almost October

another week down which only means one week closer till I head back home. 

9 days until it is October 1^st and 38 days until I’m back home in Texas.

soon i leave this beachside paradise to head back to the flat, brown, pondview of Haslet! woo haha

 It still hasn’t hit me yet how soon I am leaving…well that’s a lie I think about it all the time. But my thoughts have been directed to how excited I am about getting back and seeing the people I’ve missed. But recently the feelings and thoughts of actually leaving this place have been creeping up. The other day we were in a meeting, just the Capricorn/Overcome kids team about some observations that was made over a few visits to club by Danielle. She is an American volunteer that lives here and does the curriculum for all the clubs. Love her so much! Well we’ve been having some discipline problems in Capricorn so she’s been coming to club once a week just to see if she sees anything we could do. So we finally had the meeting for her to let us know. She gave us some good suggestions that we can use to help with the structure. But my favorite thing she mentioned is how much our kids love us.  She said it was just apparent that these kids adore you. I think I’ve grown accustomed to this. When the kids get there, club starts at 3 and they usually get there at 2:30 and just wait by the gate! BUT once the gate gets opened they run in screaming our names and either run straight for a ball or straight for you with arms opened wide. No better feeling than getting a hug from these kids. I’ve started sitting off against the wall…hah honestly to get some sun, but never fails, I’ll always have 4 or 5 kids just come sit by me or on me. Little things like that are what I’m going to miss the most. Having kids playing soccer and then noticing me off to the side, stop playing, run over give me a hug, saying hey Shelby! then running back into the game. Priceless.  Another thing I loved about this meeting was when Meagan, our team leader, told me she loves hearing Neville talk English to me. Neville is one of those kids that literally gets in trouble almost every day at club! Which obviously means he’s another one of my boys I reach out to. :] At first I thought what a strange statement but then once I thought about it more…he doesn’t really talk to anyone else except the LSE’s that speak Afrikaans.  

this is Neville :] 

Jeremiah! 

3 musketeers. Neville. Denzil. Jeremiah 

It really is going to be hard saying goodbye to these kids. Almost 9 months I’ve been around them. I’ve become a part of their life and they a part of mine. The other day I was sitting with Jeremiah and mentioned I was leaving soon. His persona changed a bit then he looked at me and told me he was really, really going to miss me. Talk about choking back the tears. Been with that kid since the beginning. Just got to make sure I make these last few weeks count and not just count down the weeks. 

So now that I’ve gotten that off my chest, here’s how my last week has gone.

One day after club I was waiting for Jennifer to come back from Overcome, she was at teens club over there. Well I went out by the street because I noticed this man standing there selling stuff out of his trunk. I was curious so just walked down to see what it was. Must say what I came up on was not anything I was expecting to see. In the big tin bucket next to his trunk was a big pile of sheep’s head. From the looks of them….they hadn’t been dead too long. Well instead of being completely grossed out, like the lady in orange, I was very intrigued.

I saw this as an opportunity to learn a little more about this culture. I talked to the guy for about 15 minutes. He seemed really excited to show me how to cut the head and how you cook it, then he pulled out another bucket which had intestines and told me about how you use this for stew and what not. It’s a Xhosa culture thing, to eat sheep heads. They are called smileys because when you boil them, the muscles get tight and pull the face back so it looks like its smiling. Fun fact. You’re welcome. So that was my little bit of cultural lesson for the day. I was THIS close to buying a head and bringing it home, walking upstairs, putting it on the table and saying “I'm making dinner tonight!” would have probably been the best 25rand spent here! But I decided maybe next time… 

Another highlight of my week was getting to see the faces on some of my kids after a ride in a car. Jennifer and myself were driving into Capricorn after club to take back the food containers. There is a mom in the community that makes food for kids/teens club everyday. This is my favorite part of the day because we get to drive into Capricorn and see the people. Well I noticed a few of my kids were sitting on the curb so I got Jennifer to drop me off and I just told her to pick me back up after she dropped the containers off. The kids there were Denzil, Ashley, Neville, Chad, Jeremiah, and a few others. These are the boys that have my heart even though they can be terrors in club. I get out and they all have big smiles on their face when they see me get out and walk over to them. Neville actually runs over and jumps in my arms, which was a surprise. I get hugs from a few and the others just sit there.  Some of the people in the community looked confused that this white girl was just out on the streets, hanging out with the kids.  It’s funny how a few months ago I wouldn’t stand in there by myself but now I feel completely safe, at least with the kids around. Anyways we were talking for a good while, I was told I needed to come hang out with them more often, which was nice to hear. Well Jennifer gets back and I tell them I got to go. I get many hugs and as I walk to the car some of them open the door and get in…which leads to ALL of them to run over and get in. I look at Jennifer and just say take em around the block and I’ll just wait here for yall. Well she wouldn’t let me stay by myself, probably smart on her part. So I squeezed into the front seat with another girl and we drove. I just wish you could see the looks on these kid’s faces. You’d of thought they were going to Disney world for the first time. Nope, they were just riding in a car. Windows rolled down; sticking half their bodies outside yelling at the people we drove by just to get them to see that they were driving around. 

