The kids at Eskhaleni had a very different Saturday than what they are use to. Besides balloons and guitars, beach balls and bubbles and a whole lot of crazy fun, they had a very “American” lunch treat. We prepared 480 hotdogs for them!!! Every kid got two hotdogs, two cookies, an orange, a bag of chips and a cup of juice. We end up feeding adults from the community as well and it was a wonderful celebration. Thank you Journey for your servant hearts and pouring yourselves into Eskhaleni the past week.
On one of the home visits we did, we met a little girl who had these big sad eyes. Kids here in Swaziland are generally happy and always smiling even if they have nothing. This girl was different. She smiled once when she saw the bubbles floating by her. The ladies from Journey replaced her dirty bandage and care for her little hand that was burned. (She is the one with the yellow balloon on her head.) This girl is sweet and precious and leading a life that you and I cannot even begin to imagine. Children like these are the most vulnerable and in need of care. She touched my heart because she is someone’s “little Emi”.
Thanks, Marius, for a very blessed week in Swaziland! We arrived home safely and on time. When I could not sleep I decided to catch up on emails and your update was the first one on the list. I loved reading the posts from this past week. It was a joy to serve the Lord in Swaziland! Meeting and loving on the people of Eskhaleni whom I have been praying for was a life-changing experience. It was so special to spend time with the gogos and aunties who care for the children every day. And it was amazing to see the joy expessed through the beautiful eyes and the smiling faces of the children as we held and hugged them! Thank you for all that you do in the name of the Lord to make a difference in the lives of the people in Swaziland! It was a privilege to serve with you this past week. I look forward to meeting Jodi and Emi next time!
oh that sweet child! just to see her smile made the whole trip worth while for me. our God is so faithful and so compassionate!
marius…so thankful for your heart for swaziland and the people there. Thank you for being so patient with all our questions and silliness. serving alongside you was such a joy! can’t wait to meet jodi and emi…maybe this year in the states! know that i will be praying for you guys as you continue to be the hands and feet of Christ there in manzini and the surrounding areas.
Hey Marius, thank you so much for allowing us to serve alongside you in Swaziland this past week. You are wonderful at what you do and your heart for the Swazi people is very evident in your words and deeds. I already miss the kids…seeing them laugh, run, sing, and play. It was a very fulfilling week for me and a tangible reminder of how great God is. I’ll be praying for you and your continued work in Swaziland. God bless.
So beautiful. I am enjoying the way your fatherhood is influencing your perspectives on the world around you. Thanks for sharing that. The Lord has truly given you so much more than just the person- your sweet little Emi! Wow, He knows what we need and He knows how to work it out in our lives…you’ll see your family again soon!
Oh that hand breaks my heart! Love you guys!
I began feeling each kids in your photo as “little Haluto”.