Hello! It has been a whirl wind of activity since we have gotten home and on top of that we have been very jet lagged. Kate started school yesterday and is already running the race of another semester at GVSU. She is very busy and already has lots of homework and readings while trying to get organized and get the apartment back together. Andrew started back to work today with both of his job, and he too was very busy at the mission today, trying to catch up from being gone three weeks and gets things done that have to be completed by the end of the month.
As you may have noticed, there is a slideshow of pictures now posted in the right hand column. If you would like to read the captions we added to the pictures, just click on the slideshow picture. That will open a new window where you will be able to see the pictures in a larger format and read the captions telling about the pictures. Hope you all enjoy seeing the people and places that we saw and things we experienced while at Bethesda. Enjoy!!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Back Home
We arrived back in Grand Rapids on Saturday just before noon. It was 30+ hours of travel and all went well. Except we were minus one suitcase. Not to worry it arrived Sunday morning at 2:30AM. Unfortunately, that signaled the end of sleep for Andrew, as his body was still adjusting. Andrew's internal clock was reading 8:30 so we started a bit earlier than normal.
Just before we left Bethesda we were visiting with all the house Mom's and one of them had made formal African shirts for us. She had taken our measurements when we ate dinner at their house but had totally forgotten all about it. What an unexpected and special gift that will always remind us of our time spent at Bethesda.
To clear up one bit of confusion... Some have wondered how we could write so much every afternoon on our blog. Not to worry we took every possible opportunity to invest in the lives of others while in South Africa. Blogger said we posted each day between 3 and 4 in the afternoon and that was true for all of you here in the states, but for us in South Africa it was at the end of our day between 9 and 10.
Thank you all soooo much for supporting us as we went. In your prayers, reading our updates and in posting your comments you made us feel like you were right there with us. Lending a hand and a smile each step on our journey. Words can not express our gratitude, but we will do the best we can when we see you next and share all THE GREAT things God did in us and through us on our trip.
Just before we left Bethesda we were visiting with all the house Mom's and one of them had made formal African shirts for us. She had taken our measurements when we ate dinner at their house but had totally forgotten all about it. What an unexpected and special gift that will always remind us of our time spent at Bethesda.
To clear up one bit of confusion... Some have wondered how we could write so much every afternoon on our blog. Not to worry we took every possible opportunity to invest in the lives of others while in South Africa. Blogger said we posted each day between 3 and 4 in the afternoon and that was true for all of you here in the states, but for us in South Africa it was at the end of our day between 9 and 10.
Thank you all soooo much for supporting us as we went. In your prayers, reading our updates and in posting your comments you made us feel like you were right there with us. Lending a hand and a smile each step on our journey. Words can not express our gratitude, but we will do the best we can when we see you next and share all THE GREAT things God did in us and through us on our trip.
THANK YOU!!!
Friday, August 22, 2008
Signing off from South Africa
We were able to spend our morning here packing up and saying our good-byes to all our new friends. It was so good to be able to greet everyone one last time. It was also sad to know we won't wake up in South Africa tomorrow and won't be able to share life together with all these wonderful people (children, houseparents and staff). We will miss them all very much.
We will be headed to the airport in just an hour and a half. Please pray for safety as we travel and that we make our connection tomorrow morning in Atlanta as there is not much time between flights. Also be in prayer over the next couple of days as our bodies try and adjust back to EST as Kate starts school on Monday. We will be sure to let you know when we arrive back in Michigan. Look for pictures and maybe even some videos in the next week. We can't wait to share with you in even more detail all the GREAT things God has done in us and through us during our stay at Bethesda.
We will be headed to the airport in just an hour and a half. Please pray for safety as we travel and that we make our connection tomorrow morning in Atlanta as there is not much time between flights. Also be in prayer over the next couple of days as our bodies try and adjust back to EST as Kate starts school on Monday. We will be sure to let you know when we arrive back in Michigan. Look for pictures and maybe even some videos in the next week. We can't wait to share with you in even more detail all the GREAT things God has done in us and through us during our stay at Bethesda.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
08-21-08
Our last FULL day at Bethesda :(
Kate helped at school all day today, she even brought home some homework to finish. Actually, she helped the teachers with some grading. Kate sat in on the grade 1 and 2 class today, helping with both math and spelling. Her favorite was story time, where the children acted out the story as it was told. Children everywhere have wonderful imaginations, I wonder where we lose that in all our growing up? After lunch, Kate moved to grade 4 through 7 where they were learning the skeletal system in science class. It was the last day of that system so the teacher had them write three things they learned and three questions they still had. Kate helped answer the questions the students still had about the skeletal system. She did have cadaver lab last summer :) Kate loved to be able to explain how the body works to the students.