Moments like that are what keep me going. Seeing complete joy because of something I have taken for granted all my life. Something as simple as riding in a car with all your best buds. I live for the smiles on their faces. The tiny arms that wrap around my neck when they see me for the first time that day. The moments when I have kids come and sit by me because they just want someone to love on them and they know they’ll always get it from me. The moments my troublemakers flash me a smile when they’ve had a scowl on their face all day. These moments are what make being away from home worth it. Me missing out on birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, not getting to see the people I love so much all the time. These kids have become family that will always have a piece of my heart.

  How lucky am I to have family all over the world. 

Blessed beyond measure.

Last time I wrote in this I talked about going on a home visit to see the dad of 3 of our kids. Their mother hung herself so we went to make sure everything was alright. Well this past week Ilana and myself went back to the house to bring the father some bags of canned food just to help out. He was really appreciative. Love being part of an organization that strives to help those in need. But it's even more of a blessing when I get to be the one to witness the gratitude on his face when he receives it. 

me and adrian walking to his house to drop off the food. 

LASTLY...in club this week we talked about Jonah and the Whale. So we made up 'pin jonah on the whale' haha it was hilarious. At one point we blind folded the kids, it happened to be Tyronne and Brian's turn. Once we got them blindfolded I told them now your going to have to really listen to what your team says because they are going to help direct you to the whale. After I said that I ran over to the big whale and moved it to another building! It was hilarious seeing them go straight to the wall it was on not feeling the paper there anymore. haha too funny. great week in club! 

 Brian completely clueless as to where to go. 

 found it! :] 

 coloring with the little babies while the older kids played sports. But for Joshua and kylie, I was just a seat seat for them to sit and play on. Love the job I do. Who wouldn't want to lay on a container floor...get dirty...color a piece of paper...and just be living in their present. 

THEN once the weekend rolled around we decided the weather was too pretty not to do something, so we went on a hike. We went up Elephants Eye which was one i'd been wanting to do since we got here. It takes you up to this cave on the side of the mountain, which from far away looks like an eye and the mountain kind of looks like an elephant....hints the name. Anyways it was Jennifer and myself plus the 3 guys -Jonie, Matt and Ben. We didn't get around to going until like noon so it was HOT when we started which wasn't the best. The hike was pretty though. Good leg workout thats for sure but making it to the top was worth it. The cave was at least 10 degrees cooler which was fantastic! && the view was so pretty! It was a fun time 

 view looking out from inside the cave 

 made it to the top! 

 this was the inside of the cave. it was huge

 Matt a walkin

Ben attempting to rock climb. he got like 3 feet off the ground haha 

the cave. go us

After the hike we all went into Cape Town and what do ya know..back to Green Market Square. This was my 3rd Saturday in a row to be back and it's so funny walking through again and seeing people look at you and knowing they know you. Love it. I made my rounds and saw everyone I've become friends with. One of the guys even gave me this small little penguin he carved, just because. It was fun introducing everyone to the 3 guys and Jennifer. Didn't make it out there today, but Monday is a holiday so we don't have work. Might head that way...who knows. 

Leaving yall with a little clip from club in Capricorn. We let some of the older boys lead songs and this is one of my favorites. :] 

  You have the opportunity to be that one person to someone who needs what you have to offer. And what you have to offer is never small & insignificant. Again, the great picture of what God is doing in our world is incomplete without your unique puzzle piece -- the one that only you posses. But you must choose to place your piece in the puzzle. No one has ever lived the same life as you...and that is one of the things that makes your 'puzzle piece' extraordinary!

im back

well not going to lie, I forgot I even kept a blog there for awhile! But don't yall worry...I'm a back! && I'm sure your thrilled. 

sooo what has been going on since the last time I updated this thing? 

Well this last friday I went back to Green Market Square. Jennifer was having a stay inside and watch movies all day kinda day. So I decided I needed to get out of the house. I drove into town, got the BEST parking spot...parking is ridiculous downtown. Anyways walked to the market and first person I saw was Max, this rasta guy that sold me my last painting I put a picture up of. He came and gave me a hug, people here are so friendly. He said he was surprised I really came back since I said I would. We talked for a good while. At one point he put his headphones on me so I could listen to his music. He was listening to some Jamaican style gospel music...it suited him well. 

