Monday, 28 April 2014

Memories from Swaziland.. Part two!



Part two...

The more homes we visited, the more we realised there was a shortage in men. Every house we went to had women caring for the children. Husbands had left, Fathers had died, there were no men to be seen. So many families had been abandoned by those who should be protecting them, who should be taking their responsibility, caring and fighting for their families, standing up for what is right and true in their generation. Where were all the men? 

This was a silent question in my mind and I wondered if I was the only person who noticed. I eventually spoke to my friend and we talked about our sadness and concern at the absence of Fathers in so many of the Swazi homes. We were so happy later that day to finally meet a young man. We were welcomed into a home, the care worker who regularly visited the house went in before us. As we stepped into the mud hut, I could smell sickness and disease, I knew there was someone living there who was very sick.  We were ushered into a small and dingy room with two beds. In one of the beds was an old man. He was so frail and when he coughed it was as though every bone in his body rattled and the sound of mucous bubbled up from his lungs. His son was sat at his bedside, with a gentle smile. He shook our hands and welcomed us into their home. It was great because this young man (in his thirties) was able to speak really good english. He told us of the struggles he faced caring for his father, trying to work to provide for the family, and look after the four children that also lived in the home. It was so encouraging to finally meet a man. A man of integrity, a man of honour, a man who was standing up for what was true and right, a leader, an overcomer. A man who was fighting in the midst of hardship. We had a wonderful time listening to his story, hearing about their struggles and pain. And as sad as the situation was, there was a sense of righteousness in that dingy mud hut. For we knew that God's eyes were upon this household. We knew that this man was a God fearing man and in a hard situation, was doing the right thing. We knew that God was there and He had seen. We again prayed for this precious family, and thanked God for the young man who was leading that home with integrity and grace. We trusted God that He would bring abundance to that house. Abundance in crops, abundance in finance, abundance in health, abundance in joy, abundance in integrity, and, abundance in hope. We left that place with our spirits lifted, grateful to have met such a lovely young man.



The day arrived when we were going to collect water for some of the poorest people in the remotest parts of Swaziland. We loaded big plastic water containers, along with cleaning products, into our truck and set off on yet another bumpy journey. We arrived at another homestead, I was so excited to meet the people who lived there, I knew nothing about them, but I had a feeling in my spirit that we were going to have a great time. We were welcomed by two of the cutest little old ladies I have probably ever met. They hugged us, smiled, and immediately started talking to us in their language, expecting us to understand every word they were saying. We all laughed and smiled at each other. We explained that we had brought them a water container and would walk down the mountain to collect water for them. They were so happy we were there and began to show us around their home. More mud huts, that looked like they had been there for years, and were about to fall down. The lady who lived there was 86 years old, all her children had died and she lived with her daughter in law, whose husband (the old ladies son) had recently died from HIV, leaving her with a 4 month old baby girl. There were also other children living in this home, orphans that the old lady had taken in to care for. Her friend was also there, another lady of 85 years. They were beautiful, funny, and welcomed us like family. They were so happy to see us. We walked down the mountain and collected water from a stream, then, with great difficulty, carried the water containers on our heads, back up the mountain. It was hot and we had to stop a few times to take a break. I felt so weak and clumsy, I was tripping over my skirt, my neck hurt because I was new at this whole carrying stuff on your head thing. Each step I took I was thinking about the two beautiful old ladies. They were so old, yet so strong and full of life and strength. Every few days they would take this trip down the mountain, and back up again, and I'm sure, carry loads more on their head than I was struggling to do. In my opinion, they are heroes. When we arrived back, they danced and sang and were so excited.



