A Pub in the Youth Center

A quick one, I promise...Especially because I only have 14 minutes left on my internet time! Today, my team went to help at a preschool in Block E, which is a poorer part of town. We went last week for the first time with Amanda and Molly Bea before they left, and now it's just us and two other women who run the one-room school. There are about 12-16 kids going now but it can get up to 30. They are dear and so happy to hug and play with us. They don't speak English OR Afrikaans, so it's really stretching my language ability. I'll throw out a few Afrikaans phrases, thinking maaaaybe they'll understand me, but really, it's the same as if I spoke English. Neither works very well (: But at their ages, all you really need to communicate is a big smile, laughter, a soccer ball, and music. I'll bring my guitar Thursday (we're working at the preschool T/Th and the Youth Center M/W/F) and see how that goes...It's interesting teaching them new songs. They do love to sing and dance though!

Yesterday, as we weeded out front of the YC in the blazing sun, a man pulled up in his car and said, "I brought you cool drinks (soda/pop)...how many of you are there?" It was SUCH a blessing because one--we were so thirsty, but two--it was the first time someone approached us with the sole purpose of gifting us with something and not asking anything in return. It was an amazing feeling. He mentioned he would be going up north to do some mission work, as well, and then drove off. Such a simple encounter and yet very rare to find here. His name is Lyn, if you want to say a prayer of thanks for his kindness.

I was talking to our neighbor, Jood, yesterday and he asked what all would be in the Youth Center. I mentioned there might be a room for people who struggled with alcohol...but I must not have been too clear because he said, "Like a pub?" And me, not quite hearing him said, "Yah!" and went on talking until my mind clicked and I was like, "NO! Not a pub!" haha and then I laughed lots and explained I meant like an AA type meeting place. Whew...Can you imagine a pub in the youth center? Not good for business.

Tomorrow, we start painting! We've filled cracks and holes with putty and now are ready to get those walls looking snazzy. We had limited options for paint colors, but we're hoping to spice it up by painting flowers, animals, etc, on the walls after we're done. Maybe some Bible verses. Wow--it's raining so hard out right now and I have to walk home somehow...I'll definately get cooled off.

Well, my time is up for now. Have a blessed week!
love,Brittany