January Clinics

This week we had a great set of 3 clinics at Kleinberg, Ukhanyo, and Marine Primary Schools. But these clinics were special because we had some guests from Elon University in North Carolina. Kelly, Trevor, and JD were with us as part of their month-long Winter Term trip to South Africa. Three days of their time in Cape Town is spent doing internships with various organizations. We hooked up with the group through one of our former students, Rachel Zeillinger, who went on the trip a year ago.

These 3 students were great to work with. They had awesome attitudes, really enjoyed the kids, and even brought some of their own equipment (including ELON University soccer balls). We are really hoping to continue the relationship with Elon over the years as these guys were such a treat to work with.

This was the first week of school for the new year, so that caused a few challenges. We had scheduled the clinics for Wednesday-Friday, but school started Wednesday. So, at Kleinberg, the teachers hadn't been with the kids to tell them about the clinic. Andy and I went around to kids' houses that we had addresses for (or called if we had phone numbers) to remind them about the clinic. It also ended up being about 95 degrees that day! So, our numbers were small for that one, but we had a great time.

At the other schools things went a little smoother. Kids were more aware of the clinic, so we had pretty big crowds of around 30 kids at each. Our theme for these clinics was "Ubuntu". We wanted to explain the meaning of the word, so that they could better understand what we are about. Now they know that we desire for them to come together as a community realizing that we all celebrate or suffer together, much like what happens in a soccer game.

Unfortunately on Friday Kelly wasn't feeling well, so she couldn't join us, but Trevor and JD seemed to have spoken so highly about their experience that they brought along new helpers, Taylor and Kyle. Kyle even plays for the Women's soccer team at Elon, and they were awesome help, too.

This was another great time amongst the community. We are excited about the next steps as God is building the relationship with the schools. Now, we just need to keep getting churches on board. Thanks for your prayers!