Andrew had the opportunity to see Bethesda's purpose and mission statement in action this morning. Bethesda exists to equip CHURCHES to be involved in the orphan crisis. Ebenezer Bible Church is just a few kilometer down the road and they are planning on starting an orphan ministry, they are already well underway with the construction of a few beginning buildings right there on the site of the church. It was so great and encouraging to be able to hear the Bethesda staff training and equipping others to help meet the needs of orphans here in Hammanskraal. Topics ranging from Biblical communication to proper nutrition.
Right after Andrew got back, Lois was able to take both of us to see how bad the orphan crisis really is. She took us to Stinkwater, a township located ten minutes from Bethesda. Where some of the children staying here at Bethesda came from. She introduced us to a woman by the name of Suzanne who is working at a church providing what could be compared to in the US as an after school program. These children have no where else to go to and for some of them the meals that are provided three times a week (that's right a week) are the only ones that they will get. She told us a story that one boy after not eating for a couple of days only had the strength to follow someone peeling an orange and throwing the peels on the ground. This boy followed and ate the orange peels off the ground. The children there are so skinny and in need of help. It was so good to have the opportunity to meet her and see first hand the work that she is doing in her community. Bethesda is ready to build a new home, just as soon as all the hoops are jumped through and she could fill all eight of those beds without a second thought. Suzanne, also showed us the garden that she grows to be able to provide these few meals for the orphans that come to her for help. It was a beautiful garden, she was telling us that some of the beet root would be ready to eat this weekend. We thank God for men and women like Suzanne, please pray for her ministry that lives will be changed not only by the physical food that she gives but that others will taste and see that the Lord is good and become disciples of Jesus Christ.
When we returned the power was out and rather than wait and see if/when it would return the Mixon's took us out to dinner. In a sense it was the capstone of our trip. We summarized many of our lessons learned and what God is even now how God is stretching us and growing us. We were able to share highlights from our trip and look forward together about next steps and future ministry possibilities. We are EXCITED to see God directing and leading!
After dinner we played aggravation with Tonya, Heather, Alyssa, and Meredith. It was good to spend some more time with all of them on our last night here in South Africa. We will miss our new friends.
Kate's cold is doing much better than yesterday. Praying that a good night sleep will refresh her even more.
We started the packing process tonight before bed and we are sure glad we didn't wait until tomorrow to get going on that. We have the morning to wrap everything up here and will be departing for the airport around 1:30 in the afternoon (that's 7:30AM for all of you on the east coast) and will be flying out of JoBerg at 6:30 (right around lunch time for you).
We ask for your continued prayers as we have to say good-bye and as we travel for the day and a half. Looking forward to seeing all of you and sharing with you in word, picture and video when we get home.
Kate helped at school all day today, she even brought home some homework to finish. Actually, she helped the teachers with some grading. Kate sat in on the grade 1 and 2 class today, helping with both math and spelling. Her favorite was story time, where the children acted out the story as it was told. Children everywhere have wonderful imaginations, I wonder where we lose that in all our growing up? After lunch, Kate moved to grade 4 through 7 where they were learning the skeletal system in science class. It was the last day of that system so the teacher had them write three things they learned and three questions they still had. Kate helped answer the questions the students still had about the skeletal system. She did have cadaver lab last summer :) Kate loved to be able to explain how the body works to the students.
Andrew had the opportunity to see Bethesda's purpose and mission statement in action this morning. Bethesda exists to equip CHURCHES to be involved in the orphan crisis. Ebenezer Bible Church is just a few kilometer down the road and they are planning on starting an orphan ministry, they are already well underway with the construction of a few beginning buildings right there on the site of the church. It was so great and encouraging to be able to hear the Bethesda staff training and equipping others to help meet the needs of orphans here in Hammanskraal. Topics ranging from Biblical communication to proper nutrition.
Right after Andrew got back, Lois was able to take both of us to see how bad the orphan crisis really is. She took us to Stinkwater, a township located ten minutes from Bethesda. Where some of the children staying here at Bethesda came from. She introduced us to a woman by the name of Suzanne who is working at a church providing what could be compared to in the US as an after school program. These children have no where else to go to and for some of them the meals that are provided three times a week (that's right a week) are the only ones that they will get. She told us a story that one boy after not eating for a couple of days only had the strength to follow someone peeling an orange and throwing the peels on the ground. This boy followed and ate the orange peels off the ground. The children there are so skinny and in need of help. It was so good to have the opportunity to meet her and see first hand the work that she is doing in her community. Bethesda is ready to build a new home, just as soon as all the hoops are jumped through and she could fill all eight of those beds without a second thought. Suzanne, also showed us the garden that she grows to be able to provide these few meals for the orphans that come to her for help. It was a beautiful garden, she was telling us that some of the beet root would be ready to eat this weekend. We thank God for men and women like Suzanne, please pray for her ministry that lives will be changed not only by the physical food that she gives but that others will taste and see that the Lord is good and become disciples of Jesus Christ.
