Our first day meeting the Ludlati Kids was awesome.  So much has happened today that my first attempt at this post was becoming too long and detailed.  I think it is best to hit the highlights (please forgive the Siswati name misspellings until I can get them corrected):

• A lady from our team and the lady D-team member share each others testimonies over breakfast and find much in common.  They end up crying, praying and hugging over breakfast.  Both are blessed and encouraged by each other.
• Arrive at Ludlati this morning and greet all six BOMAGE (bo-ma-gee).  Many of them are not old enough to be Grandmas, so Gogo is not an appropriate term.  BOMAGE means other mother or carepoint mom.
• Take pictures of the new Kitchen that is 95% finished!
• Team Ladies meet with Bogames in the kitchen and share testimonies, hardships, tears and laugh really loud together.
• Over eighty kids come to the carepoint with smiling faces.
• I recognize many of the kids faces from last years trip and the profile pictures.  Coming to know a child by their profile is touching, but it is no comparison to meeting each one in person.  They are all wonderful and beautiful in their own special way.
• The kids are lead by our two amazing D-team leaders in singing songs as we greet each other with songs and introductions.  Their songs and singing are awesome too!
• One of the D-team members, Londiwe, is a wonderful you lady who loves the kids who come to the carepoints, and is eager for them to be safe, happy and teach the kids how to live and walk with God so they can have hope and a future.
• Bhegki is an awesome young man giving his life to closely mentor so many kids.  He desires Swaziland people to grow in the Lord and change their country for good.
• We interact with the kids by showing pictures, playing games, jumping around, sharing hugs, picking up kids, putting them down, taking turns, and singing songs.  Our whole team can not wait to get back to the carepoint tomorrow.  We miss the kids already.
• Halfway through the day, I am invited to go with a team of three other men (Dennis, Bhegke, and Pastor Walter) to visit a home stead of a troubled family.  In Swaziland, this is a good way to bring loving authority and show genuine concern for the kids held back from the carepoint (long story to share sometime - pray for the children and mother at this home).  After some cultural formalities, the meeting ends with us being able to take the kids back with us to join the fun at the carepoint.
• Bogames share a letter of thanks and appreciation to God for all who provide support for children and funds for the well and fence being built.  The letter was accompanied by a gift of a fresh papaya which I really enjoyed! Delicious!
• First VBS lesson and craft went well.  Lesson on Colossians 3:12 was translated by the D-team.  We were able to use the kitchen so the coloring project went well.  Kids did a great job!
• In the afternoon, everyone gathered in the kitchen, sang songs, shared some closing words and prayer.  As the kids left they received a gift package of school supplies and an apple.
• Everyone of our team members met their matched child sponsor, gave small gift packages, letters and took pictures together.  It was a great moment for all involved.
• Much great discussion was shared over dinner, but a statement of purpose from D-team leader Bhegke sums it up well:  “We are ministering to the kids potential, not their needs.”

Enjoy the pictures!  More to come tomorrow.

This post and pictures has just shook me up!!! I cannot believe it! Amazing. To God be the glory!

I am too excited for words!  I love that our kids, team, and go-go’s can gather in the kitchen.  It is such a comforting thought.  What else does the Lord have in store?

Love it!!! I sent Liz off with a whole bunch of Kleenex - sounds like she might have used some this morning!

I love the love I can see and feel through all these pictures. How much can a heart hold. God is good!What a great way to get my eyes off of me and onto what the Lord wants. Thank you, thank you. Praying and looking forward to what God has in store.

Oh I don’t have a box of kleenex either.  Our God is such an awesome God.  Seeing his work right here on my computer, I lift up my hands and say thank you Jesus, thank you Jesus.  All these wonderful beautiful faces and smiles.

I love the smiling faces and finding my own face hurting in a wonderful way from smiling so much too!  What a wonderful way God is using each of you. Keep your heart and mind open for the tiniest of opportunities.

In HIs Grip.. with all of you!
Cousin,
Melanie

Wow!  I’ve never seen a smile so big on Liz or Sierra’s faces.  Amazing to see how much God can do when we step out in faith.

Joy, pure joy to see and hear what is happening!

Thanks for sharing everything.  Praying for Kim & the rest of the team.  Keep posting!

The progress is remarkable.  I think back to the video from your initial visit a year ago, and remember how the gogo did a happy dance and hugged a small pile of plastic bowls that was given to her.  Then I see the facilities in place now and can only imagine the feeling about those.

Don! What a touching post.  Such a wonderful way to start my day in the office.  A reminder that I needed.  I love seeing the transformation at Ludladi.  The CarePoint is almost unrecognizable from the last time we were there.  The building looks awesome!  Sounds like great relationships are being built—So glad everyone got to meet their sponsor child, a moment I bet, will never be forgotten!  Thank you for keep us updated, I am going to pass on your blog to the rest of the HopeChest staff.

Don,
I am so encouraged by the work that you are doing at Ludlati! The wonders of God are amazing.  You are being blessed as you fulfill His call to bless others.  God’s economy cannot be beat!!!!  We will continue to pray for you your team and the lives that you will touch!

Thanks so much for the blog & pictures.  It makes my participation seem that much more real to see you actually there with these people I’ve heard about.  Thanks for being “Jesus-with-skin-on” for them and for us!    The Lord is using you as a DOUBLE blessing, to be sure.  Eager to hear more about the kids, too

Thanks so much for your posts and pictures updating us on how the trip is going and what specifically to be praying for.  I’m so glad Kim was able to take this trip.  Lifting you all up in prayer!

Really amazing to see all that you guys and gals are doing Don! Seeing this delights my heart!!!