Hello there from Cape Town!!!
This trip to Africa has been absolutely amazing. I was blessed with the opportunity to travel to Cape Town last summer as well. I worked in the townships and became familiar with many of the children that were there. Knowing that it was in God’s plan for me to return to the country, I was very excited about what I was going to experience.
Last year I had the privilege of meeting a 14-year old girl, Lucy, in one of the townships. We became very close over time and developed a bond unlike any other. After returning home, we continued to write letters through one of the life skills teachers that worked with her. She has not left my heart since the day that I had to say goodbye. Yesterday was one of the days that I was most looking forward to. As we were playing with children at a school and teaching them volleyball, I saw Lucy standing amongst the crowd. Our eyes held with an immediate connection and a rememberance of the time we shared together. We were able to spend the remainder of the time together and also hang out during the evening session at the youth group. I believe that Lucy was a major part of my calling to return to Cape Town and I pray that our relationship will continue.
We also went to a township called Red Hill. Having gone there last year, I knew what to expect. However, my teammates did not. They quickly realized how the township was different as soon as we arrived. Of all the townships in Cape Town, Red Hill is amongst the poorest. There is no form of flat surface for the children to play on. Although one of the poorest townships, it is also one of the happiest. There is a joy in the people of Red Hill that cannot be found anywhere else. Welcoming us right into their community and inviting us to play net ball with them; we were all changed by the experience. It is absolutely amazing to see such a deep joy on the faces of people living in conditions that most of us have never seen. A joy like that can only come from the love of the Lord.
Our events today began with going to Ocean View High School. We worked with groups of students, playing basketball relay races and sharing the word with them. Taking a short break to view some baboons, ostriches, and penguins (in different areas of course), we got energy to continue with our mission work. We concluded the day with a basketball game at a township. It is amazing to see the places that the Lord brings us. We are able to witness to anyone in any possible situation. It doesn’t have to be an organized event or a planned program, but we have been able to show the love of Jesus Christ through our actions.
The trip has been more than expected thus far and I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for us. Thank you for your prayers.
I will check in with you later! :-)
-J.Gray