When we returned the power was out and rather than wait and see if/when it would return the Mixon's took us out to dinner. In a sense it was the capstone of our trip. We summarized many of our lessons learned and what God is even now how God is stretching us and growing us. We were able to share highlights from our trip and look forward together about next steps and future ministry possibilities. We are EXCITED to see God directing and leading!
After dinner we played aggravation with Tonya, Heather, Alyssa, and Meredith. It was good to spend some more time with all of them on our last night here in South Africa. We will miss our new friends.
Kate's cold is doing much better than yesterday. Praying that a good night sleep will refresh her even more.
We started the packing process tonight before bed and we are sure glad we didn't wait until tomorrow to get going on that. We have the morning to wrap everything up here and will be departing for the airport around 1:30 in the afternoon (that's 7:30AM for all of you on the east coast) and will be flying out of JoBerg at 6:30 (right around lunch time for you).
We ask for your continued prayers as we have to say good-bye and as we travel for the day and a half. Looking forward to seeing all of you and sharing with you in word, picture and video when we get home.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
08-20-08
It was a good day! Andrew spoke in assembly today for grades 1-7. He taught about thankfulness from Luke 17. The kids seemed to really love it, and Andrew thought it went really well. Oh and they memorized 1 Thessalonians 5:18. At 9 there was an all staff meeting, so we were very busy helping hold down the fort. Kate went to the Manakas and watched Peinkie, Gontse, and Albert while their mom was at the meeting. Today was Peinkie's 4th Birthday, so we had fun singing songs together and dancing and reading books. Andrew had grades 4-7 out on the soccer field. They are REALLY good at soccer! It wasn't hard to make them look even better as they passed the ball through Andrew's legs and around his legs....in general right on by him. He wishes he was only kidding!
After the meeting, Kate headed back to school where she helped all day. One of the highlights was helping the 4th and 5th graders learn their spelling words. They spelled out the word using motions, so a consonant was a jumping jack and a vowel was touching their toes. They really enjoyed it and it helped them learn the words.
Andrew went into Pretoria with John to Bethesda's site planner. Bethesda is ready to build another home, but there is a hang up with all the legal stuff so it might be another couple months before they can break ground. Today was day one in getting the ball rolling in the right direction. It was really good to spend some one on one time with John, both to and from the meeting.
Meredith made us lunch today, spaghetti and garlic bread. However, the highlight of lunch was what one of the cleaning ladies made for us. She made us mealy pop...it is a rice substitute kind of like cream of wheat. Not bad, but very bland. Dora also made mupani worms (caterpillars). She fried them in butter on the stove and served them to us. Kate couldn't make herself eat it. Andrew ate one though! He says it tastes like a burnt, crunchy yet chewy marshmallow with jelly inside. Doesn't that sound yummy? We have pictures and video to share with all of you when we are home (check facebook!).
In the afternoon, we graded maths homework for the teachers. Then the big event of the afternoon occurred. The maintenance men found a 6 foot long Egyptian cobra snake in the compost heap! It was huge! They killed it and showed it to everyone! The kids were either scared or loved it and touched it. It was quite the event, everyone in the village came to see it. We guess the temperatures are getting warm enough and spring is coming, so the snakes are coming out.
Tonight we had our last dinner with a family, this time it was the Shikwambane family. We were supposed to have dinner with them last week, but the power was out so we rescheduled for today. This family has been here five years. Some of their kids are teenagers and some are still elementary school age. But they were SO well behaved. It was a good blend of the ages. We had a great time playing Sorry and cards with the kids after dinner. They were so thankful for the sweeties that we gave them from a man at Andrew's work. We are glad that we were welcomed into each home and got to know them better, and got to know how to pray for them as well.
It makes us sad to think there is only one full day left! The time has flown by! Please pray for continued clarity in God's direction for our next step in our journey. Thank you all for your prayers!
After the meeting, Kate headed back to school where she helped all day. One of the highlights was helping the 4th and 5th graders learn their spelling words. They spelled out the word using motions, so a consonant was a jumping jack and a vowel was touching their toes. They really enjoyed it and it helped them learn the words.
Andrew went into Pretoria with John to Bethesda's site planner. Bethesda is ready to build another home, but there is a hang up with all the legal stuff so it might be another couple months before they can break ground. Today was day one in getting the ball rolling in the right direction. It was really good to spend some one on one time with John, both to and from the meeting.
Meredith made us lunch today, spaghetti and garlic bread. However, the highlight of lunch was what one of the cleaning ladies made for us. She made us mealy pop...it is a rice substitute kind of like cream of wheat. Not bad, but very bland. Dora also made mupani worms (caterpillars). She fried them in butter on the stove and served them to us. Kate couldn't make herself eat it. Andrew ate one though! He says it tastes like a burnt, crunchy yet chewy marshmallow with jelly inside. Doesn't that sound yummy? We have pictures and video to share with all of you when we are home (check facebook!).
