On our last day at Beacon of Hope, the boys gave us a going away party. Simply the gesture of the party was enough to move us, but the boys had something special planned for all of the Americans.
First, they went around and told us how much of an impact we had on them.
“We know America has tall buildings, but it also has good people with good hearts.”
“Compared to all the other teams we have had, you guys have been the most prepared—jumping into ministry and not complaining about the food or the heat.”
“Before you came, I would wake up in the middle of the night having to pray over spiritual oppression; however, the moment you arrived you were all filled with peace. I have not awaken in the middle of the night since you have been here.”
These all spoke straight to our hearts, moving most of us to tears. To hear of the impact that God had on the people whom we reached was such an affirming reward.
After they spoke, they wanted to impart us with gifts—one, an African bandana, and two, an African name. Each receiving a bandana and a name unique to us, this also spoke of our impact on the boys.
My bandana and my African name, Thombi, meaning “Woman of God.”
This gift ironically came right after I posted my previous blog, “Who Is Lindsay Short?” Receiving my African name after a month of back and forth identity crisis was the cherry on top of the self-searching sundae. Not only did the boys ponder over each person’s name, but also God wrapped up everything from the month in that one name.
I am a Woman of God, and He is delighted in me!
This was the first month that I felt like we were leaving with much more work to still do. Our classes could have easily gone another month or two, and our relationships with the boys and the community were just blooming. However, we left knowing that our impression was lasting and that our boys would be forever changed.
On Saturday, February 11th, all of W-Squad packed up and drove off to our eighth month in Swaziland. A piece of my heart still stayed with those eight brown eyes, most of which were tear-stained as we departed, but they will always be with us and us with them.
