View from my desk

This is what I see as I sit at my desk at home. We are renting the guest house on the vineyard that is next door to Bridges farm. Very convenient, although we don't have internet there yet. So, I apologize for not updating our blog more frequently. There is so much to tell about, I hardly know what to share.

We are doing a lot of just regular physical work on the farm. Things like preparing buildings for use at retreats and for the school next year, figuring out where things should be kept, putting them there, building shelves, cleaning up, etc. etc. Also discussing how we'll use these facilities for the school. There will be a building, eventually, but until then, we're going to use what we have. How will that work? Where will the children sleep? House parents? Teachers? A principal? Curriculum? Uniforms? And on and on. I've (obviously) never started a school. There is a lot that goes into it. Dennis and Susan have made some great contacts here in SA who are very interested in helping.

Every Monday we go into Philippi and meet with the staff there. That is an amazing experience. I usually return at the end of the day pretty tired. But it reminds me why we're here and who we are trying to help. We have one staff person, Babalwa, a young woman, who has taken it upon herself to begin reaching out to the "skolies". These are the gangsters (or worse) of the township. They are very feared young men and commit dreadful crimes. Babalwa was telling me this past Monday how she feels so close to these young men, "they are like my brothers." she said. We pray regularly for her safety and wisdom as she continues meeting with these young men and tries to help them turn their lives around. I know she would appreciate your prayers as well. That is only one part of the ministry happening out there. Babalwa is also running the after school program where she teaches students computer skills. Then there are the 2 orphan groups that meet as well. We hear about various children and any issues there might be as well as offer any help or encouragement we can. These programs are being run by these people in Philippi so our only role is support. It's wonderful to stay informed and connected with them.

This weekend, Feb. 16 - 18, is a retreat for the volunteers (facilitators) for the after school program and the orphans groups. We will have about 30 people here starting Friday evening. This will be our (Kalon's and my) first retreat experience. So, pray for us as we are here with the philippi staff and volunteers and for them, that it will be a fun and bonding time for all. This reminds me of doing my first NOAH's camp or Telluride trip, I have no idea what to expect. I'm anxious to get the first one out of the way so I understand it better. We'll be doing quite a few of these for different groups this year. And retreats are part of the ongoing plan for the farm and school. Knowing how these work is important for me.

I haven't even mentioned regular life. The kids school, trying to meet other moms, maybe make friends, maybe learning Afrikaans or some Xhosa, grocery shopping, regular shopping, figuring out how life works here (notice I didn't mention cooking dinner!) I'm just giving up on that!!! I survived and grew on peanut butter and jelly....