Take a few minutes to read the posted interview at the Raising Five Blog. It is amazing, beautiful, and complicated. The girl interviewed went on our trip to South Africa.
Raising Five
Take a while, it is well worth the read.
Wally
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
I Cannot Bring About Change
I wanted to post the letter that I wrote a year ago when contemplating our trip to South Africa. Jeff (world in view) asked me to put my thoughts into words as we talked about the purpose of the trip. I could not be more pleased as I read this document this morning.
Dated July 2008
I cannot bring about change.
I want myself and my children to learn about the power of God through service. A place like South Africa shows me that there will be no relief beyond the individuals I come in contact with and that “relief” will be defined by them knowing that I love them. Beyond that, the problem is so big that there is no way for me to “bring about change.” God is not asking me to change Africa or anything else for that matter; He is asking me to serve without leveraging anything.
To best lay out the goals of a trip to South Africa, we must understand the nature of the Lord. As I see it James 1:27 tells us specifically about “true religion” and Matt 25 spells it out very clear. We are to serve the Lord by serving the least of these. Jesus does not ask us to change, fix, save, or cure them – just serve. What will I get out of this? Nothing, other than the realization that God is more powerful than I believe Him to be and that I need Him to be more powerful than I have believed him to be.
American Christians have capitalistic idea of service. It could be called “transactional service.” I do something nice for someone who needs me and they repay me by changing into the person that I want them to be. We love our “service success stories.” We bristle at people that take our time and energy and never change. Service in Africa can bring a change to that mindset.
The needs are so great across the continent of Africa that we lose the opportunity to make those changes and there is really no way to have those “success stories.” All one is able to “accomplish” while serving is engage the emotion and reality of the suffering of others – to feel what Jesus feels.
Hands at Work provides an opportunity to work alongside volunteers that are true servants. They are from all parts of the world and they are there for “non-transactional service.” There is little that they will benefit from other than service the “least” and praying for a change. No transaction!
Dated July 2008
I cannot bring about change.
I want myself and my children to learn about the power of God through service. A place like South Africa shows me that there will be no relief beyond the individuals I come in contact with and that “relief” will be defined by them knowing that I love them. Beyond that, the problem is so big that there is no way for me to “bring about change.” God is not asking me to change Africa or anything else for that matter; He is asking me to serve without leveraging anything.
To best lay out the goals of a trip to South Africa, we must understand the nature of the Lord. As I see it James 1:27 tells us specifically about “true religion” and Matt 25 spells it out very clear. We are to serve the Lord by serving the least of these. Jesus does not ask us to change, fix, save, or cure them – just serve. What will I get out of this? Nothing, other than the realization that God is more powerful than I believe Him to be and that I need Him to be more powerful than I have believed him to be.
American Christians have capitalistic idea of service. It could be called “transactional service.” I do something nice for someone who needs me and they repay me by changing into the person that I want them to be. We love our “service success stories.” We bristle at people that take our time and energy and never change. Service in Africa can bring a change to that mindset.
The needs are so great across the continent of Africa that we lose the opportunity to make those changes and there is really no way to have those “success stories.” All one is able to “accomplish” while serving is engage the emotion and reality of the suffering of others – to feel what Jesus feels.
Hands at Work provides an opportunity to work alongside volunteers that are true servants. They are from all parts of the world and they are there for “non-transactional service.” There is little that they will benefit from other than service the “least” and praying for a change. No transaction!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
A Sunday Walk
We drove to a community two hours away for church on Sunday. After the drive we took a walk - this pic is from the walk. Note the lack of structure in the background.
Wally
Winding Down
After going full speed for nearly a week and a half, we are starting to wind down. We dewormed about 138 kids today and a team from the UK did about double that number. God has really blessed the efforts and so many kids are blessed by taking one simple pill.
We learned last night that worms lead to so many other problems that we didn't understand. A child with worms will only get about 30% of the nutrition out of his food because the worms will take the rest. This has a spiral effect that leads to numerous problems.
The single dose pill can rid the body of worms and they are provided every six months. We were one of the first visiting teams to take on this project and it has gone well. We have it down to a system and we are free to concentrate on playing and talking to the kids after we accomplish our pills and food. Teams from Hands have done it but I don't think short term teams have been involved until now.
We had a nice visit tonight to a cultural center and watched a play. We relaxed with 6 guests from Hands that we have been working with. It is nice to relax with people from other places and hear their hopes and dreams.
These are not people with small dreams. They have seen God move in huge ways and expect nothing less. Most are from other African countries but are here to minister. They are starting to move out of the rest of the continents as they are called to minister to all of Africa.
I have some deeper thoughts regarding SA and it's people but those will have to wait until another day. God is moving here. We don't want to miss what is happening.
Be blessed and please continue to pray for our team. People are really tired but they are hanging strong.
Your prayers are felt.
Wally
We learned last night that worms lead to so many other problems that we didn't understand. A child with worms will only get about 30% of the nutrition out of his food because the worms will take the rest. This has a spiral effect that leads to numerous problems.
