Singing Titanic ballads in Africa!

Back in December, I had the privilege of visiting the Khayelitsha township for a day.  After going to the craft market, I went outside to enjoy these local guys playing marimbas.  They are really good and perform daily, as well as at weddings and special events.

After a few minutes, they said that I could play with them...um, yes please!!!

 One of the guys taught me a rhythm (I can still hear it in my head!) And the others joined in.

All of a sudden, the signing started..."Every night in my dreams..." It was the song, 'My Heart Will Go On' from Titanic!  I couldn't help but giggle a bit as I played along in this 'cultural experience' :)

Only in Africa :) 

(Those of you who have been there understand what I mean!)

"Hakeem"

Some kids have a hard time moving on from SOZO Kids.  They come back weekly after they have gone into middle school, begging to be allowed to stay one more week.

I have to hold fast to the age limits - it's just not a good idea to mix kindergartners and middle schoolers.

Notice the thumb...kindergartners are still so young!

So when one of the boys, "Hakeem", came with his younger sisters on Friday to SOZO Kids, I was ready to stick to my guns.  He did what he had done in weeks prior - begged, questioned the rules and got his sisters to remind me how "stupid" the rules were.  I was not budging and let him know.

I wasn't ready for what happened next.

"Should we tell her?"  "Mom said not to tell anyone." "I think we should tell her."  "Do you promise not to tell anyone?"  And then out came the real reason for his desire to be at SOZO Kids for the night.  "Our electricity was turned off and I don't want to sit at home in the dark tonight."

All of my efforts to bring the hard line melted instantly as I held each of them tightly and reminded them that they would be okay.  

Ugh...I so despise the effects of poverty.  Especially on kids. 

So "Hakeem" was with us on Friday and I was so glad (I prefer being a softy if truth were told).  He and his three sisters laughed,  played and enjoyed themselves thoroughly.  I wasn't able to be at the front when they left for the night, but thoughts of them came up all weekend.  I prayed they would have a place to stay and that power would be restored soon.  I wish I could say this is the only time this has happened.  

Last week one of my regulars told me she had been taken into foster care and was no longer with her family.  Last week may have been the last time I will get to see her for awhile.  

All of this (unfortunately) comes with the territory.  These kids are so precious to me.  I can only imagine how precious they are to Jesus.  I know He sees them.  I know He knows all that is going on and I know that He cares. 

 Sometimes I wish I could just take them home with me.  

What a gift to be able to hang out with them week after week and share love and truth!

Ok, I may need to gush a bit...just look at these ADORABLE kids :)

A rap written by one of our kids

If you ever want to come and play basketball or jumprope with these kids...let me know.  

You won't be disappointed ;)

Grateful to love

Oh how I love these girls.



These were taken the week of Christmas.  They were a little down in the dumps...a recent break up and a grandmother in serious condition in the hospital can do that to anyone.  So we went to downtown Tacoma and did what any teen needing a pick-me-up would do--Starbucks, a walk in the beautiful winter day, a photo shoot and Christmas presents.  God loved them through the laughter, playfulness and new memories made.

Did I mention I love these girls?

We just finished meeting for discipleship today.  We always talk about our highs/lows of the week, pray using "TACOS" (thanksgiving, adoration, confession, others and self) and dig into the Bible.  Then we usually end up ministering to someone if something comes up.

I wish you could have joined in our TACOS prayers.  I was moved by their honesty in confession, hunger to know Him and great desires for others who don't yet know Him to know Him.

I wish you could have been there for the Bible study.  It amazes me what they learn of God as they dig into the Word and the foundation of truth they are creating at such an early age.

I wish you could have seen the tears of one who is dealing with more difficult things than most other 17 year olds do - at the top of the current list are homelessness (her family of 5 just moved in temporarily with relatives) and a slowly dying grandmother. I wish you could see her faith and witness her honesty.  I also wish you could have seen her friend (who's only been walking with the Lord a year and a half) lay her hands on her to pray, from her heart, as she listened to God for words to speak on her behalf I would trust these two to pray for anyone.

Tonight I am so grateful that He allows me to love these girls.  What an honor to walk with these beautiful lives as they are being transformed by His love and grace.