Johannesburg Zoo

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Today we took 21 of the 29 permanent Lambano kids to the Joburg Zoo. A company was taking kids from various homes around the area for charity and Lambano was one of them! I got to go because I was one of the drivers. Woke up to an overcast sky :P Had to be there at 9am so we were getting ready to leave by quarter past 8. One problem, our gate at 82 wouldn't open. The night before we got a horrendous storm it poured for over an hour and flooded everything, and started leaking into my room lol. But anyways because of all the movement of water with all the mud and sand it was preventing the gate from opening. We finally got it open and it was already 8:30. Sibylle (long term volunteer from Switzerland) was to drive the Blue Kombi and I was to drive the White Kia. And 2 of the house mothers were coming with us to help with the kids. After getting the gate open we only discover that the Blue Kombi wouldn't start. So we drove to the 36 house to get Jenna's car and try to fit as many as we could between the Kia which seats 12 and the car which seats 5. Jenna was out with the car so Siyblle went to go get the yellow car, she came walking back at 9 saying that the yellow car wouldn't start either. By then Jenna had returned and Siyblle took her car with 5 kids and I drove the Kia with 16 kids. The 2 mamas had to stay home. I asked them before we left if they could tell me what car manners were and why it was important. I was following Siyblle who knew how to get there but still needed not to be distracted since we were going on the highway also. Not that I'm not used to driving a car full of noisy kids ;)

We got to the zoo and it was almost 10 but the other kids from other homes were still lining up, getting wrist bands etc. so it worked out fine! We had 3 people from the company assigned to our group to help and off we went. It was a really nice zoo! Compared to the zoo back home this one was much more open! Not so tightly locked up and caged. Like if a person wanted to they could basically get into were the animals were! We saw most of the main animals except the tiger which the kids were a bit disappointed about. I liked seeing the Pumba! Like from the Disney movie the Lion King..don't think I've seen one before at a zoo :)

At noon we met back with all the other kids and we given lunch a burger and chips, then they had a little show for the kids and ice cream. By then it was after 2 and we went to see the snakes and I went around and they had signs up telling which ones were poisonous and what would happen to you if you got bit and where they were located in Africa. The worst one I can't remember then name was extremely venomous and if bit your kidneys etc would start shutting down, eek!

We got back to Lambano and it was almost 4. I had a really great time. I haven't been to 34 and 78 houses very much so it was good to hang out with those kids and get to know them better. The next 2 weeks are holiday from school so I won't be as busy with school runs and such, probably will spend time at the hospice mostly and then just relax :)

So excited :P

Wouldn't wanna fall down there!

Lookin at the lions

Lunchtime

Went to Katlehong today to take some baby clothes to a family and get some pictures to send the sponsors. The baby I'm holding belongs to a 14 year old girl. Her older sister who is 18 is due with a baby in September. The family lives in the township and there are 4 sisters living with there mother who is HIV+. She has went out to find a job since there is another person in the household and another on the way.

Yesterday was crazy...had to make a trip to Katlehong to take a dietitian who interviewed some of the kids at the schools and was following up on them since they have been on a food program. Got back to the office and then went to Fruit and Veg to buy for the 5 houses, right after that went on the school run. Was able to have a quick lunch then took Lambano's dog to the vet. After that I went to the mall and found a power cord for my computer since mine doesn't work anymore. Then I went home with a headache and went to bed!

Tuesday night our cell group (bible study) made gatsbys to eat which is a loaf of bread stuffed with chips (french fries) and fried hot dogs and boloney with tomato sauce (ketchup) and vinegar. Very nutritious haha. Then Kerry-Ann who been a professional dancer gave us all ballroom dancing lessons. We learned the cha-cha! It was super fun! 

This coming Saturday a company is taking Lambano to the zoo, I'm going as a driver. Should be fun!
The last few days have been hot which is quite a change from the weekend at the conference when it was cold and rainy! Hey, I'm not complaining :)

BYSA

The Baptist Youth of South Africa (BYSA) conference was amazing. It rained most of the weekend, but despite that the sessions were so great and the worship was awesome! It was also a good time for me to rest and recover from being sick. I went on a jog on Saturday morning and felt ok so thank you for your prayers for my health. I wish to write more about the conference, but I don't have time right now. My laptop power cord doesn't work anymore so my computer is dead, so I only have 30 minutes to use the office computer most times.
This is the last week of school until school holidays for 2 weeks!!! Today my roomate Miriam is going home to France. It looks like I will be the only volunteer here besides Jenna and Sybille the long term volunteers until June...so not sure what my schedule will be once school starts again on April 11. There are the school runs and the schooling with the hospice kids and homework with the permanent kids.

