Saturday, October 30, 2010
Home
Just a quick update. After a 28+ hour door to door journey, team members are safe at home and adjusting to life on this side of the ocean and recovering from jet lag. All of us have much to process as we think back on our experiences of the last two weeks. Stay tuned to this blog in the coming weeks for updates on what we have experienced and learned as well as information on when you will be able to hear us give a full "debrief" on our trip.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Friday
Good evening from South Africa. It is the end of a bittersweet day – our final full day here at Bethesda.
Today we spent the day busily doing “last minute” type things. Some eagerly soaked up every last moment at the school with the children, others spent a few hours buying some souvenirs and experiencing just a little bit more of the South African culture.
Tonight the families of Bethesda joined us at the team center for a final meal together. Following the meal and some time playing with the children, we (the team) gathered in the Boma (fire ring) for a bon fire and time of singing together. Many of the children and some adults sang for the group and we enjoyed some of our new favorite African praise songs by singing with them.
Following the singing and times of testimony from several parents, staff and team members, we prayed and then the children flooded us to give hugs and say precious goodbyes.
Our time here has not been easily summed up by these short blog updates. These children and the ministry of Bethesda have touched the hearts of the entire team. It is with heavy hearts that we will be saying goodbye tomorrow afternoon and boarding the plane to take us away from this wonderful country and these beautiful children.
This will be our final update from this continent. Stay tuned in the coming days for pictures, videos and testimonies from members of our team. We will also be posting information on where you can meet with us and hear a full update on our trip.
Today we spent the day busily doing “last minute” type things. Some eagerly soaked up every last moment at the school with the children, others spent a few hours buying some souvenirs and experiencing just a little bit more of the South African culture.
Tonight the families of Bethesda joined us at the team center for a final meal together. Following the meal and some time playing with the children, we (the team) gathered in the Boma (fire ring) for a bon fire and time of singing together. Many of the children and some adults sang for the group and we enjoyed some of our new favorite African praise songs by singing with them.
Following the singing and times of testimony from several parents, staff and team members, we prayed and then the children flooded us to give hugs and say precious goodbyes.
Our time here has not been easily summed up by these short blog updates. These children and the ministry of Bethesda have touched the hearts of the entire team. It is with heavy hearts that we will be saying goodbye tomorrow afternoon and boarding the plane to take us away from this wonderful country and these beautiful children.
This will be our final update from this continent. Stay tuned in the coming days for pictures, videos and testimonies from members of our team. We will also be posting information on where you can meet with us and hear a full update on our trip.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Today the first member of our team left “Bethesda Island.” Due to a weekend speaking engagement, Bryan departed today and is on his way back to the USA.
Yesterday was an amazing day of adventure and experiencing God’s creation in Pilanesberg National Park. We spent several hours “on safari” searching for wild critters. We were excited to spot 3 of Africa’s “Big 5” (rhinos, elephants, and a leopard). How exciting (and a bit “National Geographic” like) it was to watch the big cat stalk and almost catch a heard of nearby zebra!
Today was “back to business.” We had a great morning leading chapel for Grade R (kindergarten) to Grade 2 students. Don Lambert helped the children comprehend running the Christian race without encumbrances. Bryan reminded them that while man looks on the outside, God looks at our hearts. The entire team enjoyed singing several lively songs with them.
Late morning found the bricklayers completely finishing up their project and others helped out at the school. The teachers have been appreciative of the extra hands to give special one-on-one attention to some students, many of whom have some significant educational gaps (incurred prior to arriving at Bethesda).
This afternoon, several team members went with a Bethesda staff member to visit a nearby cemetery. How sobering it was to see first-hand the effects of the AIDS pandemic on this country.
Dinner this evening was with the families, spending time with them in their homes. The team is now settled back in to the team center for the night. We just finished pitching in to help the teachers get caught up on a rather large stack of grading and are now relaxing before our final full day tomorrow. With the building project finished we are looking forward to spending as much time with the children as possible.
