Youth Week 2011

Our little dorm family at Youth Week

Hiking the mountain near the camp (before the baboons appeared)

Vocal Elective class: teachers and students

Contingency Chants: Cross Movement

Worship on the first night!

What can I say, but wow?! It is amazing to see 900 young people worship the Lord with such fire and passion! It is absolutely breath-taking. They inspire me! 20% of these youth are infected by aids and 10% of these youth are orphans. They are oppressed by the history of Apartheid, but their faces shine with the light of freedom and unity. They are the generation to overcome. I thank God for the opportunity to work with such a wonderful group of young people.

Everyday was exciting in itself. Worship in the morning and in the evenings, plus sports and games throughout the day, along with elective classes some of the afternoons. I helped teach the vocal class along with Cameron and Nicole. These youth are talented beyond their own knowledge. I hope my time here can be spent helping youth reach their true potential! But the vocal was just as amazing as last year... Will post some video to facebook soon, so you can see. Most of them say they can't sing either... Rubbish.

Youth Week is a whirlwind crazy fun time... It's amazing to watch youth step out in faith and praise the Lord without hindrance or concern for the people around them. So many youth gave their lives to Christ, but also gave away their burdens. Unforgiveness was lifted from hearts... the burdened of shame was wiped away... tears can only tell those stories. We as counselors had the opportunity to pray with youth during some of the sessions. Oh how humbling that experience was. It really puts into perspective the things I complain about and fear when I hear the story of a young girl taking care of her 3 siblings while her mother does drugs and her father is no where to be found... humility.

One of my favorite parts of the week had nothing to do with all the main sessions and the crazy athletic events... It took place in our dorm. Shawna and I were dorm leaders together, and we expected about the same relationships as last year. They listen during devotions in the morning and sleep in the room at nights. We really didn't see growth or strong friendships form. This year was so much different though. Every morning I was excited to hear what the girls had to say. They were so amped to do devotion together. Some would skip their shower for it! We always went to late and they would miss the beginning half of breakfast, but they loved it. We were a little family, black and white, young and old, from Durban to Swaziland. It was a beautiful melting pot of love! One young girl who was just about to turn 14 connected very strongly with a 22 year old! That's what I'm talking about! Lives converging. Every night we would stay up talking and laughing... Some nights I would have to tell them to go to sleep, because they were having too much fun until 1 in the morning. It was so beautiful to watch though... I miss them, but I know each of their lives were changed by that week and that time we spent together. Check my facebook for pics from the week!

Prayer requests - Pray for the youth as they leave Youth Week and go back to their normal lives. Pray for a hedge of protection around them! Also, pray for a humble heart as I move to Cape Town and begin work there!

Love you all,

Kristen

PS - It was very hard on me and Shawna as we said goodbye to the Revive team! Lots of tears and hugs in the airport... Thank you all for your love and support in our lives! We are who we are because of you. Don't forget about us! Love love love you all.