His plan

I've been absent my blog this week because Tuesday night I got sick with a stomch flu that lasted into the better part of the night and drained me to the point of still effecting me now. I was so weak and tired that I was in bed all of Wednesday and most of Thursday. As soon as I was able to keep things down I started mt Reliv shakes again and hope to gain back my strength soon. I still feel tired and lightheaded. So prayers for continuing recovery are welcomed :) Lambano has covered my school driving duties up until the end of the week. This weekend I am off with the youth from the church and some volunteers at Lambano for the BYSA (Baptist Youth of South Africa) conference until Monday. Staying there for the nights too!

I didn't eat anyhing that made me sick we know that much because my roomate ate everything the same as me. Lyn said that is was probably a flu bug going around and the change of seasons etc. I sure don't remember a time when I got that sick...so it has been awhile anyways if I had!

As I lay in bed those couple of days drifting to sleep off and on I thought, how can I be glorifying God when I'm to ill to even get out of bed!? How can I be using this situation for the furthering of His kingdom!? It was quite trying when I came here to give care and end up receiving it...the most I could do at that point was pray and read. A quote by John Piper comes to mind something about God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. Can I be satisfied in God even when I'm sick? All I could do in those moments of pain was call out to Him. I'm have not studied much the book of Job, but it has caught my interest...I know everything was taken from him including his health. I don't have answers for my questions, but it something I'm thinking and praying about.

While I was sick here in South Africa, back home in the USA my sister was in a car accident, she hit black ice and the car flipped over and was totaled. Give thanks to God she is alright, but it still shook me...What if my family was calling to tell me something else besides asking if my sister could drive my car now!? God is good all the time, all the time God is good. When I was younger I wrote a song... My desire is for God's will, His Sovereign will. His plan for me will not be thwarted; I put my trust in Him. In whatever happens I can find joy; Cause my desire is for His will.

Can I still cling and live by those words I so innocently sung as a child now that I'm older and understand more of the hard cruelness of life in a fallen world of sin?

Yes.

I know that You can do all things, that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted. Job 42:2

Week Reflections re: life hardships

Tuesday I woke up feeling awful. I managed to take a Reliv shake and start my day. School went well with the hospice kids. During our management meeting Lambano has every Tuesday at lunchtime many things came up about the government and healthcare here. Many stories disheartening. It's always interesting the type of topic talked about, but mostly about Lambano. I look forward to the meetings every week. Just to become less ignorant of the way of life here and also it is always encouraging when we pray together...for each other, the kids and this country.

In regards to driving I've become pretty comfortable and confident driving a manual and on the left side of the road and in kilometers. Have to always be wary of taxi drivers...they are crazy. Taxis here aren't like a small car like at home. They are as big as the Combi I drive, like a small bus a big van. They are crammed full of people and you won't catch someone like me one them either, not a good idea. Anyways they own the road expect them to do anything. Another thing is motorbikes. They speed in and out and between traffic. I think I've mentioned the massive speed bumps in residential areas...yeah if you don't slow down you might break your car.

Like I said I may have gotten to comfortable, I don't know, but picking up Nellie on the school run on Tuesday I was waiting for a group of kids to move out of the road so I could pull off to the side. So I didn't realize that I was too close to an already parked car which I hit in the process of moving off the road. Most all damage was done to her car unfortunately. She was quite cross at first, but then was asking me if I was okay and saying that it was just an accident. Didn't make me feel any better. When I got to the office, the stress of the day was building and I had to take a moment to collect myself before doing speech therapy with Thandazo and homework with Nellie.
Martha, Miriam, and I went out to the movies to see the King's Speech that night. It was so wonderful to go out and to such an excellent movie. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Wednesday I was woken up early because Uncle Philemon was sick and so I was asked to do the school run. When I got back to the hospice supervised the kids to make some little cakes. Biscuits (sweet crackers) crushed up and mixed with condensed milk, butter, and chocolate powder. Put a marshmellow in the middle each ball and roll in coconut. That was fun. Tshitsi, Nombolalo, Boutimelio, and Cina are very good bakers :)

Martha then asked me to drive her to Katlehong township to 2 schools there where she was to take some garbage bins to one of the school and take pictures of both for a report for a company in Germany that donates money for the school through Lambano. We planned it to get there for lunchtime. The first school Mogobeng Primary was a well kept school compared to the one we went to next. That one was even newer than Mogobeng and it was in worse shape. All the kids that go to these school are mostly poor. All students at all the schools in South Africa wear uniforms. For these kids there uniforms were probably the nicest clothes they had. We arrived at the last school right when the bell rang for lunch and kids poured out of the buildings running for food, maybe the only thing they get to eat all day. When the kids saw the cameras they would act all silly and goofy. Martha said they would probably act up anyways seeing how I was the only white person walking around.

