UNDER THE SEA

Today we had the opportunity to take 14 amazing kids to the aquarium here in Cape Town. After many wrong turns, U-turns, and finally stopping to get directions from the locals, we made it to Fikelela. Fikelela is an orphanage for kids who have been abandoned by their families because of AIDS. When we showed up, the kids came running out and were overjoyed to spend the day with us. It was amazing to see how much joy we could bring to them just by being there. There were huge smiles on each and every person’s face. The kids made a mad dash to the vans, and they immediately found a lap to sit on. As soon as we got into the aquarium, the kids ran wild! There was an overwhelming amount of small children, so Gersh-burger told us to “find a kid and attach yourself!” The kids were so amazed by each and every little piece of God’s creation. They were in awe of the outside world because they never have had the chance to explore it past the gates of Fikelela. Simple things like a sandbox and a ball pit, which seem normal to us, were overwhelmingly exciting to them. They could have spent all day playing in them.
After the aquarium, we took the kids to lunch at KFC. To us it was just another fast food burger, but to the kids it was the most delicious food they have tasted in a long time. The speed that they ate it and the licking of their fingers said it all. We treated them to ice cream, and it was so cute to watch them eat it. One boy didn’t understand that he could actually eat the cone, so he was trying to get every last drop out with his finger. There was not a single kid in sight with a clean face! The way that the kids laughed and were so full of life, I completely forgot that they had AIDS. They were just like normal 6 year old kids. I don’t understand how anyone could turn away such a beautiful child. I am so grateful that we got to spend the day with those kids and show them the love that they deserve.
After a humbling day with the kiddos, our whole group had the most amazing ice cream EVER on the beach. It was so nice to spend time with the gang since we have been spending most of our time separated with our host families. We stood on the rocks in the ocean and managed to get SOAKED by the occasional massive wave. We were all starting to get home sick from constantly being in a home that is not our own, so it was nice to be back as a “family” again. Overall it was a great day, and I am thankful that I got to share God’s love with the kids.
Oh! No big deal or anything, but we saw Halle Berry at the aquarium gift shop…buying her daughter an excessive amount of toys. Typical Hollywood star with her massive and intimidating body guard!

Everyone really misses their friends and families, and they send lots of love!!!

~KIM DALTON