I'm Going to Talk about Bras

...but not in a weird way.

Yesterday I had a conversation with my dear supervisor/mentor/friend, Wendi. She was sharing with me about her recent trip to Swaziland with Project Glory. She was sharing with me a sweet story about a unique way they ministered to the women there, and I had a shame on me moment.

For those of you who have experienced village life in Africa, you have probably noticed that bras are not a required part of a woman's wardrobe. I never had actually given it much thought, but if you would have asked me I probably would have told you that bras are not a needed, or even wanted, part of their lifestyle.

Shame on me.

Wendi travels regularly to Swaziland, and one of the main ministries she supports is that of local caregivers who donate their time and resources to help their neighbors. They sacrifice for others every day, and ask for nothing in return. A week before her most recent trip, the group decided to collect bras to give to the caregivers and women in one of the communities. There was an overwhelming response, and they were able to give away 350 bras.

First the caregivers were fitted and were able to select two bras each. Then Wendi and the group, with the help of the caregivers, set up a Swaziland version of a plush lingerie department, and they pampered these women with bras. For most of the women, these were the first bras they ever owned, and for all of them, it was a luxury.

The women laughed and had a great time, but best of all, they felt BEAUTIFUL.

What a wonderful way to bless the caregivers and the women in the community. A blessing I never would have even considered. Shame.

Sometimes I find it hard to look past the basic needs. When traveling to places where food, clean water, shelter, and medicine, are a constant burden, I often forget that God can use the simplest things, like a bra, to bless and encourage and delight his children.

I pray God would continue to teach me how BIG he is, and that he would show me how to love others through the simple things.

Summer Beginnings

I have officially and successfully completed my first week of teaching my own class! Although I have been working in schools on and off for 12 years now, this is the first time I have had (or wanted) the responsibility of being the lead teacher.

I have to admit, I think that being a rookie they are putting me through "initiation" in the sense that they chose all the kids with the biggest behavioral issues,grades 1-6, and intrusted them in my care. My supervisor and various other staff have popped their head in off and on, I believe to make sure I am still alive.I have to say the week went amazingly well, especially considering the age range and the different levels of ability of the students in my class.

There were lots of highlights this week, but my favorite moment of the week (its up there in the top five favorite moments of my life) was when one of the students, one of the very special students who has challenged me and stretched me beyond belief (I have worked with him in the past), told me in not so many words that he loved me. He called my name, and I walked over to him, and he wrapped his arms around me and said "love." And I cried a little. If the action and the word were not used together, I would have doubted he knew the meaning of what he was saying, as feelings and emotions are a hard concept for autistic kids to grasp. But I felt so loved in that moment, so I believe he meant it.

Also, as always, there have been funny moments. One student, who I have never worked with before, likes to bring "surprises" in her backpack. So far she has brought popsicles (melted and leaking), various items of clothing that obviously do not belong to her, two cameras, and a flashlight (one of those huge ones that security officers use). Hmmmmm...I wonder what I will find next week. I am half afraid that I will open it up and something will jump out at me. Honestly, I think it could happen.

So, my week went well, and my supervisor will be relieved to know I am still alive.

When I am not at the school, the rest of my time has been devoted to working with the summer interns at Youth for Christ. I now have the official title of "Summer Intern Director". I have 7 awesome interns who are running 4 awesome programs. I'll be posting more info about that soon. I think it will be a great summer of great ministry.

Tomorrow I will be taking some of the Jefferson kids to volunteer with Hope Rises to prepare some water purification devices called "WaPIs" The WaPIs will be going to communities in Swaziland where my Jefferson students have penpals. Pretty cool connections. I am praying that the kids will become locally and internationally aware and involved.

So, my summer has had a good strong start, which will hopefully carry through! Until next time!

-Rebecca

Hope Rises, yes it does.

Do you know what is awesome and amazing?

Kids with passion.

And I admit I may be somewhat biased, but kids with passion for Africa hold an especially dear place in my heart.

That is why I am so stinkin' excited about an organization called "HOPE RISES". Not only are they committed to bringing about change and life in a community in Swaziland, they are igniting the passion to serve in kids here in the States. In December, ten of my Youth for Christ students became penpals with ten children from Swaziland. How cool is that? Kids who have never been on the north side of Fresno or seen the ocean are building friendships with kids in Africa.

Want to know something even cooler? Eleven students from Sunnyside High School will be going to Swaziland in April to serve the Herefords community there. Hope Rises has started a club at Sunnyside H.S. that gets students involved in service. Year around students volunteer in the Fresno community, and raise money for the Swaziland community.

And they do it with passion.

In December I was invited to the Hope Rises Christmas party at Sunnyside H.S. I was able to take 4 of my YFC students, all in elementary school. My elementary age students saw what the H.S. students are doing, and all of a sudden the passion is spreading like wildfire. I have a 6th grader who is practically counting down the days until she is in high school so she can go to Swaziland! It brings joy to my heart!

Coming up February 6th is an easy way you can partner in this ministry. Jon Shabaglian will be performing at Sunnyside High School, proceeds going towards the Swazliand trip in April. Please checkout the Hope Rises website for more information on the concert and other ways you can get involved!

God Bless,
Rebecca