This blog is not about the emotion. Although, it hopefully will invoke that. Instead, it is about my dear friend Happiness, who works at the local grocery store, SaveMor.
The story of our friendship started around our second week of being in Swazi. A group os us took a khumbi (a bus) to Savemor to purchase the essentials (Oreos, apples, and a magnum ice cream bar). I was one of the first done and ready to walk to the bus stop. I stood near the exit waiting and just to my right stood a security guard. Looking back to that moment, I never would have guessed the fruit that was born from me asking one question.
I mustered up the courage to approach her all while licking my magnum bar. I started off with the normal greeting “Souabona” “Yebo” “Neapila”. We introduced our names, “Lexi.” “Happiness”. Then, I asked “Is there anything I can pray for you?”
That simple question opened doors. It opened a friendship with Happiness. It opened room for Kingdom. It opened church for this widow, with two kids, who works too often to attend any sort of church. God is good, she told me the first day we met. I’ve seen His goodness so profoundly through her.
Going to Savemor became a common thing in my week. Our five minute talks were precious to me. I would ask about her sister, her kids, her work. We would chat about Jesus, but she didn’t own a Bible, so I tried to write some scriptures out for her and fellowship as much as possible.
Thankfully when my squad was in South Africa for debrief (a week of rest) I purchased Happiness her very own Bible. Finally giving that to her was one of the sweetest moments for both of us.
Right before debrief I went to Savemor but couldn’t find her anywhere. I asked a worker where she was and she answered that she was sick. Now this is a single mother of two kids. She would not just call in sick. I immediately was worried but was hoping it was only something short and not serious.
When I gave her the Bible was the first time I saw her since I heard she had been sick. Without me even asking about it, she pulled me away from others and shared that she has been in and out of the hospital and shared to me what was going on. The only thing I knew to do in that moment was pray. I know my God is big. But honestly, I didn’t expect my prayer to do anything.
Fast forward a little. Back in Savemor and again no Happiness. I was walking around the store when a woman, whom I never saw before said “Your happiness’s friend!” And then, “Ever since you prayed for her she’s had no pain.” . . . no pain? NO PAIN! In the name of Jesus Happiness was healed! I take no credit. Thank you Jesus for making me a vessel.
My times with Happiness have been so joyous since that day. We’ve shared candy, talked about the Bible and specifically what she is reading, and she invited me to her future wedding, whenever that may be. I always look forward to seeing her. Each time it’s like a big reunion.
Who knew that one of the coolest relationships from Swaziland happened to just simply be a worker at the local grocery store. And it all started when I asked her how I could pray.
Dang, Jesus, you are good.
