You Could Use a Hug...

“What’s the story?”  This question has been running through my mind non-stop since we returned home. I have so many stories from our time in Swaziland. So many amazing things to share. I have already written two blog posts that will never see the light of day, because God has impressed on my heart to ask the question, “What's the story?” Not all stories must be told and others, well, they cannot be held back. They overflow like a fire hose...

Me and My Shadow

The most important part of our trip is not planting in the garden, painting a home or digging the foundation for a new home, but the relationships that we make. Last year I had a shadow that constantly looked to me for a little attention whether it was playing with a ball or just wanting to be held. I know that the other boys teased him for wanting my attention as the teasing of children is understandable in any language, but he persisted in wanting...

We Give and Take Away: Day Four

We Give and Take Away: Day Four (May 16, 2014)  First, we gave. On the hottest day yet, the whole team trotted down the dusty, dirt road to Mage Shongwe’s homestead. Four of her children are Mkhombokati regulars. They live in a round home made of mud and sticks with a thatched roof that is sinking in on itself. Because of the generosity of the Capital community, she is getting a new home and today it was time to sort the precious cinder...

Sunsets in Swazi

May 16, 2014 Today was our last "work day" at the care point and the reality that our trip is on the downhill side of things started to set in. I knew it would be life changing, but I had no idea the impact these kids would have on me... and hopefully... me on them. Every morning, I have looked forward to greeting the bomake, who make fun of my broken Siswati. However, each bomake is filled with so much love, I am slowly learning how to greet...

Jesus loves the little children...

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