In the afternoon, we graded maths homework for the teachers. Then the big event of the afternoon occurred. The maintenance men found a 6 foot long Egyptian cobra snake in the compost heap! It was huge! They killed it and showed it to everyone! The kids were either scared or loved it and touched it. It was quite the event, everyone in the village came to see it. We guess the temperatures are getting warm enough and spring is coming, so the snakes are coming out.
Tonight we had our last dinner with a family, this time it was the Shikwambane family. We were supposed to have dinner with them last week, but the power was out so we rescheduled for today. This family has been here five years. Some of their kids are teenagers and some are still elementary school age. But they were SO well behaved. It was a good blend of the ages. We had a great time playing Sorry and cards with the kids after dinner. They were so thankful for the sweeties that we gave them from a man at Andrew's work. We are glad that we were welcomed into each home and got to know them better, and got to know how to pray for them as well.
It makes us sad to think there is only one full day left! The time has flown by! Please pray for continued clarity in God's direction for our next step in our journey. Thank you all for your prayers!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
08-19-08
For all of you worried about Kate being chased by lions, don't worry! They weren't. We are safe here, only in their imaginations were lions chasing them.
Today was mostly a repeat of yesterday. Kate was the mama at the Manaka's home today. Salome, the mom, went to the dentist and got an antibiotic. She also found out that part of the tooth they removed two weeks ago was still there, which was the source of the infection and pain. Hopefully she will be feeling better soon! The kids were great for Kate. They stayed so busy playing outside on the playground and inside coloring and playing dolls that nap time was extra long today.
Andrew was outside in the morning filling holes between the top of wall and the roof with concrete. He spent the afternoon inside plastering more holes so unwanted "guests" such as snakes, rodents, birds, and lizards could not come in. While climbing on a 15 foot ladder inside, Andrew noticed that the ladder was starting to move towards the floor. He quickly took two steps down the ladder and LEAPED to the nearest chair just as the ladder went crashing to the floor. He sure does know how to get his heart beating quickly. After making another attempt on the tile floor that was unsuccessful, he chose a smaller free standing ladder to work on for the rest of the afternoon. A close call but thanking the Lord for safety.
After a full day of work, Andrew taught a dozen of the older children how to play Nuke 'em. For those of who haven't played at Lake Ann, it is similar to volleyball but you don't have to hit the ball, you catch the ball. Then you try to eliminate the other team by getting the ball to hit the ground on their side of the net. The kids LOVED it!
Dinner tonight was at the Phago home tonight. We had not spent a lot of time with this family until today, so it was great to get to know them better. They are one of the more well behaved families, and also one of the oldest families (in terms of age of the children). The papa is the pastor of the church we went to on our first Sunday here. He also goes to seminary and works maintenance at Bethesda. After dinner, we spent the night playing games (they like Phase 10 here!) and singing and dancing to songs.
Please pray for Kate. Her stuffy nose turned into a full blown cold. We busted out the airborne and that hasn't seemed to work. Pray that she will feel much better tomorrow or at least have a little more energy. Thanks for keeping up with our journey and thank you for praying for us!
Today was mostly a repeat of yesterday. Kate was the mama at the Manaka's home today. Salome, the mom, went to the dentist and got an antibiotic. She also found out that part of the tooth they removed two weeks ago was still there, which was the source of the infection and pain. Hopefully she will be feeling better soon! The kids were great for Kate. They stayed so busy playing outside on the playground and inside coloring and playing dolls that nap time was extra long today.
Andrew was outside in the morning filling holes between the top of wall and the roof with concrete. He spent the afternoon inside plastering more holes so unwanted "guests" such as snakes, rodents, birds, and lizards could not come in. While climbing on a 15 foot ladder inside, Andrew noticed that the ladder was starting to move towards the floor. He quickly took two steps down the ladder and LEAPED to the nearest chair just as the ladder went crashing to the floor. He sure does know how to get his heart beating quickly. After making another attempt on the tile floor that was unsuccessful, he chose a smaller free standing ladder to work on for the rest of the afternoon. A close call but thanking the Lord for safety.
After a full day of work, Andrew taught a dozen of the older children how to play Nuke 'em. For those of who haven't played at Lake Ann, it is similar to volleyball but you don't have to hit the ball, you catch the ball. Then you try to eliminate the other team by getting the ball to hit the ground on their side of the net. The kids LOVED it!
Dinner tonight was at the Phago home tonight. We had not spent a lot of time with this family until today, so it was great to get to know them better. They are one of the more well behaved families, and also one of the oldest families (in terms of age of the children). The papa is the pastor of the church we went to on our first Sunday here. He also goes to seminary and works maintenance at Bethesda. After dinner, we spent the night playing games (they like Phase 10 here!) and singing and dancing to songs.
Please pray for Kate. Her stuffy nose turned into a full blown cold. We busted out the airborne and that hasn't seemed to work. Pray that she will feel much better tomorrow or at least have a little more energy. Thanks for keeping up with our journey and thank you for praying for us!
