During our time in South Africa in 2013 we served in the Olievenhoutbosch Disability Center. For me this was the most difficult ministry. The majority of our time here was spent making crafts that the center used to sell to raise support for the ministry. When we weren’t making crafts we spent time with the children. Spending time with the kids was a constant struggle for me. First of all, I hadn’t had any experience with children with disabilities. Second, I’m really uncomfortable with children. Third, there wasn’t much structure in which to interact. There was an open mostly empty common room where the children would be. A handful of children were able to play and interact the way I had played with children in the past.
Compared to 2013, today the disability center is almost unrecognizable. Driving through the gate, we are met by children running to the door to greet us. As I looked over the property for the first time this year I could see that this was a different place. An area that had been an unused area covered with tires and other random objects was now a grassy area with a small playground and a storage container that is now used for counselling. A change can also be noticed in the original common area. The once empty area is now filled with beds, wheelchairs, and other medical equipment meant to give aid to the children with disabilities. Outside in the small court yard there is now a small playground set that the children love to go out and enjoy.
So much has changed! I remember hours of sitting with the kids in 2013 not really knowing what to do. Today, joy fills the room at the disability center. The children are full of excitement and energy as the teams enter the doorway. The center has broadened its vision and expanded. They are now offering a daycare program as well as a preschool program. This is great for both the children with special needs and without. We began to see as we spent our time there that some of the kids that were there as a part of the daycare began to interact and affirm those with special needs.
Meet Dee. Dee spends most of her day sitting alone near her mother in the disability center. Along with other disabilities she is blind. However, in spite of her disabilities, she is an extremely happy little girl. Having the opportunity to take her out to the playground have us a new perspective about Dee and the disability center all together. I had the opportunity to walk with her. Since we have been in Africa we have learned a lot about community. The African culture is very communal. This day, this fact was very apparent. As Dee was walked out of the center the other children began to gather around her and hold onto her. They walked as one. At times Dee would slip as I was holding her and her smile would radiate. She would squeal in excitement. The children around her were also filled with joy; smiling and jumping up and down. Observing Dee and the children’s interaction with her began to show me how the body of Christ should be. We, as a body, are a community.
It has been a huge encouragement to be here. In 2013 I questioned what the vision for this place could be. It was difficult. Now, after a year and a half, it is incredible to see the change that has taken place. God is moving in this ministry. I am excited to see what He has in store for the future of the Olievenhoutbosch Disability Center.
We want to thank our supporters who have supported us either by prayer, encouragement, or finances. Without you we wouldn’t be here doing what we are doing. I saw ourselves in Dee. We didn’t know exactly what our work here would look like and were just trusting God as Dee trusted me. So many of you gathered around us; encouraged and supported us. Please continue to keep us in your prayers!
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