Visiting the creche

One of my most favorite days was on Monday August 16. We had on the schedule to do a “soup kitchen” at the crèche in Mbekweni. I was so excited about this because I love this community (Black/Xhosa). Providing soup kitchens, or serving soup and bread, is always so fun and a favorite part of each trip for me. This particular crèche was etched in my recent memory as a group of us just organized a fundraiser/project for Cargo of dreams, the organization that provided this building [in response to reactions from reading The Hole in Our Gospel].

Little did I know, I would be surprised as well on this day! (Thanks Blom & Nancy) When we got there, the kids were outside playing. We joined in, and after they sang to us for a while, we taught them to play “Duck Duck Goose.” When it was time to eat, we went in but I didn’t see any soup. Marnelle, our host, told me that we weren’t serving soup. In fact, the money we donated as a project (thanks to YOU supporters!!) went to provide a better meal for them and we too would be eating with them. Nancy prepared traditional Xhosa dishes for us to try and explained each to us before we served ourselves. Another surprise was around the corner as a mother of one of the children came in wearing traditional clothing, and Nancy explained the clothing and how marriage works/difference in dress. If you know me, you know I love this kind of thing! I love knowing the “local” customs and being in the mix.

I thought my ears weren’t processing well when someone mentioned beer. Behold, there was another surprise around the corner. Nancy walked us through the community and we went over to learn about the beer made and drank in the community. Also, if you know me, you know how I feel about beer too! The mom who came in her traditional dress went with us and demonstrated how this beer drinking is done when you visit a family (What a cool mom, right?!?!). When you visit a family, beer is offered to you. She kneeled down on both knees and sipped from the bucket. Yep, bucket….community bucket. Well, some of you know how I feel about drinking after people…..None of us actually tried the beer. I think we were all waiting on another to initiate, and then we lost our chance (next time...). We moved on to the shack behind this house. In this shack, the beer is made so we watched a woman go through some of the steps.

Unfortunately our time was up when we left the shack as we had other places to be next. This event will go down as one of my all time favorite South Africa memories from all the years.

The kids at this place are all so adorable! One of my friends had donated a couple bags of toddler sized t-shirts from her company. This wasn’t initially on the list of items needed so it was wonderful that she thought of this because we donated them to the crèche. The sizes were perfect for these kids. Thanks Heather! You can support her by shopping for fun kids’ gifts online at http://www.nurseryrhymetease.com/nursery_rhyme_tease_books.html.

For more information on Cargo of Dreams and to watch a video on how they convert containers into schools and medical clinics, please visit www.cargoofdreams.org.

Here are pictures from the day -- again, they are out of order and I'm too tired to rearrange. =)

pumpkin


tripe stew








samp


outside the beer shack. I like this picture because you can see the train going by in the background. My friend Luba and I rode the train to Cape Town during my 3rd week, something I always wanted to do. It wasn't Amtrak but I loved it more.


The shack where the beer is made


the "brewmaster" making beer






what men do best....(j/k guys)








the beer -- I prefer mine in a bottle


nap time


I loved this boy in the Ghana shirt...soooo cute!


lining up to wash hands before lunch


games & songs




Nancy + our team


serving lunch

the preschool, or "creche," made from converted containers. See www.cargoofdreams.org

a few of the cute t-shirts donated by Heather--get on her website and buy some!

My niche in South Africa

On Friday August 13, we took part in a project that is very close to my heart. I learned about Boland School for Autism when I returned from South Africa in November 2009. I always joked that if an Autism school opened, I’d be back immediately…for good. The school needed some assistance and reached out to Monte Christo as I was already asking if there was something we could do for them while I was there so a divine appointment was soon made and they wound up on our agenda.

From the US side, I collected so many donations through parents at work. Every year, the parents from my work, Cornerstone Therapies, are generous enough to bring anything I’m taking that year for donation. This year was the same as always, with many parents soliciting information about donations, before I even posted the needs. It has become a “yearly” project for many—including parents who no longer come to Cornerstone. Plus, this year it was close to their hearts as well. The majority of my clients fall somewhere on the Autism Spectrum Disorder and in CA we are lucky enough to have therapy services funded through Regional Center at no charge to the parents. This year, parents brought school and art supplies for Boland including paint, crayons, construction paper, scissors, play-do, and wind-up toys (+ a lot of other things).

