Hey Friends,
I hope that you are all well. It has been about a month since I wrote to you. There has not been too much to update in terms of new events or things happening. The major thing that is happening is that Africa Jam has recently ordered a building for a community center in Khayelitsha. It will be delivered and put in the community in the next few weeks and we will be able to have our afterschool program there. Also, we will be launching our small loan program in about 1 month, which will be exciting to see people starting their own businesses.
Other than that, we have just been continuing with our day to day activities. The past month for me has really been a time of personal struggle and growth however. For the last couple of months I have been wrestling with a whole variety of things such as questions, doubts, negative emotions, and feeling a bit overwhelmed with life and community work. It has been a difficult time but I am starting to see so many good things coming out of it.
These struggling times have forced me to really get honest with myself, with others, and with God. It has been so liberating to get back to being more authentic and transparent. Sometimes the most freeing thing is just to share something you're struggling with. And as for my faith, I have become very real and open with God. Rather than pretending things are perfect and feeling good, Ive really been realizing I can tell God anything, the good and the ugly. As part of that I have been finding different ways to creatively express myself. Ive been spending much more time writing, coming up with poetry, playing music, doing photography. I think it has been really healthy and helpful to have those outlets.
So it really has been a good month, as I'm seeing all of the good things coming out of these struggles. I am feeling more free, more alive, more close to God than I have in quite awhile. I'm once again seeing the amazing ways God can use our difficulties for good. So thanks for all your continued prayers and support. Please continue to pray for 1) The Loan Project we are starting 2) The youth we work with 3)Me and my fellow workers to continue to grow and be changed in healthy ways. Thanks! Love you all
Ryan
