GEMS

Just the typing of the word brings me so much joy!! I loved being a part of GEMS back home and I now have had the opportunity to start a new GEMS club here at our church!! I am so excited!! Eastside Community Church has been praying for 4 years for someone or something to come along for a club for kids grades 3 to 5. Of course I had a GREAT idea for them. The problem was I only know GEMS not Cadets, and they wanted a boys and girls club. Well, somehow Scott ended up volunteering to run the boys side!! I was so thrilled!!!

So, the past few months I have been presenting the idea of GEMS and Cadets to the church. I was nervous, because it is all new to them. The pastor and children's director were so happy that there were such programs. They, however, did have a problem using the word Cadets. It is associated with "cadet/military" courses that were used in schools here. The children's director made up a name of BUGS (Boys Under our Great Savior). They will still be using the cadet format.

They recruited some people to be counselors 4 men and 4 women. Being new to the church, it was hard to know who is who and if they are already been plugged in. The church also has visitors weekly. Some weeks half of the congregation is visiting. What an opportunity we have to reach out!!

We had a GEMS and BUGS "kick-off!" How wonderful to see 10 girls and 8 boys come with their parents to see what these programs were all about. It was a night of food, fellowship, introductions (seeing how we are new to the church and they are new to us), and a trial run on what a typical night would be like. It was great that the parents could stay and see what their kids will be doing on a Friday night.



Just arriving and enjoying the fellowship





Our First GEMS photo!!

I did not get any photos of the boys because they split off and did their own thing. By the time I was able to take their group photo they were off. Scott did an awesome job!!


Gabby and Robyn excited about teaching and getting to know the girls


Yolanda already embracing the girls!!

WOW - is all I can say. What a wonderful night and I could not be more excited about it!!

I have just found out as well that I will be traveling to Zambia in the beginning of May to visit and interview the GEMS clubs/girls there!!! There is a team from the U.S. coming to do training for the counselors, visit the GEMS clubs, visit the "House that GEMS built", find info out regarding a school that they would like to put there, and set up the August trip for a Bible club and Get Connected Camp. I am so happy to be a part of it. As you may know - part of the reason we came down to South Africa was so that I could have the opportunity to go to Zambia. God is so good!! God has blessed me so much in the GEMS program that I in turn want to bless others and share with Girls Everywhere the love of God!!!

If you have never been on the GEMS website - check it out and you can see how God is working through this amazing program. You can also get updated on the clubs in Zambia and the mission there. There is also a Promo video that you can see to get an idea on how much GEMS impacted me and how much it means to the girls!!

I am so grateful to be a part of GEMS and to use my passion for it here in South Africa and now in Zambia!!!! Please pray for the GEMS programs everywhere, for each girl whose lives are being touched by it, each counselor who teaches and shares their love for Christ and for the GEMS staff and board who help put this all together.

They are having GEMS Sunday back home at Caledonia CRC (end of the season). I am so sad to miss it!! Melissa has been doing a fabulous job taking over as Club Coordinator. I want to say hi to all the counselors and girls - I miss you guys!! Thanks to Sonny too for all she does too!! So if you are in the area of Caledonia check out the GEMS on Sunday and say a little prayer for Lis as she is going in front to talk!!

DEVOTED EASTER CAMP 2008

Searching the world,

The lost will be found.

In freedom we live,

As one we cry out.

You carried the cross,

You died and rose again.

My God,

I'll only ever give my all.

You sent your Son,

From heaven to earth.

Delivered us all,

It's eternally heard.

I searched for truth,

And all I found is You.

My God,

I'll only ever give my all.

Jesus, we're living for Your name.

We'll never be ashamed of you Whoh- oh- oh

Our praise

And all we are today

Take, take, take, it all.

Take, take, take, it all.

You sent your son,

From heaven to earth.

Delivered us all,

It's eternally heard.

I searched for truth,

But all I found is You

my God,

I'll only ever give my all.

Jesus, we're living for Your name.

We'll never be ashamed of You Whoh- oh-oh

Our praise And all we are today

Take, take, take, it all.

Take, take, take, it all.

Jesus, we're living for Your name.

