Lessons Learned

One of the first questions most South African's ask us is, "How do you like South Africa?" We reply, "The landscape is nice, but it is the people we love." We have been overwhelmed by the hospitality of strangers we are now blessed to call friends. Here are some lessons we have learned from people we have met. We hope these reflections encourage you to think about the meaningful people in your lives and take time to express your appreciation to them.

From the kids...Everyone wants to be loved and to know they are loved. On a walk to the corner store, one of the teenagers asked Rachelle why we love them. She did not ask if we loved them, but why. This was a great reminder that sometimes living your faith and sharing God's love through your actions is not enough: we need to express in words why we believe what we do and why we do what we do.

From the caregivers who truly care...Jo-burg has been experiencing random blackouts for the past few months as the government has enforced electricity load-shedding. Most of the blackouts happen at night, so we do not notice. Lately, however, Sparrow's electricity has gone out just before dinner. We do not have generators, so this loss of power creates a bit of chaos. From feeding 250 kids to ensuring that oxygen-dependent patients continue to receive their life-sustaining flow of air, the caregivers at Sparrow have amazed us. Without skipping a beat, they drop what they are doing, light candles, and give all their attention to the patients. Selflessly, they work together to keep the situation as normal as it can be. We have witnessed several caregivers turn around as they were departing the building at the end of their 12-hour shift to help out during a blackout. The love these men and women show for the babies, children, and adults is a challenge to anyone who really sees them. Their actions push us beyond our limitations.

Vusi...With a 9mm on his hip and a bulletproof vest on his shoulders, Vusi is not the most likely visitor to the baby room of the hospice. Every night, however, Sparrow's night guard pays a visit to the youngest residents. He calls each child by name as they hold up their fists in anticipation of their nightly fist pound. Those who cannot make a fist get a thumbs up. And some get both. His enthusiasim and consistency let the kids know they are cherished and significant and important. We all need a little more Vusi in our lives!

These descriptions do not do justice to the souls we are meeting here, but we hope this glimpse of who they are to us ministers to you.

Peace, love and Africa.
Rachelle and Kate

Pictures in order of appearance:

Kate with the kids in the Hospice
Rachelle with one of the babies in Hospice
The kids sitting outside of church
One of the kids with their faces painted with white chocolate from an Easter Egg
Showing off her decorated egg!
One word describes this child: precious
Here are our guys getting more firewood for our bonfire: um, a tree?
Kate and I enjoying our bonfire with our friends!