We continue to have access issues (right now I can't upload pictures, but I can seem to get text out, so for that I am grateful.  I have put together the summaries of the last few days, but you really need to see pictures for it to be meaningful, so I thought I would take the space today to tell you a little about The Pines and why we came.  Guess I never did that, so now is as good a time as any!  For many of you, this is familiar ground, but I know not for all.

The Pines is an orphanage built to house children who have been orphaned as a result of AIDS.  A few are HIV positive themselves but the real hope of this place is that many are not.  By providing housing, clothing, food, education and most importantly the Gospel, what we hope to accomplish (yes, I said "we" - this place really draws you in!), is to break the cycle of the AIDS pandemic by starting with just a few.  At just 18 kids now it seems like a small drop in the bucket, but the bucket is filled one drop at a time.

The Pines is a ministry of Ambassadors International Ministries, Inc. and was built truly as a labor of love of dear friends of ours, David and Sally Seefried.  Unfortunately for us (but not for David!), God called David Seefried home March 29th.  And I know that he would not want me to go on about how his stamp is all over this place.  He would want me to tell you that when you look around here, you don't see David's hand, you see God's.  And while I do not believe it will ever happen, I think he would be just fine if his name were forgotten so long as God's was always uplifted.

You can read more about The Pines on the website of one of our host missionaries' pages (the O'Tools).  They also have a blog which includes some specifics about the kids who are here.

Now, about why we came.  You know, I think it started because of David and Sally.  When we first planned the trip, we were hoping that they might be able to join us.  But as the time grew closer and ultimately God took David home before he could return here, it became more about really wanting to see the ministry that so consumed him.

Now that we are here, I offer an alternate reason - we have come for Puseletso "Gladys", Kesentseng, Puseletso "Maria", Nontembiso, Refiloe, Ntswaki, Motshidisi, Dieketseng, Okuhle, Cebisile, Itumeleng, Mpho, Mokhosi, Tankiso, Tshidiso, Pheello, Lehlohonolo and Boetie Boet (sorry - I misspelled his name earlier).

If I can get on tomorrow, I will try to get caught up with the daily stuff and you will be able to meet them a little more.  I hope as well to be able to post some small videos that we have taken, especially the ones today at Morningstar.  This is a day-care center dedicated totally to children who are HIV positive.  It was uplifting to see them so happy, singing in line as they wait to brush their teeth, playing, mugging for the cameras.  It was also heartbreaking to realize that when we are here next some of them will not be.

It was also great to see a room full of women who at one point had nothing and no hope and are now making and selling crafts and in the process hearing the gospel message.  I can only speak for myself, but I have never been happier to empty my wallet.  These will not be souvenirs, they will truly be memories.  I write this now, because when I do post the pictures from today, I won't want to clutter it up with words.  I don't expect I will have any anyway.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers - our sore backs are appreciative!