We were able to spend a good few hours with these precious people. One of the ladies Father was a preacher, she was so proud of him. She talked about the struggles they faced and talked about life for them in Swaziland. They showed us how they grind their maze, how they made their mats (that we sat on in almost every home we went to), how they ploughed their ground, and where they cook their food. Again, the poverty was huge and heartbreaking, and it was clear that these women had endured so much in their lives. Their family dying around them, all their relatives dead and gone, and the constant struggle to survive. But they were so happy, so full of joy. The two ladies were best friends, they loved each other and they looked out for each other. I felt like we had known them for years, and I really didn't want to leave their house that day. It got me thinking about life in the western world. We have so much, too much. Stuff actually distracts us from the important things in life. These ladies had nothing, a few chicken, some maize to harvest, and a mud hut that was crumbling in front of our eyes. Yet, they had each other. They had a friendship that was strong and real, they were united in their hardship and united in their faith. They believed in the God who was always with them, their joy and strength was in Him. They trusted Him and they knew He was their provider. One of the ladies said that in the morning she prayed and asked God to show her His goodness that day. She was completely surprised when we turned up. She immediately knew that God had not forgotten her, in a small mud hut, in a remote community, in the kingdom of Swaziland, the God of the universe had seen her. When we left, they gave us a pumpkin they had grown, I felt bad for taking it from them, after all, they needed it more than me. But they insisted. Again, we experienced people giving out of their lack. Generosity in its purest form. We prayed before we left and then the ladies sang and danced. We hugged and hugged, it was hard for me to get back in our vehicle, I just wanted to stay with them. I felt as though I was saying goodbye to life long friends. When we got back to the home we were staying in, we gave our host the pumpkin. She stood there with her mouth open and told us that she had asked God in the morning for pumpkin seeds to plant! Wow, God was again, showing His goodness to the people of this land. Our beautiful host cut the pumpkin up and we ate it for dinner that night. She collected the seeds, and I have never seen so many seeds from one pumpkin!

[photos of the beautiful ladies we met. I love them!]


The bible says that God has set eternity in the hearts of men and that He is preparing a place for us. Heaven is real. One day, when we breathe our last breath on the earth, if we have surrendered our life to Jesus, we will meet Him face to face and will spend eternity with Him, in Paradise. One thing that continually kept coming up in my heart, with all the people we met, was that their reward is in Heaven. They have, and are, enduring so much on this earth, it is wrong, it is unjust and it is heart breaking. Amidst the smiles and joy that we felt from so many of the Swazi people, there is also a deep sadness, a weight too heavy to bear, a silence so strong it is almost deafening. Yet these people continue to stand strong, continue to work hard, continue to pray, continue to care for the orphaned children they have taken into their homes,  continue to trust and believe that God will provide for them. I have been so privileged to meet some of the Swazi people, their lives and testimonies will stay in my heart forever, and I am forever changed by their courage and bravery. I truly believe that when they leave this earth and are one day face to face with their maker, He will take them in His arms, hold them, wipe away every tear from their eyes and say "well done my good and faithful servant". God has so much eternal reward for each of us. I believe the eternal reward of the Swazi people that have wholeheartedly trusted God, in the midst of their hardship, will be so great and so wonderful and I'm excited to get to heaven and nudge my neighbour to say "I know them. I met them in Swaziland"  :-)

[photo of pumpkin and seeds]

Friday, 25 April 2014

Personal thoughts and memories from my time in Swaziland



Part one...


I have travelled to many different countries and seen some really beautiful places, but there are a few places that I have been to that will stay in my heart forever, Swaziland is definately one of those places. When we arrived I was overwhelmed by the scenery. Lush green trees and bush, along with red soil, covered the mountainous landscape. The more we travelled, the more beauty we saw. Looking out of our vehicle, as we clung on to our seats due to the bumpy dirt roads, which were full of potholes, it was as if time stood still.  The sun was shining and big fluffy white clouds were scattered in the blue sky. The air was fresh and there was a sense of peace, a tranquil quietness. I felt relaxed as we drove along the dirt roads. Beautiful smiles were everywhere to be seen, women carrying babies on their backs and very heavy objects on their heads. Everyone waved as we drove by. It was like another world, it is another world.   



