Ahh...day two.

Love. Compassion. Trust. Laughter. Tears. Acceptence. Faith. Friendship. Family. Care. Hospitality. Richness. Poverty. Gratefulness. Humbleness. Today these words took on an entirely new meaning for all of us as they were weaved throughout what we did.



We started off the morning with a great breakfast at the 'Castle' which was served promptly at seven. We were then hearded into the cars we have rented and prayed for our lives as we braved the backwards streets of 'Joberg.' If you think that us Colorado teens aren't the most capable of drivers..you should go for a ride out here!



After a few missed turns and plenty of laughs, we arrived at the Soweto Community Church. It was an incredible service with some of the most loving people I have ever had contact with. We were greeted with hugs from literally every person in the room.



From there we went off to yet another amazing meal in Soweto. Although the sound of ox tail was far from appetizing, I will have to admit it was some of the best meat I have had in a long time. We even got to joke around with some kids playing soccer. We wanted to join the game but Dad (Gershwin) wouldn't let us, only thinking about protecting our vulnerable shins that he was convinced they would shatter. With Sihle's help, I was able to regretfully turn down a playful invitation to stay at a young kid's "five star shack." ;)



This is about when God drowned us in His undeniable presence. Unable to ignore it, we saw God today. We journeyed to an orphanage in Soweto that is one of the most incredible places I have ever been. We toured the three bedroom home that proudly housed 45 joyous kids despite broken plumbing, crumbling walls, no refrigerator, few beds, and the lack of a working stove. 'My Sister' opened her home to kids in the late 80s and has been hard at work since then. Whenever they were able to draw us away from the kids we now adore, we were also put to work! We washed clothes by hand (thank you, Mom, for having a washing machine), tore down a roof, fed the kids, and helped with whatever else was needed.



We then went to dinner at one of Gersh's good friend's, Ashley, house. We all fell instantly in love with him. He is the regional director of Scripture Union (a version of Young Life). He was charismatic to us all and had a great time with us..at first observing and then jumping (literally) right into our antics.



A few minutes ago, as a bunch of us were just hanging out, Kelsey pointed out, with a decent scream, that there was a lizard in the corner. I, pretending to be Crocodile Dundee, decided to pick it up to take it outside. Great idea until the little monster bit me. haha! In the end, we got it outside and do not worry, I will be just fine despite the fact that I am foaming from the mouth and have occasional convulsions. KIDDING!!

Much love and lots of hugs,

Nicole



P.S. We are heading to Krugar in a mere few hours and will most likely not have internet so do NOT panic if we miss a few days of blogging, we will phone if there are any casualties via hungry lions, trampling elephants, stumbling giraffes, mad hippos, vicious rhinos, or angry youth leaders. But really, don't worry. :)