This month, we are working with an orphanage called El Shaddai, run by Charmaine. It's on top of a mountain that overlooks the Swazi countryside. It is absolutely gorgeous here. The weather is cooler than it was in Mozambique (where it averaged between 90 & 105), here it's in the 70s and 80s; such a welcome change from Moz. There is a river in the valley to the north west of us, we are surrounded by trees and boulders, farm land and cows grazing and mooing all the day long. It is incredible.
The kids here are just as beautiful. They range in age from 6 months to 21 years. El Shaddai is different from most orphanages because they work with the older kids in order to have them learn a trade before they leave, so that they have the ability to go out into the world and have something to do to support themselves. Charmain really pours into them and wants great things for them; she truly cares about them and does all in her power to make sure that they won't end up another statistic.
Charmaine started the orphanage 11 years ago, obeying God's voice as he told her to open it, without any funding or supporters. Now, it's a beautiful place, volunteers are coming from all over the world spending time with these wonderful kids and building this into a respected place that people from all over the countryside come to; kids for school, adults for medical care and help with their farms. Charmaine is well respected in the community and does all she can to reach out to them. She is God's hands and feet in motion, his love tangibly shown.
The kids here, if they are old enough, attend school on site along with some kids from the community. Africa truly is different. El Shaddai's school is the only free school in the kingdom of Swaziland. Some kids walk 6 miles round trip to attend the school. You won't find anyone in America doing that.
Come along El Shaddai through your prayers – they are currently under funded and are praying that God provides funding and monthly sponsorships for the kids, so that they can attend school, continue to eat well, and be taken care of.
