The dirt between our toes as we trudged through the mud tracks; the squinting of our eyes as another dawn succeeded to take our breath away; the brown tan on our skin after a long day in the sun:
The daily attire of Zithulele.
After a month spent in the Transkei, I have a new definition of "having your world flipped upside down". On the first of March it was travel day - our team of fifteen people were half asleep in the bus and little did we know what lay ahead. It was a month where most of my worldviews were challenged. It was fruitful; beautiful; challenging... life-changing.
Most of my time was spent with the little children. I was fortunate enough to volunteer at a NGO called 'Axium'. I helped with Math and English tutoring for the grade eight and nine students from Lubanzi School, as well as Seaview. I also had the opportunity to assist with grade one and two classes at Zithulele Independent School as well as give some piano lessons.
Time and again I have tried and failed to pinpoint the exact moment that I absolutely fell in love with Zithulele. Because I did - I wholly fell in love with the people, the grassy hills, the simplistic lifestyle, but especially: these children.
The love that they so freely give is mind-boggling. For them love is not a commodity; they generously disperse it without expecting anything in return. I was never alone on an NGO base, there was always a little pair of feet next to mine; a tiny hand holding mine; little fingers braiding my hair; or little teeth peeking at me from behind a radiant smile.
As a team we were also blessed to each be utilized in our different skill sets at various projects we hosted. Some included a twenty-four-hour prayer chain, a sports day for the kids at Zithulele Independent School, a library revamp, a market day for the community, some manual labor as well as volunteering at the schools and a hospital.
A new venture that also caused my heart to skip a beat was the worship aspect of this month. I was able to serve on a worship team for the first time. With my ukulele that I bought in February, Clarissa and David on the guitars, and Isabel or Hannah K on the vocals we were able to lead worship numerous times.
When I think of worship, my mind always returns to David dancing before the Lord (2 Samuel 6:14). Worship: what a beautiful space where you are simultaneously humbled with vulnerability, but also exhorted by the faithfulness of your God. It was in these moments of worship this month where I was reminded that He is my rock, He is my Father, He is my fortress, He is my God - He is Jehovah Jireh, the great "I Am"... and I am so grateful that He calls us His family.
Looking back at this month I realize the only regret that I have is not staying there longer. But at the same time the anticipation levels are running high for our next stop: Uganda.
I ask that you please partner with me in prayer for the financial provision needed for Uganda - this is my biggest test of faith yet. But I can't wait to write the next blog as a testimony of God's provision :)
If you would like to partner with me financially as a sponsor, below is the details:
ABSA Bank
Account name: Global Challenge Expeditions Trust
Account number: 9206958383
Branch details: 31 De Gamma Road, Jeffreys Bay, 6330, South Africa
Branch Code: 334515
SWIFT Code: ABSAZAJJ (For international payments)
- Please make sure to indicate reference: UNE VAN SCHOOR
As a summary, my prayer for Zithulele would definitely be Numbers 6:24-26 "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace." Amen.
-Uné