Our team flag. Our handprints on the Swazi mountains.
Monday through Friday we get to spend most of our day at the carepoints [where the kids are taught, fed and looked after]. We help out with the preschool classes, cook with the grandmas, hold beautiful children, help with the Bible club, and sweat through an array of crazy running games. It’s a pretty fantastic way to spend the day.
One of my favorite moments each day is our arrival. We ride in an old, rickety African van and the roar of our engine pronounces our coming long before we actually arrive. However, the moment the children hear our booming motor they come sprinting out the gate with wide, hopeful smiles. They jump, they laugh and they lift up their arms in anticipation of what’s about to happen—even before we open a single door.
Katherine. Saying hello.
And the moment we set one foot on the dusty ground, they grab hold of our legs and immediately lay claim to our attention. They want to be held, loved, talked to and smiled at. They want someone to notice them, someone to affirm their uniqueness, someone to show them that they’re important. And that’s exactly what we get to do. We roll around with them in the dirt even though we’re wearing skirts, we carry them even when they pee on us, and we hold them in our arms even when our muscles start to give way because this is why we came. To bring the tangible LOVE of God to His children.
This morning while we were having time with Jesus, I realized just how incredible this opportunity is. God dwellsinside us and when we bring His love, His truth, His hope and His goodness to these children…we are bringing God Himself. What an honor!
Ally. In the midst of chaos.
Please be praying for us as we continue to invest in the children and people of Swaziland. He is needed here in the most real ways and we are beyond privileged to be a part of His answer to their many prayers. May we continue to LOVE with His love.
Tonight is July 4th and we are getting together with two other short term missions teams as well as the local missionaries to celebrate! It will be a nice break and a great opportunity to encourage and be encouraged. Hope you are also able to take a break and enjoy the day’s festivities!
Here are a few more photos from our days at the carepoints as well as our “home away from home.” We LOVE you all and are extremely blessed by your continual care, prayers and support.
Until next time,
Team BELOVED [Swaziland 2012].
Ami. Having FUN!
Ami. Simply BEAUTIFUL.
Anna. Holding on tight.
Spenser. Showing these boys what a man is supposed to be like.
Our “home”
Three of the BEAUTIFUL children we get to LOVE every day.
One of our four bedrooms. It’s basically a BIG slumber party. Ever. Single. Night.
