Honestly coming in to Month 2, I was filled with dread. For some reason, without even any previous knowledge about Swaziland, I assumed it would be the worst month in my trip. On the contrary, God surprised me with the beauty of His creation on top of the mountain.
As beautiful it was waking up right next to the mountains of Swaziland, what took my breath away were the people living there. You see, I had the privilege of spending my time in Swaziland with Werner, a 16-year-old teenager who has huge dreams for his life.
My first impression of Werner was similar to your typical high school “cool” kids group. You know; the ones that will probably give you trouble. As you may know, first impressions are wrong and my first conversation with him is a testament to that.
What transpired is 25 days of life with Werner.
Our first day together was a day full of surprises for me. I first met him on the kitchen where I helped him clean the fridge and mop their floor. We then went to write a poem together and end the day with soccer.
Why was it a day of surprise for me? Well, you see, just a few days before, I was telling one of my friends that it will take a lot for me to tear up since I’m used to emotional situations and goodbyes. Behold, first day with Werner and I tear up. He was telling me about his dreams of becoming the best chef ever. He was telling me that someday he wants to travel to different countries and learn more culinary skills. He was telling me that he would like to do the WorldRace.
A 16 year old teen with huge dreams and a broken past. My tears rolled down for the unfair circumstances put in front of him. For his positivity in spite of all the brokenness around him and surrounding him. For his past, present and future. For his dreams. I cried for Werner.
25 days was what I had to make an impact to Werner. Still, I’m pretty sure he changed my life more than I changed his. Our 25 days was spent playing soccer, writing a poem, reading, and making lots and lots of cookies and eating them ourselves. We read a lot of Proverbs, and memorized Ephesians 6. Perhaps his concept of parents was hard for me to grasp: he is an orphan, yet he is more mature than anyone I’ve ever known, wanting to respect his parents, his elders, and everyone he meets.
More than that, he gave me an example of what it means to be passionate about your dreams. That even our grandest dreams can be God’s dreams for your life. For him, this means being able to travel to different countries and the U.S. to study culinary. For me, I really still have no idea what it means.
What I let go last month is my future and specifically my dreams. I’m letting them go to God, knowing that even my big dreams can become God’s dreams. Will you partner with me as I figure out what this means in my journey? Please consider praying for me at least once a month. Please pray about donating to my trip, since I still need about $5,500 to be fully funded. Partner with me as I continue my journey to figure out what it means to surrender my every being to God.
