The Final Countdown

As i write this the song plays in the background. Its the FINAL COUNTDOWN! classic song but the wait is killing me. The group arrives on the 13th. The world cup starts on the 11th. Madness. Controlled Chaos. Wait: minus the control.

we have now laid the foundation for Russell and Precious (the family that runs the daycare and orphanage). Their new house currently has a cement floor and partially built walls that the three little pigs would be proud of certainly. The group coming on the 14th will complete the build and put on the roof! It has been a joy to work with this family. They are so joyful. As I am digging this 9 foot deep septic tank, with blisters covering my hands (thats what i get for never holding a shovel in my life), i cant help but laugh as Thando (the eleven year old girl) shovels dirt into the pile without stopping or breaking a sweat. She smiles and laughs at me as I sigh from relief that we have come to a finish for the day. I cant help but smile back holding back tears as i have just heard her story.

You see, we can easily go through life and realize that we are blessed. We can easily sit in our homes and realize that their are children everywhere who are desperate. However, when you see their faces and hear their stories it becomes a reality.

Thando: is an eleven year old girl who i previously mentioned. She showed up at the daycare last December after he mother had beaten her the night before. Her mother is on crack and she never knew her father. Finally, after much work, Russell and Precious have gained the legal ability to be her guardians. She lives with them and runs to Russell each day and calls him "Dad". She sang a Zulu song the other day that when translated said that when Jesus finally comes back every one will be happy. I dont know what else to say.

Beau is 17. His parents passed away when he was nine. He has lived with Precious and Russell ever since. It just breaks your heart. He works and protects his younger siblings. He wants to go to a university if he can find a way to make money.

Olwedu: three years old and the coolest kid i know. he walks around in the dirt barefoot and laughs/smiles the entire day. no complaints. pure innocence.

Eric: His dad is a pastor in a nearby village but he lives with his Aunt because he has to work in order to live. His aunt lives closer to his work so he has given up living with his parents in order to survive. During his time off of work he doesnt rest. He digs with us for Precious and Russell. Then after digging for hours he leaves to go coach 3 futbol teams for free.

These are just a few. There is 18 kids that come in and out of the orphanage. Each of them have their own story and thankfully Precious and Russell have given them an opportunity to survive in this life. It is after hearing about their lives that building them a home hits home with me. The kids share a room. Thats right. 13 of them live in one room. In the new house they have four rooms to divide between them. They already know exactly where they are sleeping so while we dig they stand in the very spot they will one day sleep. i am speechless.

On Thursday i had the opportunity to go to one of the school and coach some soccer. These boys play on a dirt field. I am talking African dirt. No grass. None. it was futbol at its finest. I had the privilege of sharing my testimony and the Good News with 30 of them.

My heartbeat. The Gospel. Futbol as the platform. In a place where people are desperate.
Totally abandoned to the Lord. God please shake this city and this nation.

Sorry if these thoughts seem scattered because they probably are. I encourage you to die to yourself daily. I will be striving to do the same.

One world watching,
T and B (leaves tomorrow!!)