A spirit of chaos

Now that the World Cup is over and it seems as things are getting back to normal here is Cape Town and the surrounding cities. The kids had a long holiday and teachers had a much needed rest. The new stadium in Cape Town was erected especially for the World Cup festivities and in hopes that it would add some revenue back to the city. Sadly, it has created more debt for the government. The economy has taken a down turn and caused much unrest in those who work in a government run organization. It has been 6 days now that the teachers union has been on strike. They are demanding a pay raise and housing allowance. With that comes the real dilemma, no teachers=no classes. The government has replied with certain negotiations but have not been able to make peace with the teachers.
It seems a spirit of chaos and unrest has been trying to make its home here in South Africa. The hospitals that are ran by the government are also on strike. They have had to call in military aid to help in the hospitals. They are only taking those that have an urgent need. It saddens my heart to see that when the people make a decision like this it literally affects the entire country.
Please be in prayer that there would come a compromise between the government and the people. Lord, you are KING and LORD over South Africa. Give your people direction and bring a solution to this chaos.

Its Winter!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow....

This week at the pre-school I am volunteering at, the theme was winter(or vinterrr). It was difficult to come up with activities to relate to winter without talking about Christmas. The children enjoyed several days of games and fun crafts. I made a slideshow to actually show them what winter looks like in other countries. Their faces were priceless as the saw each picture and wondered what it would really be like to live in such a place. They made probably the only snowman that they will ever make with cotton balls. Today we ended the winter theme with a good cup of milo(similar to hot cocoa). I am having the time of my life as each precious child grabs a little more of my heart. Their smiles make my day and I look forward to seeing them even when I am away.

Grace at Graceland

These boys are too cool for their own good...or so they think. They are part of Graceland, a small Christian preschool that I am volunteering at. They are full of energy and joy! Every time I see them they are trying to teach me Afrikaans. Needless to say they are learning better than me. The children at Graceland live a simple life in a beautiful valley surrounded by vineyards and orchards. Some have quite sad stories, but they are continually full of laughter and smiles. It is an amazing expereince to work with these precious little ones.

Just this past week...

Last Wednesday, I traveled outside of the city to the beautiful wine country. I arrive at a small preschool tucked away in a peaceful valley. The children are precious and anxious to show me what they are doing for the day. I am struggling some with the language barrier. But nonetheless, they have my full attention. The stories of their home life threatens to bring me down but I am reminded about the amazing teaches who pray over the children and do their best to show the love of Christ. Thank you to these hard working ladies who give selflessly!

Hope

Many days it seems difficult to see all of the hurting and troubles lives. Even with the children that I see each 


week. Many of their stories about their lives are so sad and I wonder what will become of them. But I am encouraged by this 


scripture. It reminds me that the Lord dose have plans for their precious lives i may not see the results of the love that has 


been poured out upon them daily but the Lord does have great plans for their lives! Thank you Lord for the hope that You 


give us daily! 

¹ For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹² Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. ¹⁴ I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. ^[b]

Jeremiah 29:11-14

Represent, represent U.S.A

With great excitement and hopes that our boys would bring it on home, I tuned in last night to the U.S. versus England. Way to go boys! Keep up the spirit of the red, white and blue!

World Cup Madness

If anyone has been following the World Cup games, you have probably seen that there is quite a bit of excitement here in South Africa. The South Africans are proud of their team and country. I don't know that much about soccer but have tried to have an upbeat attitude about it. On opening day(Friday) my housemate, Tiffaney and I decided to join a group from church and venture down to an area that they call the Waterfront. We parked and walked and walked with a large crowd of people to get to the big TV screens that were everywhere. There were hundreds of people with painted faces and jersey's representing their home country. There was literally no space to even walk. People were yelling and blowing their vuvizellas(a big horn) and cheering in anticipation of the game. Much to our dismay, there wasn't a space to even rest our weary feet and watch the game too. So we trekked back to the car and went to a friend's house to watch the game. Of course it was a tie and Mexico and South Africa showed their skills! Wow, it is constant excitement everyday here!