by Sara Hale, EM Africa staff
Sara and her husband Jarrod first traveled to South Africa as part of IMMERSION in 2013. Now they're back, living full-time in Africa, and helping facilitate EM teams coming to serve.
As we drove through the familiar streets of Olieven, memories began to fill my mind. I was so ready to get back to the school where so many of these memories were made on our Immersion trip. I was thinking of my Grade R class (kindergarten) students, who would now be in Grade 2. Would they remember me? Had I left an impact on them as they had me? What about the teacher, Ms. Rose, that I served alongside for so many weeks? I couldn't wait to see their smiling faces again.
I also remembered my time with the THF (Trust, Hope, Faith—an awesome after school program) staff, and my heart began to swell. These mentors meant so much to me, our team, the staff and students at OCS. I couldn't wait to see them again, and fulfill the promise that we would be back again.
As we pulled up to the gate, I could hardly contain my excitement! THF was happening. Students, the team, mentors all running around and playing. There was Nelson! And John! And Happy! And Clifford! And Busie! And Themba! And Dominic! And a few new faces that I couldn't wait to meet. Nelson was the first to meet us at the gate. With a big smile, he said "They told me you were coming back, but I couldn't believe them until I saw you. And now I believe!" Isn't this just like our Faith sometimes? We hear that God is good, and we read in His word that He will always take care of us, but why is it sometimes so hard to believe it until we see it? This I am working on. To trust in my Father with everything—every decision, every concern, every day. The Bible clearly tells me that He has plans for me. He holds my future. Since starting this journey, I am learning to trust in Him more and more.
Back to the school: seeing everyone again was almost overwhelming. I had so much joy and love and excitement. I'm beyond blessed to get to further these relationships that had started over a year ago.
I found Brian! (pictured above in 2013 and below in 2015) He has an unforgettable smile and beaming personality. Then Mpho. She is even more beautiful than I remember. Then I saw Davison! What a great kid, and a great dancer! To my surprise, they do remember me! At first, none of them were quite sure, but when I mentioned being in Ma'am Rose's class, they're faces lit up with smiles. I was sad when they told me that ma'am rose is no longer at the school. They aren't sure why. I asked another teacher, and she just said that ma'am rose "went home." I'm sad that she's gone, but will forever remember the time that I did have with her on Immersion.
Through the days when Jarrod and I are at the school, we sit in with one of our team members during school hours. I've been in Grade R, Grade 3, and the copy room. Then for THF we help wherever needed and play games with the kids and help with homework time. Thursday's are my favorite! It's worship day! The THF mentors, the kids, and our team get together for an awesome time of praising, dancing, and laughing. One of my favorite songs is Bambelela, Jesu Yam Belela. Meaning, "Hold on to Jesus."
I'm looking forward to spending time at Olievenhoutbosch Christian School for the next few years. God is here, and Jarrod and I get to have a small part in what He's doing in the communities and through the ministries we serve. How awesome is that?!
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