Boland School is new so government funding does not yet exist. The school, including the teacher’s salary, runs on donations. They now meet in rooms in a church in Paarl. I met the teacher, Alicia, a few days before the team went to the school. The greatest need was for the 2 classrooms to be painted so we met at a local paint store to pick out the colors together.

When we drove up to the school, I was filled with excitement. This was my “niche.” Three of the four enrolled children were on site (one was out sick) and greeted us at the gate. One of the boys, the “social butterfly and ham,” took me to the first room. My eyes immediately filled with tears at the size and look of the rooms. We had our work cut out for us! Two of the church’s rooms are used as classrooms– the “blue” class and the “orange” class which were a drab neutral shade with run down wood furniture in the rooms serving as dividers which divided each class into 2 sections. Each section was for a different purpose—work, exercise, eating, etc.

The team quickly began working on the blue room. I recalled how Alicia really wanted some bulletin boards for teaching and posting visual schedules so a couple of us headed to a local office store in search of those. We found the perfect boards in differing sizes, and the store gave us a discount on them. When we returned, the blue room was finished and we began the orange room. We finished about 5pm and headed out tired but satisfied.

We were lucky enough to have Luba serving with us on this day. Many of you know Luba from previous trips. For those who don’t, Luba is a former MCM staff member that I initially met in 2007 and look forward to catching up with every year I’m back. He has an amazing heart and unbelievable insights to share.

On a final note: The school has a website with a wish list of items, including those we took with us. They also need funding for another teacher. Please visit: http://www.bolandautism.org.za/wishlist for more information on how you may be able to help.

Here are some pictures from the day: (sorry, the pix got all out of order during the upload)


lunch break -- we tried McDonald's -- its the same grease all the way over there!


painting the orange room


painting the blue room


the orange room BEFORE


the blue room BEFORE



orange class AFTER


blue class AFTER



some of the donations from the parents at Cornerstone




We replaced the worn out backpack hooks with this cute ones


Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) in Afrikaans. I teach this system to some of my kids at work!


Luba

Bringing hope to the streets

On Thursday, August 12, we joined forces with the Homeless Ministry again for an evening project with the “street women project.” We spent time with staff members Jacques & Ameaka. We went through so many emotions on this night, and this project was one of the most emotional and challenging ones of the trip.

We met at the Monte Christo House and had a time of fellowship at which time we got to know the other volunteers who come out weekly to participate. We sang a few songs (thanks to our Elliot for playing the guitar) and then headed out in the van. The goal of the night was to bring love and hope to the streets, targeting the prostitutes. At first, it felt like a covert operation. We drove around and then pulled over in a discreet location when we saw a woman on the streets. A couple of women would go talk to her and offer her food and prayer. We alternated who would go out so that all of us had a chance to experience this. I was amazed at how open the women were to share their stories. Often, a pimp would be nearby watching and would make his way over, at which time a couple men would go talk with him. Even the men were open to share their experience and “story.”

I’m not sure that team members will ever forget the faces of those with which they spoke or the sound of the voices telling of their pain.

Personally, at first I was indifferent past the emotion of knowing it is “unfortunate” that they are out on the streets. I have a strong moral code for myself which I’m proud of; however, I know at times when that code is not in check, it is easy to become judgmental of others.

As we drove around (and during many other moments on the trip), I realized a point from The Hole in Our Gospel book that I recently read several times, that the only thing that separates us is where we are born/the circumstances in which we are born. I began to think about the fact that I have the luxury to be there in the van on the streets serving because I was born in the United States into a supportive middle-class family who provided a strong foundation for me that enabled me to become who I am today. My parents were able to provide both basic needs and many luxuries. I have a great career that enables me to serve others and get a paycheck for it, but that foundation was also provided by my parents and a stable childhood. When I looked at some of the women, I imagined that SHE had been born to Cary & Peggy Jones. What if I had been born there into her circumstances? Would I be able to do anything differently with struggling to survive being homeless or abused and being able to rely on little or no family support? My heart began to break more and gratitude coupled with humility quickly set in.

Then, we arrived to meet the woman who is 9 weeks pregnant and working on the streets. Her pimp was actually her brother who looks out for her on the street. I think it is easy to cast judgment on the mothers on the street because they have another life they are responsible for. I began to wonder how far I would go to make sure my child is fed and has basic needs. Would I resort to the streets if I felt I had no other option? I hope not, but I began to see a mother’s love for her children in a different light.

