On Friday we got the opportunity to partner with the Luke Commission that goes all around Swaziland holding medical clinics. I was very impressed with the organization and what they are attempting to do in this country. They have a strong desire to not only give medical treatment and HIV testing but to build relationships and trust with the people they are serving. It was a really emotional day for a lot of the team and God gave us all more of a glimpse into the way that this country is hurting. But I really loved watching the way that God broke so many of our hearts that day. There were many tears shed for the Swazi people and I, of course, was no exception. The following is what I wrote in my journal that night.
It’s almost like I don’t even want to take the time to process and think about today with fear that it will leave me undone. HIV is so real and alive here. It’s been easy for me to forget that when I’m jut hanging out at the carepoint and loving on kids. But today I couldn’t run from the fact that it is and will continue to impact the lives of the children I’ve been holding all week. The moment it really slapped me in the face was when I was in the testing room. In this room we were testing people’s blood pressure, insulin levels and for HIV. People would get tested and the results would go to the doctor in the next room who would go over them with the patients. I was mostly observing and helping a little with the HIV tests. It was hard to see people come in, be tested and then see their results even before they did. I didn’t realize how hard it was about to be as in walks in a little boy I held forever the other day at the carepoint. He came in with his mom and his tiny sister who I also recognized. I sat there waiting to get the stick that should show the results in minutes and put it in the box for the doctor in the next room. I held my breath as I watched and waited. And then I saw it, two little lines on that stick; positive for HIV. My heart dropped and tears started forming in my eyes. Yes, all the other positive ones that I could put with faces I saw today were sad and broke my heart. But this one was different for me. It was personal. I knew that little boy. I took pictures of that little boy. I hugged and loved on that little boy. And this little boy’s mom just found out she has HIV. He’s not any older than four. It was heart shattering. How would I feel being that boy? Who possibly is so young that he won’t understand? Or that mom who now knows that she has an incurable disease that will kill her? This then made EVERY positive result more heart shattering for me as I realized that they all are someone to someone. I may not know who they are important to but they are all someone’s mom, dad, daughter, son, grandma or grandpa. I hated that this is only a small glimpse into the epidemic here. I hated seeing it. How many people went home today sad and depressed because we told them they have HIV? But I can’t let myself go in that direction because the God I serve is bigger. He is bigger than this disease and loves these people with an intense passion. And while some people went home today with sad results, they also now have medication that will give them the chance to prolong their lives for the person they are a “somebody” too. God gave me a bit more of His heart today for the HIV stricken people of Swaziland.
-Jessica Hilgenberg
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
First Impressions
Arriving at the care point today for the first time, and possibly last time of my life was very exciting. Finally after years of praying for these people I have the incredible opportunity to actually see their faces. I have to admit, I was anticipating a lot of shy and timid children. Thankfully we were greeted with a group of smiling faces. Immediately I had a little girl in my arms, with her head on my shoulder. I hardly had time to take it in before three more huddled around my knees. I didn’t really think about it, instead I just jumped in. Connecting with the kids seemed natural to me. I don’t usually think twice about scooping a pouty baby into my arms, or initiating a game with active kids. Chasing toddlers around to grasp them in a tickle-filled embrace one minute, then rocking another child the next was fun, but tiring. I couldn’t help but think about my own siblings during this time. Before I knew it I was kissing them goodbye and hopping into the bus with the rest of the team.
When I look back at all the people I met, I wonder what they must be feeling. I can’t just walk up to one of the girls and ask about her past, or what she really meant behind that vague “fine” or “good” response in my common “how are you?” question. I sincerely mean it, and am ready to listen for a deeper answer. Unfortunately trust just isn’t built in a simple question, but in time. How can 6 days build a trusting relationship? I don’t know. Maybe I won’t build a relationships solid enough to include a life story from them. That’s okay. God will do His will in the next week, regardless of whether or not my hopes of a trusting relationship with an individual this week is fulfilled. I don’t know what God is planning to do in my heart this week, or in the hearts of the kids at the care point. Nevertheless, I’m excited!
Quote of the day: “Even if one of those kids was the last person on earth, Jesus would still have come to die for him.” _ Logan Jones.
Family- I MISS YOU! ☺ Kent, I met all the kids you talked about and gave them your pictures. Ricky got his letter, too.
