Let me give you some of the inside scoop of what my team has experienced here in Swaziland.
First of all, The Kingdom of Swaziland in neatly sandwiched between South Africa and Mozambique. It is about the size of New Jersey, but has a devastating HIV/AIDS rate. The result of such a high HIV/AIDS percentage is that there are numerous orphans left to fend for themselves.
Pastor Kevin Ward, a very influential Swazi who loves the Lord has started several ministries for those hurting due to alcoholism and drug addiction as well as caring for children who have been orphaned, abandoned or abused.
My team and I have spent the last 2 weeks staying on a farm he has constructed to raise children so that they keep their Swazi heritage and culture, but take out the witchcraft and abuse. The Hawane Farm, or Lighthouse, consists of 6 Mercy Homes, several gardens, a catfish pond, a hospice, a church, a preschool offering free daily childcare to the community, a curio/coffee shop for tourists, and so much more!
There are 37 children who live on the farm right now ranging from 2 years old to 19. They are placed in loving families with excellent housing conditions, medical care and a diet more nutritious than I have seen in months!! 🙂 Once the children enter their new homes, they are not known as orphans anymore. They have families they belong to now!
Most of the children attend a the local public schools, but the farm also offers a home school program to those with mental disabilities or those too old to attend their grade.
It has been so refreshing to see children brought up to hang on tightly to their culture (Swazis are IMMENSELY cultural!), but also get to know the love and grace of the Lord.
If you ever find yourself in Swaziland, Africa, make a p0int to visit the Lighthouse. You will be amazed at what God has done in the lives of so many children!
I will try to post some pictures when I can!
Thanks for the continued prayers and comments!! 🙂
