Today was a day full of class. Despite the fact that we had class all day, I really enjoyed it, because today was the day of presentations. Literally all class, we either presented or listened to presentations to hear about what people were doing at the service sites. It was great to hear all of these things, and encouraging and moving and emotional. I loved it, and was grateful for the opportunity to tell people about my site and hear about other sites.
After we were released at 3, we scattered. We were finally done, with just one class left and nothing until Cape Town. Freedom for a little while. It’s weird being done, but I’m not at that point yet and I don’t want to give away anything. At 4, 7 of the people who had been at Walk in the Light returned to do a program for the Senior Youth. We did it because we had grown so close to them and have so much respect for them. At first, I was questioning why I was going and didn’t really want to be there, but when we got there and started playing games, everything was perfect.
The first game was ninja, which is the one where you have to slap others’ hands. It was fun and enjoyable. After that was a game of screaming ninja, where you basically just yell and make fun/funny noises while you play. It was an icebreaker that definitely got the youth out there and going.
After the icebreaker, because apparently everyone forgot what we planned on talking about, I singlehandedly taught a lesson. It was really quick, and we basically encouraged them despite their youth and read 1 Timothy 4:12, but I was really the only one who said anything substantial and talked real quick. I told them how much we respected them and how great we thought the things they were doing are. We asked if they needed prayer for anything, and after a couple of hesitant prayer requests, we prayed. I asked for prayer to always remember what we have learned at the service sites, and the other requests were that an upcoming camp goes well, humility for the members of the church, and spirituality. It was a great prayer followed by Alfred, the leader whose house we built, talking for a little. He thanked us, and talked to us for a little bit. His message was basically that we are to preach the gospel, and when necessary, use words. He said that we have been doing a great job of that, and have preached a gospel to his mother (Maybis) that he couldn’t ever preach. He also said that the way we can come in and do work the way we did, we can touch the life of a child whose father died three years ago and they just need love (Alfred’s dad died 3 years ago. This was the only point this semester that I have been so close to tears). When he told us that what we were doing was the real way to love, I was totally touched, and he prayed a prayer of thanks for us before we left. I love having people pray over me, especially when they’re people who I don’t know. I have no idea why I love it so much, but I think it’s a wonderful gift that they are giving to me and I’m so thankful for it! After that we said goodbye, and I got to see Spay one last time. I said goodbye to Baby J and Tash, along with Alfred, and when Snash went for a handshake and I countered with the hug, he gave me a long hug. I’m really going to miss these guys, even though I have barely known them. It was hard to drive away, but I’m so grateful that I went to this place.
We came back in time for dinner, and I received a package and a letter! I’m so grateful for these, especially the Oreos in the package. Those will be gone shortly.
Another rebellious thing coming up. Mom, don’t read. After dinner, Shelli and I climbed on the roof of a building on campus and smoked a pipe together and talked. It was good to talk to her again, because despite the time we’ve been hanging out together, it’s been difficult to get deep conversation or any real information about the service sites. It was great to catch up a little bit. After that, we all walked to grab something to eat, and then came back. I’ve been blogging since I got back, and I’m about to go to bed. Tomorrow should be a crazy day, with soccer in the morning, and half of us leaving after lunch for a Zulu experience thing. When I find out what it is, I’ll be sure to let you know in my blog. For now, I’m still in the dark on it.
Today was a great conclusion to service sites. I loved every day of it and I’m going to miss it, but this was a great place to end it. I’m going to miss all the people, but I’m grateful for every second I got to spend with them, even Spay. This is the beginning of the conclusion now. We have a week of safaris and other similar experiences, and after that we’re in our concluding, debriefing period in Cape Town. We’re leaving in just over 7 days. This semester has just flown by.
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