well.. its about 2 hours before we are checking our bags at the Jo-burg airport! we said all our goodbyes yesterday (that was hard) and now we're ready to be home.. we miss you all ... see you after a few 14 hour plane rides!
Elysia
Elyse
&
Wells
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Sunday, April 22, 2007
beautiful people of SA
Hello everyone! This going home thing is really bitter sweet. I'm speaking for the other two when i say that we all miss everyone and cannot wait to be back in our own beds (and have our luggae cleaned from Maamba's sent) but at the same time its really depressing saying bye to these people who ive spent the last month of my life with, knowing that i will very likly never see any of them again.
One thing i really like about going anywhere here is how many hugs you get in one day! i love it .. you cant go to church, school, relatives house without being sqeezed and kiss kissed a million times.. so sorry if im a little extra huggy when i get home...
What else can i say?.. OH for anyone keeping score.. i think wells has hit his record high this week! he lost his wallet... twice. the reson for the second loss is hillarious. He was at a high school event with a friend he met when he wasnt feeling too well. so he went to the washroom and thinking he might vomit, took his wallet out of his front pocket and placed it behind the toilet. then... he forgot it there. why he took it out of his pocket in the first place? no one knows... even when wells himself explained the story to us he couldn't give us a clear reason why he did it. what can you say. its wells... you gottta love him
Wells and Elyse have headed off with their families to Cape Town. People say its much like vancouver. they should have some cool stories when they get back on monday.
well, i miss you all and cant wait to see you!
p.s. Zack, my little brother here, thought of the title
One thing i really like about going anywhere here is how many hugs you get in one day! i love it .. you cant go to church, school, relatives house without being sqeezed and kiss kissed a million times.. so sorry if im a little extra huggy when i get home...
What else can i say?.. OH for anyone keeping score.. i think wells has hit his record high this week! he lost his wallet... twice. the reson for the second loss is hillarious. He was at a high school event with a friend he met when he wasnt feeling too well. so he went to the washroom and thinking he might vomit, took his wallet out of his front pocket and placed it behind the toilet. then... he forgot it there. why he took it out of his pocket in the first place? no one knows... even when wells himself explained the story to us he couldn't give us a clear reason why he did it. what can you say. its wells... you gottta love him
Wells and Elyse have headed off with their families to Cape Town. People say its much like vancouver. they should have some cool stories when they get back on monday.
well, i miss you all and cant wait to see you!
p.s. Zack, my little brother here, thought of the title
Monday, April 16, 2007
only 10 days left!
Time sure flies when your having fun in Africa! It's amazing how many things i have experiaced in the past 5-6 weeks.. it seams like i should have spent a lifetime doing what i have done. I know while we were leaving Zambia after the first 2ish weeks were up many of us were saying we would go home happy with the amount we have seen and done and know we "got our money worth" to be cliche (...even tho that cliche doesnt fit to well becuase you cannot put a price to our expriences) but no, there was still much much longer before we were to leave.
These past few weeks i've come to truly love this country and all the people who are welcoming me so nicely. And im so happy to say that I definatly have a second family here in South Africa. But theres something so nice about being with blood reletives after being away from home for so long. And this Sunday i was able to spend the entire day with my Uncle and Auntie who are missionaires down here in a neighboring city to Jonhhanesburg called Pretoria. They took me to the city center, union buildings shopping centers and of corse i got to see their new home for the very first (and hopefully not last) time!I put some pictures on of the city center in Pretoria, my auntie uncle and i infort of the union building and one of a class at the school we are attending here in SA called The King's School West Rand. The class in called Life Orientaion which would be equivelent to our Christian Perspectives class. Yes, we have stickers on our faces and yes, we are sitting in BEAN BAG CHAIRS... if anyone talks to Mr.Hinz you can tell him i have a few ideas for class when we return... it might have something to do with our seating arrangements....
Thank you so much for your continual prayers, thats one thing i've defiantly learnt on this trip is how important it is to lean on Christ through the Bible and prayer.
miss you so much and see you in a few days! Elysia
Saturday, April 14, 2007
a true African experience..
Hello Everyone,
We have finally had an "african experience" as so many people have put it. We would tell you what it is but we all agreed that it would be a much better story if we told it in person. So when we get back be sure to ask us about it..because we could never express how it really went, just on computer. I know some of you are thinking skydiving but dont worry parents, if thats what it was you would have known about it.
Please continue to pray, we really appreciate it!!!
-Elyse,Elysia and Wells
We have finally had an "african experience" as so many people have put it. We would tell you what it is but we all agreed that it would be a much better story if we told it in person. So when we get back be sure to ask us about it..because we could never express how it really went, just on computer. I know some of you are thinking skydiving but dont worry parents, if thats what it was you would have known about it.
Please continue to pray, we really appreciate it!!!
-Elyse,Elysia and Wells
Thursday, April 12, 2007
love from the E.B's & a spring of water
hello everyone! we miss you more than ever, but sorry we aren't ready too come home yet. After missions trips you always find people saying how much their relationship with Christ has grown, which ours definatly has, but we never thought about our friendships would grow as much as they have. we have made new frined here in south africa, grown closer to everyone that was on the team but most of all... we are shocked by the friendship us three have. none of us would have thought that in a million years we would be as close of friends with each other as we are now. ...well atleast us girls think we are all close... the boy aka Wells says "being friends with two girls is like slavery. they abuse you and mock you and expect you to still love them" but deep down he really does love us.
so i guess our closing thoughts for the day would be ....'dont overlook anyone, becuse you never know who you'll be stuck with half way across the world'
MISS YOU love Elysia Elyse & Wells
so i guess our closing thoughts for the day would be ....'dont overlook anyone, becuse you never know who you'll be stuck with half way across the world'
MISS YOU love Elysia Elyse & Wells
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
a thought or two from wells
hey everybody its wells tonight thanx for reading if u are. Africa was an eyeopening experience i know it may sound cliche but all of us that went know how it is. its impossible to describe completely, to transfer the full emotion to one another. something like that has to be experienced, and im glad Gos gave me the opportunity to do so. I guess ill start in muka. the first day/night we arrived in mukka i was amazed by the emptyness that was there. not the town but the feeling of ambience and a spiritual emptiness. o dont know how everyone else felt but that is what i felt. we got to stay in some cool little grasse huts. but they were built well the walls were made of cement.we painted a clinic down there and it was great to see the final result and how joyful the people were there. in maamba it was a little different. even though the conditions wernt the best sometimes everyone was able to get along and things went relativly great. excluding me losing have my luggage. im sure youve all heard about my misshaps by now. like leaving my passport on a plane and running back thru the runway in bear feet to get it back. woops. in maamba i was so entirely overcome with a sense of spiritual conflict. i could feel the devil wrestling to take my mind but God protected us. He gave us great people like Graydon \bishop, Michelle the most spirit filled woman ive ever met, and Pastor Roy, and of course the bishops and the h's.