We travelled for what seemed like forever, up and down dirt roads, at some points I wasn't sure our vehicle would make it. It felt like we were going deeper and deeper into the remotest parts of this beautiful land, we were. We finally got out, in what looked like the middle of nowhere and were taken to a child run homestead, basically a couple of mud huts, that if I leant up against them, looked as though they would fall down. This was the home of 3 children, the eldest being 16 years old. The parents had died four years previously leaving 3 children to fend for themselves, the eldest child was 12 at the time.  I stood there, frozen, as I heard the story. I felt sick in my stomach and turned away from the situation to look at the hills. "God, where are you in this?" That was my question. I looked to the hills, knowing that our hope, provision and protection comes from the One who created this beautiful scenery. I felt the cool breeze against my tear stained cheeks, and although what I was seeing made no sense to me at all, I felt it my heart, that God was there, He was right there with these children. 



Amidst the stunning scenery, peaceful mountainous landscape, and beautiful smiling faces, we are all too soon aware of the hurt, pain, poverty and injustice that is so prevalent in this land. We drove many kilometres and visited many homes. Everyone had the same story, heart ache and loss, devastation and despair, hurt and pain. And yet while there was such sadness and poverty, there was a fervent hope and trust in God. Faith that is so real, it puts us in the western world to shame. Faith that refuses to be brought down with the circumstances, but continues to trust God right in the middle of need and lack. A faith that cries out to God for basic needs (food and water) to be met. A faith that is able to smile in the storm, to keep going when it would be easy to stop, to keep standing when it would be easier to fall, and to keep giving when there is nothing to give.





We walked up the mountain with the sun scorching down on us, it was so hot, and there weren't even any trees nearby for us to enjoy the shade. My mouth was dry and every step I took I felt like I needed to take in an extra breath of air. I was hot, boiling in fact and felt so drained from the heat that day. I carried a little bag with me which had my water bottle, camera, a packet of mints and tissues and an energy bar, I was aware that my tiny bag was full of luxuries and things to help me deal with the heat. As I grabbed my water bottle to have a quick sip, I was all too aware that the majority of people we met, did not even have the luxury of drinking clean, safe water. Water is a basic human need. Without water you die. These beautiful people have to walk miles, up and down mountains, to collect water, and when they find it, the water is usually dirty as they collect it from a stream, that has algi and all other sorts of water Bourne infections. I took a big gulp of my fresh water, so grateful to have my thirst quenched, but also feeling so guilty that I was privileged to drink clean, safe water while those around me weren't.



