I finally made it to Eston and Lily of the Valley! I am just finishing up my third full day and first official work day! Unfortunately it was cloudy and rainy the first few days, but this morning I woke up to an absolutely beautiful day. It was bright and breezy with minimal clouds and for the first time I was able to adequately see this area's beauty in fullness. Lily is located right on the edge of an area called "The land of a thousand hills," and it's clear to see how it got the name. When I look around, all I can see are rolling hills and valleys alongside them (Oh, and these "hills" are more like small mountains). I hope to explore the area on foot sometime soon! I'll work on posting some pictures soonish but they wont do it justice.
**I apologize in advance for my scattered thoughts in this next section--
I am living in one of the houses in the village with two other staff members. Last night something fell out of my closet... I frantically woke up and right when I looked over to where the noise came from I saw this shape move quickly. It jumped behind my curtain and leapt out of my slightly cracked window. I honestly think it was a monkey! Let's just say I wont be opening my window at night anymore haha. It makes perfect sense though because there is a game reserve bordering Lily's property.
Since getting here I have already met and interacted with most if not all of the children. I have been intentionally trying get down all 116 names (this will take awhile). I already have so much appreciation and admiration for these children. I've been able to see their resilience, optimism, and accepting nature in just a short time. They have been very welcoming to me and are so quick to smile, interact, and show me the ropes of their home. The children also have such a variety of talents. They have a hip-hop dance team and they are incredible and many of the children sing gospel and it's amazing. Also I went along on a trip to music class where the children were learning new instruments and I was fascinated at how quick they were picking it up.
Today was my first day working in early exit programming. I met with the social workers here and they gave me a better understanding of my role (which contains significant flexibility and room for development). The children on my caseload that I will specifically be working with are in grades 7-9 (I think there are about 15 total). Essentially, I will be assessing their life skill needs and helping to implement activities that address weaknesses as well as find areas of strength to reinforce. If I'm being honest, creativity is not my strong suit and it essential with this job so if you all wouldn't mind praying for some insight and inspiration along the way I would be very grateful :). That being said, I am very excited to start relating with the children!
I'll end with this: Yesterday I played soccer with the teens for the first time and I think they were surprised to see a Mlungu (white person) hold his own. Subsequently, the children started to call me Dean Furman... I later found out that Dean is the sole white man on South Africa's national soccer team! I proudly embrace the name.
Continued prayer is always appreciated especially now because this transitional time will be difficult as I deal with some isolation, a new role, and missing aspects of home (i.e. football season starting lol). Okay, that's all for now!