Anyway im not going to tell all my stories ill wait to get back, even though ive been blabbing for like 30min. the exchange is great its an extra opportunity to reveal God to others. it may be a dangerouse place, but God is more dangerous than anything, and im glad im on his side. the host families r great and the girls and i may get the opportunity to go skydiving, dont worry parents if our strings snap i know how to fly, its all good. just teasing. if u dont want us going u can email us. the girls and i are bonding well, dont worry bishops and beurnicks, if thats how u spell it, im taking care of your girls fine. i took a couple bullets to the chest but just a little scratch, hee hee, mabye it wasnt quite that bad. anyway i should scram. thanx to all of those who put up with my blabbing i know it was long.
Wells
Anyway im not going to tell all my stories ill wait to get back, even though ive been blabbing for like 30min. the exchange is great its an extra opportunity to reveal God to others. it may be a dangerouse place, but God is more dangerous than anything, and im glad im on his side. the host families r great and the girls and i may get the opportunity to go skydiving, dont worry parents if our strings snap i know how to fly, its all good. just teasing. if u dont want us going u can email us. the girls and i are bonding well, dont worry bishops and beurnicks, if thats how u spell it, im taking care of your girls fine. i took a couple bullets to the chest but just a little scratch, hee hee, mabye it wasnt quite that bad. anyway i should scram. thanx to all of those who put up with my blabbing i know it was long.
Wells
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Looking back
Wow where can i start. The missions trip was such an awsome experience and it really was eye opening. I was reallly able to understand more when people mean when they say they are rich in Christ. The people here are such good examples of that. Even some of the team members found ourselves up dancing with the ladies in front of the whole church,sommething you would rarely see in Canada. I've found that since i was at that church with worship like that, its almost like i am craving it now. The people is Zambia really had nothing but since they have God in their hearts, thats all they need. I really believe that the people in Africa have touched and blessed us just as much as we did with their orphanage.
The exchange, i thought, was just going to be a hoiday, but i have learned that this is just and extension of the missions trip. It was so neat, yesterday, when we were handing out easter eggs to kids with aids in the hospital, to see how much it meant to them. They were so thankful. It was a great experience for not only me but Elysia and Wells also. Please continue to pray and ask that we will have more opportunities like that to help others.
Miss you all
Love Elyse
The exchange, i thought, was just going to be a hoiday, but i have learned that this is just and extension of the missions trip. It was so neat, yesterday, when we were handing out easter eggs to kids with aids in the hospital, to see how much it meant to them. They were so thankful. It was a great experience for not only me but Elysia and Wells also. Please continue to pray and ask that we will have more opportunities like that to help others.
Miss you all
Love Elyse
Friday, April 6, 2007
left behind......
last weekend Wells, Elyse and myself all found oursleves sitting in our own, south african bedrooms wondering .. "where'd everybody go?" For thouse of you who don't know, we three have been given the oppurtuniy to stay an additonal 3 weeks in south africa. and to the team... ITS NOT THE SAME WITHOUT YOU HERE! but as much as we miss everyone we are loving it.
all of our adopted families have been taking great care of us and we are really enjoying going to school here... especialy the class that has bean bag charis as seats! Living in South Africa this past week has definatly been eye opening. people here dont have the luxurie of taking strolls down the street here ... when Elyse asked her host sister if she could eat her dinner outside in her back yard her answer was "Elyse, we are in Africa.. you cant do things like that when my mothers not home" we have also been noticing how difficult it is for people to be a Christian here. we were talking with one lady and she seamed to be exausted just explaing to us the difficulty of having non-christian friends who dont 'get it'. we have it so easy in Canada.
yesterday we had the oppurtunity to go to a hospital here in Jo-burg where they deal with mainly HIV children and their mommies. we were easter bunnies for the day, every child had a baggy in their hand full of goodies when the day was through. was that an experiance tho. it was hard to see some of these kids and to hear them cry. its one of thouse things that words cannot describe.
By the end of the missions trip with the group i was realy feeling like God was telling me that mine elsyes and wells missions trip wasnt over. we still have 3 weeks of missions work here in Jo-Burg just going about our day to day buisness with the love of the Holy Sprirt pouring out of us. and hopefully we will have more oppurtuinites like we had yesterday to help the communitie in anyway we can.
all thre of us will be leaving posts along the course of our stay here... so if your intersted...keep checking up
Missing you all greatly! ~Elysia
all of our adopted families have been taking great care of us and we are really enjoying going to school here... especialy the class that has bean bag charis as seats! Living in South Africa this past week has definatly been eye opening. people here dont have the luxurie of taking strolls down the street here ... when Elyse asked her host sister if she could eat her dinner outside in her back yard her answer was "Elyse, we are in Africa.. you cant do things like that when my mothers not home" we have also been noticing how difficult it is for people to be a Christian here. we were talking with one lady and she seamed to be exausted just explaing to us the difficulty of having non-christian friends who dont 'get it'. we have it so easy in Canada.
yesterday we had the oppurtunity to go to a hospital here in Jo-burg where they deal with mainly HIV children and their mommies. we were easter bunnies for the day, every child had a baggy in their hand full of goodies when the day was through. was that an experiance tho. it was hard to see some of these kids and to hear them cry. its one of thouse things that words cannot describe.
By the end of the missions trip with the group i was realy feeling like God was telling me that mine elsyes and wells missions trip wasnt over. we still have 3 weeks of missions work here in Jo-Burg just going about our day to day buisness with the love of the Holy Sprirt pouring out of us. and hopefully we will have more oppurtuinites like we had yesterday to help the communitie in anyway we can.
all thre of us will be leaving posts along the course of our stay here... so if your intersted...keep checking up
Missing you all greatly! ~Elysia
Monday, April 2, 2007
Back Home
We finished our time in Jeffrey's Bay with a wonderful walk along the beach and time of reflection and "talking with God". As we stood as a group on the shore we shared together some of the lessons that we had learned, and how God had impressed different things on our hearts.
I think that it's pretty much impossible to spend time focussed on serving others without being touched yourself. We really are wonderfully blessed to live in Canada. Yet, there is a richness in the people we met that isn't born in security, or prosperity, but rather in a walk with God, a closeness of family, and a culture of respect.
