B & B on our last full day

We started our last full day following up as we drove around picking up boys for shopping.  First stop the Mzobe family home construction project.  Johannes and his helper do fantastic work.  Look at the progress...  At the Mzobe house we gave the 4 year old Picasso a sketch book and pencils.  He's incredible.

Shopping!  8 boys in Pinetown Mall the day after everyone receives their state grant = chaos.  But it got done and these orphans have some awesome new clothes.  We waited and played games in the mall and saw this fantastic view as we dropped some of the boys off.

Bible study and Braai- What a blessing to end our last evening here with a Braai (cookout) and Bible study for a very large group from the village.  It was filled with God's word, full plates, playing on the playground and love.  Jessica did a great study on these basic steps in our lives...

Isaiah 62:6-7- Wear God out with your prayers.  

Acts 5:20  - After God answers your prayers according to His will you should go and tell others to bring glory to Him.  

Romans 6:14 - Now that you have a new life, live like it and look different to others by doing all you can to stop sinning. 

Luke 17:11-19 - Now that God has answered your prayers and given you a new life give thanks and praise to Him.

Singing before Bible study:

http://youtu.be/9Ob0rZYQnF8

Selene Duma reading one of the verses in Zulu:

http://youtu.be/OZz4U2t0Oyo

I ended the evening as kombi (taxi) driver to a bunch of folks.  When we drove Mxolsi (awesome local artist and friend) home after he helped us with the boys shopping in the morning, I had Thanthla and Joe help with the driving.  They shifter for me on a 1 hour journey through Africa.  Very good students and like any young man excited about things with wheels...  A joy to spend time with these boys.

Blessed to be in Ntshongweni!

Jesus last words on earth...

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight." (Acts 1:8, 9 ESV)

We are blessed to be witnesses near the ends of the earth.  Here are a couple of ways from today.

Gogo Emma-  Gogo = grandmother in Zulu.  With so many parents out of these kids lives, Gogo's are literally the backbone of the community.  Gogo Emma is a perfect example, she has her two grandchildren living with her and is 74 years young.  Eric to her left below, is a wonderful example of a young man that honors his Grandmother.  Look at how he helps her out of the van and will sit with her at the doctor's office in Pinetown.  We saw earlier in the week how Gogo Emma had swollen spots on either side of her neck.  When we asked her about it, she said she wasn't going to see the doctor because they didn't hurt.  After some discussion she agreed to go today.  What a blessing.  

Pastor Thwala- Pastor Thwala is truly a shepherd of the community.  The young lady pictured below came to the church as we were preparing to take Gogo Emma.  She had a lengthy discussion with Pastor in Zulu, then pastor explained her situation to us as we drove.  Apparently she saw us working on the Mzobe house down the hill and asked if we would help her.  Her father passed away and her mother has since remarried, her stepfather has abused her in the worst possible way and kicked her out of their house.  She was graduated and working, paying a friend to build a house for her.  As you can see below, the house is half finished and the work is not very good.  She asked if we could help her with materials to finish it because now she is living with different friends to have shelter.  Not sure how this will end, but there are many examples of need everywhere, but especially here.

Gogo Theodore- Gogo has three orphans she cares for and provides a loving home.  We had the opportunity to paint her front room and spend time with her two youngest.  Check out this video link of Jessica and Rhonda playing with these wonderful kids:

http://youtu.be/I7HH-leoq34

Also, check out their view into the valley.  This is a beautiful place.

Mrs Mozambuko- She's an outstanding servant as principal of Charles Primary School and she's recovering from gall bladder surgery.  We visited to convey to her how grateful we are for her work.  So many of the orphans that we work with mention her or were brought to us by her.  She knows every child in her school.  I share the story of the Mzobe girls who told us how much she cares and how she cried when she gave them their reading award.  An amazing lady in a challenging place.  With her family school photos proudly displayed, we had a laugh about how her youngest daughter's school photo didn't match her current look.  Had to be there, but it was funny.

Such a blessing to spend time here, it's quickly coming to an end.  We ask for prayers for orphans in Ntshongweni and to the ends of the earth.  Siyabonga!