Joys and Sorrows

What an amazing couple of days we have had in Ntshongweni. So many emotions tugging at my skirt hem.  Yesterday's "walking with Pastor" brought us to the home of the Gumede boys.

Visiting these three brothers who have been without parents for several years makes my heart so happy.  Their home is immaculate - the beds made to military standards, floor clean and dinner on the hot plate (and no, they didn't know we were coming).  Outside the garden flourishes and plants grow landscape-style up against the house; the oldest brother is making his own concrete blocks so he can build a separate room apart from his brothers.

Then a sad dose of reality.  Pastor and the boys discuss the challenges of acquiring ID cards.
Without ID cards they cannot obtain postsecondary education or hold a job, among other things.  Forget that they don't have birth certificates, they don't even know their own birthdays!  They seem fairly sure about the years that they were born, but have no clue about a date.  Without ID cards, these wonderful young men with so much to offer don't even exist as far as the government is concerned.








Today was food delivery day and more "walking with Pastor".   There is so much joy in an old Baba who is moved to tears by the gift of flour, sugar, cornmeal, rice and a few other staples - and so much sorrow in the stories that are drawn on his face.  And his story is repeated over and over, not always the same, but everyone has a story.









It was so joyful today to see a smiling and laughing Gogo Busisiwe who just a few months ago had nothing but sorrow to share.  Perhaps the arrival of monthly food provisions has lifted enough of her burden that she is free to laugh again.  But sadly again, the lack of documentation provides another stumbling block to the ID process for one of the many girls in her care, Sindisiwe.  At least in this instance, Sindisiwe has a birth certificate.  However there are other hurdles - Pastor Thwala will assist on her behalf as well.



Alas, the Lord has done great things for these beautiful souls and "those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting."  (Psalm 126:5).  The story isn't over yet...

Many are the Plans

How many ways do we keep our schedules and appointments?

1. On our iphones
2. Wall calendar
3. Evernote
4. Outlook
5. Daytimers
6. Franklin Planners
7. Sticky Notes
8. Google Calendar

We don't do that here.

We do a review the night before, we have a "plan." But we all know, and have come to believe in the - COP - Change of Plans.

Wondering what would happen if our calendars at home were free, available and ready for COPs?

Mxolisi and his uBaba.

The plan was to go visit our friend and brother Mxolisi and his family. Mxolisi is an unbelievable artist. If you have never seen our previous pictures of his work, please take the time to click through to see at PicSpeak Pencil Art.

His mother has passed away recently, and we were going to visit for a service in the home and a tribute to the family. 

Mxolisi's dad - what a beautiful spirit.

What a beautiful family. We finished our time together, enjoyed our fellowship, and were headed back to Ntshongweni.

We were going to spend the rest of the day in the creche, playing with the children. But as usual, God's plans and thoughts are different then ours, Isaiah 55:8-9. Instead we head to Durban after receiving a call that one of our children is in the hospital. He was at university, and was experiencing back pain. Turns out, he was in a taxi accident last Wednesday on his way to school. He was sitting in the back seat, when they were rear ended. 

We finally find him there, and Pastor calls a doctor in Hillcrest who has agreed to see our children for emergencies. We drive there and wait to be seen. Are finally seen, get our prescriptions, drive through KFC, as he hasn't eaten all day, and head back to Ntshongweni. 

Now, though a little late, with some things rearranged, we are back on the plan - God's plan for our participation in James 1:27. So many times, people ask me and I sometimes wonder, "What does God want me to do? If He would just tell me, I would do it." The fact is - He has! Visiting with Gogo Constance, and sharing her burdens and joys is His will. And when you are in His will, there is nothing like it.

Enjoying tea with one of our favorite Gogos. What a special lady!

One of Gogo's grandchildren. What a blessing to be able to meet him! The generations blend together here in a way that is no longer as common as it used to be.   

We were able to share stories, joys, and sadnesses, walk through her garden, and see the new "bathroom" that she built herself. Gogo Constance rocks!

We are so thankful to supporters from home who sent coats, and to all the ladies at Mission Stitches for the dolls. This one was Valerie's favorite too!

Coming back year after year has allowed us to make friends and to have a level of trust and communication that is truly a gift. God's will is to put the lonely into families. So it seems one of the questions is - who is my family? Matthew 12:50

Joyce knows this. It is Susan's first trip and immediately Joyce gives her the biggest hug and says, "You are my sister!"

This is the will of God, and a COP everyday for me. To be reminded of His words, thoughts, and wants, and to in turn, give up my own.

Maybe our new catch phrase should be COT - Change of Thoughts. To take every thought captive - filtered, stirred, sifted and submitted. We will be thinking, adn praying about that today.

How about you? Any COPs or COTs in your life? We would love to hear about them! #loveinactionnow

Would You Be Grateful For...???

What are you grateful for?
Maybe for electricity - you flip a switch, pull a chord, turn a knob, push a button and Voila! Magic! 




Not so for everyone. Gogo Zulu as of today has no electricity. She keeps it simple, and is so grateful.














What are you grateful for?
Maybe running water - you turn a knob, or lift a handle and Voila! Magic! I can even decide if I want hot or cold or warm or room temperature....

Not Gogo Zulu, she carries her water. And yet, she is grateful. 





Rosemary, her neighbor doesn't have a job to support her family. But she has developed a skill and taught herself to sew. She is trying to and come up with things that people might find useful. She says because she is able to work, she should. She is grateful for this!

I ask her where she goes to sell her creations - she says she goes house to house. Some people say yes, and some say no. 

Coming up with different fabric combinations that her customers may enjoy.

Here is the awesome way she stores her ribbons for her sewing. 

Collecting, packing, unpacking, sorting and giving out. You often wonder before you come - what would be helpful and not harmful? What would be useful? What would be fun? Different? Good for school? Can't live without?

Stick sweets, homemade dolls, and tennis balls definitely fall into the fun category.
School supplies - useful.
New Action Bibles - different.
Shoes and winter jackets - hopefully helpful.

Here is a small portion of what wonderful folks have given us from home to bring and share. 

Can't live without? - reading glasses! 
Definitely helpful, useful, different and FUN!! At least for Gogo Zulu.

I swear 10 years ago I said I would NEVER wear readers

But now, I know exactly how she feels! 

Sharing special moments with friends - totally grateful!

I can see them as young school girls.

What am I grateful for? 
Today it is definitely - 
READING GLASSES and GOGO ZULU!!!