On Friday morning we left our hotel in J-Bay said our good-byes to Dean and his wife, and began our 45 hour trek home to Canada. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to visit Hong Kong for a few hours between flights. (Another major cultural change.)
What a wonderful greeting awaited our African garbed team in Kelowna as we entered the arrivals area. Africa was a wonderful experience, but like they say...There's no place like home!!
I think that it's pretty much impossible to spend time focussed on serving others without being touched yourself. We really are wonderfully blessed to live in Canada. Yet, there is a richness in the people we met that isn't born in security, or prosperity, but rather in a walk with God, a closeness of family, and a culture of respect.
On Friday morning we left our hotel in J-Bay said our good-byes to Dean and his wife, and began our 45 hour trek home to Canada. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to visit Hong Kong for a few hours between flights. (Another major cultural change.)
What a wonderful greeting awaited our African garbed team in Kelowna as we entered the arrivals area. Africa was a wonderful experience, but like they say...There's no place like home!!
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Africa has captured my heart.
Wow!!! Where do I begin. I guess one big thing here is patience, one must wait and trust that things are going to happen. To trust God, that he knows the bigger picture and it is not up to us. That a smiple hug or a fun song can make a difference. It is amazing how much some of the kids just want love and attention. One child at the nursary giggled and giggled, but when i left he just stared at me with thoes big, brown, sad eyes... I didnt want to leave him. When I came back later, the smile he gave me, I will never forget it. There is so much more, and God is working in all of us. Thank you so much for you love support and prayers. God will do great things through prayer.
Alanna
Alanna
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
a thought from Kristal
the question ive been asking myself these few days in J.Bay, is why do people in Canada have it so darn easy
i mean...here, by the age of 16 a girl has been raped and inpregnated numourous times.
whereas in Canada, that hardly happens.
so many times in my life, ive taken it for granted.
but not even known it.
theres so many thoughts going through my head right now, i have no words to match it.
ive had an amazing trip so far, and ive learnt so many different things about myself.
like, i can bathe in completly brown water in a second after not being clean for 2 days
or ill meet people who have absolutly nothing, and are so unclean, and not even care about slappin on the hand san
or me being totally overjoyed to see little children who have the same joy for me a million times more. and all they want to do is just hug you and hold your hand.
but most of all... on this trip, ive learnt that the love of God is so much more powerful than doing a minor act of kindness
but instead showing Gods love through your every action, speech and thought.
sigh... my heart has been captured by those little kids.
God has touched my heart through these little kids, and filled me with such a joy and gratefulness.
going back to Canada might be the hardest thing to do, since ill want to yell at everyone because they dont know how lucky they are.
sorry mom and dad if i get on your case for certin things, its out of love, i mean it.
well... our trip is coming to a stop soon, but ill still take in everyday as if its the last.
i love you family, and friends. and i cant wait to tell you about my life changing exsperience.
i mean...here, by the age of 16 a girl has been raped and inpregnated numourous times.
whereas in Canada, that hardly happens.
so many times in my life, ive taken it for granted.
but not even known it.
theres so many thoughts going through my head right now, i have no words to match it.
ive had an amazing trip so far, and ive learnt so many different things about myself.
like, i can bathe in completly brown water in a second after not being clean for 2 days
or ill meet people who have absolutly nothing, and are so unclean, and not even care about slappin on the hand san
or me being totally overjoyed to see little children who have the same joy for me a million times more. and all they want to do is just hug you and hold your hand.
but most of all... on this trip, ive learnt that the love of God is so much more powerful than doing a minor act of kindness
but instead showing Gods love through your every action, speech and thought.
sigh... my heart has been captured by those little kids.
God has touched my heart through these little kids, and filled me with such a joy and gratefulness.
going back to Canada might be the hardest thing to do, since ill want to yell at everyone because they dont know how lucky they are.
sorry mom and dad if i get on your case for certin things, its out of love, i mean it.
well... our trip is coming to a stop soon, but ill still take in everyday as if its the last.
i love you family, and friends. and i cant wait to tell you about my life changing exsperience.
from victor
whats up MOM wiens and PAPA wiens AND BEAR AND BEN how is it going. iam home sick but there is only one more day to go. this trip has been so fun with all the playing around with children and painting and digging. when I grad iam moving to J Bay. so I am out talk to you later.
see you in like 3 days love VICTOR WIENS.
see you in like 3 days love VICTOR WIENS.
A Playground for Kids
What a great last few days we have enjoyed! We have had the opportunity to work on a playground that was built by the church for a public school and all the neighbourhood kids. We've been pulling weeds, picking rocks, and removing a lot of garbage.(Thanks, Mom Maja for the gloves - I didn't even realize the size of the thorns on the weeds we were pulling until about an hour into it!) Some students on our team also worked on fixing some of the playground equipment that had already been broken.... :( We were totally amazed at how much broken glass we took out of the area wondering how could people do that underneath a children's play area.... Also, we were surprised by the amount of garbage that seems to be thrown about without thought.... It was so cool today, when the topsoil came and we were all busy shovelling, spreading, wheeling it around, or flattening it as Mrs. Bishop decided to get the local kids involved (there have been more coming each time we were working at the playground - I think they are excited and just plain curious about these 'whites' in their area). She asked them to help her spread out the piles of soil (not 'dirt' we learned!) and pat them down or flatten them with their feet. We ended up having a crew of a dozen or so kids all working alongside of us! It was lots of fun and so cool to work with, meet, then play with kids who will use the playground regularly. We also took the opportunity to pray for the area and the families around there. There are amazing things happening in that area but only some of them are amazingly good. The people here really need our prayers and help. Our students worked really hard today and I was so happy with how much they accomplished. God is good! :)
words from carly
hey everyone (mom dad gramps ug& ac mark)
It is so nice to hear from all of you guys! it is comforting to know that you are all remembering me in your daily lives. so the trip is almost over and we are all getting ready to come... many of us reluctantly though. mom you should be rpoud of me... iv been taking my vitamins everyday! i have no idea what to buy for mark as a gift from here!!! i am so excited to tell everyone about my trip and the experiences of Africa. we have many many pictures to show. it is hard for us to clearly show and explain all of the amasing things that we have seen.i am looknig forward to seeing everyone again and sharing the amasing things god has done in my life while on this trip! XOXO god bless see you soon! *i love and miss you all!! to the stars and back! * ps hotmail doesnt work very ofter here. ps say hi to romeo and spencer for me! HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY MARK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!your my favorite bro!
