A New Beginning

Tomorrow is another new beginning for me. I will start working at Coyote Hill Christian Children's Home as a Therapist and Case Manager. I am excited to love these kids. I'm excited to be a part of a ministry which instills in children their value in Christ. But I'm also nervous to start something new, change is not usually something I am good with. I'm scared I'll do something wrong or not be helpful at all. But I also believe that Christ has brought me to this place and He will see me through. I pray for the wisdom, love, and understanding to do my best. I pray that I can see each child or home parent as the precious child of God that they are, created in His image.

But my heart is also some where else. In SA. I've missed those kids a lot. Before I left SA I never really thought I would really miss the kids. I don't know why but the thought never occurred to me. I miss being able to hug them and hear their laughs. I miss being a part of something that was so life changing for these kids. In just a few weeks 27 of the kids will start attending a new school which will hopefully give them a better shot in this world. And all I can do is praise Him for what He used me for in SA and where He is taking me now. The kids at Coyote Hill need just as much love and attention as the kids in SA. Their emotional needs are very much similar no matter what country. So if you would like, you may join me in this new ministry at Coyote Hill by praying with me for the children, the job, and an increase in understanding, love, and wisdom.

Home

After 3 flights to get home, I am home. Lots of thoughts are running through my head that include looking for a job, getting my school loan situation sorted, writing my last newsletter, unpacking, processing what I have experienced that last 4 months, and fitting in to a different culture again. And all I really feel like doing is nothing.
My last 10 days I spent with a team that came over from the States from Westside Family Church and Church of the resurrection, both located in Kansas. Before meeting the team, I debated if this is how I wanted to spend my last 10 days. If I didn't go with the team I would be able to spend more time with the kids in Alex. But I am glad I went as I feel I got to make some great friends and as the team processed stuff it helped me to process as well. With the team we went to the Transkai, the most beautiful place I have ever been to. Oceans supports many soup clubs there so we celebrated Christmas with each soup club we visited. We played games with the kids, shared the story of Jesus' birth and why Christmas is important, and gave each soup club a soccer ball and netball. From hearing the importance of Jesus, many gave their lives to Christ. We also stopped by JJ, which was my last time to see the kids. It was hard. I am really going to miss those kids. At the end of the time the team was here, we went to a game reserve and went on a day and night safari. It was amazing to once again see the wildlife, including lions this time.
I would love to share my experiences and let people know what is going on in South Africa so if you or someone you know would like me to come share, let me know.
Thanks again for all your support!

Myself with the teachers and principal of the Christian school the JJ kids will be attending. Although these won't be the JJ kids' teachers, Americans are coming over to be their teachers

Myself with the board members and principal of Alexandria High School, which the kids currently attend

Transkai, full of beautiful rolling hills

At one of the soup clubs. 

This graveyard goes on for what seems like forever. It is the graveyard for one area of Port Elizabeth. Over half of the graveyard is children who have died from HIV/AIDS.

The king lion at a game reserve we visited called Scotia.