Community

One of the parts that God has allowed us to play is to have a connection to our Gogo’s (grandmothers and grandfathers) in the area. Grannies play an especially big part in the community as matriarchs. On Wednesdays we have a life group with them, and we try to get source some ‘sell-by date’ food from Spar, which we package as a support for them. 

 

This group of Gogo’s have become like spiritual supports for one another. At the same time, we are giving them a purpose in that they act as foster parents to our children. Some of them just need a hug from a Gogo to just reassure them, and to pray with them as well. We praise and worship, we pray together, and all love one another.

 

This has been very powerful because, when the school is not open over weekends or holidays, these same Gogo’s, when a child is in need, whether it is an abusive situation or whatever the challenge, they run to the Gogo’s. The Gogo’s then report to us and we become the mediator with the Douglasdale Police Station or with the social workers if it is a case that needs their attention. If they just need to be kept safe, the Gogo’s are there for them to offer them shelter.

 

It is true community. And these Gogo’s also give back to us when they come and do spring cleaning at the school every second month. They clean the windows until they are sparkling, and are very pedantic with their thorough cleaning.