In the last post, we are thankful for many things done at Ludlati Carepoint before we arrived.  Now I want to dive into God’s depth of provision and abundance of the finances, items, His word and Spirit we needed for the work He had planned for us to do throughout the week.

We saw God fulfill His promise of provision for the six team members who committed to go on the trip and sought many of you for fund donations to cover travel costs.

God provided these funds through all of you who gave. We also sought additional funds to take along for VBS and other activities, other carepoint supplies, and gifts planned for the trip. God faithfully supplied again through His people to fufill the work He planned to have done at and around Ludlati Carepoint.  The supplies we took fit in 18 of our 24 total checked bags and 6 carry on suit cases! These funds allowed us to supply all the following:

• Shoes for each child at Ludlati Carepoint
• foot cleaning supplies
• food gift packs to give for home visits in the surrounding community (beans, rice, bread, cooking oil, sugar, coffee, tea, soap - some of these things are a luxury for most people in Swaziland),
• special fruit treats (and nutrition) for the kids on each day of our visit
• a special meat meal on Fun Day (Saturday)
• VBS supplies (paper, construction paper, crayons, stickers)
• school supplies gift bags (pencil, pen, pencil sharpener, crayons, notebook, safety scissors, eraser)
• hygene supplies gift bags (bar of soap, wash cloth, tooth paste, tooth brush)
• soccer balls, net balls, net ball hoops
• 30 foot activity parachute
• jump ropes, and frisbees donated by WBGL
• kush balls, toy cars for boys, head bands for girls, fun wrist bands
• gold ball caps
• candy treats of course
• We also had enough extra funds for special gifts for the hard working and dedicated Bomake (bo-mah-gay) and cooking equipment needed at Ludlati Carepoint.

As many of you know, one of our primary goals for this trip was provision of a new pair of shoes for each child at the Carepoint.  The shoe fund drive goal was fulfilled!  We thank God for individuals and churches who donated enough funds for every child to receive a new pair of shoes.  The CHC/AIM staff measured the feet and ordered the shoes the week prior to our arrival.  Kids too young for school were given a new pair of croc’s, and school age children were given a pair of school shoes (shoes are part of the required uniform).  Prior to giving each child their shoes, we washed each child’s feet as Jesus did for the Disciples, and He instructed His disciples to do the same.  We were thankful we had the opportunity to literally follow Jesus instructions.  We also cleaned and bandaged wounds if they had them.  All the lines start with the littlest kids.  One of the first little ones started to cry during the foot washing.  This started a crying line of kids standing outside in line who became very unsure about what was going on in that building.  The crying didn’t last long as they learned it was a harmless process.  We also prayed for the kids physical and spiritual protection, provision and blessings as they came through the cleaning and fitting process.

Something was given on each day, and I want to share what happened with most of the gifts we gave away.  We did not know the exact number of kids that would show up on each of five planned full day visits.  The numbers varied between about 100 to 120 people.  Before we left, we asked God to help us bring what we needed, and He answered this prayer more than once.  When we handed out the kush balls and wrist bands, we had the exact number we needed.  When we handed out the gold ball caps, we had the exact number we needed.  When we handed out the hygene supply gift bags, we had the exact number we needed.  We were never short on things we planned to give.  For each of these gifts, as we neared the end of the line and supplies, we started praying for multiplication if we needed it and looking at each other with wide eyes only to find in the end we had exaclty what we needed.  Amazing! We would just look at each other, laugh and say Thank You Lord! Having a gift for everyone in the group is important in this culture.  Everyone gets the same gift or else it can be a big problem.  Jealousy can be very strong in this culture over seemingly small things.  God showed His grace is sufficient to take care of His children.  We leave it to God to deal with hearts in Swaziland on the jealousy issue in His timing.  In the meantime, He calls us all to actively do His work and love unconditionally as He loves us and gives us grace with our heart issues

Parachute Into Ludlati from KnownToMe on Vimeo.

Ludlati Netball Clip from KnownToMe on Vimeo.

