Towards the end of our time in South Africa, our team visited several drop-in centers.  These centers reminded me a lot of the boys & girls clubs we see here…a place where the orphans can go to for a few hours after school.  They receive a meal (their dinner-most will not be fed another meal until the following day), a shower (they are set up on a weekly rotation), along with social times through singing, stories and games.  In other words, it’s a place of refuge for at least part of their day, sponsored through the funds and dedicated folks of Horizon International.

The first place we visited was the drop-in center at Mantipane.  The team we partnered with from Michigan had been there for several days by this point doing a VBS with the orphans.  Due to heavy rains earlier in the week washing out the road, we had to walk the last part of the drive to the center.  While we were walking, we had 2 young boys join us.  I think they were curious to see what we were up to, so Doug, our team leader, offered one of them a ride. 🙂

Soon after, I started to hear team members telling me to get ready because they were coming.  Of course, I heard about the orphans running to you, but these orphans didn’t even know that we were coming that day.  They spotted us from a distance and took off running…it was such an incredible moment.  My guess is that Jesus had this kind of welcome numerous times during his time on earth.  We all took them in our arms, and they led us to the main area for some good ‘ole African singing and dancing–besides being a hot mess…some of my favorite moments there.

Doug has been to South Africa numerous times, so these orphans know him and love him to pieces.  It was amazing to watch him interact with them…God has definitely blessed him with the ability to work with the Africans.

From there, our teams led the orphans through an afternoon of VBS.  There was a craft time, an activity time (they loved Red Rover!) and a Bible story time.  I was fortunate enough to walk to all areas and see the impact that was being made.

While the orphans ate their meal, we had the opportunity to walk around the grounds of the drop-in center.  Horizon is in the process of building out the property to make it more conducive for the children.  Obviously, the kitchen you see below isn’t exactly a kitchen.  A gas stove is currently being used to warm the food for the orphans.  Horizon is hopeful that the funds will come in due time to enable more opportunities for the children and staff.  In addition to meeting their basic needs, they are also teaching them  life skills such as farming, so that they can learn how to grow their own food.

As for this little guy, he was something else.  I saw him walking towards me, so I squatted down to take his photo.  Well, he wasn’t quite sure of me at first, so I tried to pull out some of my ‘tricks for kids’ that always work in some form or fashion.  Well, I wasn’t winning him over…at all.  Soon after, one of the Horizon ladies told him to say hi to us (or at least I’m guessing that was what she said 🙂 and that he did.  It brought the cutest of smiles and we were all getting a kick out of it.  I decided to try to get a quick picture with him and the fear was back.  Hopefully, I didn’t traumatize the sweet boy long term…

I was rather intrigued by this older man.  I’m not sure what it was, but had there been more time, I would’ve loved to have had tea with him while hearing about his journey in this life.

And, finally…this photo stole my heart.  We saw so many moments just like this one.  Children, full of life, embracing what they know…regardless of the obstacles they face they know how to find joy.  Joy, in spite of it all.  I understand so much more now and realize that they have the same needs as us…to be cared for and loved.  Such a simple act…

If you are interested in sponsoring an orphan child, feel free to go to the site of Horizon International.  It takes so very little to make such a big difference. 

There is still much to be shared…enjoy your Tuesday!