I know, its been a while…but its been kinda hard to get to internet. Since I am still with the big Africa group, we are only able to get to the internet once a week. So, lets see. I made it Africa safe and sound. Its been wonderful. Right now we are based out of J’burg staying at a place called Alabanza. We do lots of teaching and things of that nature in the morning and then in the afternoons we go out and do ministry. Our first week there we did ministry at a place call Refilwe. Its a foster care program for orphans and kids that have been displaced due to HIV and other things. But suprisingly enough, we did not have any interaction with the kids. We did manuel labor. It was great. It was really cool to be able to serve in that way.
Last Saturday we left Alabanza and headed to Swaziland, for the week. We head back on Monday. Its been great. Its been good teaching in the morning, but amazing ministry in the afternoons. In Swazi, 6 out of every 10 are dying of HIV. Unreal. They say if things continue the way they are, the Swazi people will be gone by 2051. So there is GREAT need here. I have been playing with a lot of orphans which to many may be suprising because I’m not usually a “kid” person, but I can’t stay away from them. I love them all. We also have spent time in the squatter camps just hanging out with people and talking with them in their homes. We have prayed over them and just showed them God’s love for them. The coolest thing that I”ve done has been hanging out at the Women’s Ward at the Hospital just talking, praying, singing, laughing, and loving girls in there that are my age that are dying from HIV. That is why I am now named “Busisiwe.” A girl that is 23 in the hospital gave me my Suswati name. It means “blessing.” It has been an incredible thing for me to see and feel what its like to have the heart of Compassion just like Christ. It has torn me to pieces, but in a good way. Pray for the people of Swazi. Pray that leaders will rise up and turn this nation around. God loves them so very much.
We actually have the weekend off. Tomorrow we are going to a game park and just enjoying God’s creation here. We head back to Jburg on Monday and then Jbay on Saturday. Hopefully I will get some pictures on here at some point! Hope all are well!:)
I am so glad that youa re having a great time. I have to say that I admire you with your minisering in the Swazi hospital. That is something that I tried several times while ther and could not. It was to uncomfortable. I spent a lot of time in the childrens ward. Talking to the moms. It felt least like a hospital there. I am glad that the Lord has blessed your ministry to the women there. May he continue that. God bless and take it all in.
What a wonderful update! And your new name…WOW! I hope you have a relaxing and re-energizing weekend (off) and I look forward to hearing/reading more about your ministries. Love and prayers, Aaryn…. 🙂