Small things Matter
The families and children at all of the care points literally have nothing. They live in an area of Swaziland that is considered the “hottest” spot. The heat index gets very high and there is little rain with dessert conditions. Every time we rode with our combie (van) driver to our centers he would usually respond with a shaken head, “Whoosh, it’s a shame, look at that”. His face would hold concern, sadness and worry for his people who live in areas where things scarcely grow and there is lack of water. Unfortunately, there is dry land in most of Nsoko. The people are just holding on to survive.
When asked at many care centers about what the needs are they automatically say water. There is an inconsistent availability of water for them. They have to travel miles to get any amount. And from the visitors’ eye you see the apparent lack of food, clothing and shelter for all. It struck me to the core that the people here don’t get most of the “Basic Needs” that all humans need for survival.
At the village in the mountain I saw many needs. The first and foremost was the water well situation, which is still in motion to bring a solution, hopefully very soon. The clothing of the children and mothers was also something that was heart breaking to see. Many of the children were in the same clothes day after day. The women’s clothing was torn and dirty. On one occasion we brought a clothes bin, washcloths and other supplies to the care point. As the community was looking through it, Zendlle asked me if I could get some dishtowels for her. Of all things …dishtowels. I guess anything and everything is needed.
So when anything is given to them it is a cause to celebrate!
With ministry funds we were able to buy clothing for Zendelle’s two children; Benzini’s two and their sister in law’s two children. There were also several pieces of hand me down clothing that we passed on to the women.
The tub of “goodies” was handed to Zendlle. She was full of joy and gratitude for all of the clothing. When she saw the hair wrap that she had admired early on in my visit she became more excited. The last item however made her ecstatic!
She reacted with the excitement, enthusiasm, and shouts as she saw an abundant amount of dishtowels! You would have thought she won the lottery or Publisher’s Clearing House. She held onto those rags jumping up and down all the while thanking me and Aaron.
I was awestruck! When was the last time OR anytime I was that grateful or excited over something. Especially a dishcloth!
MMM….It makes me think….What is my priorities? …and where do my riches lie?