We arrived at a lady's home. This home did not have a fence to defend the property, and from what I could see there were no crops anywhere. I also noticed there was hardly any shade. We were welcomed in, and the mats were laid out for us to sit on. We sat down and there was silence, I looked at the beautiful woman sat before us, she was quiet and shy, but when I caught her eye, she gave me a beautiful smile. Her eyes looked gentle and kind. I wasn't sure why, but I felt like I connected with her. Neither of us could speak the others language, but we all smile in the same language. We smiled at each other, and it was probably one of the most precious and beautiful smiles I have shared in my life. Neither of us had spoken a word, but I felt like we both just knew. The heat was so strong that day, and the usual cool breeze was absent, leaving me feeling exhausted and slightly irritated at my self that I was feeling so drained. We talked through the interpreter, who was a beautiful 26 year old girl who visited this home on a regular basis to offer love, care and support, and heard the ladies story. It broke my heart. She spoke slowly and quietly, with a deep sadness in her eyes, but each time she looked at us, she smiled. I could see she was so happy and overwhelmed that we had come. She told us how her husband had walked out on her about four months previously, and she didn't know where he was or if he was ever coming back. He had left her with 3 children to care for. The pain in her eyes, caused a lump to come in my throat, I felt the sting of tears in my eyes, and found myself staring at the ground while she told the rest of her story. She told how her sister had remarried and that in Swazi culture the woman cannot take any children from a previous marriage into the new one. So this beautiful lady, in the midst of her need, her lack, her pain, her poverty, her desperation, had lovingly taken her now 15 year old niece in. She had gotten her into the local school and although she was in class with children half her age, due to absence from school for a long time, she was happy and was learning lots. This lady was also a victim of HIV and was often sick. As I intently listened to this beautiful and strong woman's story, I was all too aware of the recent pain and trauma in my own life. Two women, from different parts of the world, in different circumstances, yet both experience unjust situations. Although my hurt and pain was completely different to this beautiful ladies, injustice is injustice, however it looks. I felt empathy for this lady and wished more than ever that we could speak the same language, but I was reminded of the smile we shared together at the start of the home visit and my heart was stilled. My heart was so touched to meet this amazing lady, in her deepest darkest pain and in her poverty and lack, she was not only caring for her own children to the best of her ability, but she had also taken in another child, another mouth to feed, another child's school fees and uniform to find. She wasn't giving and being generous out of her overflow, which so many of us in western culture do (which, I believe is not actually true and pure generosity), she was giving out of her lack. She did not have the crops or resources to feed the mouths of her and her own children, yet her hope and trust was in the God who had brought her this far, and who she knew would not abandon her. We offered to pray for the lady and she immediately got on her knees. We surrounded her on the mat she was knelt on and I knelt down beside her and rubbed her back and shoulders. This lady was in her forties, yet when I put my hands on her back, I felt muscles that were so strong. I was aware that this lady was carrying a load that was too much for her to bear, yet she was determined to give of her absolute best, and more, for the sake of the children in her care. As we prayed for her, she prayed too. Although I could not understand the language she spoke, I knew she was calling out to God to provide and protect her family. She was asking God to give her more strength to endure what was before her. She begged God for the lives of her children. She asked Him to meet their needs and she thanked Him, yes, she thanked Him from the bottom of her heart that He was with them and He was their provider. After we prayed I hugged her, we hugged and hugged and hugged, we both held on to each other tightly. It was a precious moment for me. Although we did not speak, we were both aware that in the midst of pain, heartache and hurt, God was with us. Through the traumatic situations we both had faced in our lives, on opposite sides of the world, we knew that God was near. We trusted Him with our lives and although we had both experienced unjust situations,  we knew that our God was a God of justice and He was for us. As we broke away from our hug, she kissed my neck. It was precious and it was purposeful. This lady touched my heart and I will never forget her. She inspired me beyond words and I know that God sees her and He will greatly reward her. It was wonderful to meet her adopted niece later that day at the care centre and eat a meal with her. She was taller than me and loved to dance and play ball games. I told her that we had visited her aunties home and she beamed from ear to ear and ran around telling her friends. I'm so grateful for that lady for caring for those children. For not giving up, for being generous, for standing strong, for trusting God, and for having a real and genuine faith. Although I left that home heartbroken at the situation, I also left full of peace and joy, knowing that God sees her and He will provide.



We pulled up outside another house, there were squeals of sheer joy coming from the homestead and I noticed a cloud of red dust arising. As we walked towards the mud huts, the joy and laughter got louder and louder and soon we were greeted by a gorgeous 12 year old girl rolling, faster than I had ever seen anyone roll, across the red dirt ground to meet us. She was born with cerebral palsy and has never been able to walk or speak. She was so excited to see us, and couldn't stop herself from laughing and rolling, rolling, rolling! We took her over to the other side of their yard where there was a built in wooden walking frame for her to practice walking. It was made of trees and was amazing! She held onto the sides, all the time laughing, consistently, and looking around to make sure we were all watching her. She walked up and back with even more smiles and laughter and we applauded her each time she took a step. The thing that struck me about this little girl was the sheer joy that was radiating out from her heart. It was fullness of joy. Here she was, living in a remote place, in one of the poorest communities  in the world, living in sheer poverty, without access to safe water and most of the time struggling for food, she is unable to walk or talk, her circumstances are pretty grim, yet she is so happy. She is grateful for the simple things in her life. She is grateful to the GoGo who lovingly looks after her, grateful to the other children in the house who can help encourage her to walk, between doing their chores, grateful that some people from England stopped by just to say hello. A beautiful precious little girl, an angel, an overcomer, a hero. Visiting this house could have hardened our hearts, could have shattered our spirits, instead, her joy encouraged us and caused our aching hearts to sing. We left thanking God for the supernatural joy that was rooted in that beautiful child's heart and we prayed that it would overflow to her family and her community.



