Yesterday afternoon we split our team into three groups and did one home visit each.  Pastor Gift had a list of people he wanted to receive a visit.  We also brought a two week supply of food with us to leave as a gift after the visit.  We were given some basic instructions on how a Swazi visit would likely flow.

We had an interpreter named Neli.  We met Frola at her home.  She is 70 years old and has been a believer since she was young.  She has lived in the area all her life.

Her home is humble (picture below).  She lives in a 14x10ft home with nine of her grand children that range in age from 23 to 2.  All seven of her children are dead, most likely from AIDS.  Her mother is still alive, but she was raised by her Go-go.

She talked about how hard life is, that she suffers, and she prays to God to take her life.  During our conversations, she laughed alot, and said some funny things.  She was so excited for us to visit with her.  We were honored to be with her too.

We prayed for the sickness to leave her body, and I felt words appropriate for her are her reward in heaven will be huge.

She had not seen the food we brought with us, so as we were leaving, we gave her the food, and she cried more, and praised God for answering her prayer as she had not eaten in three days.

God bless this lovely woman, first because you love her and because she takes wonderful care of her grandchildren.

Go-go Frola in the center, CW from left: Nelly (interpreter), Don, Josh, Joan, and four of Frola’s grandchildren.

Yesterday morning I started the day wallowing (sp?) in discouragement.  I was actually overwhelmed by closets to be cleaned out, schoolwork to be done, a few pounds to be lost, and a house to clean.  I am disgusted with myself, but choose to leave it at the cross out of respect for my Lord’s sacrifice which was enough to cover my guilt.  I just had to share this because todays post slapped me back to what I often know, but sometimes forget.  I HAVE NO PROBLEMS!!!  Sometimes I need a little perspective shift!  Thanks Don. Praying for Frola and her grandchildren.

Jenny

Thanks, Don.  Can’t even imagine losing all my children…she will never forget your kindness.

What a blessing for an elderly woman to have someone visit her…Specifically her.  I know that here in the states, my own gma LOVES to have someone just come & talk with her.  It’s so funny how we go to bless (with food, time, love etc.)And she was blessed.  However, now her testimony/story is a blessing (Webster says, that means: Something promoting or contributing to happiness, well-being, or prosperity) us!

Since she’s been a believer since she was young…did she share how/who (assuming her Go-go) led her to the Lord?  What was the spiritual climate like when she received the Lord…I know you can’t go back & ask her, but I am curious to know if there had been a movement amongst the people earlier?  Who What & How? 

Don, you don’t have to answer those questions right now…just thought someone there may know better than an internet search.

Thanks…

Most Swazi’s claim to be Christians.  But there are many who are a Swazi first and a Christian second.  This means that traditional practices are turned too before Christ (i.e. witch doctor’s advice).

I believe she mentioned giving her life to Christ when she was 13 or 14.  Not much detail on that.