We'll never be ashamed of You Whoh - oh - oh

Our praise And all we are today

Take, take, take, it all.

Take, take, take, it all.

Running to the one who heals the blind.

Following the shining light

In Your hands the power to save the world

And my life.

(this was the favorite song of the camp)

Scott and I (along with a few other couples) volunteered to work at the Easter Youth Camp over Easter weekend. The kids were 14-18 years old. Scott was a prayer counselor at the end of the sessions. He was touched by the kids stories and loved praying with them. He also did a break out session on forgiveness. He did so great!! I on the other hand am a little intimidated by teenagers so my job was to take care of the 12 kids that were there from the volunteers - Ages 1 1/2 to 9 (sooo fun!!). I had a lot of games planned - coloring - scavenger hunts etc. Alex was so excited that there were 5 other kids his age!! I hardly saw Maddie the whole weekend. She was off with another girl on these "adventures" through the camp.

We had awesome praise and worship time with the Youth. The theme and message was based on being totally devoted to God. It was so good!!! Everyone was moved by the messages everyday. It was so different hearing head banging music - but I guess you need to have the music that goes with the age!

At the end of camp on Monday they had an opportunity for the teens to share their story. Some were so deep and personal. There was a girl who was involved in gangs and was kicked out of her house by her mom. She was so excited to realize that she needed to change and that she should not be so angry. She needed to devote herself to God and she would find the happiness she was longing for. She realized that being angry about her life is not helping her. And she also realized that everything in her life has happened for a reason and that she went through all of the rough spots to grow as an individual. She wanted to share her story so that others could have hope.

What an eye opening weekend and a reminder that we need to be totally devoted to God. Not just one foot in or a prayer here and there, but in everything we do and say!

We hope you all had a great Easter weekend.

JESUS IS ALIVE!!!

Baboon Trouble

We traveled to Cape Point - Cape of Good Hope to see where you can see where the Indian and Atlantic Ocean meet. It is the Southern-western most point of Africa.

(my sad attempt at a vertical panorama)

We decided that it would be fun to climb this section of the mountain/cliffs. It does not work too well with flip flops on!! I am glad I put tennis shoes on the kids! (Way to go Mom!)

Maddie and Alex were so excited that they made it to the top. Alex was singing while climbing up. He was like a dwarf in Snow White and instead of singing Hi Ho he was singing Do Dee Do - I am big - this is easy peasy!! He wanted to make sure that we knew what a big boy he is!! (I already know that he is!)

THE TOP! YEAH!!

Mom and Dad Leenstra

The Boys - I mean MEN - Alex's muscle grew during the climb!!!

These tide pools were so awesome. You can see the outline of it. When the tide comes in it fills the "pool" Maddie did not want to dip her feet in too far because of the "green slime" on the side.

Love this picture - Ostriches are crazy looking animals!

OK now to the fun part. Baboon Trouble - Experience #49 that we will never forget - or at least we will talk about for a long time!

We decided to stop at one of the little beaches along Cape Point and we saw a cute couple having a nice picnic on the beach. They were all smiles and in love. On our way to the beach there was a sign warning of the baboons who are nuisances. They can smell food miles away. They warn you to not take food out of your vehicles. (The lovely couple must have missed the signs). When all of the sudden Scott's mom spotted these HUGE baboons behind us. The only way off the beach is where they were. Luckily the kids did not spot them because they were in the water looking out into the ocean. My thoughts were how are we going to get away from them. Well - we found out fast that the baboons were only interested in one thing - FOOD. Two baboons charged at the couple and chased them away from their blanket!! They tore their picnic apart!!

We gathered the kids and ran up top to where our car was. As we were heading to the car, I managed to get a few snap shots! You can see the couple left everything (well they did save their bottle of wine). They left behind their sandals and all. There was another baboon up by our car making this horrific call - calling all the others that there was food!! The baboons had a nice feast and making sure to look over everything and throw the items that were not food. CRAZY!!

We then decided it was time to leave. We passed the public bathroom and noticed it was overtaken by baboons - young and old! The babies were jumping off the light pole and ripping apart diapers they found in the bathroom. Here is a small clip. As you can tell we (Mom and I) were worried about the big baboons - you definitely do not want them to get in or on your vehicle. The kids loved every moment!

