Words to describe the Gogo’s:
- selfless
- Welcoming
- Sheltering
- Willing
- Motherly
- Open
- Soft
- Warm hearted
- Humorous
- Smiley
- Wise
Who are the Gogo’s?
The Gogo’s are the cooks at the care points where we do our ministry each day. They voluntarily take time out of their day to cook food for all the children so that they can eat.
Today at our care point I decided to move further than just loving on the kids, but chose to sit down and talk with one of the Gogo’s. It started with me cleaning the dishes for the children to eat with. I began talking with a woman, Winile Mngomezulu. She asked me about my family, we were simply getting to know each other. After lunch she invited me to bring a chair into the room where they cook the food to sit and talk. I brought my teammate, Sadie, along with me as well. Winele continued to teach us more Eswati words and gave us Swazi names! My Swazi name is Sikolethumeaning “our tradition” or “she is coming.” Although I didn’t always spell or pronounce the Eswati words correctly, she would always tell me, “I like you because you are trying.”
Visiting with Mngomezulu was not intimidating like I initially thought it would be. It actually felt very familiar and comforting. She reminds me of Jesus in many ways.
So God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God He created them; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:27
When I asked if I could help with dishes, she immediately invited me in and allowed me to help in order to serve the kids. She didn’t necessarily need my help but invited me anyway. Similarly, God doesn’t need our help. He can do this work all on His own but He invites us into it anyway to bless us. Mngomezulu didn’t have to invite me in to bring a chair to sit and talk, but she did because she wanted to get to know me and build a friendship. Just like how God invites us everyday to the table, not because He has to but because He is eager to be more in community with Him. Mngomezulu didn’t have to teach us Eswati, but she did because she wanted to welcome me into her culture so we could get to know her more. If we sit down and spend time with God, He will teach ya all there is to know about Him. He wants us to know Him more. Then Mngomezulu invited me to go to her church. When I asked if the rest of my team could come along as well, she gave me the most astounded look and said, “ why would I say ‘no’ to anyone coming to church!?” Just like Jesus, He invites us to praise Him without requirements. Jesus has His arms wide open to us waiting for us to embrace Him.
When I think of Swaziland, I think of it as the “Country of Friendship.” Just like the people of Swazi, God wants to be all of our friend.
I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.
John 15:14
Fun facts about Mngomezulu
- favorite season: summer
- Favorite fruit: apples
- Favorite color: Black and white
- Favorite sport: net ball (basketball)