When we got back I had a quick lunch and then off too pick up the kids from school. I've been doing speech and homework this week in the afternoons because Jenna is on holiday. Well I was falling asleep by the time I finished up with Nellie so I went back to my room for a nap before church that evening.

I was not feeling quite up to par for evening service that night and was debating with myself whether to go or not, especially since I was to get up at really early to go to the hospital the next morning. I did go and was so glad I did. Pastor Lance had a pair up with someone at least 15 years younger or older than our age and talk for 10 minutes to get to know each other than pray for the other person. I met the lady named Deidre. She became a Christain in her 40's...none of her 4 children are saved. Just to hear her story in the time that we had was a great blessing. Then we both prayed for each other and the needs that we shared. I was greatly blessed and thankful that I went!

  Thursday I woke up at 5am to go with Sibylle to take Tshtsi to Bara the biggest hospital in South Africa. She had a check-up at the HIV clinic. The way it works here is not by appointment but whoever get in the cheque (line) first. They open the doors at quarter to 7 and start checking people in at half past. We got there at half past 6 and were second in line. Didn't see the doctor until 10. Brought a book and finished it by that time lol. The waiting room was full up by 8...people sitting and standing. When we got into see the doctor just talked about the medications Tshtsi needs to continue to take. The doctor went over her story of how she got to Lambano. She is from Zimbabwe. Her parents died when she was young and she lived with her granny. She ran away from her home because of an abusive uncle and made her way to South Africa to find her older brother. She has been through a lot and the mood turned sober as they talked about it and a few tears as well. The doctor explained the importance of taking her medicine and how she shouldn't try to run away. Tshtsi is 17, but her emotional mentality is that of 10 because of what she has been through.

Thursday night was touch rugby again and Miriam came this time! Martha had a last minute meeting come up so she wasn't able to go. Had a great time again and played until it was too dark to see the ball. Had a collision with one of the guys that knocked to wind outta me for second lol, but other than that it was awesome!

The reason I went with Sibylle was to know the way to Bara so I can take Tshtsi to her counseling sessions this morning. We left about half past 9 and her session was at 10. But traffic was backed up on the highway because a semi truck had ran into the cement barrier and was blocking most of the road. It took an hour to get there and we were late, but it was okay because it turned out that she had someone at 10 and thought Tshtsi was to come at 11. I was able to sit in the room with them...I read a little and listened. It was interesting to her how the counselor approached the various topics that happened in Tshtsi's life. There were tears shed again about missing her family.

On the drive back I found and english pop music station and Tshtsi was able to experience the crazy side of me dancing while driving...which I say crazy because that is what my siblings think when I do that lol. It was hot so the windows were down which is ok on the highway for no fear of a getting car jacked going 100k. So windows down, radio up, we went...me a crazy white girl singing and dancing to the music. It was great to hear her laughing at me. An Usher song played and she freaked out because she really likes him I guess. She asked if I knew him since I lived in the USA and I said and that seemed to surprise her :)

Thinking back to the topics discussed at the Tuesday meeting and the things that Deidre and I encouraged each other with on Wednesday and now with Tshtsi's story...life is hard.

We live in a fallen world of sin and evil.

One thing that brings comfort is that...this is not all there is! I have hope in something more...an eternity with my Savior!

