Things that are changing or evolving:
- Oceans of Mercy dissolves under One Life Banner
-Nothing changes really on the ground other than titles; mostly a paper work deal (really awesome change might I add)
- Soyama Community Center is taken away from us; we move to Coega Primary School
-Due to unfortunate circumstances we needed to move out of our community centre (Also a really really good change). Majority of our sponsored kids go to this school. A number of grades have NO TEACHER at all and just do what ever in a class room all day or don't go to school at all because no one cares. The most vulnerable children are at this school. We have moved everything to this school and are blessed with the privilege of going even deeper with these beautiful children. I am also blessed to be able to use the school's hall for my growing youth ministry. We are mentoring and raising up AMAZING YOUNG leaders. Like seriously, they are freaking awesome. We are also starting to fill in the gaps and teach in the school. This is a challenging, incredible, and impactful transition for us all. Please please pray with us as we reach out to these kids and have an opportunity to change their character and thereafter their future and even after that, their community for ever.
- I learn to become less independent
-I have an amazing new man in my life! He is awesome and constantly accepts, affirms, challenges, and encourages me in everything and every time I hang out with him I am pulled closer to Jesus. He rocks : )
-Also have a whole new perspective on racism as it is directed towards us. Apartheid has ended but it doesn't stop the dirty looks, comments, and gossip directed at us. This is a new thing for me coming from California, but am thankful to be an example of Christ's unity to a clearly non-unified South Africa.
- I will be moving out of full-time Westside and into full-time One Life
-I am so so so so SO excited to be full-time staff for One Life 2015. I have been working with One Life since I moved here two years ago and have been living at the One Life mission base since Feb this year. I work 5 days a week with these kids and am so excited to have my own group of sponsored children I mentor. Previously, I was running a youth group in Wells Estate, helping with hw club and home visits, ding spiritual development and life skills as well as anything else is asked of me. This coming year I will be mentoring and working with a group of kids I have come to know very well, teaching music in the school, train student leaders to serve in their school, and teach a protective behaviours counselling curriculum with the students(prepares them to deal/prevent/become aware of abuse and rape as well as continue with previous roles. I can't express how much I truly LOVE working with these kids and being a part of their lives and families. I am so freaking grateful to Jesus for His love, care, protection, and trust. Please pray with me that I can live a life that points people to Jesus as I continue my work here next year.
-I will still be working with Westside but will be pulling back in a few areas to allow more time for One Life. I am thankful for an awesome church community that I will continue to pour into next year : )
- I will be coming back for Christmas!!!!!!!
-God is good and has allowed me to go back to see my family for Christmas. I am so excited and this reunion is long over due. My eyes are filled with tears as I type this last part because I really do miss them that much. Living thousands of miles away really does put such strain on your heart when family is so close.
-I have borrowed some money in order to buy tickets in time. If you would like to donate I still need a little more till I pay it off. Please message me if you would like to donate!
Guys, I am really so thankful to GOd right now. I am completely exhausted by ministry but my heart is soaring because of what hope I know my Saviour has in store for these kids. Thank you for your support. You rock.
