Its been three days since arriving here in South Africa. We have had time to soak it in, adjust to the time difference and learn about the community. Our first day here in order to fight jet lag Danielle and I went to help Petunia, the team leader along with her husband Luc, with her weekly kids club. They bake together, play games and then end with bible songs. There must have been 40 kids from the neighborhood that came over to join. The kids just stared at us for the first 30 minutes or so, but once the games started we were pulled in quickly to participate laughing and playing with them. The kids speak English here so the bold ones came to talk to us. The second day here we were given a history of the Innerchange team and the township. Listening to the story I found it amazing how God provided the relationships and connections to be invited in, placing the team right where He wanted. The history of the township was also interesting as we learned about its foundation, the role of the government in developing it,and the remnants of the apartheid. This also helped me to understand how the history of this township has affected/or created the culture of this area. I'm totally a geek when it comes to cultures. I find it so fascinating.Today we went to church where Luc was preaching and I was blessed by his message about obeying the word of God. After church a few people wanted to take a picture with us because they were so excited to meet someone from the states :)
Luc and Petunia have been wonderful hosts as we stay in the guest room of their house. They are the team leaders here in South Africa. They have 3 children that have been a pleasure getting to know. Their son is 8 months and they have two daughters 5 and 14.Its a blessing to be with them and be welcomed in so graciously.Our orientation of the township and the ministries we will be participating in continues through this week. I have learned to greet people in Zutu which is fun, but language learning is such a humble experience. As we serve and minister I'm hoping to learn as much as the language as possible.
Prayer requests:
- continued team building as we continue to get to know each other
- sharp and curious minds as we learn the language and the culture in order to honor those we meet.
- the resolve to be obedient to the Word of God.
- health and strength for my body because it is not used to all this new bacteria
Church Building
Our room
Jumping pic kids from church
One of Luc's daughter and his son
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