Jodie’s Story

Jodie Burrell visited South Africa with us in January. We asked her to share a little about her trip. Here is what she said:

“This was my first time going to South Africa, it was a trip of a lifetime. I don’t think I will ever forget it. So many things to share. The views of the mountains were so beautiful. We visited the community of Sweetwaters. We were able to play, sing, dance, and interact with the kids in the community and at a school and an orphanage. I will never forget how the children were so happy even though they didn’t have much at all. It really impacted me that you don’t need things to make you happy. We did a skit for the kids at the school about bullying and it was very impactful. The children were so welcoming and so eager to see us.

We got to visit one of the grandmothers at her home and she was taking care of her grandchildren and she had a garden that supplies all her food. She lived to work in the garden and she was so very nice, so very pleasant to be around. She just lit up the place! She said she is so blessed bc God has provided everything she has needed. Even though she had very little, she was so joyful; you could see it in her spirit.

We also visited a children’s home and we got to play with the kids, hold them, and swing them on the swings at a park near their home. They would sing these songs about God and it was such a sweet sound to hear. It was so sad when we got in the van to leave because I wanted to take one of the children home with me.

The trip was truly a trip of a lifetime and I would love to go back again. I am very thankful to have gone with such an amazing group of women.”

We loved having Jodie with us and would love to have you share in the experience of going on a trip with us as well! These trips are life-changing and a blessing to many!