Hi Friends,
Today I'm heading into the Masoyi community to live with an orphan headed household until Thursday. For those of you wondering what that is, it's a family that is headed up by an orphan, usually under the age of 18. This orphan cares for his younger siblings just as a parent would. If can imagine being 16 or 17 and raising your younger brothers and sisters, providing food, money for school & supplies, keeping them out of trouble. Providing everything that a parent normally would.
I'm basically going to live like them in every way. Be a part of their lives. It's a really a small thing, all things considered, but I'm excited by this time of learning and experiencing life with these precious ones.
I know that I stand to learn more than I care to. But it is the stark reality here in Masoyi and most of Southern Africa.
All this to say, expect a blog post about this week in the near future. I'm expecting to get rocked, so that means you'll be reading and eyeful this time next week.
Thanks again friend! I really appreciate you!
Much Love,
Dave
PS. I also added some links to friends of mine who I have the privilege of working with at some level. They're ace's in my book!
PSS. One more thing. A few of us who've been working here are going on the road this fall. If you're interested in having us come thur your church or community please feel free to email and we can chat about it! Hopefully we'll be seeing you soon!
Monday, August 13, 2007
Friday, August 03, 2007
Way Out Of My League!
Hi Friends,
Here we are…3 and a half weeks into OUR African adventure….(yes, you are a part of this too). It has been quite the ride. There are plenty of moments of holding on for dear life! Sometimes for fear of the treacherous roads, enormous spiders, and creepy animal noise at night. Sometimes it’s because of the stories I hear and see day to day.
This trip is certainly different than all the rest. Africa, the orphan, and widow aren’t just a phase for me, but something I have to live in light of. Especially, since I claim to follow Christ. And now my journey with Him has led me to this place.
Last week, one of the directors of the ministry here asked me and my friend, Dave Song, to put together a quarterly report to turn in to one of our major donors for our projects here – the US government. Usually, this isn’t a big deal. Just one catch this time…we had less than 24 hours to build it, essentially from square one. So we jumped into super human work mode.
To make a long story short, this report would essentially secure about a million US dollars to feed and resource (school fees & supplies, social services, medical care, blankets, mattress’s) around 9000 orphans for 3 months. No pressure, right? I’m not going to lie…I was sweating bullets! In short, we were able to get the funding and our little crisis was averted. (Your prayers being a significant part.)
That being said, I kept looking at all those names on the spreadsheets. At moments they seemed countless. Each one has a unique story, some of triumph and some of tragedy. Unfortunately, most have seen their fair share of heartache. All of them orphans for whatever reason, due to HIV/AIDS or some other tragedy. Some of them heading up households, others living with a relative, some all alone. Yet, God dreams who and what each one could become. They are priceless treasures of God’s heart – the displaced, unknown royalty of His Kingdom.
I feel very compelled to repeatedly thank all of you for believing in me and this mission. I have felt your prayers and your friendship – even between the huge geographical distance. I really couldn’t do this without all of you. Much love to you all.
Your Friend,
Dave
PS. Sorry for the run-on sentences. A friend pointed out and declared me “King of the Run–on”. I’m working on it.
Here we are…3 and a half weeks into OUR African adventure….(yes, you are a part of this too). It has been quite the ride. There are plenty of moments of holding on for dear life! Sometimes for fear of the treacherous roads, enormous spiders, and creepy animal noise at night. Sometimes it’s because of the stories I hear and see day to day.
This trip is certainly different than all the rest. Africa, the orphan, and widow aren’t just a phase for me, but something I have to live in light of. Especially, since I claim to follow Christ. And now my journey with Him has led me to this place.
Last week, one of the directors of the ministry here asked me and my friend, Dave Song, to put together a quarterly report to turn in to one of our major donors for our projects here – the US government. Usually, this isn’t a big deal. Just one catch this time…we had less than 24 hours to build it, essentially from square one. So we jumped into super human work mode.
To make a long story short, this report would essentially secure about a million US dollars to feed and resource (school fees & supplies, social services, medical care, blankets, mattress’s) around 9000 orphans for 3 months. No pressure, right? I’m not going to lie…I was sweating bullets! In short, we were able to get the funding and our little crisis was averted. (Your prayers being a significant part.)
That being said, I kept looking at all those names on the spreadsheets. At moments they seemed countless. Each one has a unique story, some of triumph and some of tragedy. Unfortunately, most have seen their fair share of heartache. All of them orphans for whatever reason, due to HIV/AIDS or some other tragedy. Some of them heading up households, others living with a relative, some all alone. Yet, God dreams who and what each one could become. They are priceless treasures of God’s heart – the displaced, unknown royalty of His Kingdom.
I feel very compelled to repeatedly thank all of you for believing in me and this mission. I have felt your prayers and your friendship – even between the huge geographical distance. I really couldn’t do this without all of you. Much love to you all.
Your Friend,
Dave
PS. Sorry for the run-on sentences. A friend pointed out and declared me “King of the Run–on”. I’m working on it.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
I Made It!
Hi Friends,
I made it! It’s great to be back in Africa. It’s currently winter here…winter being a relative term. (Lots of sunshine and about 65 in the day, 40 at night). Here are some photos of where I live and my journey over. It over looks the valley that is home to the Masoyi community. We’re about 10 kilometres from the nearest paved road at the top of a hill. Our electricity went out the other day for about 12 hours. When I asked why, everyone responded, “Welcome to Africa!” Yet, somehow the inconveniences add to my over all love for this place. It reminds me of what I do and don’t necessarily need.
I saw a bunch of guys from the village today. It's such a privilege for me to be remembered by them. It's probably the most rewarding part for me...among other things. When the poor remember your name, it says something about what they see in me and it’s humbling. These guys have seen several short-term people come thru, but when they feel a sense of home with around me it means a lot. Obviously it is the relational investment that is the most important thing. I love being here, but it’s the people who make it what it is.
Thanks for reading. I really appreciate all your prayers and friendship. It means a lot. Lots of love to all of you. Keep in touch if you can. I’d love to know how you are and how I can be praying for you.
Your Friend,
Dave
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