7.26.09

After getting some much needed rest after yesterday’s chaos, we went to church with the pastor we were supposed to eat dinner with last night (I didn’t mention we didn’t make it in time, so we rescheduled for this afternoon). If you go to a big church and have even been late (ahhemmm…Gilbaugh family), then you’ve been thankful for a back row seat. Well, we were dropped off late and walked in when the pastor was praying. Perfect, we can just sneak in the back. After the amen the pastor said, “Oh, my American friends! We’ve been waiting for you! We thought you might now come. Welcome!” Oops. He very graciously translated the sermon into English for us, which was such a blessing, because usually we don’t understand a word (which makes staying awake quite difficult).

After the service we went to him home for lunch. It was delicious, but difficult for Tash and I to hide that we couldn’t eat the meat. I tried so hard, really I did. But I kept gagging when I thought about riding on the back of that kudu in the truck. The meat was wonderful, I’m sure. But my mind wouldn’t let me go there. We talked about the problems in Reheboth high schools. They actually told us that each of the high schools have a nickname in the community. Maternity ward is Jason’s for the high pregnancy rate. Jail is Alex’s because of the extreme violence and frequent fights on school grounds. And Old Person’s Home is my school because, once students “move in” to Dr. Lemmer, few leave alive because of the high suicide rate.

At first, this was so discouraging to me. But now that I think about it, I’m so thankful that I was placed there. I really do love these students. I really do. I don’t want to begin classes tomorrow because each class will be the last one with that group of students.

Oh, there’s just so much left undone. So much work still to be done. So much hurt. So much abuse. So much depression with no outlet. I could stay here forever (I know I say that now, but once I get home it’ll be a different story). I also know that if I did, on my death bed I my dirge would be the same, “there’s so much left undone.”

They don’t need me. They need Jesus. And Jesus they’ll keep.

A blessing of the day. This evening I was sitting outside watching the sun set and I thought I heard someone at the gate. When I looked, I saw Chandre. Imidiately a smile rushed across her face and she ran up to me and threw herself in my lap. “Aunti Amy!” She called me “aunt”. All I could do was hold her and cry.