Monday, August 18, 2008
08-18-08
Andrew was able to spend some time early this morning studying for assembly on Wednesday morning. Please remember to pray for him as you go to bed on Tuesday night in the states. Meanwhile, Kate was already off to the Manaka home (where she did child care on Thursday). Salome who has a broken leg and is very sick, so Kate was able to help her take care of the three youngest children and do housework. She spent all day there. Kate took them for a walk around half of the perimeter, the walk usually takes Andrew and I about 15 minutes, it took Kate and the three kids 45 minutes. On their adventure, they were "chased by lions and cheetahs", this sped up the walk until the 3 year old realized he had dropped his older brother's matchbox car. Big crocodile tears ran down his cheeks, the four of us turned around and searched for the car but to no avail.
Andrew was able to sit in on the administrative meeting this morning. The Bible study on servanthood ("On Being a Servant of God", by Warren Wiersbe) was very practical and helpful. The two chapters covered this week were on character and perseverance. It was good to hear of the progress made, as well as the challenges, of this past week of this ministry. In the afternoon, Phil Bolthouse and Jeff Wasink would have been very proud of Andrew. He mixed his first bag of concrete. Although he believes it is a little bit different in the states, first they got a wheelbarrow and scooped some dirt in it. Then, they put a couple handfuls of concrete mix into the wheelbarrow as well. Stirred up the contents until the mix and dirt were evenly distributed. They added a bit of water, stirred thoroughly with their shovel and presto chango had concrete!! Spent the rest of the afternoon filling holes and gaps between the top of the house walls and the roof so critters could not get in and make their homes. Andrew will continue this project tomorrow. Although great progress was made, he will start first thing in the morning with it again.
Kate had two more children come home around noon to take noon. She fed them paloney (NOT bologna...it was interesting!), lettuce, and mayonnaise sandwiches. Then, the five children took naps. Meanwhile, Kate cleaned the house and swept and mopped the kitchen and bathroom floors. The three oldest children came home from school soon after and Kate helped them make their lunches (kids here eat lunch when their school day is done, whether that is 12 or 2, this makes for a late dinner for the families) and then helped them with their homework. Later after doo doo (that is what South Africans call nap time!), Kate took the six younger kids to the playground. Andrew joined her and they all had a great time swinging and spinning on the swings. After dropping the kids off, Kate picked up and purchased the bag/purse that their mom had handmade for her. It is such a beautiful bag and she can't wait to use it back home (Mom S will be SO jealous!)!
Tonight, we had dinner with the two American teachers. They also invited two teenagers from the township across the street (their sister, who raises them, helps with child care when houseparents get time off). We had a very nice dinner, great time of fellowship, and played two games of Aggravation. Kate and Sarah the teenage girl won both games, although the second game was VERY close.
Andrew was able to sit in on the administrative meeting this morning. The Bible study on servanthood ("On Being a Servant of God", by Warren Wiersbe) was very practical and helpful. The two chapters covered this week were on character and perseverance. It was good to hear of the progress made, as well as the challenges, of this past week of this ministry. In the afternoon, Phil Bolthouse and Jeff Wasink would have been very proud of Andrew. He mixed his first bag of concrete. Although he believes it is a little bit different in the states, first they got a wheelbarrow and scooped some dirt in it. Then, they put a couple handfuls of concrete mix into the wheelbarrow as well. Stirred up the contents until the mix and dirt were evenly distributed. They added a bit of water, stirred thoroughly with their shovel and presto chango had concrete!! Spent the rest of the afternoon filling holes and gaps between the top of the house walls and the roof so critters could not get in and make their homes. Andrew will continue this project tomorrow. Although great progress was made, he will start first thing in the morning with it again.
Kate had two more children come home around noon to take noon. She fed them paloney (NOT bologna...it was interesting!), lettuce, and mayonnaise sandwiches. Then, the five children took naps. Meanwhile, Kate cleaned the house and swept and mopped the kitchen and bathroom floors. The three oldest children came home from school soon after and Kate helped them make their lunches (kids here eat lunch when their school day is done, whether that is 12 or 2, this makes for a late dinner for the families) and then helped them with their homework. Later after doo doo (that is what South Africans call nap time!), Kate took the six younger kids to the playground. Andrew joined her and they all had a great time swinging and spinning on the swings. After dropping the kids off, Kate picked up and purchased the bag/purse that their mom had handmade for her. It is such a beautiful bag and she can't wait to use it back home (Mom S will be SO jealous!)!