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavering to keep the unity of the Spirit  in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Ephesians 4:1-6

Last Week

Saturday, March 5, 2011

So on Thursday evening I went to play touch rugby! It was the first time hehe. Martha came to and it was her first time too. I absolutely had a great time, it was so fun! And I guess I played pretty well because they said I have to come play every Thursday evening.
Friday was pretty relaxed day. Two of the staff in the office were out sick so it was just Martha in the office most of the day. In the morning the massage students came and we got 30 minute back massages. The girl that massaged me said that I need more than a half an hour massage because there was so much tension built up in my neck and shoulders. Oh well if I can get at least one a week I think that'll help. They come every Wednesday and Friday mornings. Friday night I went out with Martha, Miriam (volunteer from France) and Megan (girl from church who is a teacher) to Montecasino. We dressed up and went to dinner to a Thai place that was very yummy! Montecasino was a really cool place...it was like being in Italy with the streets lined with restaurants. The ceiling was painted to look like the evening sky! Us single girls had a great time out.
Today Miriam and I woke up early to take Nellie (10 years old) one of the girls from House 36 to an assessment in Randburg about 20 minutes drive away if the highway is not backed up. I never had been there and had pretty good directions because we didn't get lost. Nellie's assessment was to be 2 hours long so Miriam and I drove to the Rosebud Mall not far from the place where an African Craft Fair is. That was interesting. Miriam was really good at beginning with people. I just observed at first. Basically they give you their price and you ask for a way lower one then you go back and forth for awhile. Sometimes just say I think I'll see what other vendors are offering and they might accepted your offer then. Haha. I got a few things for gifts for people back home and I think I got the hang of bargaining...it was actually quite fun :) Plan to go back before leave or at least go to the other closer to Wychwood.

Second trip to Katlehong

March 2, 2011

I can't believe it's March! I will have been her 2 months already next week! It's starting to really cool down a lot at night and the leaves are starting to change color on some of the trees...autumn is on it's way.

Today felt like non-stop from 8 to 5. I did school with the hospice kids. Then went at 10:30 with Martha to a warehouse store, kinda like Costco. When we went to Katlehong last week (the township) we learned that one of the families that Lambano sponsors was having some family problems, and anyways the granny ended up leaving 2 kids without care of food. One of the neighbors that Lambano also sponsors was caring for them and here own kids. So we went and bought at least 3 months supply of food for all of them. Got back just in time for me to go on the school run and then right when I got back we drove out to Katlehong. They are doing construction on the highway so traffic was backed up for awhile.

When we got to the shacks to find out the granny had gone shopping so we took the 3 girls that were there with us to go find her so we could drop off all the food. We couldn't find her and the oldest girl of whose granny left told us that they had run out of toiletries so we went to the store to buy some things for them. Martha said you are in for an experience. Lol. Yeah, so we went to the shops and I was the only white person and got quote a lot of interesting looks. The store was super busy too. The 2 younger girls were holding onto me the whole time while the older girl and Martha shopped. It was interesting and I did enjoy it. I just smiled as some people stared...like why is this crazy white girl here!

When we got back to the shacks The other granny returned and we were able to unload all the food for them. So I was able to see inside the one room shacks. The sights and smells of this place where they live are hard to think that people live there lives there.

One of the mamas that works at Lambano lives at a squatter camp really close by to where I'm staying. We drove by it once and I was surprised that is was so close to where wealthy people live. I'm sure that that place is even worse then the place I saw today.

Well we were able to help 2 families today with what we could.

End of the Weekend

February 27, 2011
I woke up early this morning an couldn't go back to sleep so I went to Sunday school that Pastor Lance just started for this year on spiritual gifts. Seems like it's going to be really good so I'll be going from now on :) The service was great! We sang an Afrikaans worship song then in English it was really amazing :) Nkosi is word for God.

Our young adult cell group (bible study) was on tea duty for this month and it was my turn this morning with Martha. Just have to serve tea and coffee then clean up after. They use china cups and plates so the clean up entails washing them all, hehe.

I didn't go to evening service because we went out for Kabelo's birthday to a restaurant called Spurs and didn't get back in time, but I had a really good time. While we were eating I had a good talk with Barbara about some of the kids stories how they came to Lambano and also how she come to be here in South Africa. She is a retired teacher from Wisconsin and has been at Lambano for 5 and a half years now.

I also shared with her about Reliv. On Tuesday I took some of the Reliv I brought with me to talk to Lyn (who is the lady in charge of Lambano) about giving some to Boutimelo who is HIV+ and has skin cancer that can't be treated because of it. He come back from the hospital last week after being there for 3 weeks because of meningitis. He lost a lot of weight and only weighs 18kilos now and he is 10 or 11 I think. Right now Lyn is concerned about him gaining weight then we'll give him some Reliv in a month. Some of the other staff at the office is very interested in Reliv though. I've told most of them how much it's helped my family and about the Kalogris Foundation which has feeding stations all around the world.