It is so nice to hear from all of you guys! it is comforting to know that you are all remembering me in your daily lives. so the trip is almost over and we are all getting ready to come... many of us reluctantly though. mom you should be rpoud of me... iv been taking my vitamins everyday! i have no idea what to buy for mark as a gift from here!!! i am so excited to tell everyone about my trip and the experiences of Africa. we have many many pictures to show. it is hard for us to clearly show and explain all of the amasing things that we have seen.i am looknig forward to seeing everyone again and sharing the amasing things god has done in my life while on this trip! XOXO god bless see you soon! *i love and miss you all!! to the stars and back! * ps hotmail doesnt work very ofter here. ps say hi to romeo and spencer for me! HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY MARK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!your my favorite bro!
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
A few pictures
Ben and his junior fan club. The kids never felt safer or more important!
Dedication service for the orpanage. The children in fromt are some of the ones who will get to live in the new orphanage.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Victory for All -Jeffreys Bay
We spent today working at the Victory for All Center (formerly known as the Joshua Project) The building that we worked on two years ago is finished and houses a community center, preschool, music therapy facility, and offices. It is already directly impacting the area. The community is hard hit by AIDS/HIV, and people refuse medicines stating that "What is the point of living another 3-5 years when life is already Hell." The center works to give people hope, and introduce them to the hope and peace that is available through a relationship with Jesus.
Our team then went to a second center that God miraculously gave them for free. Amazing story!! In this center they have a day care, Mother care, health services, and a school for handicapped children. Our team split up to work with the children and clean up the playground across the street. We had a warm, dirty, and rewarding day. =)
Tomorrow's visit to the school in Humansdorp has been changed and now we'll be going to a school here in Jeffreys Bay.
Our team then went to a second center that God miraculously gave them for free. Amazing story!! In this center they have a day care, Mother care, health services, and a school for handicapped children. Our team split up to work with the children and clean up the playground across the street. We had a warm, dirty, and rewarding day. =)
Tomorrow's visit to the school in Humansdorp has been changed and now we'll be going to a school here in Jeffreys Bay.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Victor/Victoria
Hello everyone back home
In Livingstone they call me Victoria. There have been some ups and downs as you have heard. But the best part so far has been in Maamba, painting the orpanage and playing with the kids. Hope to see you back in Kelowna some day.
Dylan,
I'm in love with a East Indian girl from Durban and I'm not coming home. Please send money and wedding gifts.
Sean,
This trip pwns. Mr H. bought my hat and I'm ticked.
Wells,
Hey everyone.... We're in Jeffrey's Bay now and I can surf....somewhat. I miss Maamba already. Specially a lady there named Michelle and Pastor Roy. Michelle was our cook and she's a great woman of God. It may seem unrealistic but I know if God wants me to I'll come back to Maamba. Say Hi to everyone for me in Kelowna.
Ben,
I'm famous in Maamba. They think that I'm a giant! At least they all love me and aren't slinging stones at me.
In Livingstone they call me Victoria. There have been some ups and downs as you have heard. But the best part so far has been in Maamba, painting the orpanage and playing with the kids. Hope to see you back in Kelowna some day.
Dylan,
I'm in love with a East Indian girl from Durban and I'm not coming home. Please send money and wedding gifts.
Sean,
This trip pwns. Mr H. bought my hat and I'm ticked.
Wells,
Hey everyone.... We're in Jeffrey's Bay now and I can surf....somewhat. I miss Maamba already. Specially a lady there named Michelle and Pastor Roy. Michelle was our cook and she's a great woman of God. It may seem unrealistic but I know if God wants me to I'll come back to Maamba. Say Hi to everyone for me in Kelowna.
Ben,
I'm famous in Maamba. They think that I'm a giant! At least they all love me and aren't slinging stones at me.
No Ordinary Life
The other day we were talking about "ordinary lives." It's pretty easy to feel like you are just going through life, maybe stuck in a bit of a routine, or trapped in a pace that requires your time, focus and energy.
The Bible talks about us being a peculiar people, and about the fact that Christ came to bring us abundant life. Not once we reach Heaven, but starting right now!
It can be easy to get caught up in daily "life" so that we lose sight of the fact that we are called to live extraordinary lives. For the team to realize that they have been able to travel over 20 000 kms, have five different currencies in their pockets, speak at a women's meeting under a tree in beneath the blazing sun, see children in a town of 12 000 where there are over 500 new cases of AIDS in the past year. Four days of no bathing, no flushing, and some of the team dealing with "intestinal challenges", we've held hands with filthy kids with huge smiles, and have carried kids on our shoulders who have smelt of urine, but who have also given the biggest hugs. We've visited a preschool with 170 children in the space of a Kelowna home.We've also stuck our feet in the Zambezi River, walked the edge of Victoria Falls, watched HUGE crocs fight with each other over food, bartered for goods, surfed in the Indian Ocean, been to six hours of church on one Sunday, and had many discussions about family, home, respect, spiritual warfare, walking with God, and living our relationship with Jesus Christ. And this is all just scrathing the surface.
Thanks for your many thoughts and prayers.
The Bible talks about us being a peculiar people, and about the fact that Christ came to bring us abundant life. Not once we reach Heaven, but starting right now!
It can be easy to get caught up in daily "life" so that we lose sight of the fact that we are called to live extraordinary lives. For the team to realize that they have been able to travel over 20 000 kms, have five different currencies in their pockets, speak at a women's meeting under a tree in beneath the blazing sun, see children in a town of 12 000 where there are over 500 new cases of AIDS in the past year. Four days of no bathing, no flushing, and some of the team dealing with "intestinal challenges", we've held hands with filthy kids with huge smiles, and have carried kids on our shoulders who have smelt of urine, but who have also given the biggest hugs. We've visited a preschool with 170 children in the space of a Kelowna home.We've also stuck our feet in the Zambezi River, walked the edge of Victoria Falls, watched HUGE crocs fight with each other over food, bartered for goods, surfed in the Indian Ocean, been to six hours of church on one Sunday, and had many discussions about family, home, respect, spiritual warfare, walking with God, and living our relationship with Jesus Christ. And this is all just scrathing the surface.
