Let The Games Begin

Happy New Year everyone. It has been a busy day as we have been preparing camp. Lots of training, lots of sharing and getting to know another and our cultures. There is a great level of energy among this group...very infectious, well at least in spirit as I am definitely feeling my years and lack of a full nights sleep due to the jet lag; keep waking up at 3 in the morning.  Aaaagh!

In between our training we have spent much time in setting up for camp: choosing game leaders, game locations, cabin assignments, determining how we are going to get 230 sets of dishes washed, where will we hold Bible classes, who is teaching what, what service projects can we do, where we'll play dodge ball after dinner (most important). For supper, we enjoyed sitting outside under a beautiful evening eating pojke...most amazing, traditional South African dish of potatoes, carrots, beef, onions, squash, and spices slow cooked over coals in a cauldron. Yumola!  After dinner, we covered some important rules and last minute training items, then lit a huge bonfire, played music, danced, and brought in the new year.

There are still a few things we must do before the kids come, but I dare say we all desirous of their arrival. so off to bed for some much needed rest. Tomorrow the games begin!  Good night, Jeff

Training Day

Africa is amazing! Today has been great! Today we are here with just the American team and the South African counselors and going over basic rules for camp. The bus ride over to the camp was a bit lengthy, but it went by fast thanks to the entertainment! The South Africans started teaching us some of their songs, and soon the whole bus was full of singing and laughter as we all sang praises to God! It was definitely an awesome start to our day. Once we arrived to the campsite, we realized almost immediately that it was much larger than last year. And beautiful. So beautiful. From any spot at camp you can look out and see the mountains and lakes and trees and all of God's masterpiece! After going over camp rules and guidelines and learning some do's and don't's about all the different cultures, we broke into different groups to make potjie (pronounced "poy-key"). If you don't know what that is (which I'm assuming you don't, it's basically where you take a small pot and cook a bunch of veggies and meat on the fire! I can't wait to see how they turn out! Can't wait to see everyone soon!

Definitely Remembering Eternal African Memories

Heaven. A far away place, an unreachable goal, a majestic prize for an undeserved life. Today Heaven felt closer than ever. Yesterday while driving into the slums such a worry free place with no pain and suffering seemed like an unrealistic vision. Then within moments, with the first laugh of a kid, it seemed that Heaven was once again established on earth. As I held hands of these once strangers I felt myself becoming more and more excited about the eternity that I have been promised to spend with them. Today in church we praised as if God was on his way back this very day. I wonder why I find it so hard to praise this way daily? I looked around the room at my brothers and sisters trying my hardest to imprint their faces on the deepest parts of my heart. I closed my eyes and imagined the place we had all been promised. It was clearer then ever. Today Heaven was not far away. It was in each smile, each song and each soul. In that way Africa has certainly hit close to home , my heavenly home. Emily Shapiro

Editor note: Emily's blog title is an acronym, D.R.E.A.M. She's so clever.

Another Day in Paradise

Greetings from Soweto!!
Today our group visited the Soweto Region of the Johannesburg  Church of Christ for our service. Let's just say that their music alone is so uplifting and moving. They know how to praise God in such a different, yet totally amazing way. Jeff spoke and did a wonderful job speaking about the miracles of God and what he can do. My favorite part was when he spoke about fear he said God is now and the present and you can only fear what is in the future. So if you focus on God then you will have no fears.
To end the day we did a little tour of the town and where I personally ate my first African buffet lunch. I must say, it was pretty good.  We also saw Nelson Mandela's first home.
I woke up this morning thankful for another day, and tonight I'll be able to go to sleep even more thankful than before thanks to another great day in Africa and for this wonderful experience.
-XOXO
- Shelby

Lion Park

I had the opportunity to go to a Lion Park and boy was it a fantastic experience. Doesn't get much better than petting lion cubs in South Africa.  Cameron

On Sunshine, Children, and Thunderstorms

Hey! This is Chelsi from Columbia! I'm so excited about being in South Africa; it still seems unreal. It's so crazy that it's summer here. The days in summer here are even longer than the days in the States - I heard someone say that the sun rose at 4 this morning! I wouldn't actually know, I slept to the very sunny hour of 6 a.m.

Today was incredible! We traveled to a kids' camp in Itsoseng and played with the children. They were so excited and fun to talk to and dance with. You could just tell from being around them how much it meant to them. We provided games and supplies, and we were told that this was HOPE's first time doing a party like this. It was so hard to leave, but I'm so grateful we were able to make an impact on these kids' lives.

Oh! Also, we had our first South African thunderstorm today, and it was insane! I love rain and thunder and lightening, but it was both the loudest and the quickest storm I've ever experienced.

