Matters of the Heart
The village at the bottom of the mountain has become more than just a care center to me. From the first day I met Zandlle and her sister Benzini, I gelled with them at once. Zandlle is so full of life and speaks my language very well. (English but also the language of love for life and friendship).As more details came out about their lives I realized that their family made up most of the care point recipients. With eleven sisters and many brothers, a father, two mothers, plus sister in laws, mother in laws, and cousins, this family has its own community on the mountain.
But it’s more than just the surface details of these friendships that I have come to know. I have learned what is dear to their hearts and what really matters in life. As these things have been revealed it has meant the world to me that I haven’t just been there to teach and pass time but that I have been able to get to know who they are, hang with them and encourage them in their situation of life. In turn, they have amazed me, made me laugh, concerned and encouraged me with their ways of life, and made me feel apart of their family and community.
These are just some of the things that I was privileged to see that shapes and matters to the heart of these villagers who live at the bottom of the mountain.
Growing Faith
When I first met Zandlle her son was sick. He was bundled in warm clothing, strapped to her back sleeping and very lethargic. We had had the conversation on whether she believed in God and she shared about her times with the church and how she believes in Jesus and God’s power to heal. I than was able to pray with her and believed for her sons healing. At the end of my time it ended with her and some children singing SiSwati worship songs and dancing under the shade of the tree. How cool that was!
A moveable clinic was supposed to come the next day but never did. However, the next days brought healing and wellness to her son. The true Physician visited her son. It was great to celebrate with her that God had made her son well again.
