No "Monday morning" blues here!

For most people, Monday mornings are not a favorite day of a work week. But, for our team, Monday was a day that was greatly anticipated and filled with smiles.

After breakfast and devotions, the team headed out to Shongweni for the first day at the work site. Upon arrival into the community, we were greeted by warm, colorful looking homes that house over 50 orphan children. Six of the team members, including myself, have returned many times over the past 4 years and are amazed at the growth that now occurs in the community. We turned down a gravel road to the Shongweni Lutheran Church and was met by the warm smile of Pastor Thwala.

Pastor Thwala led us down to the Center of Compassion Community/Nursery work site and introduced us to the local contractor. Members of the team painted primer on the exterior and interior walls, made concrete forms and slapped on stucco. The work day ended around 4pm. Some of the local school children stopped by on their way home from school to visit with us.

A previous contractor and an old friend, Fanni, stopped by to say "Sawubona" (hello) to everyone. Some of us have known Fanni for over four years and it was nice to see him again. I asked Fanni if he could help translate, from Zulu to English, one of my favorite African songs called "Avulekile Amasango." I pulled out my Ipod and we listened to the song. Thank goodness for the "stop" button as he translated the song saying that "Avulekile Amasango" means "The gate is open." The rest of the song was translated by him saying that "They have suffered much hardship. They now have freedom all due to the blood shed by Jesus Christ." I had no idea what the catchy-little song full of Zulu words meant, let alone know the importance of the song. I thanked Fanni and waved good bye.

Back to the hotel to shower and change and eat a local Indian restaurant. Not bad for a Monday, huh?
Jen