In the next post, we will share about the gifts and blessings that were showered on the Bomake (boh-mah-gay).  We will give you more details we learned about each one during our visit with the six dedicated ladies who cook and watch over the kids at Ludlati Carepoint everyday.  Thank God for them.

I have been trying to write a blog that gives thanks to God for so many good things done before and during the trip to Ludlati.  I also want to share in more depth about the awesome work being done by the Bomake (boh-mah-gay) and the Discipleship team at Ludlati.  After visiting and talking with them we have a much deeper appreciation for the way God uses them at Ludlati.  We also received word from community members visiting the carepoint, and during home visits how they are blessed to see the good things being done at Ludlati Carepoint.  As I have been writing, the text just keeps getting longer and longer to the point where I realize I need to break this into a multi-part series.  So here goes…

Thankfulness at Ludlati - Part I

We are thankful for all the people who gave their time and sewing skills to the dress project. It was started by Michelle Jacob with hopes that 100 would be made. Over 500 dresses were hand made and donated.  After the dress project was started, a project to make shorts for boys was launched.  Over 200 pairs of shorts came in.  On top of the clothes, someone started making homemade drawstring bags for the clothes.  Each girl and boy at Ludlati Carepoint received two dresses or two pairs of shorts, and were given inside a homemade drawstring bag.

As part of the monthly sponsorships raised at Ludlati Carepoint, a water tank and tower were installed at the Carepoint.  The ladies who started Ludlati Carepoint, and faithfully cook and feed the children each day were very thankful to have this easy access to clean water for cooking and for the children to have water to drink.  Until the well installation is completed, water is brought in by truck to fill the tank.

Capital funding was raised earlier this year to build a fence and kitchen.  Ludlati was selected as one of two carepoints to receive a kitchen build donated by a Swaziland government organization called NERCHA.  Our funds were shifted from the kitchen to a water well.  When we arrived at Ludlati, the kitchen was 95% completed, and had an extra room just large enough to use for some of our group gatherings.  We used the room all week for gathering together to sing praise songs, give away clothes, wash feet, give away shoes, do VBS coloring projects.  God’s timing for having and using this room was perfect.

The water well is drilled, and located down the hill from Ludlati carepoint.  A trench is partially dug heading from the well hole up the hill to the kitchen.  At this point, I think the plan is to install a solar powered water pump.  Three other carepoints are using the solar powered pumps, and the equipment is running effectively and reliably.  There is a little more initial cost for the equipment, but no monthly power bills!  Because of a significant gift given by an anonymous donor, I believe we have the capital funds needed.  Thank you Lord for being the provider to Ludlati!

The fence, which is fully funded, is not started yet.  There has been so much growth in the number of carepoints being sponsored in Swaziland through Childrens HopeChest that they have had a hard time keeping up with the pace of giving.  The fence is planned to begin in two to three weeks.  After I receive update pictures, I will share them with everyone here on the blog.

As you can see, we have so much to be thankful for before we get into thanking God for trip provisions…more to come.

The last day at Ludlati Carepoint on Monday, Sept 13th was a wonderful day.  It was a blessing to see many of the faces with smiles that did not have smiles at the beginning of the week. There were still a few tough holdouts, but not many.  The pictures tell the story well of our last few hours of hanging out, singing, and dancing together.

Some “thankyou” notes went back and forth between the team, kids and Bomage.  The Bomage wrote two thankyou letters to the team and our supporters expressing their gratitude for the blessings that were poured out on them during our visit.

We received a “thankyou” note from one of the young ladies at Ludlati on behalf of all the kids, and it has a lovely colored picture on the note. She thanked us for visiting, and for all that was done for them during the week.

As a team we wrote a note in return thanking her for her gratitude, directed the thankfulness to God, and encouraged her to continue showing kindness.

Ludlati Kids Sing from KnownToMe on Vimeo.

Ludlati Kids Song with Moves from KnownToMe on Vimeo.

Make Matsebula (the lady in the straw hat who started the carepoint) is often right in with the kids singing, dancing and encouraging them to do the same.

Ludlati Kids Dance from KnownToMe on Vimeo.

Then the time came to say our goodbyes.  Everyone was emotional about the good times we shared, and we could all feel the bonds we have developed together.  It was difficult to say goodbye to our new friends.