Thanks for your many thoughts and prayers.
hi family umm mom by the way...
he family its wells. im in jefferys bay right now its beutiful here and i get to go surfing. yesterday we got to stay at the royal livingstone a five star in zambia for one noght it was fun. i miss maamba alreasy but im sure we will like jefferys as well. say happy bday to nic for me. i miss all of you guys and i hope to hear back from you. Say hi to nana pappy and the gparents and say hi to matt brown as well. ask him what happened at the movie theatre its pretty cool.love you guys. peace
wells
xoxo
p.s mom i lost my camera or it got stolen somewhere in joburg airport but dont worry about we get everyones pictures. i dont let it bother me iv never been a huge pucture taker anyway. now i can concentrate on africa more than taking pictures of africa. please dont be mad... just teasen. love you :)
wells
xoxo
p.s mom i lost my camera or it got stolen somewhere in joburg airport but dont worry about we get everyones pictures. i dont let it bother me iv never been a huge pucture taker anyway. now i can concentrate on africa more than taking pictures of africa. please dont be mad... just teasen. love you :)
Thursday, March 22, 2007
We're still alive part two
Good Morning,
Yesterday we made the trip from Maamba to Livingstone, and Victoria Falls.
Today we travel to Jeffries Bay and tomorrow we should be able to get some pictures on line and have the team begin to enter their own words once again.
Two nights ago we were sleeping in a little lodge in Maamba with sporadic air conditioning, a cool evening temperature of 34 degrees, running water only from 5-7 am, and 6-8 pm (on the good days... can you say sweaty, sticky, smelly, team?)and the never ending worry of little critters.
Last night we slept in beautiful rooms. The missionary who organized our trip from the Africa end has amazing connections with the Manager of a resort right beside Victoria Falls, and because of this connection we are staying in a beautiful place at a fraction of what it costs everyone else. God is good!!
Victoria Falls are amazing. They are actually indescribable. There is no real way to put into words the experience. God had fun making this place! The power, the majesty, the size, the force of all of that water, plus the fact that from the "dry side" it's like having a fire hose pouring down on you. We had such a blast! Everyone should experience this once in their lives....or maybe more.
This afternoon we leave the home of David Livingstone and travel to Jeffries Bay. Continue to pray for our safety and that everyone would be touched in this final leg of our trip.
Keep the comments coming! They are SOOO encouraging!!
Yesterday we made the trip from Maamba to Livingstone, and Victoria Falls.
Today we travel to Jeffries Bay and tomorrow we should be able to get some pictures on line and have the team begin to enter their own words once again.
Two nights ago we were sleeping in a little lodge in Maamba with sporadic air conditioning, a cool evening temperature of 34 degrees, running water only from 5-7 am, and 6-8 pm (on the good days... can you say sweaty, sticky, smelly, team?)and the never ending worry of little critters.
Last night we slept in beautiful rooms. The missionary who organized our trip from the Africa end has amazing connections with the Manager of a resort right beside Victoria Falls, and because of this connection we are staying in a beautiful place at a fraction of what it costs everyone else. God is good!!
Victoria Falls are amazing. They are actually indescribable. There is no real way to put into words the experience. God had fun making this place! The power, the majesty, the size, the force of all of that water, plus the fact that from the "dry side" it's like having a fire hose pouring down on you. We had such a blast! Everyone should experience this once in their lives....or maybe more.
This afternoon we leave the home of David Livingstone and travel to Jeffries Bay. Continue to pray for our safety and that everyone would be touched in this final leg of our trip.
Keep the comments coming! They are SOOO encouraging!!
We're still alive!!
Hi Everyone,
We've just had an incredible week in Maamba. On our first day, we went for a walk that turned into a parade. Kids came from everywhere. I'm sure that some were even crawling out of the termite hills!! By the time we had walked to the orphanage there had to be at least 100 kids with us. We sang and played games with them, and then they walked us back to our lodge. Our whole team was totally pumped and forgot all about the spiders and creepy crawlies waiting beneath our beds....
The children in Maamba are really into WWE, and soon all of the guys had WWE nicknames. Triple H, John Cena, Oomaga, and Big Show. Something to laugh with them about.
We were able to share our "Tonga" song and skits in church. Ori even preached/gave a testimony, and Elysia did as well. They were all very well received. Even though we went as a work crew they wanted us to go on a Zambian song and dance tour. Ha ha.
We were able to get the orphanage completely painted (3 coats) outside, and 1-2 coats inside until they decided to change the color. (It was pink and a BOYS residence). We were able to be a part of the dedication ceremony and the church was so excited about the Bucks for Bricks campaign that we began in Canada that they were challenged to try to match what we had raised. They were BLOWN AWAY by the fact that people in Canada believed so strongly in their "little" project. We even were able to meet 19 of the orphans who will be living there. Please pray for the final red tape and finishing work to go smoothly.
This morning we said a sad farewell to our many new friends in Maamba as we boarded our rickety bus to travel to Livingstone. We had many people stop to wave at us as we left. Our thoughts, prayers and hearts will always remember the people of Maamba.
We've just had an incredible week in Maamba. On our first day, we went for a walk that turned into a parade. Kids came from everywhere. I'm sure that some were even crawling out of the termite hills!! By the time we had walked to the orphanage there had to be at least 100 kids with us. We sang and played games with them, and then they walked us back to our lodge. Our whole team was totally pumped and forgot all about the spiders and creepy crawlies waiting beneath our beds....
The children in Maamba are really into WWE, and soon all of the guys had WWE nicknames. Triple H, John Cena, Oomaga, and Big Show. Something to laugh with them about.
We were able to share our "Tonga" song and skits in church. Ori even preached/gave a testimony, and Elysia did as well. They were all very well received. Even though we went as a work crew they wanted us to go on a Zambian song and dance tour. Ha ha.
We were able to get the orphanage completely painted (3 coats) outside, and 1-2 coats inside until they decided to change the color. (It was pink and a BOYS residence). We were able to be a part of the dedication ceremony and the church was so excited about the Bucks for Bricks campaign that we began in Canada that they were challenged to try to match what we had raised. They were BLOWN AWAY by the fact that people in Canada believed so strongly in their "little" project. We even were able to meet 19 of the orphans who will be living there. Please pray for the final red tape and finishing work to go smoothly.
This morning we said a sad farewell to our many new friends in Maamba as we boarded our rickety bus to travel to Livingstone. We had many people stop to wave at us as we left. Our thoughts, prayers and hearts will always remember the people of Maamba.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
sights & smells
We were awakened by the sound of monkeys fighting and the smell of crocodiles. (Not a nice smell.) Only in Africa. Our lodging is on the shores of Lake Kariba. It's nice but at night you don't go down to the lake. We have a lot of monkeys by our huts, there are frogs and lizards living in the showers, Banana trees are growing a few feet away, and we've already seen some crazy looking spiders.