Reliv is not open in Africa right now and last I talked to the Board at the foundation there was nothing in the mere future that was going towards Africa. There is just too many kids in the countries they are in already that still aren't getting product at the feeding stations that need to be taken care of first. I understand that, but I wrote an e-mail to the company asking what would the process look like getting it here to South Africa? So looking forward to what their response will be :)

                          Driving back home in the combi from the restaurant

                               Sunset with the city of Joburg

A Moment

The world is
happening
going on around me.
Here i sit and the only
thing that matters
right now
in this very moment
is You.
i go back once again
Jesus
to be lost in You
to fall in love with You.
Fall in love with You
more and more
every day
but i don't
i get lost in this
world of folly
caught up in the routine and activities of life.
You sit
wait
watch
until i remember You again.
To come back and sit with You
in this moment like i am now
where the only thing that matters
is You.
Can i not stay here forever?
But i don't
i stand up
walk away
swept away
with the flow of the busy crowd
leaving You
sitting
watching
waiting
until i come back and sit with You next time.
At least i think
You always sit there.
i could take You with me
to be next to me
to be aware
of Your closeness
but i don't.
You do go with me
You are still with me
aren't You.
i'm not always aware of it.
You are right by my side
all the time
holding onto me.
i return to sit with You
as if
You have been there the whole time
i'm unaware
You never left me
when I went back in the rotation of the world.
Jesus
may i always take You with me
in my words
actions
steps
in this life
i get lost in this world
may i still be found in You.
Right now
as this moment is drawing to an end
i must rise from where i sit
with complete contentment in You
feeling Your presence
with me
at this moment
i will take You with me.
The way You have loved me and love me
captivates
overwhelms me
i deepen my love in You.
My whole heart
belongs
to You
at this
moment.

Katlehong

Mandla's 9th birthday was on Friday!

Some of the 82 kids: Noma, Junoir, Tshepiso, Mandla and Tebogo. And me with Martha and Mama Remi.

Also, Friday I went with Martha to Katlehong, which is where a township is in South Africa. 40 years ago they made these townships for black people to live separate from white people...it's better now so there are more black and white people coexisting now. But anyways Lambano used to sponsor some of the families at this place, but they lost funding a few years ago, but you know the shoeboxes that people wrap up for third world countries for kids...well Martha and I went to finally deliver them to some of the families. So it was my first time going to a township...I was the only white person ahhhh lol. I was driving too. The first house we went to was basically just a shack, no running water, no electricity. Some of the houses do have those things tho that we went to. I really did enjoy going to the township and am going back with Martha on Wednesday. My heart feels for those people, what can I do for them? I didn't take any pictures...I was too busy taking it all in. The pictures are in my head though. Martha told me some stories for each family. One was of a mother whose 4 year old daughter burned to death last year in a fire. Her son also has a kidney problem and needs a transplant. He was one of the boys we gave a shoe box to and his belly was so swollen. We learned that the other family we went to got in a fight with the 16 year old who ran out, then the granny left the other to girls in the shack and we don't know where she is...the girls have no way to get food. Most kids are raised by grandparents because the parents have died from AIDS. We went to a school too. There are lots of school more classes are 60+ students. One girl failed 2^nd grade 4 times and now the school won't take her...Martha said that they just push most of the students along barely passing them and leaving some behind. They need help with there homework. She used to go to Katlehong 4 times a week, before Lambano lost funding for these specific families.

Sorting

Yesterday was not the same routine as usual. I usually teach the hospice kids from 8-12, but we set to work dragging about 30 garbage bags of clothing out of the doctors room which is behind the hospice. They had been sorting all the clothing that Lambano wasn't using for a jumble sale (yard sale). So me and Tabiso (one of the house mamas) sorted the whole morning adult and kids clothing into R1 R2 R3 bags for the sale in April. Some of the bags of cloths were ruined from flooding that had happened recently in the room and it was smelling. There were a bunch of spider in the corner of the room were the bags were piled up...ew. After we finish I went to lunch then on the school run. I usually spend time with House 36 after that but was sent to the shops to buy somethings for one of the kids whos school is going on a camping trip.

