FIRST DAY OF SPRING

Get out your hats, sunscreen, and flip flops, folks-- winter is officially OVER!!! (okay, okay, I know...for most of you it is yet to come, but for all of us here in the Southern Hemisphere, it is over)! September 1st marks the first day of spring according to South Africans. It is known as "Spring Day" and is celebrated by many who walk around town with floral printed clothing, shorts, sandals, and flowers or ribbons in their hair. I could not be more excited for the onset of spring, especially because this winter has been particularly cold and wet. I am also excited because, in a way, I have felt quite "wintery" this past month-- emotionally I mean. It has been a hard month for various reasons (explained below). However, things are warming up and I am feeling better. Spring is here, indeed!
As I mentioned in my last email we have been dealing with a very difficult, sticky, situation involving the caregiver of one of the orphan homes that Bridges of Hope supports, who we discovered was abusing the children living in the home (physically and emotionally). This was a huge blow to us because we thought that we knew this caregiver well and we really trusted her. (Side note-- I just realized that it has been a month since my last blog update in which I explained this situation to you. I am sorry for being so "absent" and taking too long to get back to you with an update. Thank you for praying none-the-less!) We ran into many dead ends as we tried to find a safe place for the children where they would be cared for and loved-- no one could (or was willing to) take them in. We found ourselves in a tough spot with two bad options-- 1) leave the kids in the abusive home, or 2) send them to live in overcrowded government institutions (that statistically tend to produce gangsters and prostitutes). We were way in over our heads and out of options. So, we handed the whole case over to Child Welfare Services who are qualified to deal with situations such as these and who promised us they would interview the kids, discover the extent of the abuse, and try to work with them to find a good "third option" so the kids could stay in the community, yet be safe. This is where the situation stands, out of our hands, but being dealt with in a way that will hopefully benefit all involved and bring about justice and healing.
This situation has weighed heavily on my heart. We weren't dealing with children who were unknown to us, but we were dealing with 7 children close to my heart who we have come to know and love. I was so hurt to hear about the extent of this abuse and even more hurt to see some of the ways that the kids have been acting out in negative ways due to the abuse. Please pray for healing and safety for these children and pray that they would be brave enough to be completely open and honest with the social worker that will be meeting them at school to talk about this situation. Also, please pray for the oldest boy in the family who, it was discovered, has been sexually abusing his younger sister (3 years old). Pray that "safe" houses would be quickly discovered in the community and that all the children can receive the love, nurturing, and counseling they so badly need.
This has been such a hard thing to deal with this month, but also hard has been the fact that all the US staff left to go back to the States (except for my directors Dennis and Susan). The office suddenly became a very quiet and lonely place. There were also lots of details to take care of that had usually been dispersed between all of us, but that became the responsibility of those of us who remained. I think it was good that I had a lot to keep me busy, but I still felt lonely. With this devastating uncovering of abuse, the mass exodus of staff, and the cold, rainy weather I found myself pretty down. My usual enthusiasm seemed to disappear and in its stead was a general "blah" feeling. I wish I didn't get down. It would be nice if I could be happy, enthusiastic, and joyous all the time. But I am not. I am optimistic, though, that things will get better--in fact they already have.

Staff member Grace Chisholm returned back to South Africa just last night from a month long holiday in the States. I am so happy to have her back. The office is brightened by her fresh enthusiasm and I love the extra activity. Tennis has started up again and I am enjoying the opportunity to get out on the courts after work each day and play with the team again. The weather is getting warmer and the days longer. Spring is coming and flowers are in bloom. My heart isn't as heavy, and I don't feel as down and "wintery" anymore. Thank you for your prayers and support. Thank you for allowing me to be "me"--the good, the bad, and the ugly! I appreciate all of the love and prayer you offer.
Some people have asked me about ways that they can become more involved with Bridges of Hope. I have thought about some ways to get those involved who want the opportunity-- but at the risk of boring everyone with a really LONG entry I will make that the topic of my next update (and I promise you won't have to wait a month this time for the next one!) Thanks again for your love and support!
Gratefully Yours,
Jen (with a flower in my hair and flip flops on my feet!)

UPS and DOWNS

These past few weeks have been weeks full of significant ups and downs in my life and in Bridges of Hope ministry as well. I would like to share with you some of the current happenings on this side of the world...

