Over the past few weeks, our kids at the school have had the opportunity to experience some outings that are for many of them once in a lifetime. For those of you who don't know, let me fill you in on the Gautrain, otherwise this won't make much sense :) The Gautrain is a train, somewhat similar to the Subway in New York, that was completed 2 years ago. It runs throughout different parts of Johannesburg, which is located in the provice of Gauteng--now the name makes sense :) Our kids and even the ladies that teach at the school had never had an opportunity to ride the train--and 2 weeks ago we were given the opportunity to take a ride free of charge! 

We loaded the kids up and went to the station. At the station they were greeted by characters that would teach them about the train and interact with them on our ride. We went from Rosebank station to Pretoria--about a 25 min ride. They heard stories, learned songs, got to dance, and most of all experience something that some of them may never get to do again. They absolutely loved it! It was an amazing day. 

Stemming from this, we were invited to attend the book launch for the Gautrain coffee table book. We went assuming we would just get to sit back and watch, but instead our kids had the opportunity to be a big part of the program for the day. They opened the program by walking in doing a step and singing--then they were on stage for the reading of a poem by a famous South African poet. They had the opportunity to meet various political leaders from Johannesburg, and once again share in a special once in a lifetime opportunity. I've attached some pictures below :) 

These experiences have been wonderful for our children, but they have also opened my eyes to some things. So many times where we are born decides what our opportunities will be. I know this isn't true in all situations, but for the most part, the kids I teach every day will never have the opportunities that many of us do. The opportunity to get a great education, to go to college, to live the comfortable life that we do, to travel the world....

And this reality broke my heart--how many times do I take this opportunities for granted? Do I ever truly thank God for allowing me to be born into a family and place that led me to have the opportunities I do? It's a difficult reality for me to face, especially as I prepare to say goodbye to my sweet kids in one month. Where will they be 10, 15, or 20 years from now? What opportunities will they get to experience? What will their lives look like? 

I have to rest in the fact that one day this sinful world that creates inequality will pass away--and those who believe in Christ will all live together with Him. All I can do is love them with the love of Christ...