This month in Swaziland has been, to say the very least, life-changing.
At the beginning of this month we had team changes. This is normal for the World Race and was bound to happen sooner or later. This new team has been refining, encouraging, loving, and servant-hearted. This month they have helped me grow in new ways and have become people I love to play games, watch movies, and have slumber parties with. New Country. New Ministry. New Team.
My team and I are working in Manazini, Swaziland with a non-profit called Hosea’s Heart. Hosea’s Heart was started 3 years ago, so a pretty young non-profit, but God is using it to change Swaziland. Hosea’s Heart has a mission to rescue girls up to 18 years age from sex-trafficking, prostitution, and abusive or at-risk homes. They currently house 16 girls, have 1 in college in the States, and 1 in a transition home as she looks for a job and applies for school. The majority of the girls are homeschooled and the ones that are not go to school. The girls cook their own meals, serve one another and have chores they must complete. They also have a Bible Study every night led by one of the volunteers, the director, or one of their peers. My team has had the privilege of hanging out, loving, and getting to know these 16 incredible girls and the wonderful volunteers that work with them.
Almost every afternoon we go to the girls home, excited to see what they want to do that day. We typically play card games, have dance parties where they teach us how to dance, and just talk about life. One night we surprised them with pizza and had a sleepover where we stayed up to 3am by watching 4 movies in the living room! We also teach life skills class and lead a Bible Study on Tuesdays and Thursdays. These girls have been through situations that we literally cannot fathom and yet they still find joy in the little things and bring joy and love to those around them. They truly accept people as they are and want to receive love and give love well. I could tell story after story about the fun and laughter that these days have held. Tonight the girls are having a talent show and goodbye party for us! There is no doubt that there will be laughter and a lot of tears.
The girls have taught me about what it truly means to love others well and accept them where they are. To invite people into your story and heart and believe that God is good even when the story does not seem like it is. They have taught me the true power of prayer by changing my perspective on Spiritual warfare and shown me what it means to walk lightly and give the Lord heavy burdens. Every part of me wishes we had more time here.
Hosea’s Heart is currently trying to raise money to build on a new land they have bought. This new land will be able to host 56 girls. When we ask the current 16 about what they are most excited about with the new land, almost all of them answered “to get new sisters.” There is currently one building complete that we have been able to help paint. This one building is supposed to be for 8 girls but all 16 of the girls will move into until another house is complete. They move in on March 5th, the day after we leave Swaziland. They are about 50% funded for the new vision of this land. They plan to have enough homes to host 56 girls, a cafeteria/kitchen, a school (so the girls will no longer have to work where they eat), the director’s house, a house for long-term volunteers, a house for teams, a basketball court (they LOVE basketball), and eventually a swimming pool for the girls! The Lord is truly using this organization to bring girls into the family of Christ. If you feel led please donate at: Hoseasheart.org. This ministry is worth investing in.
This blog does not do this month justice in any way but it is a simple summary of our time here in Swaziland. We have met some amazing people that are truly going after the Lord. The director of Hosea’s Heart is Mary Kate Miller from Wisconsin and has dedicated her life to these girls. There are a couple staff from Swaziland but most are volunteers from America that sacrifice their time and reassures to show what love is really supposed to look like to these girls.
Please continue praying for our new team as we grow closer and our squad as we travel to South Africa!