I then proceeded into the market where everything was still free to touch. Saw faces I remembered from the last time and they seemed to remember me too. I found out one of the BEST reasons for actually following through with saying you'd be back...well first because it's always good to do what you say but secondly...there would be a few times where i'd come up on someone and they'd be like "ahh your back! now look and see what you want...you told me you'd come back and buy something". To which I responded "ohh yes but I still need to look around, I'll come back next time and you know I'm good for it"! and bam....they leave me alone and don't pull out every trick to try and get me to buy something. pure genius. should of done this the first week here. haha

so what im sayin is i've mastered this whole get people to leave you alone at the market business. :] 

BUT I did buy a new belt...pretty much impossible to not leave there with something. 

But I did love walking through there and hearing my name being called from different people! Nice feeling being known in the middle of a huge city. 

love the little things. 

work side of things have been good. club's been going well. I taught the lesson this week. We've been learning about rules and how having rules isn't always a bad thing. Soooo obvious..I pulled out the 10 commandments and just talked about how God has rules for you too and what not. Got a little booklet for them to put together, it seemed to work out good. On Tuesday, Danielle came to club to observe. She is the curriculum coordinator and we asked her to come to give us ideas on how to handle the discipline issue in Capricorn. Anyways she was asking my older kids questions about what I talked about and just stuff about the 10 commandments and they rocked it! Answered all her questions and it just made me smile...they really were listening. Most of the time I just hope they are. So that was nice. 

I also got to go on a home visit this week. We go to the kids homes to meet whoever they are staying with and just let them know who we are and what their child does in the afternoons at club. Well unfortunately in Overcome we found out that 2 of the kids that actually haven't been in club in awhile, well their mother hung herself. So Ilana and myself walked through Overcome to their house. We had to get one of the older kids to show us where it was. I liked walking through Overcome. I hadn't done it before because it's one of the more dangerous communities. Anyways we get to the house and this viscous looking dog comes out a barking and just angry. Ilana squeals and jumps back a bit. I stand there and laugh at her. While were waiting for the dad to come out, Ilana looks at me and says she's scared. I told her everything is going to be fine, just got to go talk to him. The dad comes out and hits the dog and we go inside. This is going to sound awful but the first thing I thought of when I walked in was how it looked straight out of the scene of a horror movie. It was really dark, there was laundry hanging from the ceilings, random stuff just around. Walls made from different pieces of wood or scrap metal. And inevitably, while looking around, I got curious as to where she did it. Kind of morbid but lets be honest..you probably would think the same thing. Just a erie place, but also a place this family called home. The dad's name was Jeremiah. Super nice man, looked just like his kids. We introduced ourselves and asked how he was doing. Asked if he was the primary care taker of the kids and how he was going to support them. Really these visits are just to make sure our kids are being taken care of. It was obvious his kids come first in his mind which was nice. We asked if he had any idea why the kids mom killed herself and he just said the truth is she was on drugs...not much more to it than that. He mentioned many times he missed her and each time I noticed a little tear in the corner of his eye. So sad that this is just a part of life in these communities. Death happens everyday and you just have to keep living life. 

At one point he was saying something about the house and asked if we'd like a tour. I said absolutely! I'd always wanted to see the inside of these people's homes, especially farther in the communities where they are literally shacks. It was surprisingly big. Some rooms were so hot because of no windows. Full of flies but also full of alot of love. the kids had toys everywhere. It was eye opening but in a good way. I've always enjoyed the little things and this just reiterated the fact that I personally don't need a ton to make me happy. I mean it really is just stuff isn't it? After our tour we were about to leave and I prayed with him and Ilana. Just asking God to comfort them in this time of distress and wrap his arms around his kids. He seemed very appreciative. Just a cool moment. 

Another fun day in Overcome was when one of the kids brought 3 kittens to club. I'm not really a cat person....but these little things were too cute. The one I was holding climbed up and sat on my neck under my hair. I think he liked being out of the wind and in the sun. So yes..like all animals, they're dang cute when they are babies! 

ALSO. stuff like this is why I know being here is doing some good. We asked the kids what was some things we could do to make club more fun or just different things we could do to change it up a bit. This was one of the answers from one of my older kids in my group. Warmed my heart seeing it :] Sweet boy.

