Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Swaziland, Africa


I made it! Much to the delight and surprise of my worried mother, I made it back from Swaziland, Africa safely and healthy. What a blessing. My trip was a complete success; though I should confess it’s very likely I learned more about love from the children with whom I worked than I could have ever shown them. They have the most amazing hearts.

Working at the Mkhombokati care point was a truly humbling and breathtaking experience. I was able to work with over 100 children and pre-teens, (most of whom have lost one or both or their parents) every day. It was truly inspiring. We were able to host daily bible school lessons for the young children as well as teach them songs and games. We also held life skills classes in the afternoons for both the young ones as well as the older kids who would come to the care point from school.

We taught the group how to sew and mend their clothes, basic hygiene and health, as well as some carpentry. Through these classes each child left with a new outfit, a personal hygiene kit and the care point has new shelves in the classroom. We also planted a garden to supply the care point with lettuce, onions etc. for more complete meals. The ‘makehs’ sp? (MAH-KAYs) or mothers who volunteer their time every day at the care point will look after the garden and harvest all the growth. Currently the meals at the care point prepared daily by these makehs consist of cornmeal and rice. Just a glimpse at these children and the malnourishment is apparent. Luckily, we have the opportunity to change that.

I will no doubt be writing more about this amazing adventure soon. Thank you all for your love and support through this fantastic journey.