08-13-08

Short night and early butterflies as Andrew was starting off the day teaching in chapel. It was the best interaction with all of the children in a short amount of time that I have spent since arriving a week ago! I spoke about generosity. First we had some group interaction and learned our definition (sharing what I have with a happy spirit). Then I shared three stories: the boy who was generous with his lunch of 5 loaves and two fish, then Andrew read a short story about a girl who was generous with her lunch at school, third we looked at nature and saw how Pelican's are generous with the fish they catch. It was a great time of interaction with the children. I hope they were able to take away from that time as much as I did. We then went to the grade R (Kindergarten) classroom where Kate taught an impromptu math lesson. She did an excellent job and we've got the pictures to prove it :)
Part of our vision trip is to see all aspects of the ministry here at Bethesda so after chapel and math class we were off to the administrative building to sit in a meeting with the houseparents in continuing education. We really had to shift gears and take on a whole new mindset in part because we were now the learners (students) taking in all aspects of orphan care ministry. It was eye opening and interesting to learn much of what the South African government requires from Bethesda and Children Homes in general. We got to go back to the school and help some of the students who have a hard time reading in English take an economics exam and grade some math homework, Andrew really liked that part while Kate had a hard time giving the students a poor grade on their work. For the last hour of the day we got to sit in on a Tswana class. At Bethesda they teach the children how to read and write Tswana because many of the children only know how to speak it. Andrew really had no clue what went on that hour but he did his best to follow along with what the teacher was saying. We got to spend the remainder of the afternoon playing outside with many of the children. They are so full of life and energy with an infectious smile on their faces.
Kate went with one of the teachers and intern to the vet. Of course a couple of dogs went too. Bethesda has two puppies who needed to get their shot. Andrew opted to stay back and help Meredith prepare dinner. Tonight we spent the night with the interns for dinner sharing stories and many laughs. The Mixon's (Bethesda's director) arrived safely from the states this evening around 6:30. It will be good to see how life operates when John and Lois are here.
Thank you for your prayers and comments a continual source of encouragement to us.