Today in Capricorn, ALL my kids actually sat down and did the craft. I couldn't believe it. Usually Denzil, the kid towards the back standing in the gray shirt, well he's usually 'too cool' to participate or if he is he's purposely annoying every other kid. He's an unpredictable mess but I have yet to give up on him. He's already a leader...I just wish he would use his talents for good. Today was a rare occurrence when he did such thing. He actually picked up all the trash for me and put the colors up. Then asked if he could help me with the food. I just looked at him and said who are you? What you don't know is earlier before club, him and another kid were having words with each other, no idea what was said, it was in Afrikaans but I bet everything I own it wasn't anything good. Denzil had a big ole rock in his hand && I don't trust him, specially with something like that. I sat him down and talked to him. He gave me the silent treatment, or just talked in Afrikaans. But I got up and said well no use sittin with you if you won't talk to me and he told me he was never coming back to club again. I just said well thats fine but unfortunate because I'm leavin here pretty soon and you probably won't see me again. Once club started he walked in and was fine. When he's good he's good...and when he's bad & no one wants to be around him. && as hard as it is not to just yell at him or hit the daylights out of him when he does stuff...I have no doubt that's what he's used to outside of club. So I hold it together and just show him I care about him in whatever way I can. 

Every kid needs to be shown they are worth being loved. 

Last week was miss Tamsin's birthday! we got together and let our competitive juices flow and played some board games. Played Apples to Apples most of the night which was hilarious. I only got one green card...but obviously had the BEST answers each time. At one point the card I put in was just awful...but so funny. && once they found out it was me that did it...just seemed to make everyone laugh a little harder and proceed to say they weren't surprised in the least. Sorry to yall who have no idea what i'm talkin about since you haven't played this game. But with that said....go play it. It's a good time. 

 There are 3 new guys staying at the house now. They just graduated from Wheaton and are staying here for the next 3 months to volunteer with Living Hope as well. So right now our house is all volunteers. Kind of nice. But the other night we walked down to watch the sunset. When we got down there we were greeted by two beautiful views. The sunset over the ocean, then a rainbow by the mountains. && to think some people don't believe in God. 

Ha. last Sunday it was cold and rainy && we decided it was a stay in and watch movies all day kinda day. It was pretty fantastic. This was where you'd find us if you were in the house. I even took a nap that day! first one since I got here actually. relaxing. 

But yes so there ya go, a little update on my life. Not too much longer until I leave my life here and go back to a new journey. I will admit it's starting to get hard for me to not count down the days until I leave. I know I need to live up each day and not think about leaving, but thats next to impossible when you know what's waiting on you back home. Can't wait to see everyone I miss and love so much. maybe possibly excited to see one person more than others ;) but none the less miss you all! October is almost here. crazy! 

Leaving yall with this. Been helping me lately with thinking about what the heck I'm going to do when I get back and all the decisions I have to make. 

loveyouguys

Markets

Well these past 3 weeks in kids club we have been doing Kingdom Crusades. A team from the states came and introduced this curriculum to us and these past few weeks was when we decided to do it. So on Mondays and Wednesdays we were in the Castle Container in the far land of Overcome Heights then on Tuesday and Thursday we were in the Capricron Castle. The kids seem to get a kick out of it. The first day we kicked it off we had Ivan and Holden dress up in clothes and talk like they were from those times. 

Holden wasn't too thrilled but the kids loved it...and thats obviously all that matters! 

Well throughout these 3 weeks I was in charge of the different crafts that we had. I usually get this job which is always fun! So throughout the weeks we made a garment for the kids to wear kind of like the green one Ivan is wearing, but there's was made from paper. Then we made some shields to use when they go into battle against the evil ones. Made a flag to represent their throne and last but certainly not least, a crown. On the last day we have a big todo and gave them certificates just to make it different. They got to wear there stuff and walk down in front of everyone and show off the stuff they made. It was a fun 3 weeks for sure. We have some creative kids.

 Josh and his shield 

 Sibusiso and Adrian showing off their flags 

:LAST DAY:

&& this is when the kids got their certificate. This was out in Overcome 

&& this is in Capricorn 

Certificate the kids received 

 && there's the past few weeks of club! I can't believe it's already September. Only have so many more weeks left with these kiddos. 5 weeks to be exact! Then me and Jennifer are taking off for 2 weeks to go on a little road trip around South Africa just to be able to see more of the country we call home. Then once that trip is done it'll be right around time for us to pack up and head back to Texas! 

Well yesterday Jennifer and myself decided to get out and do something productive on our Saturday considering we have so many left. We went out to the Hout Bay market. It was nice walked around for a bit and just hung out with alot of white people. not impressed to be honest. I did however get a new computer case which was much needed! It is from old tshirts and was made by a group of ladies in one of the townships around here. So that alone pretty much sold me on it...besides the fact that its awesome! Im excited about this purchase. 

