Where do I being to tell the story of all that is going on here in Manzini, Swaziland?
I wondered if I should share with you they story of young Sebe brushing my teeth and hair in the morning or maybe I should note what it is like going a care point where children are given rice and beans twice a day across from the dump or maybe I could share about Ayanda’s birthday party yesterday and how a prank went terribly wrong when I ended up getting fresh cow poop on my face.
Then it hit me ( not the poop this time ) that all of these stories kind of mean nothing without you knowing the girls I live with. These girls are amazing and hand picked by God to live in this home. I was told many stories about these girls by my best friend Mary-Kate who was the co-founder for this girl’s home mission. Yet, it all mean so much more by actually knowing these girls.
Tenele (17 years old)- She was the girl who really captured Mary-Kate’s heart who the home started out for. She has two beautiful kids( Lusha- almost 2 and Lushiono – 7 week old boy)
Ayanda ( just turned 17) – She is a young woman paasionate to be a counselor to help other Swazi woman heal from their past. I see God in her almost every day
Noshlashla (14 years old) – She is a very hard worker in the home and is always up for learning how to make new things by hand sewing or crafts.
Cindy ( 9 years old) – She is Noshlashla’s little sister. She is spunky and LOVES to dance. They girl can be found taking care of Lusha or beign crazy somewhere.
And then there is Sebenelle ( 11 years old ) – I wanted to tell you about her last for a reason. She was the first girl I hugged when I got out of the van. She has a hardness and a softness to her. I have seen her make poor choices and even have seen her be cruel to others right in front of me. I have struggled to love her the most. Yet, this is what I love about her. That I must look to God to love her. He is so faithful. The day I was most mad at her God blessed me. I was given the opportunity to hold her. Rachael, a teammate of mine, was playing guitar in the common room. I danced with Sebe and then put her in my arms as I rocked her back and forth. I felt our hearts beat against each other. I aware I was loving her with no love of my own. As the moment moved on I picked her up into my lap and held her close. I lovingly kissed her on the check and said ” I love you Sebe my Baby, I love you.”
It has been a full week since this moment and I know it was a turning point for us. Sebe will run into my arms and rest her head upon my chest. She will smile at my knowing the love I have for her in unconditional but in full knowledge I will discipline at the same time. Today she was so mad at me for not letting her walk to town with us to go to the internet cafe. And when I get back I will tell her how I missed my Sebe Baby but had to tell all my friends and family about her because she is something special, she was chosen by God, ad will do great things in His name if she chooses to follow Him.
So I hope this helps paint the picture of what God is doing over here and next time I can’t wait to tell you about Hope House and what the God of Healing has done!!!! Yebo Jesus!
