Before I start this blog I just wanted to apologize for not blogging every week, wifi is very difficult to find here, but I will continue to post blogs as much as I can!!
Ministry here in Swaziland looks a little different from any other country. We spend everyday at carepoints around the country ran by Adventures in a Missions. Carepoints are places for kids who don’t have enough food at home or a good home life to go after school to get fed and play. We spend about 5 hours a day there, and on most days it’s exhausting, but I love it there and I love our kids. But honestly, some days are really challenging. I wrote a poem about what was on my heart after one of those hard days, and I wanted to share it with all of you.
How is it that you still cry when you see me?
After over a month you still hide behind a tree?
Is what we’re doing producing any fruit, setting any children free?
Free from abusive homes and fathers that left way too suddenly.
I remember the times that we’ve seen the lame walk and the blind see,
but here I am trying for the hundredth time to get you to look at me.
I know you’ve been hurt and no one has held you all day.
So why won’t you let me grab that tiny hand covered in red clay?
Some days all we do is serve you beans and rice and watch you play.
It’s hard to sit still and try to love you when you don’t want me to stay.
I want to clothe you, feed you, and wash your dirty fingernails.
I want to see a change in your life and tell you of a love that never fails.
I want to pray over your family and your mother who always bails.
Will you even remember my face a week after I’ve gone home?
Will you be angry that we left you all alone?
Are you worried you will just be a picture on my phone?
Don’t fear, my child. You are so much more.
I will choose you every day, no matter how many times you slam the door.
You may never let me hold you or know my name
but that’s ok because this isn’t about me.
This is about a Father who will set you free.
It’s about a King who knew the price and how to pay.
My hands aren’t the ones that need to reap the harvest today.
The glory was never meant for me to claim,
the reason I am here is to spread His fame.
To be his hands as he breaks every chain.
So I will love you as you run from me crying,
or as you latch your teeth on to my arm with an apology that I’m not buying.
I will chase after you and smile everyday
because with my God there is always a way.
There is no kid too mean, too dirty, or too far gone because the price has been paid.
My God chooses you. So you can hide today,
but His love is here to stay.