Tomorrow we'll be worshiping in Soweto and then touring, and I can't wait

The picture above we are eating dinner at Dr. Elija and Valerie Nkosi's house along with several other families.  They will be our medical staff at camp.

Cheers!
Chelsi

Hope Kids Club. I'm in love with Africa.

Wow. Words cannot even begin to describe my love for the people of South Africa and I've been here less than a day. Our host families and the members of the church here are incredibly loving and selfless and have really made us feel at home. I could go on and on about the family I am staying with but for now I want to focus on this morning.
We were given the opportunity today to come and spend time with the children who live in an area called Diepsloot when translated means a deep ditch. These children come from really hard backgrounds and yet I've never seen kids this happy and grateful. We got to know each other and then my group, the 10-13 year olds, drew a picture of their dream for their future and then played some American games like dodge ball, red rover, and freeze tag. Nobody really understood the rules and nobody even cared. It was pure joy. I came expecting to serve and knew I would be touched, but I couldn't have imagined the love I would feel for these wonderful children. I'd love to keep blogging but its time for the dance contest before our lunch of KFC (They love it!)
Love to family, friends, and anybody else reading this. This is an answered prayer and the experience of a lifetime. Jacob Richardson

The God that Cares

Wow! I don't even know where to begin! My name is Julia Casazza and I'm a sophomore at Kennesaw State University! We have only been here for a few hours and already I am in love with South Africa. I have been to a third world country before and so when they said that we would be spending time at a school with kids that were either orphans or impoverished I had some idea what to expect. We have been here for less then an hour and I am in love with the kids. They are so loving. There are a couple girls who won't let go of my hands and keep looking at my South African colored nails. Even now as I type I know that leaving here will be hard. One thing that Dr. Mark told us was that God was near the widows and the children. He said that if we guessed where God was it would be at this school. How comforting that is to know that even when we leave we have a God that loves them more than I do and will take care of them.

Cheers When the Wheels Hit the Runway!

Yes, our group broke out in spontaneous and loud cheering when we hit the runway upon our landing in S. Africa.  How fun...and fun to watch some of the S. Africans on the plane.  Many of us got to share why we are here and we are doing.  Cool!

What a smooth flight, got through customs easily and our bus was on time--Thanks to Rodwell and Karen, who has set up all our logistics.  We drove to the church building and met all the host families and as I type this everyone has gone and are on their way.  Hopefully, they will get a great night sleep as we meet back at the building tomorrow morning at 8am to go play with the Itsoseng kids.  Thanks to all the families who are hosting us!  Well about to dive into some pizza!  Until tomorrow.

BTW, you can expect more posts from other people starting tomorrow.

Have a great day!

Jeff

In Our Seats and Ready...To...Go!!

There is such a cool buzz on the plane.  Big smiles as our team boarded.  They still can't believe they are going to Africa.  It is so inspiring to know how much faith and work are behind those smiles; all that went in to raising money and the hope of making a difference.  I wonder how that buzz will be after 16 hours in 2x4 space.  I am confident it will be off the charts.  Sleep well!  Talk to you tomorrow around lunch time. Jeff

Baaaaaaaasaaabeeennnyyaaaaa baba bee te baba

Hey guys its us Halie and Elyse!!! We board in about ten minutes and this is so exciting!  We can't believe we're so lucky to embark on this adventure!  Pray that we have a safe flight and an impactful trip. This is o surreal!  We are both so ecstatic to see what God is gonna do through us at camp.  What an honor to serve in such an incredible way!!! AAAAAAAH!!! THIS IS REAL LIFE!!!!  Shout out to jwoo2142.  Dueces y'all.  Love Elyse and Halie

Excited as a Kid on Christmas Eve

I couldn't sleep last night because I am so excited to return to a country that stole my heart last year. This past year has gone by faster than I expected. Not a day went by when I did not think of the wonderful people I met last year on Swamp Corps South Africa. I have anxiously awaited this day since we left last year; I felt like Paul longing to see the Corinthians. I cannot wait to be reunited with my South African brothers and sisters tomorrow. The 16 hour flight is well worth it!
-Samantha Rorabaugh

5 Days to Wheels Up

I can't believe we are only 5 days until we leave for our second trip to South Africa…and am I ready to go or what! Now that most of the planning is done, I am truly ready to get on a plane. The camp has been sold out for over two months and the kids in southern Africa (yes multiple countries are coming…I think there is a camper from Malaysia coming!) are fired up! The theme of Youth Camp 2013 is the Hunger Games and is entitled "Not A Game" Yes!! Rodwell and Osylia and the crew have been working very hard to prepare not only for the camp but our arrival as well. There are bunch of families hosting us. There 34 for us going this year and 26 of those are first timers to Africa. Wow! What fun. Well back to that last minute Christmas shopping…and, oh yeah, packing! See ya, Jeff