11/14/19
Today was my favorite day on the race so far. I prayed this morning that I would enjoy myself fully, and that even though it was raining, kids would still come to the care point. Today was an answered prayer for sure.
It rained buckets today!! Rain + red Swazi dirt = one big muddy mess. We have very little space to just be inside or take shelter at Joyela. Keeping 20+ kids in a tiny room that echoes with absolutely no order would have been chaotic. Naturally, we took our kids and went dancing in the rain.
It was the dirtiest, most fun I’ve had in so long. One of the ways I feel closest to The Lord is when it rains, and I get to go splashing around in it like a little kid.
While we were jumping around and being crazy, I noticed one of our older girls, Myanziwe, who is probably 12 or 13 years old just standing there under the awning pouting about the rain and everyone getting dirty.
I asked her what was wrong, and she said “I don’t want my clothes to get dirty and you are all being too crazy.”
I wanted her to come dance with me but she said no.
So I asked, “where’s your joy??”
And she said, “I have none”.
So, I said a little prayer for her and went back to playing with the other kids. As Myanziwe watched me and the other kids, I know the Lord was working on her heart, because eventually she came outside and began jumping up and down in the rain with me!
I asked, “what about your clothes?”
She replied with a little giggle and a huge smile, “I don’t care anymore!”
It was a huge day for me and Myanziwe. We both found so much joy. It was a day I didn’t even know I needed. It was a bonding experience for my whole team with the kids of Joyela. Bound by Abba’s love and true joy.
My heart is singing songs of happiness right now. I could have danced with those kids in the rain all day.
I came home absolutely drenched and caked with red mud. To some, that seems gross and would mean the mark of a very bad day, but to me it is proof of Jesus hand at work.
Oh how good He is. He never stops raining down blessings (literally). This is a day I hope I never forget.
That’s all for now.
-megs