Each of the team members said goodbye to the kids.  No one got through without tears as each expressed gratitude and love for the kids, and that it was difficult for us to leave.  That we would miss being with all of them.

Dumsile says thanks and goodbye to the team on behalf of all the kids.

Thanks Given By Ludlati Kids from KnownToMe on Vimeo.

Dumsile’s words from the video:
“Thanks very much for the wonderful time we had with you. It has been a great time we have spent together. It is also very painful to us that you have to leave. Every single day to us it was like Christmas Day. We were very excited, and we just look forward to that day. So we will continue praying for you, and we also pray the Lord be with you that He will protect you in your various places, and help you and prosper you in whatever you do.”

After we closed with a prayer, we gave the kids one more gift of candy as they exited the room.  Then the team started giving hugs to the D-team members who helped us work with the kids all week.  Their names are Bheki (Beggy) and Londiwe (lahn-dee-way).

Saving the best for last, we finally said goodbye and gave hugs to Make Matsabule.

More goodbyes with friends as we make our way to the van.

As we left the carepoint, it was very difficult to leave the kids behind.  The tears could not be held back as we drove off.  Tears of sadness at leaving our friends behind, tears of joy for a wonderful week, tears of concern for the kids and their concerns for safety.  We pray the Lord keeps them safe and draws the kids to Himself through the love we shared over the past week, continued financial support, letter writing and future visits.  Lord, please bring positive changes to the Ludlati carepoint and surrounding community according to your plans.

At the hotel, we said our final goodbyes to our driver on the left, and two D-team members:  Bheki (the driver), Londiwe, and Bheki.  They were a blessing to work with and get to know as friends and brothers and sisters in Christ.

A story we really must all read and mourn.  These types of stories are, I am learning, not uncommon.  There are two links.  I read a bit of this story in Katie Davis’ blog, then read the full story at the second link.  So that’s the order I presented the links here.  Sorry, I guess its just my role to make us squirm.  I can only offer the comfort of assuring you that finding our place in service to God in meeting these desperate needs - only to the extent we can, no more is asked - brings great joy and peace as we meet Him where His heart is - with the poor, the widow, the orphan, the lonely.  After all, that’s where Jesus spent His time while He was on earth, makes sense that we can find Him there now.

Scroll down to August 18 and read up from there in both links http://amazima.org/blog.html http://www.servinghischildreninuganda.blogspot.com/

Will you join us in providing what you can to prevent this fate for any of our neighbor kids?  We can all make a difference.  If He is God, what is the difficulty?  Think of the honor we are granted - to be a part of His plan for the redemption of the world.  To make disciples of all nations.  To deliver the care and love He longs for all to receive.  Yeah, it’s hard to know situations like this exist.  Even harder to get involved.  But the rewards… to be a part of something that means this much to Him… part of THE plan.  It’s worth it.  I know it is.

Today was great and difficult.  Today we had to say goodbye to the kids and Bomage (Bo-mah-gay), and they to us.  Thank you notes and hugs have been flying back and forth.  I will write much more and share more pictures of the last moments we shared at Ludlati Carepoint today.  I am too tired to do it tonight.  I will post this information when I get home.  We leave tomorrow to begin our journey home.  See you soon!

Sunday the Day of REST!

I missed seeing our Ludlati kids today, but I was also thankful for some rest.  The other team members reiterated the same sentiment.  We went to Pastor Walter’s church today.  People usually arrive early, and singing gets started before church officially starts.  It’s so cool to get out of the van and hear singing eminating quietly and some distance from the church.  As we approach the level increases in a nice crescendo as we enter through the open front door.  The music is only made of voices at this church, but it is so full and rich.  Harmonies flowing beautifully.  Hand claps, foot stomps and bible thumps serve as rhythm at appropriate times and metres.  The church service starts with several songs.  Later, the offering is given, testimonies are shared, and then the pastor preaches his message.  But everything really flows together like a symphony.  At every transition, a song is sung which keeps the music flowing as people move toward the front or to sit down again.  The flow of the Spirit is never broken as songs are started at random by one inspired voice, and everyone else joins for the whole song.  The flow of the Spirit continues duirng prayers as people sing quietly while others pray aloud with praises, thanksgiving, requests and sufferings made known to God before the entire body, and the singing does not stop until everyone is finished with their prayer.  Everyone on the team enjoyed the service, and a few touched personally by the message.  Near the end of the service, they asked us to stand up and introduce ourselves.  Everyone was warm and friendly with us.  It was awesome.