As we prepare for bed, the rumbles of thunder in the distance are coming closer, giving us hope that rain may be on the way for a land that so DESPERATELY needs it!
Yesterday was an amazing day of adventure and experiencing God’s creation in Pilanesberg National Park. We spent several hours “on safari” searching for wild critters. We were excited to spot 3 of Africa’s “Big 5” (rhinos, elephants, and a leopard). How exciting (and a bit “National Geographic” like) it was to watch the big cat stalk and almost catch a heard of nearby zebra!
Today was “back to business.” We had a great morning leading chapel for Grade R (kindergarten) to Grade 2 students. Don Lambert helped the children comprehend running the Christian race without encumbrances. Bryan reminded them that while man looks on the outside, God looks at our hearts. The entire team enjoyed singing several lively songs with them.
Late morning found the bricklayers completely finishing up their project and others helped out at the school. The teachers have been appreciative of the extra hands to give special one-on-one attention to some students, many of whom have some significant educational gaps (incurred prior to arriving at Bethesda).
This afternoon, several team members went with a Bethesda staff member to visit a nearby cemetery. How sobering it was to see first-hand the effects of the AIDS pandemic on this country.
Dinner this evening was with the families, spending time with them in their homes. The team is now settled back in to the team center for the night. We just finished pitching in to help the teachers get caught up on a rather large stack of grading and are now relaxing before our final full day tomorrow. With the building project finished we are looking forward to spending as much time with the children as possible.
As we prepare for bed, the rumbles of thunder in the distance are coming closer, giving us hope that rain may be on the way for a land that so DESPERATELY needs it!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Tuesday
We’re sorry, the missions team you are trying to blog with is not available. WE’RE ON SAFARI!
We’ll be back late and catch you up on the day’s events tomorrow - but here’s a thought from our devotions last night.
This is an unusual group. None of us would have picked out this exact team composition but here we are in Africa. A paraphrase from 1st Corinthians might help explain.
For in fact the body is not one member but many.
For if the brick layer should say, “ Because I am not teaching the children, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body?
And if the librarian should say, “Because I am not grading papers, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body?
If the whole body were making sidewalks, where would be the teaching? If the whole body was helping in the kitchen, where would be playing with the children?
But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as he pleased.
We’ll be back late and catch you up on the day’s events tomorrow - but here’s a thought from our devotions last night.
This is an unusual group. None of us would have picked out this exact team composition but here we are in Africa. A paraphrase from 1st Corinthians might help explain.
For in fact the body is not one member but many.
For if the brick layer should say, “ Because I am not teaching the children, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body?
And if the librarian should say, “Because I am not grading papers, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body?
If the whole body were making sidewalks, where would be the teaching? If the whole body was helping in the kitchen, where would be playing with the children?
But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as he pleased.
Monday
After a great day of worship yesterday, the team was refreshed and ready to head back to work at Bethesda.
Our bricklayers have completed 6 walkways. We pooled our quarters until we found one from Pennsylvania so we could imbed it in the mortar and leave our mark on the project. Part of the day was spent spreading “Death” and “Doom” (the South African brand names for herbicide and pesticide) this provided plenty of opportunities for various play-on-word jokes and one-liners.
Ruth spent today working one-on-one with several students that needed some extra attention. Papa George taught about negative numbers, Mama Jane taught science and Doris organized the library.
This evening several team members tutored students in fractions, trigonometry, and life science. Tonight we are relaxing after a hot day (temperatures in the 90’s) and gearing up for a day of adventure tomorrow. We will be doing some shopping at a craft market and enjoying a safari tomorrow.
Praying for our friends and family back home.
Our bricklayers have completed 6 walkways. We pooled our quarters until we found one from Pennsylvania so we could imbed it in the mortar and leave our mark on the project. Part of the day was spent spreading “Death” and “Doom” (the South African brand names for herbicide and pesticide) this provided plenty of opportunities for various play-on-word jokes and one-liners.
Ruth spent today working one-on-one with several students that needed some extra attention. Papa George taught about negative numbers, Mama Jane taught science and Doris organized the library.
