Bulembu Babes

Today was our final day of VBS with the Community Center… it was a busy morning (the kids appeared a bit more energized today) but all in all we were able to do some great activities. The hand paintings turned out really well and everyone is excited to share them with our communities back home. We spent the afternoon visiting some of the foster/ community homes. They’ve set them up in different areas of the town to create closeness within the community. It was a great addition to all we’ve been exposed to while visiting and I was grateful to see where so many of the children we’ve spent time with actually sleep at night.
We are already coming close to the end of our time here in Bulembu. So our discussion tonight lead us towards our inner thoughts on what it will be like to bring home the “emotional spirits” we’ve been enchanted by and experiencing. Of course the love we have shared with the children and one another will remain in our hearts forever, but as most things time changes all and the awareness we may feel now is something that can certainly be lost with time. It is a powerful tool to remember we have access to all the love we need and should reminded ourselves daily .These lessons of love and patience travel across all borders and boundaries, but we must actively continue to pursue and seek out the goodness and passion of life in order to fulfill what God has placed on our hearts and minds through the community of Bulembu. Some others were able to write out some stories today so I’m happy to end with that. ~ Thanks for all your prayers and lovely letters ~Hallie Greene
MARY JANE: I am overflowing with gratitude for the amazing opportunity of being here in Bulembu with the mission team. I have been deeply touched by the experiences we have had and the beautiful spirit of the children and adults we have encountered. We will have much to share on our return.
Tonight after evening prayers letters of support from home were passed out. I can’t begin to tell you how much it meant to me to receive letters of support and prayerful encouragement from members of the church, some of which did not even know me. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for the thoughtfulness and expression of love. The letters meant a lot to all of us, serving as a reminder that the church family is right here with us in spirit and prayers.
This has truly been a transformational experience! I am humbly grateful!!
With appreciation and love,
Mary Jane

BECKY PERRY: What an amazing week. I can’t believe we’re almost ready to end our trip! Your prayers and love from the distance have been felt and appreciated. As much as we have done during the week, my energy level remains high. The team is an awesome group of women and we’ve enjoyed each other’s company. We have seen and experienced the spirit of Bulembu, the lives of the children and those in ministry with them and the hope and vision of lives changed through God’s love.
A quick report, today I had the opportunity to see 3 of the 4 brothers who came to Bulembu seeking shelter when I was here last year: Sambulo, Njbulo, and Mbongeni. One of the photos on the Bulembu board is of the brothers. You may remember that their gogo or grandmother had left them on their own with Sambulo,13 in charge and the the youngest, Banele still in diapers. They since have been moved to a Bulembu Ministry home and are attending Bulembu Christian Academy and have learned English. They are well and happy and remembered me. Youngest brother, Banele is living at ABC and the boys can visit their brother when they want to. It was an inspiring visit to see them and the change in their spirit!
It’s late though and I’ll have more to share when we return. Greetings and love to all, Becky

ROSEMARY: Wow, another wonderful day. Bulembu is an amazing place…..a beautiful town and full of darling children and caregivers. Of course, I’ve never seen anything like it!!! The weather was sunny and I even shed three layers during the “heat” of the afternoon. The VBS on “Noah’s Ark” went very well and the preschoolers loved seeing us each day and getting all the special attention. They wanted to hug and hold hands and be close all the time we were there. I have great pictures and can’t wait to get them uploaded when I get home. This evening Becky had a great surprise for us……letters from our friends and family written before we came here. There were lots of tears reading the notes…………I cried the most I think. Thank you all!!! I miss home and talking to my children and daughters-in-law and friends but it’s been a trip of a lifetime and I do feel I’m where God wants me to be . Oh, I do think I’ve changed since arriving. A very sweet lady(older than me) came up to me after church on Sunday and told me I reminded her so much of her 91 year old aunt!!! I was very gracious and just smiled nicely as any good Christian would do!!! Guess I look more tired than I feel!!!! Thanks for all your encouragement and my next adventure is a face lift I think.
Love, Rosemary
JANE: We feel very close to God when in Bulembu, a village full of his love and disciples. As other have written, Becky surprised us with letters from our church family tonight after our devotions. It was so special to read your notes and know that we continue to be prayed for. We feel it, believe me! We have all fallen in love with the children, they are so loving to us. This journey is a blessed gift to all of us.
Jane