Yes you can laugh at me being paranoid! But the baboons were everywhere!!

Anyway - Mom and Dad have a great story to share about their visit.

We are close to the end of our trip. I will post the rest soon.

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I thought I would say Happy Easter to everyone and to enjoy the weekend with your families. Scott and I and the kids volunteered to work at a Youth Camp for the weekend. We are leaving in the afternoon tomorrow and we will not be back until Monday afternoon. Pray for all the kids coming and for us as we are designated to do counseling if needed - night watch - prayer room etc. The camp theme is Devoted and is to be a big camp for teens! We are excited!

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God Bless

Penguin Video

The Penguins

I know I am dragging out our Cape Town Trip pictures - I apologize - Here is one of our highlights of the trip. We are so used to seeing penguins at the zoo and we assume that their habitat is in cold climates. Well, let me introduce to you the Jackass Penguins that live in Simons Town, South Africa.

It is "nesting" time for the penguins. They are busy grooming each other and building nests. We saw all stages of penguins - eggs, newborns (which are so fuzzy) and those losing their fuzz, and then adults.

Laying out in the sun!

See the fuzzies!!

I assumed we were only going to be able to see the penguins from a fenced boardwalk. But, as we were walking out I spotted another trail and we were able to go on the beach with the penguins!! How awesome!! They were too busy grooming to notice we were right there. You could actually pet them (we didn't because they do bite). We had a great afternoon with the penguins. It was great to sit an observe them in their natural environment.

Here is the sign in the parking lot:


I have a video uploading of a penguin gathering "stuff" for his woman's nest!! I just love watching them walk. It looks hilarious that they do not use their arms/wing. When the video is done uploading I will post it.

Hout Bay

I was just looking at all the photos we took on our trip and I realized we did and saw so much!!! What a trip we had. I am so grateful that we have an opportunity to travel. The best part was having Scott's mom and dad along seeing all of it with us!! It is such a beautiful country. I would never have guessed that this country had so much beauty. Despite all of the negative things you hear - AIDS, crime, corruption, racism, and unemployment - God is ever present everywhere and I think we tend to forget that and focus on the negative. God is working and showing his creations everywhere!! Everything is created by him and we are the caretakers!

Pictures do not do justice to all the sights and beauty we saw. Scott's mom and I were just in awe!! I think we said more than one time how amazing the area is.

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One of our stops was Hout Bay - known for its Fish and Chips and the Mariner's Wharf. It was an overcast day, but one of enjoying the moments with the family. We walked along the beach and then the pier. When we first arrived there was a baby seal walking along the beach. Of course the kids excitement scared the seal into the water before I could get a picture.

Here is the Bay - check out the link on Mariner's Wharf for a better picture.

Did I mention how close Maddie and Alex are?!? They are amazing and they get along so well.

I love this picture!! It was nice to see Scott's parents enjoying themselves.

Alex needed an umbrella holder (me). It was too big for him.

He does not like to get wet.

and then you have Maddie not having a care in the world of getting wet.

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Our family has grown so much since our move to South Africa. We are enjoying time together and always thanking God for this awesome opportunity.

Table Mountain and V&A Waterfront

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Wow - I finally got the slide show to work!! Here are some more pics of our amazing trip. We stayed in Table View for 3 days and toured Cape Town. It was amazing to see Table Mountain in the middle of the city. Our first night there we walked the beaches and saw a beautiful sunset. The kids were so excited to finally get their feet into the ocean. You can see Table Mountain in the back ground of the first few pictures.

You can take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain. We drove up to the Cable way and the cars were suspended due to strong winds. So, we were not able to go up (SO SAD), but we were able to get some pictures from there. The Panorama picture will show you the awesome view we had. You can see the excitement from Maddie and Alex having Grandma and Grandpa with us. Grandma and Grandpa bought them the South Africa shirts that they are wearing. (They did not want to take them off - they slept in them that night and tried to get away with wearing them the next day!) Thank you Grandma and Grandpa!!

