This past Saturday a bunch of us girls went horseback riding, something I’ve only done once at age twelve. I can say that I enjoyed myself but I feel no desire to do it again anytime soon. Our guide called my horse’s name for pure entertainment because of my reaction. With every horse trot I laughed uncontrollably. I couldn’t help it. Unfortunately, that meant no game animal spotting. :D I ended the afternoon with scratches from the thorn trees my horse trotted me through (or my inability to direct the horse – whatever your perspective is), fun pictures, and good memories. What an adventure.
Right now my life is a routine. I live here at Bethesda. Each day I get up around 6 – go for a walk – get ready for school – help in grade R – tutor – help grade assignments – play with the kids –lounge around/read/send emails – go to bed early. Weekends are a little more exciting. We may go out on Saturday and then on Sunday we go to church and stay at Ruth’s for the day or go shopping. That is basically my life right now. I am not fully content with it. I want to do more community and outreach work, but that is not available right now. This is difficult for me.
I see the poverty stricken people every morning as I walk around the perimeter. I smile, wave, and say hi but that is it. I’ve been in the homes of women dying from AIDS. How am I helping now? After seeing these things I feel like I am living an ignorant life. Just like America, there are expensive stores, upscale restaurants, and resorts. I feel like I’m falling into this type of world again and I don’t want to. The type of world that pushes the needy aside. They type of world that allows a person to forget about how the majority of the population lives. I don’t EVER want to be desensitized to the AIDS epidemic or the poverty that all countries face. My fear is that it will happen.
Yes, I am a little discouraged, but I was also reminded that I am helping. I’m not helping the people living in the townships directly, but I am making a difference. I have to remind myself of that. The children here at Bethesda lived in these townships. They lived in poverty and experienced the effect AIDS has. I am working in the school. I am tutoring in math and English. Education is key. It is the only way to end the cycle of poverty. At Bethesda, our main goals are to minister, love on, and educate the children. I am doing much.
Please pray for encouragement and my perspective on the ministry I am doing here. Thank you.
Love you all.
Katherine-
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