My first impressions of Swaziland were… made in the dark and rain. We did not arrive in Swaziland until after dark and there were not many streetlights. All I could tell from the bus ride was that it had a lot of hills. I knew that we were going to be on top of a mountain and that if we did not get there before dark, and if it was raining, there was a possibility that we would be sleeping in the van at the bottom of the mountain. So from the beginning of our journey we had two strikes against us.
When we arrived at the bottom of the mountain the van stopped and we waited. About an hour later a very nice guy that volunteers at El Shaddai came to our rescue. The road up the mountain is all dirt, and due to the rain, was pretty much a mudslide. When we finally got to the top it was pitch black; we could barely see a few steps in front of us. At the moment of arrival I had no idea what to think. But when I woke up in the morning and saw the amazing view from window I knew that I was in a good place.
This is only part of the road we had to travel to get to El Shaddai.
Now they have changed to… a peaceful seclusion on top of a beautiful mountain that God created for all to enjoy. I lived in one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen for a month. Yes, we were very secluded on top of the mountain, but I truly enjoyed the seclusion (blame it on the introvert in me).
The weather here… has been all over the place. We had cold, hot, cool, rainy, cloudy, sunny, stormy, and windy. There was a big lightning storm at the beginning of our third week and it caused us to lose power for four days. We were also very lucky that we did not get stuck on top of the mountain; the rain held out on the days when we were able to go into town.
My favorite moment this month… was any moment I was able to spend with the sweet little girl God placed into my life. I loved having her sit in my lap during pre-school while I helped her with her ABC’s and numbers. The many times she fell asleep in my arms. When I would turn the camera to where she could she herself and she would go to town making all kinds of funny faces. The Lord gave me many sweet moments this month and I am still thanking him for all of them.
What frustrated me the most? Satan came and attacked some of the things I have been working on during the race. Places I had been feeling like I had made improvements came under attack again and made me question it all over again. Thankfully God carried me through the frustrating moments and brought me back out into the light on the other side.
What satisfied me the most? Those favorite moments satisfied me in so many ways. God placed just the right little girl in my life this month to remind me of his unconditional love.
I see God at work here… in every child’s face and stories. God has saved many of the kids at El Shaddai from unimaginable situations and brought them to a place where they can be loved and cared for.
They love the Lord! They write him letters, they read about him, and they pray to him together.
These children blessed my life more than I will ever be able to explain. God has big plans for each one of them, but they need help. If you are able, please consider sponsoring one of them. Visit the site www.james127.org to see all of their beautiful faces.
