They are growing up so fast...

Since our last update, we've had quite a few exciting experiences. We've been able to serve in a community center, work with kids at Kid Stop, and even learn how to surf! We spent a nice restful day at the beach which was much needed. As I am writing this, the team is playing cards with some of the staff here at OAM and our new friend Sarah who is from Virginia. She's a really fun girl and it's been great getting to know her. The team is much closer now after a rough week of team building activities which proved to be hard but in the end, turned out to be quite an amazing experience for us all.

Words cannot express the amazing amount of effort and love the team has put into the last two days of activities. Earlier this week we were told that we not only had to attend a youth service at Parkdene Baptist Church, but we were in charge of running it. That was a curve ball that we were not expecting. However, this seemed to be the perfect opportunity to let the kids try and fly out on their own. Dan and I decided that we were going to let them plan the activities for the service on their own - we weren't going to do anything. The itinerary was completely their idea and the activities were all things that the group came up with together. They decided that they wanted to do a skit to Lifehouse's "Everything" which they worked very hard to practice all week long. The skit itself had to do with temptation and how Christ died for our sins in order to save us through grace. This was the topic of the evening as well...how to find our strength from God and combat the temptation that the world is constantly throwing in our faces.

First and foremost, it should be said that we, as leaders, are so proud of the team. They worked very hard to plan out the youth service and I think I can speak for both Dan and myself when I say that they did a tremendous job. The skit was amazing and the service could not have gone better. The youth at Parkdene seemed to get a lot out of it and the team was able to experience a great amount of success as they worked together in order to make that night happen. After a tiring evening, the team was also able to plan out an itinierary for the following day. We were back at Outeniqua House on Saturday, which is a youth prison. The team was all exhausted and worn thin but they really dug deep to make that day a success as well. Planning out games and dancing makes the experience fun, but sharing the love of Christ with the boys in that house is what makes it all worth it. I'm definitely a proud mama!

Strength through Christ is getting them through the tiring days and I am consistently impressed by their perserverence and determination to show God's love through their actions even when they are tired, hungry, or sick. (Not that anyone is sick! All moms can be reassured! :) )  As leaders, it is very exciting to see God working in and through each member of our group. I have seen a tremendous amount of growth in the team and they are teaching me so much. I can't wait to see all the great things God is going to continue to do in them during our last week here at Makani.

I can't wait to tell you all the amazing stories of our team - they are all so beautiful. Moms and dads should be very proud - you've got an amazing group of kids. It's been a blessing to share this experience with them and I can't wait for you to see the transformation that Dan and I are seeing. A little over a week to go. Keep us in your prayers as we finish up our ministry. We really want to make this week count. We miss you and love you all!

Valerie