Well, I blinked and month 2 of the World Race has come and (almost) gone.
This month, my entire squad and I have been living and serving at El Shaddai. El Shaddai is an orphanage on top of a mountain in rural Swaziland. There are about 55 children that live here, and we each have an individual buddy we’ve been paired with for the month. My buddy is an 11-year old girl named Nothando. She came to El Shaddai as a 3-year old, after her mother threatened to kill Nothando, her 4 year-old sister Gift, and herself. Her mother passed away 4 years ago after a long struggle with addiction. Nothando has a story; all of these kids have a story. However, there are a lot of things her story won’t tell you. Her favorite color is purple, she has a beautiful singing voice, and she can beat almost anyone at speed (her favorite card game). She challenges me. She tests me. She will barely let her walls down enough to tell me anything more personal than her favorite color, but can you blame an orphan for being hesitant to open up? Can you even wish for that, with the knowledge that the clock is already ticking on your departure? These are the kinds of questions I ask myself, but I know there’s no earthly answer. It only takes one glance at the stars in the night sky or a minute looking out at the miles and miles of mountaintops to know Jesus is here with these kids even after we leave.
Our days have been busy for the most part. During the day, we work in various ministries for El Shaddai. I’ve spent a lot of time this month in the garden, and I truly think the garden has become my happy place. I never would’ve guessed that I’d find such beauty and joy in hoeing, raking, spreading fertilizer from the pigs. planting, weeding, and watering. There is just something about the simple and methodical process that gives life. Maybe Jesus was onto something with all those garden parables after all. The garden is also a great place to talk about Jesus, get excited for Christmas, and share stories and laughter. Afternoons are filled with buddy and team time, and dinner prep for our squad afterwards. We have squad worship 3 nights a week and events with the kids on the other nights.
I’ve also found out recently that I’m fully funded for the remainder of the race. Wait, what? Jesus did something crazy and beautiful in the hearts of a teammate’s parents, and Kindred is 100% funded as a result. I’m absolutely blown away by His faithfulness and the Holy Spirit. God really does pave the way.
Thank you so SO SO much for all of the support and prayers. I’d really appreciate your continued prayers for myself and my team as we go into month 3 in Mafambisse, Mozambique. We will be living and serving with orphans, building houses for widows, and doing prayer and evangelism ministry. Keep praying for my team, my squad, and the people we are coming into contact with as we are growing in love with each other and with Jesus. xoxo