Tonight, we had dinner with the two American teachers. They also invited two teenagers from the township across the street (their sister, who raises them, helps with child care when houseparents get time off). We had a very nice dinner, great time of fellowship, and played two games of Aggravation. Kate and Sarah the teenage girl won both games, although the second game was VERY close.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
08-17-08
We went to a township church with the Shikwambane family this morning. We had our first experience riding a taxi. The families usually take a taxi (which seats about 15 people) to church because their cars can't fit all 10 people in their home that are headed to church. This township church, just like last week, got off to a rolling start...meaning that when the service starts very few people are there. We sing the rest of the congregation in during the next 3 or 4 songs. We love how they praise God as they sing and dance. This week we experienced congregational prayer, which is common in this culture. Congregational prayer means that everyone prays out loud at the same time. It was amazing to listen to all the voices and languages being spoken around us and knowing that God heard and understood each prayer.
The pastor of the church is one of the houseparents and will be completing seminary in November. He preached from Acts 5 when Peter miraculously was let out of jail in the night by an angel. The next day, the Sanhedrin tried to figure out what to do with him. Peter statement that he would rather obey God than man made the Sanhedrin so furious that they wanted to kill him. In the end they decided to beat him severely but Peter continued to share the Good News of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection with all he came in contact with. He was even thankful that he suffered abuse for the name of Christ. The message encouraged us to share the Gospel no matter the cost.
After church, we spent some time with two students preparing for Matrick (the test that grade 12 students must pass to graduate). It was neat to hear their hopes and dreams for the future. We also got to play with the Shikwambane children while waiting for the taxi to arrive.
We had lunch with the Cryans and Mixons, chicken and stuffing just like Mom used to make (both of our moms). It was great to hear more about their testimonies and life experiences. We headed back to our room to grade papers (for one of the teachers) for the hour or so we had left before evening church. Andrew likes grading maths.
Tonight we went to church with the Mixons, Cryans, and Meredith at Central Baptist Church in Pretoria. Their evening service is geared towards to students, since there is large universities in Pretoria. Of the churches we have visited, Central Baptist had the best blend of cultures and races. The pastor began a series in the book of Philippians tonight which made us miss Chapel Pointe (Pastor Koole started a series in Philippians in April). We went to the most unique restaurant for dinner. Most of the menu was served from inside a pancake. The pancakes were more like thick rolled up crepes. You could have a dessert or dinner pancake. Andrew had chille con carne in his pancake. Kate had cinnamon sugar, ice cream, and chocolate topping in/on hers. It was SO good!! Andrew is thinking of opening a shop and franchising it when we get back in the US! lol! On the way home, we got to see the American Embassy which is in downtown Pretoria. It was good to see a piece of home when we saw the American flag flying high. It was a great day today worshipping one God with many different believers.
The pastor of the church is one of the houseparents and will be completing seminary in November. He preached from Acts 5 when Peter miraculously was let out of jail in the night by an angel. The next day, the Sanhedrin tried to figure out what to do with him. Peter statement that he would rather obey God than man made the Sanhedrin so furious that they wanted to kill him. In the end they decided to beat him severely but Peter continued to share the Good News of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection with all he came in contact with. He was even thankful that he suffered abuse for the name of Christ. The message encouraged us to share the Gospel no matter the cost.
After church, we spent some time with two students preparing for Matrick (the test that grade 12 students must pass to graduate). It was neat to hear their hopes and dreams for the future. We also got to play with the Shikwambane children while waiting for the taxi to arrive.
We had lunch with the Cryans and Mixons, chicken and stuffing just like Mom used to make (both of our moms). It was great to hear more about their testimonies and life experiences. We headed back to our room to grade papers (for one of the teachers) for the hour or so we had left before evening church. Andrew likes grading maths.
Tonight we went to church with the Mixons, Cryans, and Meredith at Central Baptist Church in Pretoria. Their evening service is geared towards to students, since there is large universities in Pretoria. Of the churches we have visited, Central Baptist had the best blend of cultures and races. The pastor began a series in the book of Philippians tonight which made us miss Chapel Pointe (Pastor Koole started a series in Philippians in April). We went to the most unique restaurant for dinner. Most of the menu was served from inside a pancake. The pancakes were more like thick rolled up crepes. You could have a dessert or dinner pancake. Andrew had chille con carne in his pancake. Kate had cinnamon sugar, ice cream, and chocolate topping in/on hers. It was SO good!! Andrew is thinking of opening a shop and franchising it when we get back in the US! lol! On the way home, we got to see the American Embassy which is in downtown Pretoria. It was good to see a piece of home when we saw the American flag flying high. It was a great day today worshipping one God with many different believers.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
08-16-08
Its hard to believe that August is at the midway point, and sad that our trip is a little over half done as well. We are so thankful that God blessed us with the opportunity to come to Bethesda and serve Him here. It is a dream come true for us!
