This month my new team, LIQUACIOUS (the word has no meaning, we can’t be defined), is working in Nsoko, Swaziland at an Adventures in Missions base. Our ministry this month is traveling to nearby care points to help with whatever need they have. Things like distributing shoes, cooking, volleyball, playing with the children, etc. Nsoko is center of the world wide AIDS epidemic. It is rumored that over 60% of the people in Swaziland are HIV positive. Most of the children in Nsoko are orphans and live with there grandmothers (they call them go-go’s). Most of their parent’s generations has died from AIDS. However, these children seem to still be so joyful and love the Lord.
Last week we were able to plan and host a Christmas party for the kids in the area. We helped the kids make ornaments, decorate cookies, play balloon toss, have a dance party, and fed them lunch. It was so cool to watch kids experience some of those things for the first time. We also had a drawing for presents. When the names were drew to see who would receive the presents all of the kids would cheer and dance around, because they were so excited to see there friends and family receive little gifts like jump ropes and matchbox cars. They were so appreciative of everything that happened that day. It made me realize how much I have and how I have taken advantage of all of it.
Right now, I own a backpack with 2 T-shirts, 2 long sleeve shirts, 1 dress, 1 skirt, 1 wrap, 2 pairs of running shorts and 1 pair of rainbow flip-flops. Plus some toiletries, a tent, a sleeping pad, and a sleeping bag. Some might call me crazy, but I consider myself beyond blessed. I have more stuff right now, just in my backpack, than most of the kids in Swaziland have. And God just continues blessing me. Last month, I didn’t have enough money to buy shampoo (no big deal, world racers don’t shower much), and this month God blessed me with $2,000!!! Are you kidding me? God is so cool. I asked Him and he generously gave me everything I needed and more.
GOD WANTS TO GIVE YOU GOOD GIFTS
No, I’m not talking about the new Ipod you asked Santa Claus to bring you for Christmas. I mean the CRAZY LOVE and gifts that only God can provide for His children.
I have had a lot of spare while in Africa. Last month while in Malawi the girls on my team started making lists. Things like “The first foods I want to devour when I get back to America”, “Things to do before I die”, “Favorite movies”, “Things I want to see in Africa”, etc. We do these just to make use of our time, plus they are funny to look back at! I didn’t even think about it, but God knows those things about me. He knows the deepest desires of my heart, so of course he knows the foods that I have been craving for 6 months. I just started making the lists 1 month ago and He has already started giving me the things I want. Not only the things I need, but the silliest things that I just want. He is such a good Daddy and wants to make his children happy. He is not a God of gloom and despair. He is a God of JOY, PEACE, and LOVE. Just like my parents have always given me everything I desire (thanks mom and dad ;), He wants to do the same thing for me! Isn’t that crazy that God of the universe wants to please me???
Basically, I am beyond blessed. I am so blessed that I can’t even recognize my blessings!
My goal this Christmas is to recognize the blessings God has given me and praise Him for being such a GREAT Daddy. I challenge you to do the same this Christmas. As you open your gifts and spend time with your family, PRAISE HIM! Show Him how appreciative you are for his AMAZING love!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
*Sorry I have not been the best blogger. The African internet is not the best, but I will try my best to blog more frequently!
