Happy 4th of July!

1. Happy birthday America!
2. Sorry I'm a terrible blogger and haven't updated for a really long time. I'm going to try to give a short update.

We've done and seen so many things. We went to Robben Island, Kirstenbosch, the waterfront, Kommetjie,and even a little bit of the Western Cape. We did the Garden Route last weekend and went ziplining, cave adventuring and bungee jumping from the highest bungee bridge in the world! Crazy right?! We also went on a safari and rode elephants! As for work, I've been working at the Holiday Club for the past 2 weeks while the kids are on break. I'm in love with the kids. The youth leaders are ages 13  and up. They've been teaching us how to dance (and laughing a little when we're awful). As soon as the music starts they let go of everything that holds them down and move so perfectly. I admire their spirits. I can't tell you about just one because they're all amazing. Annique is super intelligent and dances competitively and I can vouch for how awesome she is. Chadlee wants to be a designer and he's hilarious. Jenna Lee has the best laugh ever. It always gets me. Meagan has a very strong personality and she goes all out as soon as music starts. She's so adorable. Samantha is usually pretty quiet, but she has the biggest heart. Micalle can be quiet, or she can be very talkative. She gives all of herself and God's love is always shining through her. Angela is a rock solid leader and empathy is definitely on of her strengths. Rosalind loves the kids so much and she always sets a great example. And then there's Nusrah. She has a great smile and when you see it you can't help but smile. Her heart is so pure and she gives and loves and laughs with her whole heart. She's seriously so great. All of the leaders are. I just want to take a minute and brag on how incredible they are. I've had the opportunity to hear a couple of their stories. I can't really share them because of confidentiality, but they're heartbreaking stories. I'm honestly amazed because they're excited to be helping at the holiday club every single morning. They work really well with the younger kids and they're such great leaders. All of them are strong, courageous, loving, open, passionate, admirable, inspirational, and powerful. Each and every one of them has so much potential and deserves all the love in the world. I couldn't love them any more than I do, so if I'm being totally honest, leaving here is going to be the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. I also want to praise Sherine. She's a social worker that runs the holiday club and works with all the kids. Her heart is beautiful. She gives everything she has to the kids, which isn't easy considering the weight each of them are carrying, not to mention the weight she carries. She never gives up. On top of that, she gives all the glory to God every single day. She's an extremely special person and a heart like that is rare. No matter where I go, a piece of my heart is always going to be right here.

I ask that you pray for all of the youth and the struggles they have gone through/are going through. Pray for strength, peace, love and encouragement for them. Pray for Sherine as well, that she remains strong, perseveres, and never loses sight of God's will. Lastly, I ask for prayers for my team and me, that all of our works in these last few weeks are glorifying to God and that we can continue to build relationships with everyone we meet. All of our hearts have made a home here and with the end of our trip coming up quickly, the thought of leaving is really weighing down on us, so please pray for emotional strength and encouragement.