A day out in Blanco
This Thursday morning, our team traveled to the township of Blanco. We had some idea of what our day would look like, since this was our second time in this specific community, but God blessed us with many new experiences during this visit.
We began the day by leading a Bible study for the women who serve their community by providing for the needs of the people of their township. We read with them Psalm 45 and Proverbs 31, and encouraged them to embrace their role as motherly leaders of their community to the glory of God. Next, we split up into pairs to help at the local crèches within Blanco. Gabby, Julie, and I were able to return to the crèche we worked at the week before, and we were more than excited to see our kids again! A majority of our time with them was spent playing games and singing songs. We were even able to teach them a few songs from our childhood, including “head, shoulders, knees, and toes”. I can’t even describe the joy that their smiles bring to me; I thank God so much for allowing me to spend time with them.
After leaving the crèche, we all met up again to bring a meal to the sick and elderly individuals of Blanco. We prayed over each home we stopped at, after serving them soup and bread. One man that I had the privilege of praying with blessed me so much through his immense faith and attitude towards his circumstances. Although he was blind and bedridden, he was filled with joy and hope, and asked for prayer that he would be a witness for God in his community. His faith was so real and so powerful, I feel so blessed that I was able to pray to God by his side. Lastly, we lead a Bible study for the youth of Blanco on the topic of the body of Christ. We discussed the 1 Corinthians 12 passage on the different members of the body, and encouraged them to use their own unique gifts to glorify God in the church.
Overall, our day in Blanco was both busy and blessed. While I struggle with the poverty-stricken conditions of the community, it is so apparent to me that God is working there! Although these people suffer from illness, lack of food, and uncomfortable living conditions, there is still a hope in the people of the township that continues to amaze me.