The single dose pill can rid the body of worms and they are provided every six months. We were one of the first visiting teams to take on this project and it has gone well. We have it down to a system and we are free to concentrate on playing and talking to the kids after we accomplish our pills and food. Teams from Hands have done it but I don't think short term teams have been involved until now.
We had a nice visit tonight to a cultural center and watched a play. We relaxed with 6 guests from Hands that we have been working with. It is nice to relax with people from other places and hear their hopes and dreams.
These are not people with small dreams. They have seen God move in huge ways and expect nothing less. Most are from other African countries but are here to minister. They are starting to move out of the rest of the continents as they are called to minister to all of Africa.
I have some deeper thoughts regarding SA and it's people but those will have to wait until another day. God is moving here. We don't want to miss what is happening.
Be blessed and please continue to pray for our team. People are really tired but they are hanging strong.
Your prayers are felt.
Wally
Friday, July 10, 2009
Friday In the Community
Today brought the girls on the team to Masoyi Home Based Care. The boys went another direction and had a great visit for the Friday morning worship time.
The girls went out to visit young mums (yes, I am spelling it right) in their homes. This type of visit shows the real hard part of growing up here. They visit girls that are 15-16 and have children. The social support system does not provide for his activity like it does at home. The girls will continue to live at home and take care of their baby. It is very common that this girl will also be the head of household for her younger brothers and sisters.
The young mums program helps them learn to be moms. Many of these girls don't really know what that means. YM's teaches them how to wash diapers, feed and clothe the baby. Seems simple but if your mom died when you were very young, you need someone to show you.
The boys spent the afternoon loading and moving bricks at the new area of Hands village. Right now Caleb is asleep in the back of the bus and he has been there a very long time.
Tomorrow will hopefully be a little sight-seeing. Should be really fun.
The girls went out to visit young mums (yes, I am spelling it right) in their homes. This type of visit shows the real hard part of growing up here. They visit girls that are 15-16 and have children. The social support system does not provide for his activity like it does at home. The girls will continue to live at home and take care of their baby. It is very common that this girl will also be the head of household for her younger brothers and sisters.
The young mums program helps them learn to be moms. Many of these girls don't really know what that means. YM's teaches them how to wash diapers, feed and clothe the baby. Seems simple but if your mom died when you were very young, you need someone to show you.
The boys spent the afternoon loading and moving bricks at the new area of Hands village. Right now Caleb is asleep in the back of the bus and he has been there a very long time.
Tomorrow will hopefully be a little sight-seeing. Should be really fun.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Week One
We have been gone for a week now and the team is just getting in the groove. We have spent so many hours working with orphans that it is hard to comprehend the level of destruction that AIDS has on this country.
The other side of that coin is the joy that the volunteers have in serving the orphans. The volunteers take care of hundreds of kids in their community and often have several orphans living in their homes. They are amazing women that do this for pennies.
Deworming works pretty smoothly. We arrive at the site and we get out and look around for people to talk to. Caleb is the first to interact as he takes a soccer ball and asks the kids if they want to play. Most places the kids speak very little English but they all understanding playing. Caleb is a great asset to have with the team because he really breaks the ice.
Next we set up our juice, food, chips, and pill station. We take down the names then give them a pill, make them chew it up, show they have swallowed, then they get the other part. The meal is the incentive to come take the pill. Worms are a very real problem as we have seen them every day.
We follow the meals with games, singing, and talking with the older kids. Staci and then meet with the 14-18 year olds and talk with them about life issues. After we spend a few hours, we leave and head back to the Hands lodge. (I posted our schedule yesterday for your review)
Today we ended early and walked around the Africa School of Missions. It is beautiful there and there is a sense of peace around the place. We came back and enjoyed the scenery. (We pass zebras and wildabeasts on the way to the lodge).
I can't wait to post some photos for you. It is absolutely beautiful.
Tonight was the first time that we have spent just sitting around talking. The dynamics of this team are interesting.
Please pray that God works through what we are doing to bring physical and spiritual healing. This country will not be healed easily. It will take years to heal the land and it will take a lot of poeple like those that work at hands.
I'll post again soon.
Wally
The other side of that coin is the joy that the volunteers have in serving the orphans. The volunteers take care of hundreds of kids in their community and often have several orphans living in their homes. They are amazing women that do this for pennies.
Deworming works pretty smoothly. We arrive at the site and we get out and look around for people to talk to. Caleb is the first to interact as he takes a soccer ball and asks the kids if they want to play. Most places the kids speak very little English but they all understanding playing. Caleb is a great asset to have with the team because he really breaks the ice.
Next we set up our juice, food, chips, and pill station. We take down the names then give them a pill, make them chew it up, show they have swallowed, then they get the other part. The meal is the incentive to come take the pill. Worms are a very real problem as we have seen them every day.