 Today I woke up early because I took the kids to school. It was a really good mornign at the Hospice! Selby and Cina were very good working on their school. Boutimelo wasn't around so he was either taken to the doctor or wasn't feeling well. There is a new girl at the hospice who came last week. Nombulelo is 8 years old. She is HIV+ and has Diabetes. Her family wasn't able to take care of her, so she will be here for awhile. I did school with her this morning. I'm still assessing her level, but so far she knows her alphabet and numbers. She is a sweetie! After I went with Martha (staff at Lambano) to fruit and Veg to buy for all 5 house for the week. Tomorrow will be an interesting day. I'm going with Martha to a township for the first time where Lambano also does work.

Nombulelo with the twins Bheki and Khaya :)

Thobile

Thobile left today. It was really quick... the social worker called and said she was coming to get her this morning. Not anytime to say goodbye or prepare the other kids at the hospice. She had been here almost a year and Selby was quite attached to her as a big brother, so it was sad. But she is going to her aunt since her mother is unable to care for her. Today in the staff meeting we prayed for placing for Selby and Cina because they have been here for quite awhile. Thobile was a sweety though she was going to be 2 in May and just starting to walk. Only say a few words so she called me mama along with the other house mothers. I was working with her say more words etc. She always has a very serious expression on her face, but when she'd laugh and giggle it's the cutest thing with her 4 teeth! She'll be missed, but happy that she can go home to family :)

Boutimelo and Thobile

:)

February 21, 2011

Today was Junior's 10^th birthday! There are actually 3 birthdays in House 82 this week! Kabelo's 10^th tomorrow and Mandla's 9^th on Friday. So Sunday, after church, all of House 82 kids, Mama Emma (82 house mother) and Mama Barbara (long term volunteer from USA)  Miriam and I went out to the restaurant called Spurs. It had a mini ferris wheel, trampolines, and merry-go-rounds for the kids to play on, and it was quite a nice time. When we got back the kids went for a doo doo (that is what the call taking a rest here) haha! And I swam and read out by the pool, it was a nice hot day!

Sunday evening went to church and Pastor Lance gave us another resolve as for every Sunday evening service. I resolve to treat my body as Scripture tells me to: as the temple of God. Of course with 1 Cor. 6:12-20 talking about your body being a temple. He introduced the sermon with 1 Cor. 2:6-13 having us underline verse 10...”God has revealed to us through His Spirit.” The first point was that our spirit belongs to God. And when we received the Spirit of God our spirits are fused together, he used the example of how when man and wife are joined as one when they are married on their wedding night. The same as man's spirit and God's spirit becoming one; fused together. (verse 12).

When Pastor Lance preaches whatever topic or subject of the bible he always, always goes back to the Gospel, which is so amazing (I mean that is what all churches should do) but even more so because Grace Covenant Church was teaching about being on mission with the gospel before I came here, and to come to the other side of the world and still have the Gospel being preached with the same urgentcey to tell those who haven't heard...and also in such a way to encourage to be on mission with the gospel. Lambano can only do so much for the kids that are really sick and might not make it...and once that is done it's up to God. Yes, we can only do so much medically, but we still can still always be speaking truth to these kids...of God's mercy and grace...the Gospel!

After having such a hot day yesterday, it was quite cold and stormy all day today. Did the school run then got back to take Daniel (from House 34) who is 15, to an eye appointment. Found the eye office alright just had to turn around once, which is pretty good since I was just given directions verbally haha. Doc said his eyes are wonderful and he won't need glasses!

Jenna (long term volunteer from London) is going on holiday with her family in March for 2 weeks and while she is gone I'll be taking over work with the House 36 kids. Speech therapy with Thandazo, OT with Smiley and homework with Nelly. March is looking like a busy month in the first place. Towards the end of the month is the first break from school studies this year, which I'm told is 3 weeks. Mind you they just finished summer break and started school for the year when I arrived here in January :)

Oh! And I also got my first mail today since I've been here! I wasn't expecting anything yet so it was a surprise! :) Thanks Marika and Marissa, your letters arrived safely and a reply is on the way!

