A Quick Update - By Nate Dreesmann

Hey Everyone!

This has been a challenging week with classes and service. The last three mornings we spent turning-over scripture passages and thinking about our ideas of what being a Church means, what are some big issues today in general, as well as personal struggles and corporate struggles in our group. It has been hard at times, yet it has been truly good for each of us to be able to talk-though things that have been on our hearts and minds over the last month or so.

In addition, we did some work with two after-school programs again this week. The one on Wednesday was really good, and I thoroughly enjoyed helping to dish out soup for the kids after playing games and just spending time with them. With this program, called Blanco, we usually spend the first hour or so doing some sort of activity with the kids, who range in age from 3 years old to around 13 years old. Then, we dish-out soup for them. The kids come with bowls, coffee cups, Tupperware bins, empty butter or margarine containers, and anything else they find for us to fill, and then they also get some bread to eat too.

I am always challenged through these experiences, especially as these could be on the only meals the kids get for the day. It makes me realize how blessed I've been in my life, and it gives me a desire deep within me to bless these kids too... but then again, that's why I'm here! I get the opportunity to be hands and feet of service, and Kristen and I are eager and stoked to get involved, give of ourselves, and help in whatever ways we can.

Thank you so much for your support, cause without you none of this would be possible!

On a different note, here's some photos so you can all get a glance into what we've been up to:

 Our hiking group. From L to R: Catherine, Emma, Jason, Me, Mitch, Marthinues (pronounced like Martinez), Rosie, and Shauna

Kris with our neighbor's horse... I had to convince her that we couldn't take it home.

 

 Me braving some reeds, bushes, and knee-to-waist deep river water. The water's orange from the plant roots in the area. Apparently their effect is similar to tea leaves...

Makani -- our home for the next 5 months!

The Kombi -- our transportation to work, service, and everything in between. It's kinda like a Volkswagen Vanagon... only everything's a little backwards...

Kristen, Shauna, Emma, and Rosie the day before Catherine arrived

 

Me trying to learn how to play Cricket with Jason, Johnny, Ruben, and Ben (Jono's son, seen here)

George at sunset

 

Kristen and her "new and improved" leg brace. We saw an Orthapedic Doctor here and he gave her the brace and crutches... 

Me and my surfing battle wounds... which are not as bad as they look, and not all that impressive (to be honest). I tried to body-surf some rocks before getting into the water with my board. Unlucky for me, they weren't as streamline as I had hoped...

A Litchi -- my new favorite South African fruit

The Rain Spider we found in the Ladies' Bedroom last night. It was about 7-8 inches in diameter with it's legs out. Mitch decided it was best to put it outside.

Another pic of the Rain Spider, safely captured and next to my hand for size reference. They are not really poisonous to humans, but actually eat a lot of other bugs that we don't really like around. But, we still thought it would be best to put it outside.

Well, that's it for now. I'll update with more pics soon, thanks again for your support!

Cheers,

-nate