Fridays

So far, so challenging! Durban has been quite an experience so far. It's certainly met my expectations - that it would be challenging, rewarding, and fun. Let me give you an idea of what my life looks like. I live with Keiko(from Japan) and Tony(from England) who are absolutely amazing to work with and hang out with. On any given day you can find us either:

1) hanging out with Devon, Patrick, Aston, Oliver, Thuthuka, and Darryl, just a few of the teenage boys that are almost always on the church premises
2) preparing for or leading Wednesday reading club or Friday's junior and senior youth
3) preparing for or leading worship for one of the three church services in the week
4) eating meals and chatting with Cynthia and her family in her apartment
5) volunteering at St. Giles gym for the disabled and elderly giving massages, serving tea and bonding with people

We're having a lot of fun but no missions experience is complete without its challenges. I want to share my journal entry from this past Friday which should give you a better idea of how I feel and what I see here in Durban.

23.01.09
I have a love-hate relationship with Fridays. I love all the kids and youth that come to play but I hate how they misbehave! That's probably how You feel about us, Lord... and I think I understand that a little better now! Oh man... but I want to be like You and love each child unconditionally. I want to be an example of Your love. I HAVE to.

The beginning of youth was great. They all sat in their chairs and LISTENED and sang and danced... except this one little boy who either had A.D.D. or was actually a monkey. At one point he had three pairs of scissors in his hands, waving them and running around like a lunatic. I was so scared... but eventually we got them away from him. He and I did have a nice time, though, when I removed him from the rest of the group and pushed him on the porch swing for about fifteen minutes, singing to him and praying over him. I'm pretty sure he enjoyed it, but as soon as he was back in the room, he went wild again... soup and juice was being served to the rest of the kids and the room was in UTTER CHAOS. These kids are SO hard to control, and there are so many of them. We need a new approach. Please, Lord... we need Your help. Anyways, we still had a good time - we met a new girl named Shanice, one of Yolande's friends, and I suggested we have a girls' night and watch Disney Channel movies. They got SO excited! I'm excited too, and I hope we can do it! I also bonded further with little Emmanuel, who is adorable. I don't usually understand what he's saying since he speaks in french most of the time, but who needs words when you have hugs and kisses?

Senior youth had its ups and downs. "The Big Wind Blows" was fun - the message was... not as well received as I'd hoped... but you never know what God was speaking to people so I just trust You Lord! One of the boys was very honest when I asked "Who is God to you?" - his response was "He's a legend who with enough evidence I will believe in." Lord... please please speak to him. Allow him to have an experience with you. Halfway through the time about six boys whom I'd never seen before showed up. Turns out they - or a few of them - were the boys that tried to rob the younger kids outside Cynthia's apartment the other day. So sad. Siya(really awesome youth) is such a gem, though. He shared his experience about his leg. He is so special. So set apart. Please bless him and protect him from all physical harm.

So, it was crazy, but when I see the smiles and waves and receive the hugs at the end of the day, I know it's worth it. Please bless each of the kids - may they feel so loved by you.
___________________

Thanks for reading and thanks for your comments... I love to know who's been reading
and what you think... bless you all!

Lindsay