Hmm. I don’t even know what to write about; these first two days have just been amazing. Right now I’m sitting in our little thatched-roof hut. It’s our break time between leading the school activities and accompanying the OneWay team here in Botswana on an outreach trip to a nearby village, which includes singing, dancing, a bonfire, and storytelling (yeah.. I got out of the storytelling last night, but they did drag me into the dancing :P). One thing I just can’t get over, though, is the Botswana OneWay team’s passion. When they’re worshiping, each person sings out and dances with such freedom, giving Him their all, like the room is empty except for them and God. This feeling is also the same in their prayer and preaching. If people in Naperville could have this kind of zeal for the Lord, it would be truly revolutionary :].
Ha ok.. enough of that. The experience with the kids today at the school was just as wonderful as yesterday, if not more so. By breaking them into 3 groups we kept relative order, although there’s always just that onee kid, or the awkward moment where we were all kind of asking: “Uhh.. so.. anyone know what we should do now?” hah. The day disappeared quickly though as we had them play games with beach balls, draw pictures and use foam stickers, make “Jesus bracelets” (the bracelets with the 6 beads, each representing a part to the Gospel), listen to (and participate in through hand motions) stories, and sing songs. With hugs and high fives all around, I was sad to say goodbye. Although I didn’t even attempt to learn 50 kids’ crazy African names in two days, I already felt like I knew some of their unique personalities.
Well, I’ll close this up with a prayer request.. Please continue to pray that our team stays energized (and especially for Derek, who isn’t feeling too well) and that I have the courage to step up and out of my comfort zone as God calls me to do so :]. I love you and wish that you be out here with me! Thanks for checkingg innnn.
-emily
ohh. and as for the title, the kids at the school kept saying “Teecha, teecha” to get our attention :].
Glad your having fun Em. If it’s anything like our trip to Mexico, which your message seems to show, i wish i was there. Mom and i are still praying for you and Dad, so continue to have fun and minister to and bless the people there. And make sure to let them minister to and bless you :] hope it’s a life changing experience,
Paul
Hey Emily, Beth has been telling us about how your trip is going.
Have fun. I am sure they appreciate you being there.
I am in awe of you and Pete.
Anita
(Nishaad’s mom)