Happy and Heartbroken

I don't even know where to start! So much has happened since the last time I wrote! I'll do my best to catch you up, but we will probably do a better job in person (and with pictures).

Yesterday we went to our first orphan site - Phola! We spent the morning at Metro (South Africa's version of Costco) getting peanut butter, jam, chips, juice, soap, and washcloths. Boy did we load up! When we finished all our purchases, we headed to K2, which is where we met the child care worker and several other volunteers. The volunteer ladies were amazing! They helped us make our peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and even sang for us while we were busy spreading away. They sing absolutely beautifully! Harmonizing seems to just come naturally for them, and they have voices of angels. (I told them I wanted to hire them to be my personal "lullabyists.")

When finished packing the car back up, we drove to the orphan site. This site was actually behind the offices of the Masoyi chief. There weren't many children when we first arrived, but within 10-15 minutes we had over 100 children (probably close to 150). The children ranged in ages from babies carried by an older brother or sister to 17 and 18 year olds. We spent the first part of our time just hanging out with the kids. There is a language barrier with most of them, so the beginning of our conversations would start with me pointing to myself and saying "Christy," and then pointing to them to learn their names. I learned very quickly, though, that a camera is a great way to interact with the children. I would take a picture, and then show them the screen. They were hysterical. They would all crowd around to see themselves, and found it pretty amusing - which, come to think of it, they probably don't see themselves in a mirror every day so it probably was very interesting to them.

After hanging out for a bit, we started Bible camp. We sang songs, acted out the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and ended with one more song. It was then time for the meal. It was amazing to watch how well behaved the children were. The children lined up in order from youngest to oldest. While the younger kids were getting their meal and gifts, the older ones patiently waited around them. Then it was the older kids turn. There was one boy in particular that grabbed my eye (probably about 17) - he handled the children so well. He made sure they were in order, and would help them carry their food if needed. Afterwards, he came up and introduced himself to all of us. His name was Emmanuel. We hugged, and when getting ready to leave, he grabbed my hand and said, "And may God bring you many blessings." I almost lost it. Here they are with close to nothing, and He wants God to bless me! I wanted to shout, "No, No! God bless YOU!!" But instead I just smiled, and returned the sentiment.

When we got in the car I cried. I felt like I had done absolutely nothing. In the span of their whole life, we gave them one meal, one gift, and two hours of our time. They need so much more! Some of the kids are so sick, and they just need good health. It was good, though. I realized that we were able to share a little of God's love yesterday, and that it was probably a huge blessing to these kids.

I have so much more to say, but don't want this to drag on. We finished our day hanging out with some of the students from ASM. That was so much fun! I have a feeling we'll all be very good friends by the time we leave. They are so welcoming and friendly, and enjoy making fun of us. :) It was a good way to end the day because I think we spent 75% of our time just laughing at each other (mostly about the way we talk). PS - We are learning how to speak Africaans. :D

God bless you, and we'll be in touch soon!