Wednesday, 23 April 2014

Be yourself, and GO change the world!


Matthew 28:19-20, "Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the very end of the age".

These were the last words Jesus spoke to His disciples before He left earth to go back to Heaven.

If you are a follower of Christ you are in "full time ministry". If you love God you are a "full time missionary". Don't let anyone tell you otherwise!


God wants your every day lives, your eating, sleeping, getting up [Romans 12]. He wants you to use it as an offering for Him.

No one has a bigger calling on their life than you. God has called each of us to greatness. We all have the same commission. We are all called to preach the Gospel [however that looks] and see a broken humanity brought back to right relationship with God the Father. We all have our own individual race to run, and we need to be committed and confident running our race. But, don't ever feel intimidated at the call of God on other people's lives. God has called YOU, equipped YOU, anointed YOU and set YOU apart to bring light to this dark world.

He has given you everything you need to make history, to live your life to the full and make an impact.

He will never leave you or forsake You. He is constant in a world where everything changes. 

So, today, walk in confidence and strength knowing that you are called, chosen and equipped. There's no one who can live you life better than YOU! :-)



Tuesday, 22 April 2014

Weathering the storms of life


[photograph: Superstition Mountains, Arizona]

Storms are a part of life. We all go through them. Some are big, some are small, some are devastatingly earth shattering, while others are just plain irritating.

As I've travelled through life I've noticed there are a few practical things that are helpful in navigating the storms we often face.

I hope they encourage you...

1) THE WORD OF GOD [THE BIBLE]

For me, this is the most important thing. It's where my hope, strength, trust and confidence lies. The Bible is jammed packed with promises from God for our individual lives. It's so easy to be overcome by our circumstances [especially when they are so devastating] but, the bible tells us that Jesus HAS OVERCOME, and we can stand on His very words and trust Him in every situation we face.

Surround yourself with God's Word. Listen to podcasts [theres so many great teachers and resources out there to encourage you]. Download all the 'bible apps' on your smartphone, iPad, iPod, laptop. Buy your Pastors CD teaching sets. Sign yourself up for free email devotionals [I love these and have about 5 different ones I read everyday!] Keep putting God's Word into your heart and soul. His word is your anchor and His strength will sustain you.



2) PRAISE

Turn up your favourite praise and worship CD and get your praise on! The enemy is defeated, and when we praise our magnificent God, he has to flee. Belt it out, sing at the top of your lungs, don't worry about the neighbours, you can always bake them banana cake later ;)

When you praise you are declaring that God is greater than the storm you are facing. When you hold onto Him, no storm can move you, because "GREATER is He that's in you, than he who is in the world". 

Find 'your song' and sing it every day. Keep singing. Keep dancing. Tell your soul to praise your God. Don't let anyone, or anything steal your joy. The joy of The Lord is your strength.

[photograph taken after the storm, Southsea beach, England]


3) PRAYING FAMILY AND FRIENDS

I have found that the prayers of faithful family and friends have literally carried me through some of the hardest seasons of my life. It is so good to have strong men and women with great faith holding you in prayer. Sometimes, when the storm is hitting hard, it is difficult to find the words to pray. Knowing you have an army of prayer warriors lifting you up is a great encouragement and strength. It is vital to have people in your life who will carry you when you feel too weak to walk. If you don't have those people in your life, find them! Make some life long, faithful friends, you will need them!

