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.”