So many women cried and expressed the desire to get off the streets. The ministry gives them information so they can be connected with someone who can try to help them. Ameaka and Jacques, as well as the rest of the team, remember them and encourage them again if they spot them the following week(s). What I loved about Ameaka is that she’ll stop anywhere she sees a woman, outside of “project time,” and ask her what her name is and give the woman her contact information. This even happened on the way to the airport when they were taking me for my departure.

At one point in the night, we were pulled over and a few team members were out of the van talking to a girl when the police pulled up—lights and all. Immediately I was wondering how I would explain being arrested in SA on a mission trip for soliciting prostitutes. The girl quickly ran away. The police gave a warning that they were watching her and using her as a decoy.

Another emotion that I faced on the project was one that I struggle with often ~ fear. We were in a shadier part of town and there was a group of men on the street. The plan was to get out of the van and walk the street for a bit but start by approaching this group. Well, I’m not one who is usually scared of being out in the city as I frequented some shady places in LA when I lived there but I generally stayed away from groups of men at night. I could just hear my mother’s voice and Southern drawl saying “Don’t go askin’ for trouble.” I was terrified to get out of the van. I thought it may be best to stay in the van and keep Ameaka company, as she was the driver and stayed in the van at all times. When my entire team jumped out enthusiastically, I decided it was “all for one” (well, right after I had a head shake and a *tsk tsk* moment because they had no idea where they were). I also thought of the Bible story of Jesus and the disciples when he asked Peter to get out of the boat and he doubted (Matthew 14:22-32 which I’ll post at the bottom). I thought about how many times I’m too nervous to “get out my boat.” So, out I went! I stayed huddled in the group avoiding the outskirts for the majority of time. We walked down the street, and I saw a large group of young men and women approaching. Instantly, the fear set in. I always say that God has a sense of humor, especially with my life. In fact, I think it’s his biggest source of entertainment (and he got several chuckles during this trip). When a couple guys approached us to talk, I noticed they were carrying Bibles. Church had just dismissed! It was fun meeting them. One of them sang a Christian song to us that he wrote—the funnier part was that it was to the tune of Akon’s “Right Now Nah Nah Nah.”

Overall, this project was the most challenging for me emotionally and spiritually as it revealed several things about myself as well as served to show a harsh reality of the community.

Requested items of prayer from this ministry include:

• That churches in Paarl would get involved in the STREET WOMEN PROJECT

The gang: (Ameaka on left, Jacques in the back middle)

The passage referred to in the blog:

Jesus Walks on the Water

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.

Street sweeping with the homeless

On Wednesday August 11 when we found out that we would not be able to return to Orleansvale Primary due to the teacher strike, our integrated team (Dream Team + NewSong) was taken back to the Monte Christo house so we could team up with the Clean-Up Project, part of the Full Circle Ministry, ministry for the homeless, led by Jacques Heyns. We had been told we would be street sweeping, but for those of us who are from the States, I don’t think the reality hit as we automatically imagined those vehicles that drive around and clean our streets. Well, that image was not part of our day. WE were to become the street sweepers.

Thanks to the Dream Team’s enthusiasm and superb dancing and singing skills, enthusiasm quickly rose. They immediately broke out into song and dance with the dustpans and brooms as props. I’m not sure how they think so quickly on their feet, but the NewSongers enjoyed it immensely and were quickly psyched up for the task ahead.

We met at the MCM house and were able to witness the work that Jacques has accomplished with Full Circle Ministry. It was especially exciting for me as I met Jacques in October 2009 and this ministry was in its infancy. Every week a group of men gather at the house, and ~5 are chosen to participate in the clean-up project, and are paid hourly. After returning from cleaning, a devotion is given and soup and bread are provided for a meal. On this day, Jennifer Hanancouchi, from our team led the devotion. This ministry has several phases to assist the men in getting off the streets and making a better life with support.


Street sweeping was hard work! The brooms were not the best that I have used so it was hard to get all the debris with one big swoop. Being from the South, I'm used to hard work and manual labor to do my part in the family order, but it has been a while since I have pushed a broom. My hands were already hurting before we were barely out of sight from the MCM house! I managed to make a bigger mess in a few places. I felt more in the way than helpful many times. Peter, the foreman, was always behind us to tell us not to worry and keep going.