[photograph after the storm Canoe Lake, Southsea, England]


4) SURROUND YOURSELF WITH FAMILY

Spending time with family who know you, love you and believe in you, is so healthy for the spirit and the soul. It is important to surround yourself with people who you trust and are for you. It is such a blessing, for me, to be part of a very strong Christian family. However, some of us may not have christians in our natural families, but, the family of God is often stronger than our blood family. Let the ones who love you, love on you. Find strength in their care for you. Let people lavish love on you, allow them to hug you, cook for you, buy you gifts, pray with you, and just be with you.

Some of my most defining moments when I have been in the middle of the storm, is not only knowing that God is with me, but, also knowing, that my family are with me, heart and soul.

[photograph of spring crocuses, Southsea, England]


5) EAT

Food is good! I love food! I often dream about food, and my mouth is watering right now at just the very thought of food! Sometimes [particularly if you are female], you just need chocolate, and that's ok. Don't beat yourself up, if you want it, eat it! I'm not talking about stuffing your face so much that you need a hoist to get you from A to B. but sometimes, a bar of chocolate does wonders for the soul, [or curry, or crisps, or Chinese take away, or whatever you like to eat] especially if it is enjoyed with friends ;)



6) LAUGH

The Bible says that "a cheerful heart is good medicine". I don't know about you, but I love to laugh. It's actually one of my favourite things to do. I will laugh at anything and everything. I just find things funny, and usually when I'm not supposed too! I would get in trouble at school for always laughing when I shouldn't be. I even got dragged out of church and taken home by my parents, for laughing so hard that I was snorting, during a church service! I guess there is no surprise that my middle name is, Joy, after my mum, who is, I must add, my greatest inspiration [and partner in crime] on the laughter front! Haha.

But laughter, particularly with family and friends is so good for us. Research shows, that those who laugh most, live the longest. Laughing when the storm is hitting may seem like a challenge, may even seem inappropriate, but it is needed, and it is good. 

Sometimes we may just need to take our eyes off our situation, grab a friend, a bag of popcorn and put on a comedy movie. Oftentimes , deep belly laughing, you know, the kind that has you in stitches, tears streaming, and often a lot of snorting sounds [in my case anyway], is the best thing to bring a bit of freedom to an anxious soul. 

Spend time with a bunch of friends remembering funny stories, or sharing embarrassing moments [gosh, I've had a few!]

Let the laughter begin!

[photograph taken in Sedona, AZ, with my mum]

Don't forget that no matter what you are facing right now, God is with you. He is for you. If God is all you've got, God is all you need!

It's not about me

"Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed".



My sister gave me a cosmetic bag once with a sign on the front that read, "it's all about me". It was cute and it did a practical job and held my make up.

We live in a society that is 'me focused'. What can I get? How will this help me? What gain is in it for me? What about me? What about me? People are selfish and will go to great lengths, and pay a lot of money, to help themselves. I'm not saying we we should never spend money on our own endeavours, and of course, we need to take care of ourselves. 

But, have you ever thought that it might not always be about you? We are called to love the unlovely, to reach out to those who are broken and down trodden. I don't know about you, but I don't have to look to far to see great need, in my community. In fact, someone knocked our door last night who is in an extremely desperate and devastating situation, and in need of love and care. Without hesitation, we invited them into our home and gave them a safe place to stay.

Will you choose to set your own desires and wants aside to reach out to those who are in need around you? There are people who need a shoulder to cry on, a meal in their hungry stomachs, a blanket to shelter them from the cold, a prayer to help them experience God's peace. And mostly, people just need to know that someone care about them and is there for them.

Who can you reach out to today? How can you take time to love someone and show them you care?

The Bibles tells us, in Proverbs, that those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. Such great words. I have had first hand experience of this time and time again. As I trust God with the things that concern my own life, and reach out to help meet someone else's need, God always steps into my life and takes care of me... Always!  He is our provider, our portion, our protector. Healing comes in our own lives, when we step out of our comfort zone, and reach out to support another. Sometimes we just need to 'get over ourselves' and get ourselves all over others :-)

Reach out to someone today. You will be so glad you did :-)

[photographs taken from mission trip to The Philippines in 2013]