Many great memories and friendships have been made this week during the Young Ambassadors' tour. On Saturday they received a call from the Church Public Affairs Office and were asked to quickly make their way to the Ithute Caring Institute in Soweto (a care facility for the elderly). The group arrived not really knowing what to expect, but made their way into the lunch room and immediately started making friends. They talked for a few minutes with the residents before singing a few songs together. As they prepared to leave the facility, the director requested they come back soon, telling them that she had known many of these patients for more than 10 years and never knew they could speak English.
The Young Ambassadors then presented a workshop for the Benoni Stake Youth Conference which had 170 people in attendance. The youth were split into three groups and moved in rotation through three separate presentations by the Young Ambassadors. After, they participated in a fireside to end that portion of the conference. The strength of the spirit and the youth allowed for many friendships to be made and many testimonies to be shared.
On Sunday, the Young Ambassadors attended a special YSA multi-stake Church meeting and were able to help present a few classes. Later that evening they presented a fireside to over 300 people.
On Monday the group had the wonderful opportunity to go to the Lion Park and pet lion cubs. They also walked around the park and fed giraffes and ostriches. Later they went on a game drive where they saw several lion prides, cheetahs, and wild dogs. That evening they presented a FHE YSA fireside and again were able to interact with many of the amazing youth in the Church in Southern Africa.
Tuesday, the Young Ambassadors traveled six hours to Gaborone, Botswana. Their first stop was the SOS Children's Home where they played with the children and presented a short musical presentation. They ended the presentation singing 'You'll Never Walk Alone' and 'I am a Child of God' before passing out suckers, balls, books, and games.
A cultural exchange with 50 members of a community dance group was next on their busy schedule. When the Young Ambassadors walked off the bus the community dancers were performing in the dirt and gave an amazing 15 minute presentation. During the dance the Young Ambassadors quickly noticed that they were being surrounded by a large and very excited crowd. Making their way inside the Naledi Youth Centre, the Young Ambassadors performed to an enthusiastic and very appreciative audience who in turn shared their culture with them by teaching the group a few steps from a Botswana folk dancing troupe.
After this cultural experience, the Young Ambassadors left for their VIP reception and concert that benefited the SOS Children's Home. The concert was full and had a very grateful audience.
Wednesday found the tour group making the seven hour trek back to the University of Johannesburg, where they had a benefit concert for the 'Children of Fire', a non-profit organization that focuses on healing.
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Source: Performing Arts Management