The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:29

Boutimelio and Koketso

On Monday I got up at 6am to go with Sybille (long term volunteer from Switzerland) to the hospital. Thandazo one fo the older girls at House 78 had to get some papers signed from the doctor for more oxygen and Khosi (the little burned boy) needed to get his bandages changed. I went to go and visit Boutimelio.
The hospital we went to it's the ususal one that Lambano goes to. It is quite big though and lots of empty places there that I wouldn't wanna walk down one of those corridors alone at night. The way it works is that they give everyone the same appointment 8am, doctors don't start seeing people until later, so quite a long line can form. The earlier you get there the closer of a place in line up front you get. A mama from the hospice took Khosi and she was first in line and the doctors won't be there until noon. Sybille and Thandazo would see the doctor at 9 and it won't talk long to get papers signed.
The system at the hospital works like this for example Boutimelio was in 285. 2 Section, 8 Floor, 5 Unit and thats how one navigates thoughout the hospital. We took the elevator there are 3 but only one was working so a bunch of people crammed into it when it finally got to our floor. I dislike elevators in the first place so cramped in with a bunch of people for 5 minutes didn't sit well with me. I took the stairs when we left.
It's not the cleanest place for being a hospital. And the rooms have at least 6 beds in each of more. So Boutimelio was in a room with 3 other kids. He doesn't know English very well so he was very quiet I just did some activities with him and read to him for 2 hours until Sybille came to get me. We talked to the doctors and they said that he could go home the next day. He had been on an IV for 14 days.
Uncle Philly (Lambano handy man) was to pick up the other mama and Khosi since it was only 11 and they hadn't even seen the doctor yet. We had to get back for a farewell lunch for Valerie (short term volunteer from Ireland) because she was returning home that day.
Yesterday Koketso's foster parents came to take him home to Pretoria. Staff is a little nervous because he got so sick, on the brink of dying, in the first place because the mom wasn't firm with him and his medicine and let him eat whatever. They explained to her that he wouldn't make it if that happened to him again. We'll see in 6 weeks when he comes for a blood test.
So one left the hospice, but one returned. Boutimelio was discharged from the hospital and is back now...I'll saw him this morning and he looked up and smiled at me. Praying that he will be ok here now and won't have to return to the hospital. The staff here doesn't know why the hospital sent him home...he really does not look that well...

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father in lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:17


And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Sunday afternoon

February 13, 2011

Today a dear elderly lady from church took Miriam and I to the Walter Sisulu national Botanical Garden. Winsome is in her 80's and she has been a missionary to Congo in her younger days and now she has been a homework teacher at Lambano for almost 5 years. She invited Miriam and I to her house for lunch with her friend Vera. It was a lovely time! Then we  drove to the Gardens. It was a good drive away. Drove through the middle of Joburg...it was the first time I've been in the that part of the city. I noticed there was no white people walking around the streets downtown. Winsome and Vera where excellent tour guides and it was very interesting.

When we got to the Gardens we walked down to the Witpoortjie Waterfall. It wasn't sunny out but it was quite warm. We had a little picnic of cake and then walked on some of the trails around the Garden. It was such a nice relaxing time.

Miriam, Winsome, Vera, & Me

Winsome is quite a sweet, dear lady. She has many story and sometimes barely stops to take a breath. She is always talking about God and how good He is and how everything is in His timing...He is are strength. I have much to learn from this wise godly woman and I thank God for her heart and service.

Pray for Burned Child

Just got back from the school run to learn that there is another child at the hospice. He is only one year old and has been burned. I saw him and his left hand has no more fingers from being burned off and his face is burnt. His head is wrapped up in bandages. It happened from a candle. The townships where they only live in shacks don't have electricity so they use candles. Viv said that it's a problem in South Africa, children being left with the fire and being burned and killed.
Please remember this little boy in your prayers this weekend. And remember God is Sovereign.