This evening several team members tutored students in fractions, trigonometry, and life science. Tonight we are relaxing after a hot day (temperatures in the 90’s) and gearing up for a day of adventure tomorrow. We will be doing some shopping at a craft market and enjoying a safari tomorrow.
Praying for our friends and family back home.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
"We Felt the Rain Down in Africa"
Praying for rain - this is what the people from Bethesda and the surrounding community have been doing for months, and today those prayers were answered.
The team started today by visiting the church in the local township. The church is lead by several of the families of Bethesda. We enjoyed an exciting time of worship in a community alive and excited to be following Christ. We have made quite an impression on the people of this church. By now, they all know our favorite song that they sing, so they treated us by singing it for us at the end of the service. All of us where moved by the singing and preaching.
Following church, we drove directly to a local lodge for lunch and a short “game drive” in the local game reserve (which adjoins Bethesda). While eating lunch in the lodge lapa, thunder began rolling in the distance. Soon we were in the middle of a full-on African rain storm complete with hail. The rain seemed to pass through so we loaded up the Game Viewer (Land Rover) and went off for our drive. Soon after we departed the rains returned and several team members were soaked through. The shower was brief and after it ended we were treated to spectacular animal sightings. We saw giraffe, zebra, impala, warthogs, bless buck, wildebeest etc... We all agree the trip was worth the soaking.
We returned briefly to the team center to change and soon where on our way to Central Baptist Church in Pretoria. The service was quite typical of some of the larger, more traditional services in the US and provided a contrast to our mornings experience. Over all, while completely different, the service was still moving (though some of us were so tired, we struggled to stay awake).
We are all back at the team center, relaxing and preparing for bed after a LONG day. Tomorrow will be a full work day for us, some will be back laying bricks and others will be back at the school. We will all sleep well with sweet dreams of giraffes.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Saturday
Today was craft day!! Set up began last night, with bowls of beads and craft items on every table of the team center. The ladies were a little more excited about it than the men ;) The children arrived around 9:30 this morning, all very excited to start making their jewelry. Mama Janet, who led the craft making, started off by instructing the children on how to make the jewelry. Using this opportunity to learn how to manage money like a business, each child had to pay Auntie Michelle for the cost of their materials before starting. Like little entrepreneurs. Necklaces, bracelets, book marks, cards, and painted magnets were all made in hopes of making a profit- only to be saved so that they can make more!
About 30 kids arrived. Each and every piece made was unique and beautiful. Not only the girls enjoyed picking their beads and designing their items, but the boys also enjoyed using their hands and the tools.
After spending lunchtime with the children, the younger ones went home, leaving the older children to move on to more intricate and complicated crafts. More complex bracelets were made, the bookmarks were constructed, and magnets were painted with the African flag. Craft day lasted until 4pm. Afterwards, we spent time playing soccer and volleyball with the children, enjoying the weather and the conversation.
Tomorrow, the team is looking forward to 2 services at the local township church in the morning and the Mixons’ church. Also planned is an exciting game drive in the afternoon- NOT to be eaten this time!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Friday (we've lost track of what number today would be)
Today was another day when the team’s skills, both old and newly found were used:
Papa George shared his “fishers of men” devo with “oh-so-cool” fishing props.
Mama Jane taught in the classroom
Laura found new skills as master brick cutter
Eric continued as the mean, lean, brick-layin’ machine
Pastor Bryan amazed and captivated children with his hand tricks once again (Children across Bethesda are removing their thumbs on a regular basis).
Ruth and Patti learned how to cook South African-style
And today’s greatest surprise - Doris Umstead may seem to be a mild-mannered librarian on the outside but on the inside she is “DORIS, THE ADVENTURER” fearless eater of worms and chicken feet!
Taking a break from our labors ( and recovering from the worms and chicken feet lunch),we visited the Mystic Monkeys zoo, then visited Heather Rumley and Tonya Small for dinner and a movie in their home.
