So, today some of our group took a giant step into the unknown. As I entered the Ithemba daycare to make my normal rounds of walking the students to their afternoon locations, I walked in to see bright, awkward smiles coming from three of my students: Courtney Mayberry, Caleb Thompson, and Lindsey Kerns. In their hands they held bowls of some unknown substance. As I approached, however, I began to make out the claws and, yes, heads of chickens. Always ready for something new, I headed their way and was met by Numsa, one of the ladies at the daycare, as she she handed me a bowl of my own delightful meal.

I proudly write that today, for the first time ever, I ate chicken feet and chicken brains. But that isn't all! I saved one part for the grand finale: the eyeball. For a brief moment our eyes met and I knew it was love at first sight. (Or so I convinced myself and I tossed it around in my mouth and swallowed.) The eyeball was alright - despite feeling it going all the way down my throat), but the brain was my favorite. Bird brains, anyone??

(We weren't the only ones who enjoyed this traditional African meal. Chris, Ashley, and Lauren also joined in. I think Ashley wins for eating the most, but possibly only because Numsa was sitting right beside her, making sure she didn't miss any of the good stuff on the feet!)

Ok, despite the new food experiences, things are wonderful here. I met with a man named Jaap today who heads up one of our ministry sites, The Joshua Project, which works with street kids. Kolby, Sarah Medlock, Courtney N, Jessica, and Kylie help out here. He told me he has been so impressed with their willingness to work and how they take initiative to clean before he is able to ask them. To sum up his words, he is blown away by these 5 students. Way to go, guys! I was so thankful for his encouraging words. I am so blessed as a leader to have such an amazing team. 22 people in one house is a scary thought, but I have seen these men and women of God fight for unity over and over again. I have watched them sacrifice their own desires for their teammates. I have sat next to them as they pray for one another and this city. And I have listened to their excited voices each night as they share what God did through them that day. What a privilege!