At the end of the day on Friday it was time to wrap up our time together. Schaun said a few words and then Schaun and Naas sang a familiar African song, called Asimbonanga, with the words changed. The movie below is one verse of that song.
Schaun asked if any of the kids wanted to say anything. Several of them had very nice words to say. Zaleka, one of the older kids who aspires to be a doctor stood up to say something and was overcome with emotion. She sat down and was sobbing. Akosia went over and consoled her for many minutes. It is impossible to imagine the emotions she was feeling, but it stirred emotions in us.
We weren’t surprised when Noah got up to say a few words. He was one of the better English speakers and a very outgoing and smart young man. What surprised us is that he wanted to sing a Whitney Houston song for us. The movie below is a few seconds of that song.
After that Schaun asked each of us to say a few words. The kids were watching attentively as we related what the week had meant to us.
As a final treat for the kids they were given a piece of Kentucky Fried Chicken, some chips (fries), and a purple pastry. That was a huge treat for them and they loved it.
It was finally time to say goodbye. The kids came to each of us and hugs were exchanged and words of encouragement spoken. It would have been good to have more pictures, but one can’t be giving/getting hugs and take pictures at the same time.
Cheryl and Zaleka. Linda.
Naas saying goodbye.
Comments from the team:
Even though I grew up in South Africa and have experienced first hand the incredible disparity between the rich and the poor, I was amazed by how rich the kids from TLP were in their love for us as total strangers from across the ocean. They welcomed us as if we were mini gods sent from outer space to spend 5 days with them. These kids give me hope in the human race. Out of the poorest slums can rise the richest blessings. Schaun and Kosi have created for these kids a little peace of heaven at Naidooville Primary School - heaven, because this is where they are loved and given a chance at fulfilling dreams they never new existed inside of them. I will be forever changed because of the wonderful 5 days we got to spend with them. -Naas
I had no real idea what to expect from our time with the kids. What I experienced was an incredible openness and love for the team, a desire to learn, and a great spirit of fun that was not out of control. Even when I knew that what we were teaching was way too advanced for the younger kids, they paid attention and were engaged. And when we saw the “aha moments” it was so gratifying. I hope that I showed as much love to them as they showed to me. And I am reminded that God created all humans in his image. Schaun, Akosia, and all the TLP kids radiate the image of God in a special way. -Chuck
I concur with all that Chuck said. It was an amazing experience and an honor to work with the kids. They were full of enthusiasm and were a joy to be around. Each day when we arrived at the school for the afternoon session, they greeted us with hugs and smiles. These children are poor beyond words, yet they have determination to learn and make a difference in their world. Most of all they openly shared their love for Jesus to us. Schaun and Akosia have have instilled a desire in me to do all I can to help them and their kids. -Caroline
We went to South Africa to give! We gave and they received! But in return they gave…..and we received ! These children who have so little, have more love in the sparkle in their eyes and smiles on their faces than we could ever dream of in our own lives. “What the world ends now is love, sweet love…….that’s the one thing there’s so little of!” Our lives w ill be forever affected by the chain reaction of love and kindness we shared with these precious children and their leaders, Schaun and Akosia. I am blessed to be part of the FECC Mission Team! -Linda
Sometimes you cross paths with a person who leaves such an impression with you that they change your heart forever. I have met a handful of people like this, and there is no doubt that God placed them in front of me for a reason -so that I would be changed. So many of the TLP kids had this effect on me -but most of all Akosia and Schaun. Seeing their work, and how happily they went about it - was truly watching God’s plan play out in front of our eyes. They are a shining example to us all, and I hope that I can spread even a fraction of that love into the lives of those around me. I left a piece of my heart with them and all the kids in South Africa! - Karen
The richness of the love from the TLP kids, living in the poorest of conditions, was overwhelming. I will always remember the jubilant singing, wide smiles and warm hugs. The eagerness of these children to learn made our class time so very enjoyable. It was so impressive to see the transformative work Schaun and Akosia are doing in God’s Kingdom. To see the power of love from Jesus flowing through these kids to us, to each other, and to themselves, has moved me more than my words can express. Plus we got the thrill of Pastor Naas driving on the wrong side of the road. Thank you Jesus for all these blessings. - Kurt
I was overwhelmed the moment we stepped out of our van on Monday at Naidooville Primary School. We were greeted like royalty! The excitement and warmth in all of the kids faces as they greeted us with song, dance, dress, readings, hugs and smiles was enough to fill my heart for a very long time. Then we had the privilege of getting to know these wonderful children throughout the week as we connected with them each day during the S.M.A.R.T. sessions. I was so impressed by their attentiveness, their desire to learn, and their great attitudes. I was also greatly moved by Schaun and Akosia's love and passion for what they are doing and how they are impacting the precious lives of the children for Jesus. It was truly God's power and love in action! - Cathy
Children of all ages are such a blessing, from the youngest to the oldest. What a memorable experience we had as a team working with these dear children for 5 short days. From the moment we came out of our van to the moment when we said our good-byes, our hearts were warmed by their embraces filled with passion and love. Shaun and Akosia have been the hands and feet of Jesus, being HIS example of how to" love on" the kids. They in turn showed us that same love and respect as we worked with them. I pray that I can duplicate that infectious love for any I come in contact with. - Tina
I am deeply and forever grateful for the opportunity to both bless and be blessed by the TLP kids and their leaders, Schaun and Akosia. The children's desire to learn was only exceeded by the love they gave each of us. We taught them SMART subjects but they taught/reminded us that experiencing true love and joy is not dependent on what we have, our living conditions, or how secure we feel. I saw how hope and joy is born/sustained from really knowing and feeling someone loves and cares about you. Again, these children were the examples to us of how we should respond to God’s love and care for us. This was a transformational and unforgettable experience. Thank You Lord! -Rich
Our week with the TLP children was beyond mere words. They touched out hearts immediately with their hugs, dances, and dramas of welcome. They were all so eager to learn what we had to share with them. I felt inadequate at times but they loved us no matter what! What a blessing they were to us. Schaun and Kosi have such a special bond with these children, and love them so much and work very hard for them. I want to see us continue to pray and support them and the children as much as we are able. -Cheryl