Tshsi

I'm in the office this morning because some of the staff is out. I just have to answer phones and use the computer! Great time to blog I thought :)
Lambano has  new girl in the Hospice as of Monday. Tshsi is a 17 year old girl. I heard part of her story Tuesday and it literally hurt my heart. I can't go into much detail. Just she is HIV+ not of her own doing. Both her parents are no longer living. She will probably be at Lambano for about 6 months to a year. I'm not sure where she is with God, but I am looking forward to getting to know her much better during my time here. Her English is very good so no barrier there. She has been on my mind since she got here and I have been praying for her constantly. Please pray that God will help me with words to say and to be a friend to her :)
Boutimelo is still in the hospital and if it's Meningitis he will be there for a long time (he was there for 3 months last time) I asked if I would be able to visit him and starting Monday I will 1 to 2 times a week hopefully. Siybille will take me so I'll know the way to the hospital and I'm looking forward to hanging out with him and maybe doing some school if he is up for it. Sometimes the hospital staff isn't to keen on visitor in the mornings so pray that I will be able to visit ok :)
Yesterday I had to go pick up Unathi from school early because she wasn't feeling well. Kokesto came with me. He is a very quiet boy. It's looking like a may be able to go home soon next month! So can remember that in your prayers. He does talk about going home so I know he is really waiting to.
Martha (staff at Lambano) and Valerie (volunteer from Ireland) get back tomorrow from their holiday in Cape Town. Valerie returns home on Monday. I'm gonna miss her. She was the one who took my on the school runs until I was comfortable driving. And showed me which therapy to do with Junior (5 year with brain damage) in the hospice.
Tomorrow are swimming lessons at the aquatic center for the hospice kids and House 36. It was suggested that I take Junior for more therapy in the water. When he is excited he screams really loud, it's how he expresses his joy. So hoping that he will do well tomorrow.
Saturday are the other kids swimming lessons at the aquatic center. Last week I taught my kids Tebogo, Unathi, and Nkosi at House 78, the water was kind of cold which isn't very good for them especially Nkosi's muscles because he wears leg braces to help him walk. So it was decided that I would take them to the aquatic center too! The pool in heated and covered so it will be alot warmer for them!
Tonight Miriam (my roommate from France) and I will be going to the pool to swim. We went Monday but there was a thunderstorm :-P
Thank you for your encouragement, support, and prayers. One more thing, pray for me and that I can daily make decisions regarding teaching the kids in light of eternity. Who know what God has planned for their lives? He may use them for His purpose in the future. Pray for there attitudes towards school, some days are a struggle. Pray that I can make it exciting and interesting for them and that we can be productive.

Week in review...

February 6, 2011

This week has gone by fast but it was a good week. I started driving the school run on my own and it has gone very well. Tuesday and Wednesday there was some terrific thunder and lightening storms right at the time I was picking up the kids!

After I get back from the school run I spend an hour at House 36 with the kids there. On Tuesday I had 3 of the little girls plaiting (braiding) my hair. The momma cautioned them not to make the braids so small that Auntie Rachel wouldn't be able to find them lol. I was surprised that they did such nice braids for being to young :)

On Wednesdays and Fridays there will be massage therapy students coming to Lambano in the mornings to the hospice. They just started coming this week 2 to 3 of them come one those days. To work with the kids and staff. So including me too! I'll get to have some massages as well.

Church Wednesday night was excellent! We divided up into groups and had to look up Scriptures then define what the Gospel is :)

On Friday Koketso's 10^th birthday!

It was also the first day of swimming lessons. The hospice kids and House 36 go on Friday mornings. I went with them. They go to a swimming and aquatic center where there is a nice indoor pool. It was a lot of fun!

Saturday morning I woke up with 10+ bug bites all over my legs :S Cleaned the apartment then walked over to House 78 with Tebogo for his first swimming lesson. I teach him and Unathi and Nkosi every Saturday afternoon there while the older kids go to the aquatic center for their lessons. Unathi and Nkosi have some disabilities along with HIV, so it was great to be able to work with them in the water and they were very excited ;)

Well that was the week! I've been here almost a month...time is going so fast. Another week is starting...God has been teaching me so much...continually amazing me at the way He works in my life!

Address

Rachel Young

Lambano Sanctuary

P.O. Box. 752466

Gardenview, 2047

South Africa

 Don't send my any packages, don't want to risk them not making it. So just letters if you want and nothing valuable. :)

::reslove::

January 31, 2011

The last 3 days have been sunny and hot. I got a sunburn on Friday but I'm starting to be more tan now instead of red lol. Stephanie and I went to a lion park about 40 minutes away Saturday morning. I had a great time and it was pretty amazing having a huge lion outside the car window. When your that close to a lion you get a better perspective about how amazing in Revelations when it talks about the lion and the lamb...wooza!

Went swimming with the 82 kids after church on Sunday it was nice and hot :)

Sunday night went to evening service. Every Sunday night we have a another resolve. Last nights was resolve to be different from the world; to be a history maker (by following God and walking in His ways) and we looked at Hebrews 12:1-2. And had some examples of the great cloud of witnesses who have followed God in the bible.

Towards the end he talked about Jonathan Edwards who was Puritan in the 1700s. He wrote a lost of 70 Resolves when he was 19 years. One of them was “Resolve to live for God; if no one else does, I still will.” How do you react in difficult times? When someone is annoying you or causing you trouble....its so hard not to react negatively though...my very nature doesn't want to act godly always in struggles. Read 1 Peter 4:12-16, 19 its about suffering. Are you prepared for the times where in a situation you will be the only one living for God?