Joy

Today was our first day teaching Vacation Bible School with the Enduduzweni Community Care Center! The children are so happy to have us visiting and seem to really love our energy and projects. We broke off into groups and each spent time with the kids doing story time, crafts, games and music. The teachers were able to translate to the children( very helpful) but we all agreed that even when the kids didn’t know exactly what we were saying or asking them to do they were always kindhearted. This kindness and loving spirit has been a thread throughout the community here, but certainly comes through in the children’s hearts. Some of the team members cooked a yummy hot meal for the afternoon crew at the center. Many of the children attending the afternoon session are not always able to get a full meal at home so this program is greatly appreciated and needed.

We continue to be amazed by the way God is calling each and every one of us to be present with ourselves here in Bulembu. This “calling” presence within each of us in many ways is just coming to the surface, and many of our worries, doubts or just concepts as to why we thought we were coming here are surfacing and perhaps changing altogether. The experience of sharing moments with children and the simple act of love, kindness and sharing is a lesson to be reminded of in our calling here. The excitement in a child’s simple actions or just glance most certainly is one of the most beautiful moments created and we should all be so lucky to experience and acknowledge that joy every day.



A little about our experience today: What surprised us…
Donna~ The weather was beautiful today, wonderful for playing games outside in the sun. The children were really attentive during all our projects.
Rosemary~ It’s been pretty cold here, happy to have a fireplace.
Jane: We had the children put animal stickers on Noah’s Ark projects. The fact that they didn’t know what a sticker was heightens the our awareness of the cultural differences.
Heather~ Things that surprised me: How long they were able to pay attention to the storytelling. We had the teachers interpret our questions for the kids. We placed animals up on the felt Noah’s ark board and showed the animals around to the kids. They were so cute during story time! We asked them what kind of animals were on the boat they answered, “animals” We laughed and said “what kind of animals?”
Farida~ The kids were so good I was surprised at how well behaved they were, none of them cried or whined and were so polite to one another and to us. I was surprised at how well they ate and finished all of their food.
Rosemary~ They were really happy kids. It was wonderful see them all smiling, they were so happy to have us there. With so little they were still so excited and happy.
Mary~ I would reach out to them to give them a high five and they would just grab and hold my hand. It just took my heart away.