Good-bye Azusa Pacific University Staff and Students

Our 16 house guests have just left to head back into South Africa for a safari and then to all sorts of places including back home for some and European travels for others. It was a blessing to serve them and to spend 2 ½ weeks with them. Their joy for the Lord and compassion and love for the children here and for the Basotho people was encouraging to see and be a part of. It was tiring at times because I have never cooked for 22 people 3 times a day (Laury helped a ton or I never could have done it). We decided to do their cooking for them to allow them to have as much time in the community , in class, and with the Beautiful Gate kids as they could get. I think it worked out well for them as today they gave a presentation about what they had learned in the 2 ½ weeks they were here. They had been to the Chinese factories, police/fire station, churches, schools, hospitals, and talked with the neighbors around Beautiful gate to gather their information. I did not get to hear the whole presentation, but what I heard was very informative and well done. Not only did they gather information about the community, they showed that they really cared about those they met through their stories and through their tears as they left.
It is inspiring to see young people who are ready to take on the challenges of the world and make a difference. They have the kind of faith that Jesus wants us all to have. Faith that they can move a mountain, help a community ravaged with HIV, make Beautiful Gate an even better place for the staff and children, faith that is real and is not discouraged by statistics or odds that are not in their favor. We could all learn from them and should do our best to encourage them. I did not bless them as much as they blessed me this week by allowing my family to see their enthusiasm and hopefulness. 3 of the girls even took the time to write me and Bryan notes of encouragement and thanks. They were very interested in our story and what brought us to Beautiful Gate. One of the girls also did not allow a single meal to pass without expressing her thankfulness to myself and Laury. They played and talked with my children for endless hours with patience and real interest so my kids felt loved and important. These students have beautiful, thankful and encouraging hearts and it was a blessing to be a part of their lives for a few weeks. I am thankful that they came here to bless Lesotho, Beautiful Gate, and also my family.