Almost Home

Message from Bonnie Smith:

We are safe at Heathrow Airport in London after a day of touring.

Michelle, Scott, Lisa and I are awaiting our flight now. We left Saaraa and Jess this morning as they have a few days in London on their own. We left Ed, Mark and Barb in Johannesburg for their Capetown vacation. We also left Morgan and Heather at ASM (Africa School of Missions) as they are staying on in Africa.

Our little group is now only four!

See everyone soon, Love Bonnie

Do lions get the right of way?

Message from Barb and Ed Damour

There are so many opportunities to serve!

This week we've been training with the Home Based Care workers in Cork and Welverdien. Both communities are in great need.

On Saturday, the women on our team were a part of the young moms group in Cork. We shared stories of being moms and daughters. Leaders from the young mom's group in Masoyi, which is more established, came to support and encourage. God is at work here in the lives of these young women. They are a real inspiration to their peers and others as they deal with their own challenges. They bring their babies too so it's another wonderful opportunity to hold a baby!

Ed's tippy-tap demonstrations have been well received. It's a simple concept for hand washing and hygiene which will work well in the communities. What a blessing it is to be here and experiencing God's love, grace, and singing praises with the people of South Africa.

- Barb and Ed

This is Barb with her son, Mark Damour, who has been living and serving in Africa on and off again over the last few years. What a blessing for his parents to go on a team and see him in action and join him in sharing love with the Africans.

Lisa Dalley- Team Leader

This is our leader enjoying tea time.

Heather Yourex- future

I'm really happy right now.

Really. Happy.

There are some horrible realities about Africa and I know I have not even begun to see how dark this place can be...but when I sit in a church and listen to the booming 10 part gospel harmony with the voices of the little 10 year old boy in his shirt and tie and the 60 year old go-go (African Grandma) in her church hat coming together... I can't help it... I fall in love. The rolling hills, those sprawling trees, the fact that anyone you smile at returns a grin that just pops with joy and instantly fills you up with with this connected feeling. I feel like I live in a musical right now ... And, AND! In 2 weeks I've become one of those "huggy" people. I love Africa. I love, love, love Africa.

Yesterday I met with Lynn and Jayme. The couple from Calgary I first made contact with to come here. The two of them are living and volunteering for hands full time and are at present handling communications and marketing. My team leaves at the end of this week and this meeting has given me a better idea of where I can actually be useful.

The thing about hands at work is that its pretty grass roots. There are no paid staff... The organization is about creating programs for communities with communities and eventually handing the programs to communities. Its mandate is to provide the basic needs for 100,000 orphans by 2010 and so far Hands is in SA, DRC, Zambia, Nigeria, Swaziland and Mozambique.

Its funny... I thought I wanted to come here as a journalist or a filmmaker. Then I felt frustrated I wasn't a nurse or a construction worker. But it turns out that I can actually be useful here as I am. Hands is in need of video right now to help with fund raising and the search for volunteers.

Its an overwhelming feeling when you feel like you've found what you're looking for. This place, these people, this opportunity and just knowing that, Yes - I can do this and I can actually be of use in a way that is actually meaningful! I'm a lucky girl and right now I'm very grateful.

I'm hoping to stay until mid November and get as much done on the wish list as possible. Already July is looking incredible with trips in the works to projects in Swaziland and Mozambique. This is going to be an amazing 6 months for me!

Heather preps for her workshop

Morgan Dalley Reflects on Their Last Sunday in Africa

Today was our last sunday as a team in Africa. We went to Angel's church, a community church in Masoyi.

Today was our first opportunity to teach sunday school. We did the story of Noah's Ark. We sang song's and did a craft. Each child made a mask of the animal of their choice. It was a great opportunity for us to experience a true african church. The singing was incredible and we were greeted with such a warm welcome.

Today was also our move over to the ACTS clinic. We are staying on the campus which has a clinic and an out patient care center. I can't believe we only have a week left as a team. The time has flown by.

It seems as though we have just begun.........