Up, Up, Up! We have had many short term teams visiting from the U.S. this past month and a half, helping and serving in various ways. The Ocean Hills team came and led an Orphan camp for about 60 orphans in the beginning of July (see previous blog posting for more details). Next came two different teams from Rolling Hills Covenant church. These teams started construction on three shacks in Philippi as well as taught workshops on parenting, managing personal finances, and marriage. One of the Rolling Hills teams also led an after school camp for children where they made crafts, played games, learned about Jesus and gained helpful life skills.

On July 21st my good friend, Michelle, arrived for a two week visit. We had a great time together working on the construction projects that were started earlier in the month (pictured above), going to a game park where we saw wildlife and went on a horseback safari, and eating out at my favorite local restaurants. We hiked Table Mountain, enjoyed a church service in Philippi, and spent time taking walks, drinking latte's, and catching up. My spirit was lifted seeing such a good friend and sharing with her all that God has been doing in the community of Philippi and in my life. Her enthusiasm, insight, encouragement, and comforting presence was a timely blessing in my life.

DOWN! I think that I have cried more this week than I have this whole year. It has been a week of good-bye's. Michelle left on Tuesday along with Grace Chisholm (a fellow staff member who is going back to the States for a month). On Friday staff member Erik Anderson returned home after a year long service with Bridges of Hope. He left straight from a tearful orphan support group after the kids had all lined up and said their good-byes one by one. On Monday I will be making yet another airport run to say goodbye to Matthew and Melinda Talley who are also staff members who I spent the past year with. They are moving to Southern California so Melinda can start a M.F.T program at Fuller Seminary. It is so sad to be saying goodbye to all of the people who I have worked so closely with for the past year. They have really been like family for me here in South Africa and provided a huge sense of comfort, love, and support. I am mourning that things will never be the same and I am already feeling twinges of loneliness creeping in as I imagine walking in to work with them gone (I will be the only U.S. staff member for a month until Grace returns). I will really miss working with Erik and with the Talley's. Please pray for safe travels and smooth transitions back into life in the States for Erik, Matthew, and Melinda. Also, please pray that Bridges of Hope will be able to find just the right staff to come and work with us in Philippi and at the farm.

Even more painful has been a situation in Philippi in one of the orphan homes that Bridges of Hope supports. I am going to copy a section of an email that the Bridges of Hope director, Dennis Wadley, send out last week that describes what has been going on...

"From Bad to Worse...PLEASE PRAY!!
Last week I told you that we were facing a crisis in one of our Bridges supported orphan homes and unfortunately, the situation got much worse as the week progressed. We really need your prayers! At the orphan retreat last month, a lot of trust was developed between our leaders and the children attending. Some of the children gained the courage to share about abuse they are facing in their homes. We discovered physical abuse, emotional abuse and even sexual abuse. The toughest situation has occurred in one of our supported homes that we have a caregiver in. It was uncovered that the caregiver has been beating the children, swearing at them and manipulating them through threats and emotional abuse. As our staff and church leadership began working through this situation, we found out that one of the children in the home has sexually abused a younger sibling and another child who was staying there temporarily. We love these children and want to protect them from abuse of any kind, so we need your prayers.
Please pray for the church leadership and Bridges leaders as we try to do what is best for the children. A social worker met with the church leaders today and told them that there are no other foster homes available and that if the situation cannot be remedied in this home, the children would be divided up by gender and age and distributed around the Cape Town area into institutional orphanages. We and our staff have visited most of these institutions and they are heinous places. Statistically, 80% of the boys who live in these institutions are in jail within 1 year after turning 18 and being released from their care. A similar percentage of the girls in the institutions are pregnant either before they leave the orphanage or within one year of leaving. Please pray."

Thank you for all of your prayers and support, especially during hard times like these.

Love,

Jen

2006 Winter Orphan Camp

60 campers + 14 Ocean Hills Covenant Church short term team members + 5 Bridges of Hope staff members + 2 full time cooks = a crazy, fun-filled, life changing 4 and a half days!!!