Yesterday we finished painting at Muuka, the clinic looks GREAT!! The people greeted us with singing and we sang to them as we drove away. Music really is a universal language. There were a couple of people who kept thanking and thanking us for what we had done there.
Some of the kids had the opportunity to help them butcher a goat (an optional activity, I sure wasn't going.) That evening we BBQed it. Today we move from Muuka to Maamba and will start painting the orphanage this afternoon. It should be a little cooler than yesterday's 45 degrees.
Before I left my Masters Technology prof showed our class a short video on the spread of technology around the world, and wouldnt' you know it, here in this little village was internet. I was even able to Skype my sister in New Zealand to say Happy Birthday. Well, gotta go.
Please leave us a comment. They mean A LOT to the kids on our team!!
Yesterday we finished painting at Muuka, the clinic looks GREAT!! The people greeted us with singing and we sang to them as we drove away. Music really is a universal language. There were a couple of people who kept thanking and thanking us for what we had done there.
Some of the kids had the opportunity to help them butcher a goat (an optional activity, I sure wasn't going.) That evening we BBQed it. Today we move from Muuka to Maamba and will start painting the orphanage this afternoon. It should be a little cooler than yesterday's 45 degrees.
Before I left my Masters Technology prof showed our class a short video on the spread of technology around the world, and wouldnt' you know it, here in this little village was internet. I was even able to Skype my sister in New Zealand to say Happy Birthday. Well, gotta go.
Please leave us a comment. They mean A LOT to the kids on our team!!
Monday, March 12, 2007
Kristal, Erika, Elysia
Hello everyone!!!
we had the most amazing day today!! where should we start...? we woke up not quite knowing where we were heading for the day. our whole team met up at Kings School and from there went to the Lion and Rhino park. at the park the frist thing we did was go into a humungo cave! it was gigantinc. we went down 87 stairs at a 45 degree angle.. is you fell you would be a gonner.. then down a 20-30 ft lift. the cave was so cool. It was like a lost city underground. the rock formations were so large..it takes them 100 years to grom one cm. The cave was about 40 ft underground and 60 ft high and 180 something ft long..(or around those lines). NEXT the safari!it started out slightly disapointing only being able to see 2 rhinos, but htey were too far away to take decent pictures, and the grass was really tall. Although, we saw wart hogs, ostriches, zebras, and so on. it was rally exciting at frist but it got a little boring. BUT then, we entered the lion cage! sooo exciting, as we were driving through we all had our eyes peeled, and were searching for a while. then we drove up near a large tree where 8-9 lions were all laying ontop and around each other, and we werent able to turn around so we had to go right beside them, SO SCARY!! but also so exciting! and with all of our cameras together we proably got at least 300 pictures within 2 feet. HAH and then one guy stood right up and pee'd right on his buddy, hah it probably refreshing for him though! and then we were drivng towards the end, this other lion brushed up against our van, and he looked pretty angry! haha so then we headed on through the cheetahs and wild dogs fields. that would have been more exciting if the dogs were more awake and we if we could actually spot some cheetahs. okay now to the BEST part of the zoo, we went to like the village area where there were baby lions and tigers and cheetahs, and we found out that we could go into those cages and get pictures with them!!!! CRAZY EH!????? it only costed us 20 rand for each visit which was about 3-4 dollars. so amazing, Kristal, Erika and Wells all went together and Elysia, Elyse and Ben and Mrs bishop. we actually cuddled with the lion and kissed it, so the lion was pretty tame, BUT the tigers were prtty crazy. VERY ramboncious!! haahha umm, it chewed Wells, snook up behind alanna and jumped n her from behind, they chewed off carlys hair pretty much, and were not even going to discuss what they did to elysia. hahh so that day was pretty awesome as it was. so we headed out of the safari adventure nd went to the school and had lunch. we had african hot dogs that we werent certain about and when we were informed that we were eating lamb intestine, it wasnt bad though, we were just a little frightened. so after lunch we headed to this daycare/orphanage. this place held about 170 children. children whos parent dont always have the time or money to keep them at home or in shool for the day. it was really amazing and as soon as we stepped foot into it, children just jumped on you, hugged you and just wanted to be your best friend. the just did not want to leave your side, it was amazing, they couldnt get enough of you. and it was such a easily responsibility for us and it gave them so much pleasure. anyways! moving on that pretty much wrapped up our day. it was a great day, long day though, but totally worth it. this is a prety long blog though, so its time to get out of here, SEE YOU LATER!!! LOVER ERiKA KRISTAL AND ELYSIA!!
PS. KRISTALS PARENTS!!!! CHANGE MY LIMIT ON MY BANK CARD!!! I CAN ONLY TAKE OUT 100Rand a day which is $20 a day, SO CHANGE IT IT HIGHER THAN THAT!!!!!!!!!
we had the most amazing day today!! where should we start...? we woke up not quite knowing where we were heading for the day. our whole team met up at Kings School and from there went to the Lion and Rhino park. at the park the frist thing we did was go into a humungo cave! it was gigantinc. we went down 87 stairs at a 45 degree angle.. is you fell you would be a gonner.. then down a 20-30 ft lift. the cave was so cool. It was like a lost city underground. the rock formations were so large..it takes them 100 years to grom one cm. The cave was about 40 ft underground and 60 ft high and 180 something ft long..(or around those lines). NEXT the safari!it started out slightly disapointing only being able to see 2 rhinos, but htey were too far away to take decent pictures, and the grass was really tall. Although, we saw wart hogs, ostriches, zebras, and so on. it was rally exciting at frist but it got a little boring. BUT then, we entered the lion cage! sooo exciting, as we were driving through we all had our eyes peeled, and were searching for a while. then we drove up near a large tree where 8-9 lions were all laying ontop and around each other, and we werent able to turn around so we had to go right beside them, SO SCARY!! but also so exciting! and with all of our cameras together we proably got at least 300 pictures within 2 feet. HAH and then one guy stood right up and pee'd right on his buddy, hah it probably refreshing for him though! and then we were drivng towards the end, this other lion brushed up against our van, and he looked pretty angry! haha so then we headed on through the cheetahs and wild dogs fields. that would have been more exciting if the dogs were more awake and we if we could actually spot some cheetahs. okay now to the BEST part of the zoo, we went to like the village area where there were baby lions and tigers and cheetahs, and we found out that we could go into those cages and get pictures with them!!!! CRAZY EH!????? it only costed us 20 rand for each visit which was about 3-4 dollars. so amazing, Kristal, Erika and Wells all went together and Elysia, Elyse and Ben and Mrs bishop. we actually cuddled with the lion and kissed it, so the lion was pretty tame, BUT the tigers were prtty crazy. VERY ramboncious!! haahha umm, it chewed Wells, snook up behind alanna and jumped n her from behind, they chewed off carlys hair pretty much, and were not even going to discuss what they did to elysia. hahh so that day was pretty awesome as it was. so we headed out of the safari adventure nd went to the school and had lunch. we had african hot dogs that we werent certain about and when we were informed that we were eating lamb intestine, it wasnt bad though, we were just a little frightened. so after lunch we headed to this daycare/orphanage. this place held about 170 children. children whos parent dont always have the time or money to keep them at home or in shool for the day. it was really amazing and as soon as we stepped foot into it, children just jumped on you, hugged you and just wanted to be your best friend. the just did not want to leave your side, it was amazing, they couldnt get enough of you. and it was such a easily responsibility for us and it gave them so much pleasure. anyways! moving on that pretty much wrapped up our day. it was a great day, long day though, but totally worth it. this is a prety long blog though, so its time to get out of here, SEE YOU LATER!!! LOVER ERiKA KRISTAL AND ELYSIA!!