Always, as we work, eat and play together, we are aware of the constant contrasts that exist in South Africa where first and third world cultures clash and intermingle. Bethesda is a place of well-ordered homes and happy faces, but the modern first-world facility is filled with children rescued from third world despair. The 45 minute trip from Bethesda to Pretoria took us from tin shack townships to a spotless upper middle class neighborhood. We are blessed to have a small part in the lives of these redeemed and rescued children. “Jehovah Jirah, our provider. He keeps on doing great things.”
Papa George shared his “fishers of men” devo with “oh-so-cool” fishing props.
Mama Jane taught in the classroom
Laura found new skills as master brick cutter
Eric continued as the mean, lean, brick-layin’ machine
Pastor Bryan amazed and captivated children with his hand tricks once again (Children across Bethesda are removing their thumbs on a regular basis).
Ruth and Patti learned how to cook South African-style
And today’s greatest surprise - Doris Umstead may seem to be a mild-mannered librarian on the outside but on the inside she is “DORIS, THE ADVENTURER” fearless eater of worms and chicken feet!
Taking a break from our labors ( and recovering from the worms and chicken feet lunch),we visited the Mystic Monkeys zoo, then visited Heather Rumley and Tonya Small for dinner and a movie in their home.
Always, as we work, eat and play together, we are aware of the constant contrasts that exist in South Africa where first and third world cultures clash and intermingle. Bethesda is a place of well-ordered homes and happy faces, but the modern first-world facility is filled with children rescued from third world despair. The 45 minute trip from Bethesda to Pretoria took us from tin shack townships to a spotless upper middle class neighborhood. We are blessed to have a small part in the lives of these redeemed and rescued children. “Jehovah Jirah, our provider. He keeps on doing great things.”
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Today was a “roll up your sleeves,” “get down to business” work day. Part of our team laid a brick sidewalk between homes. We moved over 1600 bricks across the compound, dug sod, transplanted it, prepared the surface and laid the bricks. All returned to the team center tired, dirty and sore. We discovered the Eric was a brick laying machine and all enjoyed the completing the task while working side by side with many of the South African nationals.
Three of the team members worked at the school, Jubilane Academy, helping in the classrooms. They also helped the students make 600 cookies which they gave away as part of “Appreciation Day.” They enjoyed the day of close interaction with the children and a chance to use the teaching talents God has given them. (Today’s picture features two team members, now dubbed “Papa George and Mama Jane hard at work making cookies with the children)
After lunch in the lapa (a South African gazebo), the bricklayers returned to work, some enthusiastically, others trudging along.
A pleasurable evening was spent having dinner with the families here in Bethesda, enjoying the questions and stories from the “Mommas”, “Papas” as well as the children.
Another magnificent African sunset!
Three of the team members worked at the school, Jubilane Academy, helping in the classrooms. They also helped the students make 600 cookies which they gave away as part of “Appreciation Day.” They enjoyed the day of close interaction with the children and a chance to use the teaching talents God has given them. (Today’s picture features two team members, now dubbed “Papa George and Mama Jane hard at work making cookies with the children)
After lunch in the lapa (a South African gazebo), the bricklayers returned to work, some enthusiastically, others trudging along.
A pleasurable evening was spent having dinner with the families here in Bethesda, enjoying the questions and stories from the “Mommas”, “Papas” as well as the children.
Another magnificent African sunset!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Wednesday Update
Today the team had a glimpse of what worship in heaven may be like. Prior to the start of a training session we attended (held for the Bethesda parents and community) we were blessed to be able to participate in a time of singing with the other attendees. The true spirit of men and women was evident as they whole heartedly praised the Lord in song. As Americans, we had never experienced signing like that and all in our group were moved, most to the point of tears.
Tonight we are all tired after our busy day which included much more than the training session. This morning found us heading “back to school.” We presented the chapel program for students in Grade R (Kindergarten) through Grade 2 at the Jubilane Christian Academy here on Bethesda’s campus. We sang several songs and George and Bryan presented stories that encouraged the children to follow Christ and become “Fishers of Men.” After the chapel we all had a few minutes to enjoy the children, playing games, teaching them little hand tricks and getting to know them better.