This morning was a crafts day. The older children make necklaces, bracelets, greeting cards, and magnetic frames. They pay for the materials up front with their own money. Then, when teams or visitors come they are able to purchase these souvenirs that were made by the Bethesda children. The kids who made the item earns the profit and is taught at an early age how to manage their money. The children can choose whether to reinvest that money in making more souvenirs or spending it on "sweeties" (candy). Kate helped Alyssa all morning with 15-20 children older than 10 years make the trinkets. Kate always enjoys making crafts so it was a fun time for her. It was also really good to get to know the older girls better (she helps more with the younger kids more by doing child care). One of the girls, had a tough morning with the crafts. She had to redo her necklaces twice because the charms were not on straight, and Bethesda wants these children to learn to do things with excellence. She also had to redo a card because she had done it quickly and it looked messy and would not have sold. By the end of the day she was so frustrated and once again made another mistake with another necklace. This time she was just wanting to quit and give up. Kate sat down with the girl and encouraged her to not give up and to finish the necklace. Then Kate and a different girl helped the frustrated girl finish making the necklace. It was so good to help her smile again and encourage her to persevere.
Andrew helped with the set up and tear down of craft day. He also helped the boys at the beginning get started. (The boys actually make the best necklaces and make a lot more than the girls.) He then headed off to the administrative building because there was a community continuing education day that both houseparents and the community attended. It was so good to see another aspect of Bethesda as they reached out to surrounding communities and churches equipping them to minister better in the culture that they live. Andrew walked away with a greater insight and awareness of how and why the AIDS epidemic continues to be such a huge problem in this country. It was good to look at scripture and be reminded of God's view and plan for sex and how we (as the body of Christ, and parents) "must train up a child in the way he should go, so when he is old he does not depart from it."
This afternoon, we had some time to see some more South African culture by first visiting a mall and also a grocery store in Pretoria. All in all, it was really not that different than being in Grandville, MI except that every sign first had English and then had Afrikaans (Pretoria is very modern and in places wealthy).
Tonight we had the opportunity to have dinner in a third home. This family is the newest to Bethesda and has the youngest children (six of the nine children are under the age of five). Upon arriving Kate jumped in and made homemade brownies and washed the preparation dishes. Andrew jumped in a different way and had up to seven children climbing on him at one time. Tonight was the most South African meal we have had in the homes, but it was very nice (you don't say the meal was good, you say it was nice). Once again Kate was at her finest eating both vegetables and salad, while not even flinching at the unknown meat she was served. Andrew says it was all VERY good and would happily eat it at any Sunday lunch. Afterward, we chatted for a bit and played with the kids, before the kids needed to go to bed before a long day at church tomorrow. We really enjoy our meals in the home getting to know both parents and children so much better. Thank you for all your prayers! Have a great day worshiping at church tomorrow!
America........................South Africa
napkin..................................serviette
restroom..............................loo or toilet
What is your name?.............Leina la gago ke mang
Thank You...........................Ke a leboga
Food......................................digo
This morning was a crafts day. The older children make necklaces, bracelets, greeting cards, and magnetic frames. They pay for the materials up front with their own money. Then, when teams or visitors come they are able to purchase these souvenirs that were made by the Bethesda children. The kids who made the item earns the profit and is taught at an early age how to manage their money. The children can choose whether to reinvest that money in making more souvenirs or spending it on "sweeties" (candy). Kate helped Alyssa all morning with 15-20 children older than 10 years make the trinkets. Kate always enjoys making crafts so it was a fun time for her. It was also really good to get to know the older girls better (she helps more with the younger kids more by doing child care). One of the girls, had a tough morning with the crafts. She had to redo her necklaces twice because the charms were not on straight, and Bethesda wants these children to learn to do things with excellence. She also had to redo a card because she had done it quickly and it looked messy and would not have sold. By the end of the day she was so frustrated and once again made another mistake with another necklace. This time she was just wanting to quit and give up. Kate sat down with the girl and encouraged her to not give up and to finish the necklace. Then Kate and a different girl helped the frustrated girl finish making the necklace. It was so good to help her smile again and encourage her to persevere.
Andrew helped with the set up and tear down of craft day. He also helped the boys at the beginning get started. (The boys actually make the best necklaces and make a lot more than the girls.) He then headed off to the administrative building because there was a community continuing education day that both houseparents and the community attended. It was so good to see another aspect of Bethesda as they reached out to surrounding communities and churches equipping them to minister better in the culture that they live. Andrew walked away with a greater insight and awareness of how and why the AIDS epidemic continues to be such a huge problem in this country. It was good to look at scripture and be reminded of God's view and plan for sex and how we (as the body of Christ, and parents) "must train up a child in the way he should go, so when he is old he does not depart from it."
This afternoon, we had some time to see some more South African culture by first visiting a mall and also a grocery store in Pretoria. All in all, it was really not that different than being in Grandville, MI except that every sign first had English and then had Afrikaans (Pretoria is very modern and in places wealthy).
