I honestly don’t know where to begin to describe this, month 10, of my race in Swaziland. Swaziland skyrocketed into my top favorite countries of the race within a few days. Our ministry was working with El Shaddai Children’s Home which is flawlessly placed on the tip-top of a mountain deep into Swazi country. El Shaddai is home to over 70 youth from under 1 year old to over 18 years old. There were many different opportunities to partner with El Shaddai this month such as helping to build and grow a sustainable garden, working in the medical clinic, teaching preschool, working in the “baby house”, or hanging out with our “buddies”. One of my favorite things about this month is that each racer was partnered with a youth or “buddy” to spend one-on-one time with daily. My buddy was a sweet, funny, beautiful 9 year old girl who has the best laugh I have ever heard. I helped her learn to tell time and read. We also listening to music, laughed, danced, and played cards. One of my favorite days with her was possible because you, our supporters, who helped fund an incredible field trip.
All of U Squad was able to take our precious buddies into town for the day. For some of these kids, it was the first time they had ever stepped foot off of the mountain. We all piled into 4 buses and drove the hour drive into town where we gave each child 20 in Swazi currency (about $2) for them to use their math skills to go into a store with and buy whatever they wanted for themselves. This also was the first time many of these kids had ever dealt with money in a real way. It was a very fun, learning experience for the kids who bought anything from pencils to use in school to chocolate and french fries. After shopping we went to the movies where we watched Rio 2, which my buddy thoroughly enjoyed, along with her popcorn and slushi. Then we took the kids out for pizza before going home. This day was truly a most memorable experience for all of us and for the youth of El Shaddai that we could never forget. Thank you to anyone who contributed to this beautiful day we had with our buddies.
One thing about being on the race that has been really hard is that it is so hard to find the words to adequately describe things that I’ve experienced, without having invited you all up here to experience things first hand with me. This place and these children are so very special, each having a story, a unique personality, a laugh, a sense of humor that really makes this place what it is. I am so glad that each of these kids are safe here, that they are getting an education, that they are getting loved on, that they are getting sponsorship, and that they get to hear of the love of Jesus. One of my favorite things has been hearing the sounds of their beautiful worship songs, of which I am confident, resonate throughout this whole area of Swazi. They are also a people of compassion, honor, love, and so many hugs. The kids of Swazi are more faces that are etched onto my heart forever. I will truly miss this place!