Let me give you a snapshot of this years camp...
A time for crafts and games! Above is one of the younger orphans who attended camp this year, Thandile. She, along with many of the other kids, really enjoyed the free time where they could work on beading projects (notice Thandile's necklace!), paint, rest, or play outdoor games in the field. Above is a photo of the back of this year's camp sweatshirt. The Ocean Hills team came to South Africa with bags packed full of games, books, crafts, lessons, candy, "agape letters", and these cool sweatshirts for each child to have. This camp was a time where the love of God was really lavished love upon these underprivileged kids. I noticed how much this meant to them (many of whom have never received such care, attention, and affection).
A time to deepen relationships! This is a picture of Nontombi and I before dinner one night. I really connected with Nontombi at camp and cherished the opportunity to be with her not just for an hour or two on Friday's at support group but day and night for almost 5 days straight. Camp was an opportunity for me (and the others) to deepen already-existing relationships with the kids and spend much desired quality time with them in an environment where they felt safe, loved, and protected. A time for the kids to bond! Our vision for the orphan support group has always been that it would be a place where the kids would really connect and form a "family" of brothers and sisters that could support each other, encourage each other, and understand more of the hardships that they are going through (we are so limited in our ability to truly relate with the kids and understand the pain and suffering that the deal with). Camp was a time for the kids to grow closer together and share deeply about topics and issues on their hearts and minds. In this photo the boys are really getting into a fuse ball game (most of them had never seen such a table before)
Pillow talk! It was fun for us to be with the kids at night and tuck them in and sing bedtime songs (though our voices aren't nearly as nice as theirs are!) :-) One night in particular I got the chance to be in one of the older girls rooms (pictured above) before bed and start asking questions about their lives and hearing more of their stories. It was a real bonding time for us to share and learn more about each other.
A time to celebrate!!! At the end of camp there was a big party for all of the campers. At the party we enjoyed a talent show (all of the talent coming from the kids!) and had lunch, cake, and passed out presents (a new hat and scarf) to each person. We also had a dance party at the end in which the kids showed off their great moves (all dressed in matching hats and scarves)! It was a great way to conclude a fun, truly life-changing four and a half days! Praise God for the ways that he worked in the kids lives (and in the leaders lives as well) and showed His DEEP, UNCHANGING, LOVE. Pray that the kids will not leave camp and forget about all that they learned and experienced but that they would hold these memories close to their heart. Below I have included some of the specific prayer requests that the children wrote down during camp. I left the spelling and grammar exactly as it was written on the sheet of paper. Please join us in praying for these precious kids and for some of their specific needs in the weeks and months ahead. Thank YOU!

Orphan Prayer Requests

Dear Lord, Would you please make me trust you. I need to feel your love. I want the sadness and anger in my heart to be gone, Lord. I give my heart and life to you. Lord, fill my heart and life with love and joy. With Love, Nono

For Sonwabile and that he may have a miracle recovery. (Sonwabile is HIV+)

Dear God, please forgive me on all my sins. I ask you, Lord, to please lend me your hand so that I can get strength to become a better person. Amen. Zakithi (Nolusinsido)

Lord, please help me grow old and protect me from all the bad things.

God, I offer myself and I my life to you, and I ask that you may use it as a tool in your service in anyway you want. Sinathemba

Keep us in your warm hands, Holy Spirit.

God help me. I have no parents and I'm only have grandmother at home no one working it's a stand only we got money only for food that way.

Dear Lord, It's me, your child again. I just say thank you for the nice food and please can you make me a nice child and I promise you I am going to change and I am going to my shape because I love you and I need you love too and I don't want to lose you just because you know my status (Thembakazi is HIV+) so I need your help. I just want to say thank you for everything can do for me. From: Thembakazi

Dear Lord, it is me again, your child. But what I know you know my status so I want to tell you I have a lot of sins but you are the only one who can help me in my sins. I want you to treat me in my pain because I have pain and I don't know a Doc for can help my pain, so I came to you. You are the only one in my heart. From: Thembakazi

I want God to help something for me because are not have parents.

Dear Lord, Yesterday we talked about ideals and now my ideals are to find myself, to trust you in everyway. I want to be able to cry because my heart has too much grief and anger and to believe in my self I want to change people's life. I want to change the students of my schools negative life living. I believe with your help anything is possible. Love, Nono.

Lord, can please look after me, I lost my parents and I need love that I got from them.

I want some things you can help me every time I pray to you because I want you to help me each and every time I pray. Thank you, God, you promise me you can help me.

I need to be look after till I finish school. Lunga

Jesus, I want you to help me about my cousin. She shout at me everytime and she threaten me everytime at home so I want you to help me about that. Ernest

Thank you, Lord, for keeping and protecting us in your hands.

Graduation Day!!!

