Loving It - by Nate Dreesmann

Hello again from George!

It's been a fantastic but challenging past several weeks as we have been continuing to expand our horizons, grow, and learn. We have continued to work in several areas including the Badorchard, Blanco, and Protea Park townships, Kid's Stop, and even a bit in the Thembalethu township. This last week we also began our first week of work in the Parkdene township as well. I think we are steadily getting used to a lot of the unsaid culture differences, as well as growing more bold as to take chances and put ourselves out there more and more. 

I'm realizing that it is less of me trying to say or do the right things, and more of just stepping out and being willing to be open and honest with those I am around – whether that be with people in our group, those we work with and alongside, and even with the kids. Being willing to share my time, play, or just talk are all so much more important that finishing a project or doing things my way or within my time schedule.

To be honest, I feel as if a lot of living in community and working in a foreign country is learning to see things and do things from a different perspective. The more I give-up my preconceived notions on how things “must” be done, often the smoother a project goes. This not to say that there's something wrong about doing things a certain way to be effective or getting things done in a timely manner, rather, I think I'm reevaluating my priorities and realizing (as I have before) the need to keep growing and being willing to grow throughout my life.

It has been incredible to work with the kids, and here's some pics of what we've been doing:

Playing "Sharks and Minnows" with the kids at Kid's Stop

One of the kids at Kid's Stop

Adorable son of Trudy, one of the workers at Kid's Stop

Two girls Kristen got to play games with in Blanco. (Also notice the wall and divide between the nicer housing beyond and the township)

Another one of the little girls with a view of the Blanco township behind her

Kristen and another one of the young women

Some of the kids in the meal line at Blanco

A better view of the meal line at Blanco

Serving the kids their meal for the day (this guy was awesome, totally polite, and always says "thank you")

 

A view from behind the Parkdene Baptist Church out over the township

Thanks again for all your love and support!