We follow the meals with games, singing, and talking with the older kids. Staci and then meet with the 14-18 year olds and talk with them about life issues. After we spend a few hours, we leave and head back to the Hands lodge. (I posted our schedule yesterday for your review)
Today we ended early and walked around the Africa School of Missions. It is beautiful there and there is a sense of peace around the place. We came back and enjoyed the scenery. (We pass zebras and wildabeasts on the way to the lodge).
I can't wait to post some photos for you. It is absolutely beautiful.
Tonight was the first time that we have spent just sitting around talking. The dynamics of this team are interesting.
Please pray that God works through what we are doing to bring physical and spiritual healing. This country will not be healed easily. It will take years to heal the land and it will take a lot of poeple like those that work at hands.
I'll post again soon.
Wally
A Day in the Life
Here's a quick recap of what our days have been like since arriving in South Africa.
Typical schedule:
615AM - make breakfast for youth camp staying at lodge area.
8AM - arrive at Hands Village load up food, drinks, and medicine.
815AM - leave for community of the day.
930A - arrive, set up, handout pills and food. Play and talk with kids.
430P - arrive back at Hands Village and unload. Drive back to lodge area.
6P - dinner
7P - Prepare sandwiches for following day with Aussie team.
8P - return to lodge
830 - have end of day meeting
End of day - most people go to bed pretty quick after showers.
It is a full day and we are being blessed with more than enough energy.
Love to all,
Wally
Typical schedule:
615AM - make breakfast for youth camp staying at lodge area.
8AM - arrive at Hands Village load up food, drinks, and medicine.
815AM - leave for community of the day.
930A - arrive, set up, handout pills and food. Play and talk with kids.
430P - arrive back at Hands Village and unload. Drive back to lodge area.
6P - dinner
7P - Prepare sandwiches for following day with Aussie team.
8P - return to lodge
830 - have end of day meeting
End of day - most people go to bed pretty quick after showers.
It is a full day and we are being blessed with more than enough energy.
Love to all,
Wally
Friday, July 3, 2009
The Plane Has Landed!
Although this same update will appear in the "Twitter Widget" in the right sidebar of this site, I can't resist letting the world know that ... the bird has landed.
That's right...Wally and team have landed in South Africa!
Keep praying. More updates to come!
That's right...Wally and team have landed in South Africa!
Keep praying. More updates to come!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Itinerary for the trip
Thank you for all of you that have shown an interest in our trip by helping us by donating your time, money, prayers, and care for our home and dog. We are humbled by your kindness and generosity.
For those that were curious as to how to pray for the trip or just want to follow along, our itinerary is below. We appreciate all of you. See below for information on how to follow us via twitter. (or you can just look to the right for twitter updates)
Thur, July 2 Leave DFW for Atlanta and then on to Joburg
Fri, July 3 Arrive at Hands at Work
Sat, July 4 Orientation on the program and some site seeing
Sun, July 5 Community church service
Mon, July 6 Joy- De-worming in and youth camps
Tues, July 7 Belfast- De-worming, youth camps, and home based care
Wed, July 8 Hitekani/ Pfunani- De-worming
Thurs, July 9 Grassroots- De-worming, youth camps, and home based care
Fri, July 10 Simunye- De-worming, and afternoon prep for youth ministry
Sun, July 12 Welvidien- community church service
Mon, July 13 Mandlesive- De-worming, home based care, and garden assistance
Tues, July 14 Thuthukani- De-worming, youth camps
Wed, July 15 Siphamandla- De-worming, youth camps
Thurs, July 16 Day of fun
Friday July 17 Leave for home
Sat, July 18th Arrive home safely
Wally
For those that were curious as to how to pray for the trip or just want to follow along, our itinerary is below. We appreciate all of you. See below for information on how to follow us via twitter. (or you can just look to the right for twitter updates)
Thur, July 2 Leave DFW for Atlanta and then on to Joburg
Fri, July 3 Arrive at Hands at Work
Sat, July 4 Orientation on the program and some site seeing
Sun, July 5 Community church service
Mon, July 6 Joy- De-worming in and youth camps
Tues, July 7 Belfast- De-worming, youth camps, and home based care
Wed, July 8 Hitekani/ Pfunani- De-worming
Thurs, July 9 Grassroots- De-worming, youth camps, and home based care
Fri, July 10 Simunye- De-worming, and afternoon prep for youth ministry
Sun, July 12 Welvidien- community church service
Mon, July 13 Mandlesive- De-worming, home based care, and garden assistance
Tues, July 14 Thuthukani- De-worming, youth camps
Wed, July 15 Siphamandla- De-worming, youth camps
Thurs, July 16 Day of fun
Friday July 17 Leave for home
Sat, July 18th Arrive home safely
Wally
One Day Left
After working until I can't think straight, we have reached the point of giving up on the things that just can't be finished. God is good as some items fell into place to make departure easier.
We are one day to departure and the packing will begin today. (after some more items are wrapped up...)
Wally
We are one day to departure and the packing will begin today. (after some more items are wrapped up...)
Wally
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