Early this afternoon, we set up “shop,” displaying tables full of the gifts we carried (10 suitcases full) with us. The Bethesda Mamas all had a chance to come through and select gifts for the children.
Following lunch, the women of the team set to wrapping the piles (and piles) of gifts. Most men were anxious to attack a work project and they spent a few hours moving a “few” bricks (about 800) to a site where they will be used for a project tomorrow.
After a long day of work we were able to enjoy our first bit of sightseeing. We set out for dinner at a restaurant called “Carnivores” - the establishment specializes in roasted meats of ALL varieties (zebra, kudo, giraffe, as well as lamb, beef, chicken etc). It was a fun evening of new experiences. On the ride there we had an extra bit of excitement, as we drove past a game reserve we were able to spy zebra, kudo (a type of antalope), ostritch and several other smaller wild critters.
It’s off to bed for us now, tomorrow will be a FULL work day for us. We will be working on laying brick for a sidewalk outside a new building. Tomorrow evening we will be splitting in to smaller groups to visit the homes of the orphans and enjoy dinner with the families.
Tonight we are all tired after our busy day which included much more than the training session. This morning found us heading “back to school.” We presented the chapel program for students in Grade R (Kindergarten) through Grade 2 at the Jubilane Christian Academy here on Bethesda’s campus. We sang several songs and George and Bryan presented stories that encouraged the children to follow Christ and become “Fishers of Men.” After the chapel we all had a few minutes to enjoy the children, playing games, teaching them little hand tricks and getting to know them better.
Early this afternoon, we set up “shop,” displaying tables full of the gifts we carried (10 suitcases full) with us. The Bethesda Mamas all had a chance to come through and select gifts for the children.
Following lunch, the women of the team set to wrapping the piles (and piles) of gifts. Most men were anxious to attack a work project and they spent a few hours moving a “few” bricks (about 800) to a site where they will be used for a project tomorrow.
After a long day of work we were able to enjoy our first bit of sightseeing. We set out for dinner at a restaurant called “Carnivores” - the establishment specializes in roasted meats of ALL varieties (zebra, kudo, giraffe, as well as lamb, beef, chicken etc). It was a fun evening of new experiences. On the ride there we had an extra bit of excitement, as we drove past a game reserve we were able to spy zebra, kudo (a type of antalope), ostritch and several other smaller wild critters.
It’s off to bed for us now, tomorrow will be a FULL work day for us. We will be working on laying brick for a sidewalk outside a new building. Tomorrow evening we will be splitting in to smaller groups to visit the homes of the orphans and enjoy dinner with the families.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
What a difference a good nights sleep makes. We are all feeling much more refreshed and are quickly adjusting to the difference in time.
This morning we packed 60 paloney (not baloney) and cheese sandwiches and took lunch to the orphaned children in the Township of Stinkwater. Once we arrived we spent several hours weeding the garden in the community. We also had time to play with the children, share some songs and a story and then gave the children lunch. It was touching to see many of the children “save” the lunch to take home to others in the family.
It was a long, emotional day, but very moving, the children where loving and very grateful for what seemed like such a meager offering.
This evening we enjoyed dinner and fellowship with several of the families of Bethesda. It was wonderful to get a chance to meet the children and parents. We enjoyed a meal and played games after dinner.
Tomorrow is yet another full day. We will be leading chapel at the school tomorrow morning and then wrapping all the gifts we brought tomorrow afternoon.
One thing to pray for would be for the children of Stinkwater. We were all struck with how little these children have. Young teenage girls have become the heads of their households and it breaks our hearts to think of the things they must do to provide for their younger siblings.
This morning we packed 60 paloney (not baloney) and cheese sandwiches and took lunch to the orphaned children in the Township of Stinkwater. Once we arrived we spent several hours weeding the garden in the community. We also had time to play with the children, share some songs and a story and then gave the children lunch. It was touching to see many of the children “save” the lunch to take home to others in the family.
It was a long, emotional day, but very moving, the children where loving and very grateful for what seemed like such a meager offering.