PS. KRISTALS PARENTS!!!! CHANGE MY LIMIT ON MY BANK CARD!!! I CAN ONLY TAKE OUT 100Rand a day which is $20 a day, SO CHANGE IT IT HIGHER THAN THAT!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Words from Ori
I can't believe we are finaly here! Its seems as if it was days ago where i was franticaly trying to catch my first plane in Kelowna.(haha oops!) The first flight to hongkong was slightly testy. After watching the first few minuits of every movie, scaning the radio stations, and loading up on snacks, most of us found nothing to do while still having 11 hours to go! Landing in HongKong was a different expierence. Withen seconds of entering the airport a wave of humidity wraped our bodies. Only 3 hours to stretch and back on another long haul. The second flight was easier, considering it was over night and most of us slept through it. Victor wins the "most sleep award" Theres nothing that got him up. The Food seem to get worse...We felt like cattle being told when to eat, when to sleep, and when to wake up. All flights where confortable. We landed in South Africa early this morning around 6:00 Am (SA time)
"Woa its hot! "Im so sweaty" "we're finaly here." These where some of the comments mentioned from our team as we set foot on this knew soil. A short bus ride from the plain to the customs terminal, here in Joburg, revealed some unique difference between our home country and this knew one. Some where as simple as such diverse ethinicticity. Other things really stood out, like driving on the other side of the road or strong accents. We grouped together once more at the "kings School"and the off we were to our host families. Mr.& Mrs. H with Victor welss and myself all are staying with Nick ( our exchange student) My first words stepping into this house was, "What?"
I was preparing myself to be bunked with these guys all in one small room and probly one bed. (Excluding mr.& Mrs H of course) However i was delightfuly surprised! Beyond the Long driveway, Thru the yellow cement walls you found yourself standing in the middle of a luxuries home. Each one of us got our seperate room which contained a large bed large Shower(extremly High tech, Still have to figure it out) and tile floor everywhere. The environment is very peacfull, large windows from ceiling to floor are found throughout the home. Cool breeze lifts the light curtains. The sun penetrates through causing the heat, yet theres the option of the pool to cool off.. Victor made a great first impression by breaking the trampoline haha. We recently just enjoyed a light breakfest here in there home. We split off to rest, play basketball and for myself to Blog for you guys. Right now im in my room enjoying siting in my swimshorts while having the sun warm my back.
We are so thankful for the hospitality this family has already showed us. We must be careful not to expect this for only a few nights here and we fly up to Zambia to begin our projects. This day will be spent getting use to the timezone, getting to know our host families and later we are invited to a barbeque.
I can't wait to explore this place some more..
"Woa its hot! "Im so sweaty" "we're finaly here." These where some of the comments mentioned from our team as we set foot on this knew soil. A short bus ride from the plain to the customs terminal, here in Joburg, revealed some unique difference between our home country and this knew one. Some where as simple as such diverse ethinicticity. Other things really stood out, like driving on the other side of the road or strong accents. We grouped together once more at the "kings School"and the off we were to our host families. Mr.& Mrs. H with Victor welss and myself all are staying with Nick ( our exchange student) My first words stepping into this house was, "What?"
I was preparing myself to be bunked with these guys all in one small room and probly one bed. (Excluding mr.& Mrs H of course) However i was delightfuly surprised! Beyond the Long driveway, Thru the yellow cement walls you found yourself standing in the middle of a luxuries home. Each one of us got our seperate room which contained a large bed large Shower(extremly High tech, Still have to figure it out) and tile floor everywhere. The environment is very peacfull, large windows from ceiling to floor are found throughout the home. Cool breeze lifts the light curtains. The sun penetrates through causing the heat, yet theres the option of the pool to cool off.. Victor made a great first impression by breaking the trampoline haha. We recently just enjoyed a light breakfest here in there home. We split off to rest, play basketball and for myself to Blog for you guys. Right now im in my room enjoying siting in my swimshorts while having the sun warm my back.
We are so thankful for the hospitality this family has already showed us. We must be careful not to expect this for only a few nights here and we fly up to Zambia to begin our projects. This day will be spent getting use to the timezone, getting to know our host families and later we are invited to a barbeque.
I can't wait to explore this place some more..
Friday, March 9, 2007
We're here
We made it! 40 hours from the time we left Kelowna we now find ourselves in Jo Berg South Africa. We all made it safe and sound though quite tired! All of our luggage is here and customs was very smooth. The rest of today will be spent adjusting, sleeping, eating, and visiting with our new SA family.
Kelowna to Vancouver
by Ben & Bruce
It is now 6:05am Friday, Kelowna time and 11:05 pm Friday night Hong Kong time. Our trip began with Ori arriving 15 minutes before takeoff. Through a miracle of efficiency they checked him in, loaded his bags and got him on the plane before the doors closed. Only in Kelowna... As a punishment the steward made Ori hand out peanuts and drinks. But he wouldn't let Ori fly the plane.
After 7 plus hours in the Vancouver airport we got onto our plane and flew 14 hours to Hong Kong. It was Looooooonnnnngggg. So long in fact that we don't like watching tv anymore. My knees were crushed against the seat in front of me, and although I tried to get the people beside me to let me stretch out across them, the juice that they kept spilling in my ear ended that venture. Okay, they didn't let me at all, I just had to suffer and play hangman.
86 games 2 losses. I rock!
