My 7th visit to Ntshongweni, and much of our activities were the same as previous visits - painting newly built homes, food deliveries, visiting some of our favorite Gogos and friends at Embocraft, and taking a handful of kids (a large handful this year) shopping for clothes. And while there was comfort in resuming our agenda after a 2 year hiatus, there's no denying that much has changed.
Covid ushered in changes that none of us could have imagined and in KZN these changes were compounded by frustration erupting in riots and recently in devastating floods that altered the landscape as we knew it. But by the grace of God, we saw hope re-emerging as the week progressed. During the past week, SA eliminated much of the remaining Covid restrictions and the smiling faces that had been concealed behind masks for 2 years were reappearing; the anxiety we felt as we ventured into one of the hotspots of the riots, melted away as we were met by acts of kindness; neighbors are helping neighbors, and the children returned en masse to the street in front of the church; and on our last full.day in Ntshongweni, we were blessed with the laughter of Gogo Zulu and the singing of Kheto. In the darkness, love will find a way - thanks be to God.
-Valerie a/k/a Sibongile
Thanks be to God that His light continues to shine through His people, through every circumstance, and that His Spirit watches over all who love Him.
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