This evening we enjoyed dinner and fellowship with several of the families of Bethesda. It was wonderful to get a chance to meet the children and parents. We enjoyed a meal and played games after dinner.
Tomorrow is yet another full day. We will be leading chapel at the school tomorrow morning and then wrapping all the gifts we brought tomorrow afternoon.
One thing to pray for would be for the children of Stinkwater. We were all struck with how little these children have. Young teenage girls have become the heads of their households and it breaks our hearts to think of the things they must do to provide for their younger siblings.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Day One
And we are here.
It's been a long day. After almost 24 hours of travel we arrived at our destination just before 11am South African time today. We had just enough time to clean up and we were off and running. The staff here at Bethesda have kept us busy to help our bodies attempt to adjust to the time difference. We have spent the day attending various orientation meetings and getting aquainted with the staff and children.
Tomorrow will be a busy day for us (they all will be) as we head to the township: Stinkwater and minister to the orphans (many from orphan led families), we will serve lunch, share a story, Bible lessons and songs with the children and help in the garden.
Due to limited bandwidth, our blog entries will be short and will only contain a sampling of our photos. We will be sure to post a complete photo gallery on our return.
It's been a long day. After almost 24 hours of travel we arrived at our destination just before 11am South African time today. We had just enough time to clean up and we were off and running. The staff here at Bethesda have kept us busy to help our bodies attempt to adjust to the time difference. We have spent the day attending various orientation meetings and getting aquainted with the staff and children.
Tomorrow will be a busy day for us (they all will be) as we head to the township: Stinkwater and minister to the orphans (many from orphan led families), we will serve lunch, share a story, Bible lessons and songs with the children and help in the garden.
Due to limited bandwidth, our blog entries will be short and will only contain a sampling of our photos. We will be sure to post a complete photo gallery on our return.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
And We're Off! (Okay - not quite - but almost)
Thank you to all who came this evening to pray with us. The final preparation of the gift bags and loading of the vehicles went smoothly. We will gather again at the church tomorrow morning at 5:30 AM and depart soon after. Below you will find some emergency contact information, family - this will be the best way to contact us in the event of an emergency.
Thank you all again for your prayers. Pray that the team will all rest well this evening as we are very excited!
For emergencies we can be contacted at the following numbers:
Bethesda Office: 011 27 12 711 0087 between the hours of 1:00am and 10:00am EST
John Mixon (Director): 011 27 82 854 0679
Lois Mixon (team leader): 011 27 82 966 5103
Mixon’s home phone: 011 27 12 567 1593
Michele Geurink (team leader): 011 27 82 857 8468
Bethesda email: bethesda-temba@boi.org
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
4 Days and Counting!
It's almost here. The team has had all the required shots, purchased and collected many gifts and are now currently trying to figure out how to get all of this to fit into their luggage.
We will be meeting at EBBC on Saturday afternoon to load the vehicles and make the final preparations. We would love to invite our church and family to come join us at 4:30 for a time of prayer and a brief send-off. Following the loading of the vans (with the luggage) we'll return home and try to rest. We'll join back at the church at 5:30 am on Sunday morning and hope to be on our way to JFK soon after.
Once we arrive in South Africa (Monday morning) we will do our best to find time to keep this blog updated with pictures and stories of the amazing children and all we have the opportunity to see and do! Thanks for keeping us with us during this time serving the Lord and the beautiful children and staff at Bethesda!
We will be meeting at EBBC on Saturday afternoon to load the vehicles and make the final preparations. We would love to invite our church and family to come join us at 4:30 for a time of prayer and a brief send-off. Following the loading of the vans (with the luggage) we'll return home and try to rest. We'll join back at the church at 5:30 am on Sunday morning and hope to be on our way to JFK soon after.
Once we arrive in South Africa (Monday morning) we will do our best to find time to keep this blog updated with pictures and stories of the amazing children and all we have the opportunity to see and do! Thanks for keeping us with us during this time serving the Lord and the beautiful children and staff at Bethesda!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)