Hi! I am long overdue for an update on ministry in Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa!! I am truly in love with this place! We are staying on the Global Leadership Academy base, a beautiful property the Lord has built from the ground up. We are just a short drive from the beach, so the Florida girl in me feels right at home 🙂
My team is working at a preschool and food program called Ithemba for these two months. We are each put in a classroom and get to work alongside a teacher, serving in whatever way they need. Ithemba is a love-filled space, holy ground in the midst of some great sorrows. The reality is these children are coming from a community that was hit very hard with covid. Many of the kids are living with a single parent, grandparent, cousin, or neighbor. Some children only receive the meals that are fed to them at school. Some do not have enough money to buy a uniform. Some are HIV-positive. But all of them are sweet and joyful! My team and I had a very heavy moment processing everything many of these children have to experience, especially so young. The Lord showed me we are not just here to help serve meals or cut paper or walk kids to the bathroom. We are here to intercede for these families, the school and the community. To love these children so hard, to help them feel so empowered and capable. To encourage the teachers/staff who are here every day all year, and love them deeply too! What an absolute gift. I feel so loved being at Ithemba, so seen and so uplifted! The Lord is here!!
A typical day with the preschoolers I work with includes:
Free play- either with some toys or play-dough!
Breakfast- We bless the food, and they have porridge!
Bathroom break!
Practicing counting, saying the body parts, singing songs about Jesus, recognizing shapes(circle, square, triangle) and the color red! The children are also learning Afrikaans and English so this is integrated into learning as well.
Organized exercise- this typically includes stretching, practicing throwing/catching a ball, walking in straight lines, doing wheelbarrows, etc.!
Snack- a small sandwich, fruit, yogurt, and fruit juice!
Coloring!
Recess!
Lunch- these kids get some fantastic food!!
Playground to be dismissed(while we clean the classrooms!)
LOTS OF HUGS, ALL DAY!!
It is an absolute joy to work at this school. It is not always easy but so so worth it.
Father, I will forever thank You for this season at Ithemba <3
Please pray with me for this incredible school!
Much love,
Ella
What a precious gift you have been given and are sharing with these children .
Ithemba , a safe holy ground , and there you are n the middle of it making such a difference . I will try this day and days forward to learn the joy and happiness in all situations . These children are inspiring as are you and your team sweet one . Nana
Beautiful Ella, it brings me great joy to read about your walk with the Lord and how He found it fit to pick you for just a time like this. As you are a blessing, God will continue to bless you. Embrace every moment (good, bad, easy, or/and hard) with God. It’s the greatest reward. ??
Ella,
It is becoming apparent that the Lord has gifted you with teaching and ministerial to young people! I can testify that there is no greater joy or privilege! 🙂
It sounds like you are receiving as much blessing as you can pour out. Isn’t it amazing how you cannot out give the Lord?!
Ministry can be exhausting, but can you think of a better way to spend your days?
Love your updates!
Dr. K
I love hearing about how God is using you to share His love with others! I am so proud of you and excited to hear about all of your adventures when you get home. Missing you and praying for you!
thank you so much!! nehemiah 8:10 🙂
Chaplain Annmarie! I miss you so much! thank you so much! it truly is the greatest reward!
I sure do love these kids! I think of you often and the seeds you planted in me! He is so good!! There is truly nothing better!!
Thank you so much! It is going to come so quickly! I miss you so much and cannot wait to see you!