DAY 4 IN SOUTH AFRICA
Today was not as crazy as it was yesterday because we were more familiar with the area we were working in. We were back in the township of Masiphumelele working with the preschool kids club program in the morning and then the teens club in the afternoon.
The morning had us back at Masiphumelele Baptist where were able to spend time with preschoolers from three different preschools (different from yesterday's group). In summary the time consisted of 1) Singing, 2) Bible Story, and 3) Games/Snack. It is just a blessing to be in that room when the group of about thirty children are gathered in a circle and signing songs like Jesus Loves Me, Kumbaya My Lord, Happy And You Know It, and a load of other songs in their own language. These are kid ages 2-5 singing as loud as they can, and they are the most respectful kids I have ever seen. We were intermingling with the kids as this was going on, but the most touching part is when they all pray together. It is a prayer in their language, and though we can't understand what is said, the message and spirit is there, and it brings tears to our eyes every time.
For lunch, our driver Frans drove us over to Scarborough beach to eat, and visit a very special site in Cape Town (at least for us) Camel Rock! Yes there is a large rock formation here that looks like a Camel. The road is called Camel Rock Road, and there is a restaurant with the name of Camel Rock Restaurant. It was beautiful there and it was a good time of rest before the afternoon with the teen club.
CAMEL ROCK
In the afternoon, we had planned to introduce ultimate frisbee and we were able to do so with some success, but after a tight game (which I ultimately got pulled in to playing with the students) we were challenged in a game of soccer. If you know me, soccer certainly isn't my strong suit, but the kids were amazing. Definitely a tough game of soccer but a great time of fellowshipping with the teens of the Masi township. Inside the church, the other members of our team were creating friendship bracelets with the female students, a great time for our team to have one on one discussions with the students. We ended the teen club by gathering together with them, and one of our team, Kate "KC" Cloxton, a recent Campbell grad and Lady Camel basketball player talked about how she had to fight to not let basketball become a distraction in her life. The kids were really receptive to KC's story as they have a large commitment to playing club sports here. We could really see they were touched because they began talking with each other about how to keep each other accountable and support one another.
I think personally for me, the highlight was being able to spend some considerable time talking with a 13 year Masi teen, who I will call Simeon (not his actually name but similar to his Cosa name). We spoke for about thirty minutes about his dreams and aspirations, and what his hopes to become when he finishes his education here. He wants to become an engineer, and I hope he achieves his dream. We did talk briefly about his faith, but I think the bigger impact was made when I listened to his goal and then affirmed it. After doing that he really opened up to me and we had a great discussion about the cultural differences between America and South Africa. I will always remember that conversation with Simeon, and as I told him, I hope to read about his great contributions to mechanical engineering some day.
Sometimes the greatest impact we can have on a person is giving them the opportunity to share the story. Everyone has one, we just have to be willing to listen.
Be Blessed!
Today was not as crazy as it was yesterday because we were more familiar with the area we were working in. We were back in the township of Masiphumelele working with the preschool kids club program in the morning and then the teens club in the afternoon.
The morning had us back at Masiphumelele Baptist where were able to spend time with preschoolers from three different preschools (different from yesterday's group). In summary the time consisted of 1) Singing, 2) Bible Story, and 3) Games/Snack. It is just a blessing to be in that room when the group of about thirty children are gathered in a circle and signing songs like Jesus Loves Me, Kumbaya My Lord, Happy And You Know It, and a load of other songs in their own language. These are kid ages 2-5 singing as loud as they can, and they are the most respectful kids I have ever seen. We were intermingling with the kids as this was going on, but the most touching part is when they all pray together. It is a prayer in their language, and though we can't understand what is said, the message and spirit is there, and it brings tears to our eyes every time.
For lunch, our driver Frans drove us over to Scarborough beach to eat, and visit a very special site in Cape Town (at least for us) Camel Rock! Yes there is a large rock formation here that looks like a Camel. The road is called Camel Rock Road, and there is a restaurant with the name of Camel Rock Restaurant. It was beautiful there and it was a good time of rest before the afternoon with the teen club.
In the afternoon, we had planned to introduce ultimate frisbee and we were able to do so with some success, but after a tight game (which I ultimately got pulled in to playing with the students) we were challenged in a game of soccer. If you know me, soccer certainly isn't my strong suit, but the kids were amazing. Definitely a tough game of soccer but a great time of fellowshipping with the teens of the Masi township. Inside the church, the other members of our team were creating friendship bracelets with the female students, a great time for our team to have one on one discussions with the students. We ended the teen club by gathering together with them, and one of our team, Kate "KC" Cloxton, a recent Campbell grad and Lady Camel basketball player talked about how she had to fight to not let basketball become a distraction in her life. The kids were really receptive to KC's story as they have a large commitment to playing club sports here. We could really see they were touched because they began talking with each other about how to keep each other accountable and support one another.
I think personally for me, the highlight was being able to spend some considerable time talking with a 13 year Masi teen, who I will call Simeon (not his actually name but similar to his Cosa name). We spoke for about thirty minutes about his dreams and aspirations, and what his hopes to become when he finishes his education here. He wants to become an engineer, and I hope he achieves his dream. We did talk briefly about his faith, but I think the bigger impact was made when I listened to his goal and then affirmed it. After doing that he really opened up to me and we had a great discussion about the cultural differences between America and South Africa. I will always remember that conversation with Simeon, and as I told him, I hope to read about his great contributions to mechanical engineering some day.
Sometimes the greatest impact we can have on a person is giving them the opportunity to share the story. Everyone has one, we just have to be willing to listen.
Be Blessed!
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