Week 3 events have been nearly the same as the last two weeks. Each Tuesday after returning to work after the weekend, I find my relationships a little stronger with those I'm working with. I have befriended several of the guys at Living Grace- learning more about them and discovering their personalities. It's really interesting learning the individual side of homelessness. One month, I feel, is not a long time to do true, effective ministry, at least in this area. Week in and week out, it's the same people working at Living Grace, and it's been that way since 2004.
Today was Sanna's last day at Living Grace. She has been there for four years. Each Wednesday, she led the singing and gave the morning devotion. Today, the crew gave her a parting gift and she gave gifts to the other leaders as well. The clients were given the opportunity to share what her ministry has meant to them. It was really, pretty cool. I also got to visit a little with Sanna this morning and her service with YWAM.
Later today I taught some of the girls recorder in Capricorn. These last two weeks, we're working on something for them to play in worship in early August. Monday I asked them what songs they knew and yesterday I figured out "My Redeemer Lives." It was so great seeing their joy as they learned just a short bit of the song. Their excitement was amazing! It's hard to believe a simple little instrument could bring so much joy to them. Because of a meeting inside the building, we were forced to rehearse outside. The girls were so proud to show their friends walking by their new talent.
Wednesday afternoons I spend a little time with Melissa teaching piano. Melissa is such a sweet young woman- a 24 year old young mother who lives in Capricorn. I feel I'm the most incapable person to instruct her, but it's been a real joy seeing her develop. Capricorn is a very poor township. Melissa lives with her mom, sisters and daughter in a very small home. She mentioned today she would like to buy a keyboard to practice on. I hope somehow she can find one. I don't know how she does it, but she comes every week prepared for the lesson. Today we had some time after the lesson waiting on our ride, so she used the time to practice. It's been such a blessing working with her and getting to know her. I wish I had more time to work with her, and am excited for her as she develops her new gift. She hopes of one day playing keyboard in her church's praise band. Good luck, Melissa!