Here are some pictures from that day:



Peter, the foreman of the project


NewSong + Dream Team








Jenn providing a devotion after street cleaning


serving soup after the devotion

If you would like to pray for this ministry, here are the latest prayer requests from the June 2010 Full Circle newsletter:

• for a reliable pick up truck
• for a building or a piece of land
• that more homeless people will come to the cell group meetings
• for more job opportunities for the homeless
• for favor from the board members of the municipality
• Jacques: for wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit and complete obedience to Jesus Christ

For more information, contact Jacques Heyns of Full Circle Ministry at fullcirclemin@gmail.com

Partnering with the Dream Team

The first project we “attempted” was teaching. This year, we joined up with the “Dream Team” who is associated with the Miqlat Foundation. First, here’s a little about the Dream Team so you’ll know why this was such a special opportunity for us.

The Miqlat Leadership Development and Outreach Team, known as “The Dream Team” provides the opportunity for Christian youth identified as leaders, primarily from disadvantaged backgrounds to receive training and serve to disciple other youth from similar communities. These team members are supported entirely by funds donated to Miqlat.

Miqlat first began reaching out to youth by bringing Christian programs into schools in the Paarl area in 2000. Today school officials in more than a dozen schools enthusiastically invite and welcome Miqlat’s programs to be included as a formal part of their life skills programs. The ministry recognized both the need and the opportunity to begin discipling and encouraging the large number of students seeking to follow Christ, and the concept for a Leadership Development and Outreach Team was developed.

In 2003 Miqlat established its first team of young disciples under a “Year of Your Life for Christ” program designed to reach out and develop youth leaders for Christ. Now in its third year, the program has a proven track record of success in working with primary and high school age youth in disadvantaged areas of Paarl, the township of Mbekweni and on local farms.

In addition to the training and instruction provided to the Dream Team, their service year includes practical, “hands on” and cross cultural ministry experience with projects in local communities and on outreaches to other nations. The Team works with youth and children in schools, on farms, in local communities, and with children’s and youth programs in area churches. Activities include:

· Christian Life Skills Training
· Christian Camping Activities
· Holiday Clubs (Vacation Bible Schools)
· Programs to Teach and Challenge Church Youth and Children’s Groups
· Christian Song, Dance and Drama Programs

Meeting the Dream Team was the highlight of our trip. These young men and women were immediately welcoming and open to share their lives including their experiences, past pains, and dreams. We immediately bonded and felt like old friends or even family.

The NewSong team divided into 2 teams and so did the Dream Team. Then we paired so we were integrated. My team began planning to teach life skills for Orleansvale Primary in Paarl East, a school in which I had previously taught and loved. We had been told the teachers may go on strike so we were aware that plans might change on the day we would arrive. We were prepared to go in and teach as 1 team and therefore planned accordingly.

Of course, on the first day, Tuesday August 10, we found out that the teachers had gone on strike and very few teachers or officials would be on campus leaving US to keep the kids occupied. We then had to split up into pairs. David and I took 4^th grade. Instead of changing rooms, we discovered we would be with this one class all day. I recognized a few of the kids from 2 years ago and was so happy to see them.

As with most kids, when structure is taken away, behaviors change.... The day was crazy! We had to think on our feet and constantly come up with something to do to keep them busy. I loved watching David in action though. He wants to become a pastor one day, and I know he will because he is so gifted. He offered to tell them a bible story. At first, I was thinking that those kids were NOT going to sit tight through a story like that as most of our efforts had not been successful in managing noise and movement around the class. Boy, was I wrong! They, including myself, sat on the edge of our seats as he told the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fire.

I was exhausted at the end of the day! We began to prepare for the next day but found out later that we would not be returning to Orleansvale Wednesday since the principal wanted to catch up on the curriculum. In the end, we never went back to this school at all. Instead, we were scheduled to spend the following week at Langabuya in Mbekweni.

We went to Langabuya on Tuesday August 17 and taught as a team as initially planned for the previous Tuesday. We had a really great day at this school and we were feeling good about being on track. We planned out Wednesday, but in true Africa style, the plans changed yet again on the day. On Wednesday after the team was dropped off, the staff of Monte Christo came to pick up the team, as the teachers went on strike. In Mbekweni when the teachers strike, the children do not go to school as they do in Paarl East. The team then spent the day playing games and hanging out with the Dream Team.

The other NewSong half spent all 4 days, uninterrupted, at Paarl Zicht Primary in Paarl East.

Vicky on break with the kids

David teaching

several of the classes came together outside as one for our lesson

our team of half NewSong and half Dream Team (minus our boys)

-->