Hello all! Just a quick update!
I am at the AIM offices here in Swazi. It’s about 11:30am. Today we are in town for a little while longer and then we are going on a hike through some beautiful African terrain. I can’t believe it’s already been a week. I am a little surprised. Maybe it’s still all a little surreal. I just wonder when it will really hit me? I know it begn to when I thought I was walking into oncoming traffic but it was just that they drive on the left. Then I thought it was when I couldn’t always flush the toilet, I need to let it fill up. Or maybe when the sink clogged and we had a flood in the kitchen. Or maybe when electricity decides to go out!
Our days mainly consist of ministry. It is on Africa time though which has been an adjustment in and of itself! When you say 10 it means 12. When you say soon it means later and you don’t make any promises if you can help it! Our days do usually start around noon. We head out to the care point where we play with the kids. We run around with them, jump rope, play soccer or just hold them because they don’t ever get any kind of love or attention at all. They are all ages from baby to 15. We also get to help the go-gos (the grandmothers who usually run the carepoints) make the lunch, clean up or lead bible lessons. It’s amazing what they have to do every single day! We usually get back to the house around 5pm and do dinner and team stuff. It works out pretty well with saturdays as our day off together.
The reality of my experiences here may never fully be realized until I get home. At this time I think I am still processing. Seeing orpans running excitedly to food…..spoiled food at the dump. Or a 5 year old carrying a 2 or 3 year old on her back with only a top on who is wheezing. My heart wants more for them. I want to just do do do. But me just being there with them to hug and sit with them is enough, and I am ok with that.
The team is great. Keep praying as colds are running through the team. I am finally just getting over mine! But the team is really stepping up and pushing through it. They are leading bible lessons with the kids, helping out wherever there is need and really loving on the people of Swazi.
I’ll try to update again before we leave. I am not always guarenteed communication but I will try. Thanks for your prayers. God is clearly at work here!
AWESOME!
great update Teresa, I’m so glad you and your team are doing well! I’m excited for all that God will show you guys there…can’t wait til you get back and can share it all with us!! 🙂
love you girl!
Yah!!!! My T I’m excited to hear whats happening , keep us updated. I Love you and Miss you dearly.
Thank you for sharing. You excel at hugging, listening and sitting! I’m sure the children love you!
Praying for you and the team. Please pass along my greetings to all.
I look forward to future updates… when you can!
T, sounds wonderful!
hey my friend,
So enjoyed reading your blog. It sounds like their reality and are reality is quite different, but still reality! Through God, may yours and their reality change because you care. Love, Robin
Hi Teresa,
Your mom forwarded this to me. She is so very proud of you – as am I. What a wonderful experience for you and for the kids you are helping…great prelude to your upcoming graduate work.
Savor every moment – you’re making memories…
We love you Teresa! Thanks for all the updates. We’re praying for you and are so proud of what God is doing in your life there!
Look forward to seeing you!
Paul and Deb
Hey Girl,
Nice to get an update. Blessed to see what God is doing through you and the rest of the team. Keeping you in praying. Love, Diana