Tonight we had the opportunity to have dinner in a third home. This family is the newest to Bethesda and has the youngest children (six of the nine children are under the age of five). Upon arriving Kate jumped in and made homemade brownies and washed the preparation dishes. Andrew jumped in a different way and had up to seven children climbing on him at one time. Tonight was the most South African meal we have had in the homes, but it was very nice (you don't say the meal was good, you say it was nice). Once again Kate was at her finest eating both vegetables and salad, while not even flinching at the unknown meat she was served. Andrew says it was all VERY good and would happily eat it at any Sunday lunch. Afterward, we chatted for a bit and played with the kids, before the kids needed to go to bed before a long day at church tomorrow. We really enjoy our meals in the home getting to know both parents and children so much better. Thank you for all your prayers! Have a great day worshiping at church tomorrow!
America........................South Africa
napkin..................................serviette
restroom..............................loo or toilet
What is your name?.............Leina la gago ke mang
Thank You...........................Ke a leboga
Food......................................digo
Friday, August 15, 2008
08-15-08
Hello Everyone!
and experiences from our first week here at Bethesda. We also learned a little about him and how God brought him here. A group of 5 John and Lois Mixon, the Director of Bethesda and his wife, are back here in S'africa. So we spent most of the day with them. Before our meeting with John though, Andrew prepared for his lesson for chapel next Wednesday, and Kate helped at the school by reading a test to a boy who does not read English well. We then met John in his office and chatted about our surprisesAfrikaan men came from a seminary about 45 minutes away. They came wanting to learn about how Bethesda does orphan care ministry and in particular the school. They came with many good questions as they are trying to determine whether they should start a grade school of their own for orphans. For us, it was good to hear again, and this time from John's perspective, how and why Bethesda puts such an emphasis on the family. Bethesda exists to reach orphans with a holistic approach that meets both physical needs and spiritual needs. It seeks life and heart change, that will last for the rest of the children's lives rather than just feeding and housing orphans.
We spent most of the afternoon playing with the kids. Kate was doing what her mom would love to do if she was here. She was cutting hair! and making Andrew very nervous. No, no, no don't worry... a few of the older girls had hair extensions that had been in since June so they wanted to take them out. So they told me and a few of the girls to cut them and then we began unbraiding the braids. Andrew just so happened to run by with some of the other kids and saw us hacking off her hair and could not understand why we would be taking scissors to the girl's hair. His quote was, "Does your mother know you are doing this?" It was too funny! In all fairness, he has no idea what hair extensions are, much less that you could just chop them off. We hope you all got a laugh out of this story! No hair was harmed in the making of this story. :) While Kate was having a hair day with the girls, Andrew was running around the playground playing with the children. They like spinning on the swings and digging in the dirt.
Tonight, we had dinner with Ruth (the school principal), the Cryans, and the Mixons. We had homemade pizzas. We shared both of our stories and how God brought us to this point on our journey. It was amazing the number of contacts and friends we all share. Chad Hibbard, the Billmans, the Geshays, Ken Rudolph, and even my parents from national youth ministers conference. Looking forward to craft day for Kate and attending continuing education for the community, houseparents, and Andrew. We love you all!
and experiences from our first week here at Bethesda. We also learned a little about him and how God brought him here. A group of 5 John and Lois Mixon, the Director of Bethesda and his wife, are back here in S'africa. So we spent most of the day with them. Before our meeting with John though, Andrew prepared for his lesson for chapel next Wednesday, and Kate helped at the school by reading a test to a boy who does not read English well. We then met John in his office and chatted about our surprisesAfrikaan men came from a seminary about 45 minutes away. They came wanting to learn about how Bethesda does orphan care ministry and in particular the school. They came with many good questions as they are trying to determine whether they should start a grade school of their own for orphans. For us, it was good to hear again, and this time from John's perspective, how and why Bethesda puts such an emphasis on the family. Bethesda exists to reach orphans with a holistic approach that meets both physical needs and spiritual needs. It seeks life and heart change, that will last for the rest of the children's lives rather than just feeding and housing orphans.
We spent most of the afternoon playing with the kids. Kate was doing what her mom would love to do if she was here. She was cutting hair! and making Andrew very nervous. No, no, no don't worry... a few of the older girls had hair extensions that had been in since June so they wanted to take them out. So they told me and a few of the girls to cut them and then we began unbraiding the braids. Andrew just so happened to run by with some of the other kids and saw us hacking off her hair and could not understand why we would be taking scissors to the girl's hair. His quote was, "Does your mother know you are doing this?" It was too funny! In all fairness, he has no idea what hair extensions are, much less that you could just chop them off. We hope you all got a laugh out of this story! No hair was harmed in the making of this story. :) While Kate was having a hair day with the girls, Andrew was running around the playground playing with the children. They like spinning on the swings and digging in the dirt.
Tonight, we had dinner with Ruth (the school principal), the Cryans, and the Mixons. We had homemade pizzas. We shared both of our stories and how God brought us to this point on our journey. It was amazing the number of contacts and friends we all share. Chad Hibbard, the Billmans, the Geshays, Ken Rudolph, and even my parents from national youth ministers conference. Looking forward to craft day for Kate and attending continuing education for the community, houseparents, and Andrew. We love you all!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
