now getting ready for church service tonight. Needless to say, there's not a lot of extra computer time at the moment :)
We'll return to the blog with a full update when we get back on Sunday. I just wanted to send you all a quick message letting you know we're here and doing well :) Even Reed seems to be feeling better!
Can't wait to share our stories with you all. Please pray for Gods blessing over our 7th and 8th grade camps this weekend.
Hugs to everyone!
Andrea
Monday, September 13, 2010
Sleepless in Seattle
It's really not that late. We are nearing 10pm, but I know I should be in bed. Sleep is not what I'm interested in right now. In fact, my mind is racing. I'm full of excitement, uncertainty, and useless energy. In less than 7 hours we will be waking up and heading to the airport. Destination- Durban, S. Africa.
I've been reflecting a lot these last few days. Reflecting on how awesome Jesus is. How He directs us, how He plans for us, and if we wholeheartedly obey, how he showers us with His love and graciousness. I've been thinking about how long Grant and I have waited to serve in this capacity. And now that the day has arrived, it hardly seems like we've been waiting that long at all.
But before I get ahead of myself, it might make sense to explain what we're doing and who 'we' are. 'We' are the September, 2010 iThemba Lethu missions team from Overlake Christian Church. Although there are only four of us, we have an amazing team. Our leads, Reed and Jessica are fantastic! Really. They both have admirable servants hearts and have done an amazing job preparing us for this journey. Not to mention, they make some killer nachos that sound pretty good right about now...
Grant and I make up the second half of our team, and couldn't be more excited to see how we are used on this trip. iThemba Lethu is the OCC partner organization in Durban who we will be serving with. On the weekends, we'll be helping the youth workers run leadership camps for 6-8th grade kids, and during the week we'll get to hang out with all the little ones at iThemba Lethu. I'm certain it will be an unforgettable, and life-changing trip.
And as I continue to reflect on this season, I can't help but feel truly grateful for all my many blessings- an amazing husband and family, irreplaceable groups of friends and a new church home that feels more like family.
I can't wait to see what is in store for the four of us, and simply pray that each conversation and interaction is 100% led by Him. Oh, and I wouldn't mind uneventful, and smooth travels :)
Love you all,
Andrea
I've been reflecting a lot these last few days. Reflecting on how awesome Jesus is. How He directs us, how He plans for us, and if we wholeheartedly obey, how he showers us with His love and graciousness. I've been thinking about how long Grant and I have waited to serve in this capacity. And now that the day has arrived, it hardly seems like we've been waiting that long at all.
But before I get ahead of myself, it might make sense to explain what we're doing and who 'we' are. 'We' are the September, 2010 iThemba Lethu missions team from Overlake Christian Church. Although there are only four of us, we have an amazing team. Our leads, Reed and Jessica are fantastic! Really. They both have admirable servants hearts and have done an amazing job preparing us for this journey. Not to mention, they make some killer nachos that sound pretty good right about now...
Grant and I make up the second half of our team, and couldn't be more excited to see how we are used on this trip. iThemba Lethu is the OCC partner organization in Durban who we will be serving with. On the weekends, we'll be helping the youth workers run leadership camps for 6-8th grade kids, and during the week we'll get to hang out with all the little ones at iThemba Lethu. I'm certain it will be an unforgettable, and life-changing trip.
And as I continue to reflect on this season, I can't help but feel truly grateful for all my many blessings- an amazing husband and family, irreplaceable groups of friends and a new church home that feels more like family.
I can't wait to see what is in store for the four of us, and simply pray that each conversation and interaction is 100% led by Him. Oh, and I wouldn't mind uneventful, and smooth travels :)
Love you all,
Andrea
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