~Grace
When I look back at all the people I met, I wonder what they must be feeling. I can’t just walk up to one of the girls and ask about her past, or what she really meant behind that vague “fine” or “good” response in my common “how are you?” question. I sincerely mean it, and am ready to listen for a deeper answer. Unfortunately trust just isn’t built in a simple question, but in time. How can 6 days build a trusting relationship? I don’t know. Maybe I won’t build a relationships solid enough to include a life story from them. That’s okay. God will do His will in the next week, regardless of whether or not my hopes of a trusting relationship with an individual this week is fulfilled. I don’t know what God is planning to do in my heart this week, or in the hearts of the kids at the care point. Nevertheless, I’m excited!
Quote of the day: “Even if one of those kids was the last person on earth, Jesus would still have come to die for him.” _ Logan Jones.
Family- I MISS YOU! ☺ Kent, I met all the kids you talked about and gave them your pictures. Ricky got his letter, too.
~Grace
Different - but good.
This trip has been so different from what I thought it would be. Wednesday I just literally sat in the same spot, on a chair, all day holding kids. Well really only two kids. The first one, who I call Tub because I can’t remember or pronounce his name for the life of me, fell asleep in my arms and just stayed there snoring and drooling away for several hours. The next one was Zodwa, all she wanted to do was sit in my arms. It was super cold, and all she had on was a thin little jacket, so she just sat in my arms as I tried to keep her warm. And she didn’t want to do anything else. I have built some solid relationships and now everyday they come right up to me with big smiles on their faces. It makes my day. Holding the kids for 4 hours gave me a lot of time to think. My brain can’t help but think if maybe these kids or someone in their family have HIV. Or if their only meal is here at the carepoint. Or wonder if they have ever been held before. But yet they are still so happy and full of life. Holding the kids for 4 hours made me think back so, so many months ago when I was applying for the trip. We had to write an essay on why we wanted to go to Swaziland. One reason I wanted to come was to hold kids who have never been held before. And I did just that on Wednesday. All day. Much love,
KK!
KK!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Safely in South Africa
We have finished our time in Swaziland and we are so grateful for all your prayers. I am updating the blog at an internet cafe in Kruger National Park over our lunch break. It has been a great morning of seeing native animals in their natural habitat. Unfortunately, the lack of internet access in Swaziland was exactly what we had expected so we have not been able to post all the blogs written. However, they will be posted once we get home - so continue to check the blog even after we get back!
I did want to give you guys back home a brief overview of what the team has been up to the last several days:
Wednesday: The weather was cold and chilly, but that did not stop the kids from coming to the carepoint. We finished the work on the soccer field and netball court and spent most of the time there playing on the new fields.
Thursday: We had several crafts and skits performed. We have had a team of Ministry Partners with us all week and they really shined today! The Ministry Partners (some may know of them as the D-Team) are local Swazis in their 20s who go around to about 10 carepoints helping disciple the kids there. They themselves receive training and mentorship. They are doing an incredible job with the team!
Friday: All of Friday was spent with the Luke Commission helping put on the medical clinic. It was held at the primary school where most of the kids who attend our carepoint go to school. It was a hard day. The reality of HIV/AIDS hit home as several of the women our team have gotten to know over the last week tested positive for HIV. They women are able to get ARVs and counseling for their situation. In addition to HIV/AIDS testing the Luke Commission helped fit adults with reading glasses, other tests, light surgery, and several other medical procedures. The team had a great debrief that night, wrestling with the emotions and scenes from the day.
Saturday: It was a rich, full day at the carepoint. We knew that today was going to be our last day at the carepoint and we had a blast. The students performed skits, played soccer, led games, and help the girls make their own dolls. It was such an exciting day to see all the life at the carepoint. We helped the gogo's prepare a special meal with gravy, brisket, rice, and an orange for kids. We even had to make a second trip to the market to get more brisket and oranges - but after that we had more than enough food! It was very difficult to leave knowing that some of those people we might never see again.