We also visited the V&A Waterfront. It was nice to watch the boats coming and going. We ate a nice (windy) lunch looking over the bay. See my little miss sunshine?! She was loving the big sunglasses. By the waterfront was the Two Oceans Aquarium. A great place for the kids. We then took them to the Snatch Patch. They each received a bag. They could hunt for as many "gemstones" that they could fit into the bag. Maddie has a rock collection going on at home - so she was in "rock heaven"

Next Stop: Hout Bay

Visiting the Wineries

We were able to visit a couple of wineries to see the vineyards and do some wine tasting. We decided to do two wineries that were kid friendly.

The first one was Fairview. This was a very small farm like winery. Very Quiet. They had a Goat shed that the kids enjoyed watching the goats go up and down.

Enjoying the moment!

We then stopped at Spier. Spier is probably the most commercialized winery. It is very touristy and made for entertainment. We enjoyed a nice picnic lunch, watching the kids ride horses, and tasting some wines. I enjoyed tasting some of their antique wines and just enjoying the day with the family.

Big Boy Alex!

Maddie is a true horse rider!

Mom and Dad Leenstra really enjoyed themselves and relaxed!

We had a great visit. It sure is a beautiful area.

I purchased a bottle of wine at each place we visited for a "souvenir" thinking it would be cheaper to buy direct. Low and behold I went to Pick n Pay (our local grocery store) after we returned and the same bottle of wine I purchased at Spier was cheaper. CRAZY

Wine Country

Day 2 of our trip we drove another 6 hours to Wellington. We drove through the most beautiful mountains and wineries (I have tons of pictures - but none of them really do any justice to the magnitude of beauty). We were in awe. We used our "trusty" GPS unit to get us to our B&B. This place was in the middle of nowhere!! Dirt roads - crazy curves - and no street signs. We were greatly impressed when we arrived.

We stayed in the most beautiful farmhouse built in 1776. We had use of the whole house. The kids loved running around, playing with their big dogs, seeing the horses, and I loved the mountain landscape all around us.

I will post a video of my morning when it eventually loads up - Ok its loaded - just disregard the bunions (I know I have them) and yes I did fall down a step while recording - just to put a smile on your face.

Having my Morning Coffee

DROP EVERYTHING!!!

Side Blog:
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This was not part of our Cape Trip - The kids and I went to a Lion and Rhino Nature Preserve today. We went with Sarah Weeda and her son, Kaden. They are friends from Innotec who have lived in South Africa before. They are visiting South Africa for 3 weeks. We decided to take the a little drive and see some more animals. I was excited about the possibility to interact with Tiger cubs. I was not going to get my hopes up - but to my delight they had 6 week old Tigers and Lions to interact with. So I signed my consent form (for both the kids and I) and off we went into the pin!!!

6 week old tigers!! It has always been a dream of mine to hold a baby tiger!! I can not believe it!!

Here are some more pics!

They were very playful. They took Alex down, but he was still smiling!

Oh - So cute!!

Trying to get them to play with the toys.

Having Fun

Friend or Foe?!?

Gariep Dam

We started our trip traveling about half way to Cape Town.


OUR RIDE

It was great having a trailer! Otherwise we would have been a little cramped inside. I bet you would never guess this car could fit 6 people (and we were all comfortable).


Pit stop to eat

We stayed at a place called Forever Resorts Gariep Dam. It was a great place to stay.

Putt Putt for the kids,

with a trampoline in the middle of the course. Scott and Scott's Dad had to try it out!


a nice chalet to stay in,


and the visit to the Gariep Dam.

Mom and Dad


It was a beautiful drive up.


THE DAM

I get conflicting info on how big the dam is so this is me combining all the data into one answer. It is 914 m long and 88 m high. It is considered the largest Dam in South Africa


A road going across the river at the bottom of the dam.

It was a great first day! No bickering in the car - only voice that was vocal was mine being a HUGE backseat driver. It only go worse as the days went on. I told Scott next road trip -KNOCK ME OUT!!


Day 2 Sneak Peak:


The scenery was amazing!! I never knew there were so many mountains in South Africa.