After church we noticed a few things.  The church was full, but there was only four cars in the lot.  Two were for our team and leaders, one was for Pastor Walter (given to him as a gift), and one more car.  Most of the people walked to church.  We also gave a ride home to a family.  They had seven kids between 2 and 12 years old ride with us in the van, and two adult ladies and one teenager in the other car.  As we were driving along, I noticed that we had been driving for more than a few minutes.  Then we left the rural dirt road, and turned onto the main road, and sped along for another few minutes.  One of the team members turned and asked do they walk this far to church?!  It must have been about 3-4 miles.  After we dropped them off, we asked our driver if they walk this far to church, and he said “yes”.

This will be the last post from Swaziland.  I am out of funds to purchase internet access at the hotel, but I will post more pictures and stories after I return home.  Tomorrow we will visit Ludlati carepoint one more time to say goodbye to the kids.  It will be difficult for all of us to say goodbye.  For now, please enjoy the pictures from church today, and look for some more pictures and posts given after we return home.  Pastor Walter is in the suit, and a young man named Musa is in the white shirt.  He is an awesome Discipleship Team leader.  Some of you may remember him singing in the video I shared from last trip where he was singing and dancing with the kids.  He was no less an inspiration today as he helped lead songs, and interpret the messages.  We took a picture with Dennis, our guide for the week at the AIM office in Manzini.  He is the guy in the blue shirt and yellow tie.  Dennis’ lovely wife, Zwagele, is shown holding her nephew.  Dennis and Zwagele shared their amazing story of meeting, dating, engagement and marriage.  It is quite a story we will have to share sometime.  They are currently expecting a baby, and we are excited for them to expand their family with a child.

This mountain is said to look like a lion laying on the ground.  Can you see it?

At the market to purchase some souvenirs.

Zwagele shows Michelle how to carry things on her head.

Michelle’s turn.

Today all the stops were pulled out, and the FUN Day doors were blown wide open!  The D-Team set up the jumping gym, we played with the 30 foot parachute, set up the netball court for the girls (had net ball hoops made for Ludlati!), jump ropes, soccer balls, net balls, frisbees, an awesome beef and chicken meal prepared by the Bomage, and gift bags of personal hygiene supplies and lots of candy for the kids!  We have been amazed for the third day in a row we had exactly the amount of gift bags we needed with varying numbers of kids each day!  God is the provider!

The Lord blessed the Bomage (boh-ma-gay) ladies today through very special gifts.  Each one received a blanket, umbrella, a towel set, and a bible in Siswati.  They danced around with great excitement and joy.  Their expressions are so much fun, and make giving gifts so much fun as well.  These gifts are very special here, and truly appreciated.  I was surprised to learn that some of them did not have a bible before today.  Surprised because they know and demonstrate Godly characteristics.  Well they have bibles now!  It would be good to fill this community with bibles starting with the kids.  Watch for more action on this item in the future.

It has been a wonderful week, and the team feels very blessed, challenged, and exhausted.  I have so many more amazing details to share as I am able in future posts.  We are ready to attend church in Swaziland, and enjoy worshiping God and take a day of rest.

One more afternoon with the kids is scheduled for Monday.  That will be our final goodbye.  I miss my family, and will be ready to go home next Tuesday, but it will be tough to say goodbye since my heart has grown even deeper bonds with the Ludlati children and surrounding community of people.  I feel we have a good start connecting our communities through home visits and spending time with everyone at the carepoint.  I look forward to the continued development of the kids and carepoint itself that God has planned for Ludlati.

The pictures are placed in order of the day, and tell the story without words.  Enjoy these pictures.

There will be more pictures and posts to come from this beautiful land in the following days!