This past week was pretty awesome. We started outreaches into the community. The first day we went to Kayamandi, a slum just outside Stellenbosch. Right when we got out of the car the kids ran up to us, jumped on our backs, and wouldn’t stop holding our hands. Seeing their joy and excitement encouraged me so much because they were so happy in spite of having so little. I also got to help coach the tennis team in Kayamandi, the kids ranged from 8 year olds to 15 year olds. Go Hawks! That’s the team name. Within two minutes of being there I became “Coach Rasta” to the kids, which I’m totally cool with! There was a bit of a language barrier but the team captain was a good leader and translator. I’m excited for the work we are gonna do there this summer.

Another night we went out on the streets to have conversations with homeless people. We had peanut butter sandwiches and coffee for them, but the main purpose was to let them know that we care about them, we respect them as God’s children, and just encourage them and pray for them if they wanted. It was cool to hear their stories and seeing their struggle was heart breaking. I ran into one of the guys I talked to about three days after talking to him. Which was nice to know that he remembered me.

Today we had church in the morning and then went to the beach to play some touch rugby. It was a blast. Definitely an ideal Sabbath day. I’m excited for the coming weeks, and for the struggles and challenges that come with it.