While I was working with my hands at the Carepoint this morning on a couple small tasks, it reminded me of being at home with my family when I am fixing my house or doing a chore.  The kids were running around and playing, and I was moving about working on things.  I would seek the assistance of a nearby child so we could work on the task together, or stop what I was doing to play or interact with some kids for a little while.  I would also pause and enjoy observing the kids which often means taking pictures.  Of course they would also ask for their picture to be taken, and ask to see themselves on the camera mini screen. Today I think I could see a strong sense of security and home within the kids who come to Ludlati. It is even more clear through observation of a child in a situation like Dumsile.  Her homestead, left to her after her mother died a few years ago, is the place where she now shelters and lives alone, but I believe the carepoint feels like a home to her.  It is where she mostly shares time with people who care about her.  A place where physical boundaries and permanent structures provide security.  A place where she plays with other children.  A place where mother and father figures are available to talk, provide wisdom, give a hug, set examples, mentor and even correct behaviors.  With 145 kids at the carepoint today, I think this sense of home is repeated 145 times with each child having a unique story.  Every situation holds unique losses, sufferings, challenges, and personalities.  Ludlati Carepoint is their home away from homestead.  I am thankful for the seven bomake ladies who cook and work, the Disciplers who mentor and teach, and the kids who willingly come, learn and show much joy in the midst of suffering.  I am grateful to be their friend, humbled to share in the joy, and thankful for the blessing it is to be a small part of this community.  I am grateful to all of you who read this story, provide financial support, pray, write letters or come on visits.  No matter how big or small, your role makes you a part of this community as well.  The sum total of everything being put into this community brings true hope and love to the Ludlati kids.  It is great to see it and share it with you.

The happenings of the day included a visit to “Timbali Bags” by the ladies this morning.  Today there was a lot of netball and football gaming going on.  The boys love their new soccer nets they helped install, and the girls love using their netball goals purchased during last years trip.  The smaller kids enjoy jumping ropes, hoola hoops, playing with balls, bubbles, and playing/talking/sitting/interacting with our team members soaking up much desired attention and love. This afternoon Kristin did a fantastic job teaching the children that we are all created and loved the same by God, but we are all uniquely made for His purposes.  It included a demonstration using yellow bandannas.  Each bandanna is the same, but can be used in many unique ways (i.e. head cover, scarf, neck cover, wrist band, etc.).

The kids head home around 4PM to get home before dark.  We left as well for home visits by splitting into two groups of three.  The visits went well for both groups.  Each family has challenges and needs which we prayed about together, and each has orderly and peaceful homesteads.  For each home visit, we leave a gift bag of food and special items for the family.  It was interesting because both families showed great generosity by giving a gift of a homemade mat to a team member.  Like the Apostle Paul wrote about the poor Macedonian Christians, these families are great examples of joyful givers who give even in the face of their own needs. I was one who received a mat.  It was a humbling and wonderful gift to receive from Nikiwe who made the mat herself.