Anyways so we drive into Cape Town to go to Green Market Square. I have been here a few times and this was Jennifer's first time. Now this is one of those markets where you can't look at something for too long or you'll be bombarded with sellers. && heaven forbid DO NOT POINT! haha it's a blast. I understand how people can get really flustered and annoyed in these settings but I love it. 

I went in their with no intentions on buying anything but that didn't last long. Came out with a few things that I really do like. After awhile Jennifer made it known that being in there drains her. I just laughed and started letting vendors know she was the one with the money and looking for stuff not me. haha awful I know but entertaining to say the least. I love talking to the people in these markets. One guy tried to get me to buy this little metal guinea fowl. Now what in the world would I do with that I asked him, he just told me it would look nice on a shelf or something. After pleading with me I still told him thats ridiculous I would never want this...in a nice way of course, im not mean. He put his arm around me and did the whole it's been a bad day for me spill, you get alot. I just smiled at him and said you couldn't pay me to take this. He just laughed. Then we just talked about stuff...where I was from, why I am here. Once he found out I was living here he told me I got the 'local price' which actually made him knock off 50 rand! But still didn't get it. 

My favorite thing you hear walking through is 'looking is free' EVERYONE says it. I told Jennifer if I were one of those vendors I'd have my own catch phrase..be more original than copying everyone else. We then tried to think of things to say and got no where...let's be honest I'd probably go along with the looking is free line. I made fun of a few people who were saying it. They would laugh and thats just how we would begin talking. You have to have fun in these places or you will get stressed out. When Kaden and Karaline were here I took them to this market. Kaden bought a belt from this guy and we were at his little booth for awhile because kaden had to bargain. 

 This is him. Anyways yesterday when we were walking through I walked by his booth saw him but didn't expect him to look twice at me. But as I was walking by he saw me and said HEY! I know you! I just looked at him and smiled. He asked where Kaden was and I told him he was back in America. Then another guy I bought a bag from last time walked up and said hey! do you still like your bag? It was really surprising to me when they remembered who I was because it was at least a month ago and you'd think they see so many faces a day that I would just be another one in the crowd. But I stayed and talked to both of them for a good while. The guy I bought my bag from asked when I would be back...I told him maybe next Saturday. He told me to please come because he was going to make something for me to bring home in 2 months. So who knows I may or may not get to go this next week but if I do curious to see if he actually does make something...and if he does, am I going to have to pay for it? Another fun encounter I had was with this Rasta guy named Max. He was a 'painter' which really means he sold paintings he got. All of them say they paint the ones they're selling...then you'll go to a few booths over and see the exact painting. I call them out on it and most of the time they change the subject. And once again...it's all in good fun. I do it to make conversation not to nag on them! But this rasta guy was named Max. We talked for a good while, he even invited me and jennifer out for some drinks. Actually come to think of it we got asked out by another guy too. He told us his birthday was in a few days and he was having a party and we needed to come. not going to happen...but nice to know were invited haha. But back to Max, he pointed out some paintings and one caught my eye and its like he knew it did because he picked it up and was like I'll give you a good price because were friends now. I got it. No idea what I'll do with it, but I reall like it. It wasn't like any of the others I saw and I love the pop of color. 

there it is. :] 

So anyways that was our Saturday outing. Hopefully we will make it back there this Saturday. I told Jennifer I would go out there with a chair and just move from vendor to vendor to talk to them. Weird maybe but I would enjoy myself. 

OHHHH another part that made this day fantastic was lunch. We went to this place called Da vincis, which is where we always eat when were in town. Anyways Jennifer was talking about stuff and for some reason we got onto the topic of the stock yards. Now Jennifer is from Texas...but she's not Texan! if that makes any sense at all. Well she's never been to the stock yards and knows how much I love it so she was asking me about it. I kid you not when I started telling her what it was she said...'so it isn't dirt roads and hay with cows and other animals?' I just put my hand on my forehead. She laughed and said she was very serious. LUCKILY this place has paper for its tablecloth and a jar of crayons so I gave her a little tutorial about what she's missing out on. 

After I was done she told me since she's been living with me, she's become more proud of being from Texas. AWESOME. lunch made! She actually wants to go buy some cowboy boots when she get home because she's NEVER owned a pair. She want's to go two-steppin and I've come in the room a few times to hear her playing country music...which didn't happen before we moved here. So if I have done nothing right...at least I did that! 

Hope all yall are happy && healthy. 

See you guys NEXT MONTH. 

mind.blown.