This Wednesday we celebrated the graduation of 31 CHE's (community health evangelists) and sent them into the community to continue the ministry and service that they started 4 months ago when CHE training began. I wish that all of you could have been there to witness the excitement on each face as they were called forward to receive their new Bible, official "CHE" badge (pictured above) and certificate. In order to share the experience, I have included some photos and short stories highlighting just a couple of particularly touching events...
Above is a photo of Sindiswa. Last year this time she was on her death bed-- literally. Sindiswa has AIDS and last year became extremely ill and was bedridden. A CHE in Philippi started visiting her and caring for some of her immediate physical and emotional needs. Soon, Sindiswa's health took an upward turn and before too long she was back on her feet. She attributes this miraculous healing to the power of God. Sindiswa felt inspired to pour back into the community by receiving CHE training and becoming a CHE herself. So, Wednesday's graduation was particularly meaningful to her as she went from helplessly dying to, now, helping others live.
Buyiswa, also HIV+, came forward in the middle of the graduation ceremony and recited a powerful poem called HIV, Don't be Proud. She had us all hold hands as she spoke beautiful verses of human strength and unity. She also spoke of the power of God and how His people can be stronger together than any virus or disease. At the end of each stanza she repeated the phrase, "HIV, don't be proud, HIV, don't be proud." It was an image of battle and the final theme conveyed is that human spirit will be victorious, even in the face of a deadly disease.
This is a photo of myself with a fellow staff member, Melinda (far right), along with four recent CHE graduates at the conclusion of the ceremony. I believe that the CHE's really left the graduation ceremony with a new sense of purpose and increased determination to continue making home visits and sharing what they have learned with those in need. The CHE's have really come to believe that they are capable of being the change that they want to see happen in the community. They now know that they really can make a difference--
It was fun to watch some of the plays and skits that were prepared for the ceremony. This little guy made his way to the front a couple of times during the ceremony. Dressed in traditional Xhosa clothes he added to the celebratory feel of the graduation and made it especially meaningful. We sang many Xhosa songs throughout the course of the event and a few times a woman would loudly sing a verse or chorus of a song while walking up to accept her certificate and awards.

Overall, the 2006 CHE graduation ceremony was a joyous occasion that was deeply impacting and served as a celebratory commissioning for those involved to go out and serve the community!

Praise Him!!!

Update!

It has been way too long since my last update! I am sorry, and really appreciate your faithful thoughts and prayers despite my not-so-faithful updating. Above is a photo of last weeks CHE meeting as we broke up into small groups to discuss passages of scripture giving reasons why we should make God the first priority in our lives. I want to begin by giving praise to God for this year's group of CHE's and thanking you for all of your prayers. Things have been going so well and I see God working in and through the CHE volunteers. We will be having a graduation celebration in a couple of weeks (complete with certificates, official CHE badges, and new Bibles) to celebrate the CHE's and motivate them to continue making home visits and sharing the information they have learned. Last week was great as we discussed nutrition and the priority of our relationship with God. We learned that most of the CHE's diets consist of a loaf of white bread and butter each day. Sometimes a bowl of porridge is enjoyed in the morning or soup in the evening, but white bread with butter is the core of most meals. This is the case throughout Philippi as well. Unfortunately, most people rarely (if ever) get fruit, veggies or protein in their diets. We discussed affordable and easy ways to incorporate some of these foods on a daily basis.

I was personally convicted as we later discussed how our relationship with God should be our number one priority. The question was posed, "If we say that our relationship with God really is the most important thing in our lives, why don't our lives show it?" It was neat to be able to talk about how to show the degree to which we value our relationship with God through how we spend our time, money, and resources. Many people's lives were impacted through CHE last week (including mine). Please pray for us as we discuss two very important topics this week 1. Abstinence and 2. How to deal with anger in a healthy way. Abstinence is not very accepted in Philippi and youth are pressured by friends and family TO have pre-marital sex instead of to abstain from it. This is especially dangerous with the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS as having sex can be a literal death sentence). Please pray that fruitful discussion would be had and that the CHE's would be bold and courageous to share these difficult lessons with friends and family.
Lastly, I would like to update you on what is going on in Philippi in regards to the violence and strikes that were previously mentioned. Though the violent protests have subsided, the security guard strikes continue. We heard this morning that many security guards are in financial crisis and don't have enough money to feed their families because they have been out of work for so long. They can't go back to work because breaking the strike could mean death for them at the hands of fellow security guard strikers. So, the situation is quite bad for them now. Please pray that the conflict would be resolved quickly and peacefully and that the workers would not be exploited but rather get the wages that they deserve. Thank you for all of your prayers!

Love,
Jen