Day 3

Taking up from yesterday’s blog, our team went to Josie’s Angels and talked to two of the girls. The oldest girl of the 26 angels is 17 and in her 3^rd year of high-school. She comes from an abusive home and she wants to be a missionary, spreading the gospel. The youngest angel is 9 and very cute and also from an abusive background. Josie takes young girls from abusive backgrounds and provides them with an education, a safe environment and guides them into a new life.

Next we went to the feeding program. We were a little shocked to see the polarity of the living conditions in the area that we visited. Alongside brand new apartments there was a rundown slum area where we went and fed kids and made awesome balloon animals.

We were very happy to return to the ministry centre and have awesome showers. When we got out of the shower it was just as uncomfortable as when we got in. The humidity is not pleasant.

Dinner was macaroni Bolognese and mudcake. Yum!

A quick wash of the hands and then off to the children’s home where our team ran devotions. We put on a puppet show to teach that Jesus loves the little children. We followed this up with a memory verse written on card and then scrambled up. The children (well one in particular) were really into it. After we had sung a few songs we read them stories and put them to bed.

We then crammed as many people as would uncomfortably fit in a 20 seater bus and the rest went in a van. There were a few hints as to what we would be doing but The Beachman’s lips were sealed. To our delight we didn’t have to do Karaoke we ended up at World of Fun where we had Roller Coaster, Horror Tunnel and Bumper Cars rides.

We arrived back at the centre and got straight into devotions because it was late. We chatted about the highlights and lowlights of the day before crashing into bed. Lights out was a 11:15pm. Some of us struggled to get comfortable to sleep while others were asleep before their heads hit the pillow.

Breakfast at 7:30 this morning was a welcome pancakes, fruit and fried eggs.

Our first rotation was cleaning. We started by cleaning away the dishes from breakfast, then we headed up to clean the bathrooms to keep the bugs away (hygiene is very important!), then we went up to the 4^th floor of the building next door to grout and clean the tiles. It was hot but we got a lot done and we accomplished much. It felt good to see our achievement.

Helping out at the school was next. We participated in the library reading program where we had buddies and read together. After the children left we had a tour of the school and saw the amazing work that the teachers are doing.

Lunch was savoury chicken and rice and free-time. Some of us went to get fitted for suits and ball dresses while others had rest or played games.

We arrived at the children’s home at the quietest time of the day so we cleaned windows. We had some very enthusiastic helpers from the orphanage. They really knuckled down with us to work even though they are only about 9 yrs old.

We had a victory celebration over the safe arrival of Mitchell's luggage (sorry that we forgot to mention it didn't arrive with us on the plane). Mitchell and his luggage were allowed some time together after their separation. :)

Now we’re writing the blog – well some of us have been, while others have been off at Josie’s Angel’s and some others have played cards. Hope you’ve enjoyed hearing about our 24 hour report.

Hanna: Special Hey to daddy, cal, nick and livvy! Having the best tme,, so good to be back to the ‘second home’,, Extra Special hello to my keegy,, miss you so much! Love you all xxxx

Mrs. Nicholas: Hello to all Rehobothians! We are all having a fantastic time and love getting comments, keep them coming J

Charmaine: Hey Ma and Aunty Sue! Thanks for the post! Missing you but hope you are having a great time!! Im feeling a little funny but all is good...thankfully my wisdom teeth aren’t causing me too much pain...please pray to my teeth don’t cause me any pain. Love you all xoxox

Liam: to mum so jelous that you jumped out of a plane x

Chris: Hey Mummy, this seedy guy tried to pick me up in his van, but it was really just Pete&Cameron and their driver. WHADUP!?

Cameron J: Hey Mum, having a great time here, hope you guys are okay, Love you all x

Erin:  Hey Mum and Dad =) It’s been great here it reminds me heaps of Africa. It’s surprising how much is coming back. When we went to Jose’s Angels we were told of their work and the support they are getting. She helps over 100 girls but 23 live at the house 6 days of the week (it isn’t officially a home yet). They are all victims of abuse (some sexual).  Just over half the Angels are supported monetarily to go to school and for food. It hit me yesterday that school is the only way these girls have hope to break the cycle of poverty, teen pregnancies and abuse. They learn that God loves them, has plans for them and that other Christians are there to help. I feel maybe this is a place the church’s money could be used. There is also a fun run which we could support which is fundraising for poor kids to go to school, (where they receive possible their only meal of the day: a cooked lunch and break the cycle). There is also a soccer tournament which is fundraising for kids to be able to play soccer and be a part of the sporting community of a school.  Can you please ask the church and pray about where the money should go. I feel strongly for Jose’s Angels but I want it to be from our church =) Thank you so much for your prayers, it has been an amazing few days.  I love you so much, God Bless xoxo