It’s hard to believe that a year ago this week, I was
stepping foot on African soil for the first time and traveling to a little
place called Mkhombokati Care Point. While preparing for the 2012 trip, I had
no idea what to expect when I arrived. You quickly learn the statistics about
Swaziland – the highest HIV/AIDS rate in the world, a shockingly low life
expectancy rate that is continuing to drop and the sheer number of orphans.
With these statistics in mind, you pack your bags expecting to find a dark,
dismal place when you arrive. As a result, my goal for the 2012 trip was to
bring love and hope to a hurting nation. However, the moment I stepped foot on
the grounds of the Mkhombokati Care Point, I knew my goal had been amiss. Even
though the Swaziland statistics are a reality, I did not need to bring love and
hope to the Care Point because those qualities already echoed through the
grounds of Mkhombokati. Love and hope were not foreign qualities that needed to
be brought by foreigners. No, love and hope are currents that run throughout
the Care Point despite the severe need of Swaziland. They are evident in the
laughter of the children, the hard working hands of the Makes and the
dedication of the missionaries and leadership team.
With this in mind, my goal for the 2013 trip has changed.
Instead of bringing hope and love to
Mkhombokati, I am excited to return to share
in the love and hope that permeates through the grounds of the Care Point.
I am overjoyed to be able to return to Swaziland in May. However, I know that
even if I had never been able to visit the Care Point first hand, I would still
be able to share in the love and hope of Mkhombokati because I sponsor a child
at the Care Point. Vuyisile is a 13 year old girl who is facing the reality of
the statistics of Swaziland. I worry about her safety, her health, her
educational progress and her decisions as a teenager. Thankfully, I know that
she has many at the Care Point who are looking after her and helping guide her
in all of these areas. I also know that she is being fed by the loving hands of
the Makes who cook for her and the other 170+ kids every single day. My $34
monthly sponsorship helps purchase food, medical supplies and other necessities
for Vuyisile and the other kids at the Care Point. And while I cannot wait to
wrap my arms around Vuyisile in a giant hug when I see her, I know that even
from 20,000 miles away, I am actively participating in the love and hope that
makes up Mkhombokati Care Point.
Do you want to share in the love and hope of Mkhombokati
Care Point? Five of Vuyisile’s peers at the Care Point are still in need of
someone to sponsor them and become their special friend. Sponsorship includes a
$34 monthly donation (tax deductible) and a commitment to write to and pray for
your special friend. If you are part of the Capital community and want more
information about sponsorship, please check out www.hopechest.org/community/mkhombokati/
or email Swaziland@capitalchurch.com
with questions.
With love and hope,
Amber Baudino