Gotta go, our flight to Johannesburg leaves in an hour. Hopefully there will be less people and more room to stretch out this flight.
It is now 6:05am Friday, Kelowna time and 11:05 pm Friday night Hong Kong time. Our trip began with Ori arriving 15 minutes before takeoff. Through a miracle of efficiency they checked him in, loaded his bags and got him on the plane before the doors closed. Only in Kelowna... As a punishment the steward made Ori hand out peanuts and drinks. But he wouldn't let Ori fly the plane.
After 7 plus hours in the Vancouver airport we got onto our plane and flew 14 hours to Hong Kong. It was Looooooonnnnngggg. So long in fact that we don't like watching tv anymore. My knees were crushed against the seat in front of me, and although I tried to get the people beside me to let me stretch out across them, the juice that they kept spilling in my ear ended that venture. Okay, they didn't let me at all, I just had to suffer and play hangman.
86 games 2 losses. I rock!
Gotta go, our flight to Johannesburg leaves in an hour. Hopefully there will be less people and more room to stretch out this flight.
Monday, March 5, 2007
Getting ready
Our team has been meeting in preparation of our trip. We've learned a song in Tongan and have learned a couple of skits. Today we met with the gentlemen from SODIS to learn how to present an amazing system for water purification. Over 2.5 million children die each year in Africa due to water borne diseases. It's very cool to know that we have information which could save a lot of lives. More on that later.
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Time keeps ticking
I've added clocks for Lusaka, Zambia and Vancouver. I chose Lusaka since Zambia and South Africa share the same time zone. The Vancouver time is for the benfeit of our team members. We almost made it to the absolute opposite side of the world. =)
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Our Tentative Itinerary
Here is our current itinerary.
Things often change on Missions trips, so we'll see where God takes us.
Date / Activity
8-Mar Travel - leave Kelowna at 9:35 am
9-Mar Travel all day - short stop in Hong Kong airport
10-Mar Arrival in Johannesburg at 6:35 am - picked up by Kings School West Rand
meet billets at school, go to their homes
11-Mar am - church with billets
afternoon - meet at school, go to Lion & Rhino Park
pm - dinner at Van Gerve's
12-Mar School field trip to Soweto
13-Mar am - meet at school - Fly to Zambia via Livingstone - straight to Muuka
14-Mar Muuka clinic project
15-Mar Muuka clinic project & school visit
16-Mar Relocate to Maamba - Orphange Project & Crusade in Siansez
17-Mar Orphange Project & Crusade in Sianseze
18-Mar Church at Victory Pentecostal Church
19-Mar Orphange Project & Youth Service in Maamba
20-Mar Orphange Project & Water School Training
21-Mar Grand Opening of Orphange & Community Soccer Game
22-Mar Travel to Victoria Falls (Livingstone)- arrive early afternoon
23-Mar Travel Day: Livingstone - Johannesburg - Port Elizabeth - Jeffrey's Bay
24-Mar R & R Day Sat
25-Mar Church in Jeffrey's Bay
26-Mar Township building project
27-Mar Township building project
28-Mar School visit to Humansdorp High School (drama, music, speaking)
29-Mar Township building project
30-Mar Travel - Leave Jeffrey's Bay at 5:00 am - Joburg - Hong Kong
31-Mar Travel - In Kelowna at 5:00 pm
Things often change on Missions trips, so we'll see where God takes us.
Date / Activity
8-Mar Travel - leave Kelowna at 9:35 am
9-Mar Travel all day - short stop in Hong Kong airport
10-Mar Arrival in Johannesburg at 6:35 am - picked up by Kings School West Rand
meet billets at school, go to their homes
11-Mar am - church with billets
afternoon - meet at school, go to Lion & Rhino Park
pm - dinner at Van Gerve's
12-Mar School field trip to Soweto
13-Mar am - meet at school - Fly to Zambia via Livingstone - straight to Muuka
14-Mar Muuka clinic project
15-Mar Muuka clinic project & school visit
16-Mar Relocate to Maamba - Orphange Project & Crusade in Siansez
17-Mar Orphange Project & Crusade in Sianseze
18-Mar Church at Victory Pentecostal Church
19-Mar Orphange Project & Youth Service in Maamba
20-Mar Orphange Project & Water School Training
21-Mar Grand Opening of Orphange & Community Soccer Game
22-Mar Travel to Victoria Falls (Livingstone)- arrive early afternoon
23-Mar Travel Day: Livingstone - Johannesburg - Port Elizabeth - Jeffrey's Bay
24-Mar R & R Day Sat
25-Mar Church in Jeffrey's Bay
26-Mar Township building project
27-Mar Township building project
28-Mar School visit to Humansdorp High School (drama, music, speaking)
29-Mar Township building project
30-Mar Travel - Leave Jeffrey's Bay at 5:00 am - Joburg - Hong Kong
31-Mar Travel - In Kelowna at 5:00 pm
Monday, February 19, 2007
Team wins award
Four members of our team made a presentation at the Global Citizens Forum and were awarded with $1000 towards our Missions Trip. Congratulations, and thanks for taking the time and the risk to do something which will only enhance our work in Africa!
Friday, February 16, 2007
Look Boss, dee plane! dee plane!
Never been on a BIG plane before? Well, after back-to-back twelve hour flights it'll seem like you've never NOT been on a big plane before. At least they have free socks and a self-serve snack bar. If only they had a treadmill, fully reclining seats, and complimentary massages!
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Ready, Set, Go
The team has been chosen, monies have been raised, flights have been booked, itineraries have been planned, needles have been endured, pills have been purchased, songs have been learned, and anticipation is growing.
On Thursday, March 8th, our team of twelve students and four teachers will begin our journey to Africa. We will experience South Africa and Zambia in ways that your average tourist never would.
We will be working with a host Mission organization to help a local church to build an orphanage in Maamba, Zambia. We will also spend time in Jeffries Bay working with the Joshua Project in the township of Tokyo Sexwhale.
This year we will also be training local villagers in how to use a revolutionary new water purification system.
It is my hope that all team members will make entries on this blog. Feel free to check in regularly.
On Thursday, March 8th, our team of twelve students and four teachers will begin our journey to Africa. We will experience South Africa and Zambia in ways that your average tourist never would.
We will be working with a host Mission organization to help a local church to build an orphanage in Maamba, Zambia. We will also spend time in Jeffries Bay working with the Joshua Project in the township of Tokyo Sexwhale.
This year we will also be training local villagers in how to use a revolutionary new water purification system.
It is my hope that all team members will make entries on this blog. Feel free to check in regularly.
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