My heart is full. 

Today we had the pleasure of painting the house of Ntombikayise and her family.

When we first met Ntombikayise in 2018, she was living in a one room house with her 4 children, 1 grandchild and 2 nephews. She had also recently had her leg ran over by a car and struggled to walk. In 2021, by the grace of God, they received a new home with 2 bedrooms and a kitchen. 

Here is a picture of the family(minus2) in 2019.

And here is a picture of in front of their newly painted house. 

While we were painting, a group of kids gathered with Ntombikayise’s children and enjoyed kicking a new soccer ball that our friend Roberto brought for them. Full disclosure, I may have slacked off on my painting to join the kids but hey “Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.”  They also enjoyed making necklaces and entertained us with a song and dance. 

 Brandon painting with Elihle and Sphelele. 

                           Making necklaces. 

The view from their house may be one of my favorites. 

People frequently ask me “Why South Africa? Why go there?” Honestly, I don’t know why God has sent me 8,460 miles from my home town to be with His children in Ntshongweni but here I am. I often think it was to change my own heart and renew my faith in the Lord. The people of Ntshongweni are the most strong spirited and faithful people I have encountered. In the past 2 years they have endured COVID, riots and floods, yet their faith and perseverance continue on. I think we all have a little something to learn from the people of Ntshongweni. I am so thankful that God has sent me, the unworthy sinner, and I cannot wait to see what else He has planned. 

Lord, help me to be a little more like Jesus, a little less like me. 

-Katie “Gugu”