Sunday: Today was such an answer to prayer. One of the key things our team has been praying for is a healthy church located on the carepoint. Today, we were able to participate in the very first church service on the new carepoint. Pastor Thuline was approached by the community and asked to Pastor this church. After prayer and seeking advice from mentors he accepted. We had a "MC" who was able to help translate the service into English. The singing was rich and beautiful, the local kids performed several songs for us, and then asked us to sing them a song! Steven Walton did a great job leading worship - we sang several songs all together. I had the privilege to give a short message, it was such an honor that Pastor Thuline asked me to speak. Please pray for Thuline as he leads this new church. He has a wife and two great daughters. Thuline works at a grocery store in Big Bend (near the carepoint) and his wife works at Nisela Guest House. Saying goodbye was difficult as we loaded up the bus and headed to South Africa. After a long day of travel, we made it safely to our guest house. A warm shower, roaring fireplace, and a meal of chicken curry greeted us!
Monday: Today we are at Kruger and loving it. We plan to have a bbq and firepit tonight at the guest house.
Tuesday: We will head to Jburg and depart for home! We are sad to be leaving Africa, but excited to see family and friends!
I hope that gives you a better picture of the last several days here! I apologize about the internet connections, please check the blog even after we get back to read what the students wrote about. We will also be updating the blog to give you updates about the carepoint and specific ways to pray.
That is all the time I have for now, the truck is about to leave to try and find more lions! See you soon,
Matt
I did want to give you guys back home a brief overview of what the team has been up to the last several days:
Wednesday: The weather was cold and chilly, but that did not stop the kids from coming to the carepoint. We finished the work on the soccer field and netball court and spent most of the time there playing on the new fields.
Thursday: We had several crafts and skits performed. We have had a team of Ministry Partners with us all week and they really shined today! The Ministry Partners (some may know of them as the D-Team) are local Swazis in their 20s who go around to about 10 carepoints helping disciple the kids there. They themselves receive training and mentorship. They are doing an incredible job with the team!
Friday: All of Friday was spent with the Luke Commission helping put on the medical clinic. It was held at the primary school where most of the kids who attend our carepoint go to school. It was a hard day. The reality of HIV/AIDS hit home as several of the women our team have gotten to know over the last week tested positive for HIV. They women are able to get ARVs and counseling for their situation. In addition to HIV/AIDS testing the Luke Commission helped fit adults with reading glasses, other tests, light surgery, and several other medical procedures. The team had a great debrief that night, wrestling with the emotions and scenes from the day.
Saturday: It was a rich, full day at the carepoint. We knew that today was going to be our last day at the carepoint and we had a blast. The students performed skits, played soccer, led games, and help the girls make their own dolls. It was such an exciting day to see all the life at the carepoint. We helped the gogo's prepare a special meal with gravy, brisket, rice, and an orange for kids. We even had to make a second trip to the market to get more brisket and oranges - but after that we had more than enough food! It was very difficult to leave knowing that some of those people we might never see again.
Sunday: Today was such an answer to prayer. One of the key things our team has been praying for is a healthy church located on the carepoint. Today, we were able to participate in the very first church service on the new carepoint. Pastor Thuline was approached by the community and asked to Pastor this church. After prayer and seeking advice from mentors he accepted. We had a "MC" who was able to help translate the service into English. The singing was rich and beautiful, the local kids performed several songs for us, and then asked us to sing them a song! Steven Walton did a great job leading worship - we sang several songs all together. I had the privilege to give a short message, it was such an honor that Pastor Thuline asked me to speak. Please pray for Thuline as he leads this new church. He has a wife and two great daughters. Thuline works at a grocery store in Big Bend (near the carepoint) and his wife works at Nisela Guest House. Saying goodbye was difficult as we loaded up the bus and headed to South Africa. After a long day of travel, we made it safely to our guest house. A warm shower, roaring fireplace, and a meal of chicken curry greeted us!
Monday: Today we are at Kruger and loving it. We plan to have a bbq and firepit tonight at the guest house.
Tuesday: We will head to Jburg and depart for home! We are sad to be leaving Africa, but excited to see family and friends!
I hope that gives you a better picture of the last several days here! I apologize about the internet connections, please check the blog even after we get back to read what the students wrote about. We will also be updating the blog to give you updates about the carepoint and specific ways to pray.
That is all the time I have for now, the truck is about to leave to try and find more lions! See you soon,
Matt
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
End of Day 3
We are at the end of day 3 and the team is still doing great! Today we awoke to rain and a chilly day. We thought this might cause less kids to be at the carepoint, but the exact opposite was true. We had more kids than yesterday! Today we finished work on the soccer field and the netball field. It was a blast to watch the locals play! The goals look great and our team jumped right in with them. Tomorrow we will be at the carepoint again and on Friday be working with the Luke Commission putting on a medical clinic.
