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