Thank you for your patience with us updating the blog. Continue to pray - so many wonderful relationships are being formed here!
Matt
Thank you for your patience with us updating the blog. Continue to pray - so many wonderful relationships are being formed here!
Matt
Giving Shoes Out
Today we got to give out the shoes that we collected before we left for Swaziland. We came in to the carepoint with 4 or 5 large suitcases just packed with shoes. All together we had over 300 pairs of shoes. We waited till about 2, until the school children came to give the shoes out. I went on a house visit, but when I came back the team was in the middle of giving and it looked like chaos. I didn’t know where to start but I ended up jumping into one of the shelters to start matching shoes with their new owners. It was crazy, the Swazis had no clue what size they had or what would best fit them, but it was a blessing to give them the new shoes.
The memory that stuck with me was with the go go, (grandma) that needed a new pair of shoes. She came in, whispered size 6, and then I came back with a few shoes that she might like. When we finally found the right shoe it was amazing. I got the opportunity to kneel down and take off her old shoes, untie the new ones, and put her feet into the new shoes. Their feet weren’t the best smelling, but at that moment was the moment where I could feel the joy and love that was greater than anything I had experienced thus far in Swaziland. We locked eyes when her new shoes were on and she whispered in the same voice, “ God bless you”, then she left. The next kid came in and I helped him, but I will never forget that go go and that experience.
-Chris K
The memory that stuck with me was with the go go, (grandma) that needed a new pair of shoes. She came in, whispered size 6, and then I came back with a few shoes that she might like. When we finally found the right shoe it was amazing. I got the opportunity to kneel down and take off her old shoes, untie the new ones, and put her feet into the new shoes. Their feet weren’t the best smelling, but at that moment was the moment where I could feel the joy and love that was greater than anything I had experienced thus far in Swaziland. We locked eyes when her new shoes were on and she whispered in the same voice, “ God bless you”, then she left. The next kid came in and I helped him, but I will never forget that go go and that experience.
-Chris K
Shoes, Shoes, and Shoes
Going off of what my brotha Chris said, there were many memories that will stick in my mind after today. We got to see most of the community as word spread fast that we had shoes to give away. I will NEVER forget the bare feet and torn shoes I saw enter the room and the smiles and joy I saw leave the room. A pair I had given away went to a kid who was around my age. His shoes barely stayed on his feet, they had countless holes, and he looked hopeless and sad. When he saw a pair of old shoes we had in the room, I thought he would put them back because I couldn’t imagine that they would make him happy. He picked them up and started to feel them. Then a huge smile appeared on his face, and he asked if he could try them on. They were not a perfect fit by any stretch of the imagination, but when I asked him if he would like a different pair he said no and stared at his new kicks. We did a hand shake then he left with a new look in his eyes, never taking his eyes off the shoes.
Along with all the joy there were some hard parts of the day as well. A few people who came did not get a pair of shoes, despite all of the pairs we had. That shows just how many people came.
What began as just the children at the carepoint, turned to men, women, children, and the elderly, which was good because we had big shoes to fill as well. Among some of the older people that came were some that had been drinking. This was hard to see because the people of the community respect the older people so much. It was not the best example they could be setting in my opinion. Lucky for us we had a pretty good bouncer at the door (Carl) who knew that these people needed shoes too. We got them in and out without any problems. It is amazing to see God work in all of our lives, and we look forward to what he reveals to us tomorrow.
PS Zac’s mom- He is still alive and well, and still pretty darn awesome.
-Logan Jones
Along with all the joy there were some hard parts of the day as well. A few people who came did not get a pair of shoes, despite all of the pairs we had. That shows just how many people came.
What began as just the children at the carepoint, turned to men, women, children, and the elderly, which was good because we had big shoes to fill as well. Among some of the older people that came were some that had been drinking. This was hard to see because the people of the community respect the older people so much. It was not the best example they could be setting in my opinion. Lucky for us we had a pretty good bouncer at the door (Carl) who knew that these people needed shoes too. We got them in and out without any problems. It is amazing to see God work in all of our lives, and we look forward to what he reveals to us tomorrow.
PS Zac’s mom- He is still alive and well, and still pretty darn awesome.
-Logan Jones
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