Well this week has certainly been interesting…
Monday I was at pre school, and we all had a lot of fun using the play dough! The cost of play dough is too expensive for the pre school so they make their own and use food dye to change the colour. Quite clever really, and much more cost efficient.
Monday afternoon I was in the containers with one of the Makes, and a girl in my class called Zodwa, looking for clothes and shoes. After an hour and a half climbing over boxes and plastic bags inside a hot container we found nothing. Zodwa needed tackies as her other ones were too small, so I gave her my trainers I brought here. She needed them more than me. I was taken aback by her gratefulness, and it made me think back to when I bought them. In my mind they were just Nike trainers. They weren’t particularly expensive by UK prices, yet I still took them for granted as a necessity for the gym. Zodwa was quite happy to wear shoes that were falling apart, had no laces and were too small.
Tuesday morning I was in church for a while doing some emails, and when I went back to the farm it was time to make shortbread biscuits for cell. Everyone had to make a dish of some kind, so we had a tonne of food! I led cell tonight so I had to prepare for that, then do keep fit with the girls.
Since I’ve been here I have met numerous people with stage 4, full blown Aids. I noticed the other day how accustomed I’ve become to meeting people with HIV/Aids. Sadly, it doesn’t shock me anymore, the problem is so widespread.
Wednesday, we went to the hospital to do visits to the men’s ward and children’s ward, and to say it was horrible/awful is an understatement. I met some children who had been in horrific car accidents and had brain damage that were given 2 paracetamol. The disabled children were just put in the workers kitchen at the end of the ward. The children in wheelchairs were tied up, and left. When I prayed for the children I just cried.
Friday today,and its youth at Potters Wheel and me and Musa are doing worship...I somehow got myself put forward for singing...
Hi Katherine - you seem to have lots of variety in your week. Lots to get stuck into and experience. We have just come back from the Elim conference and I met up with Chris Jones who was talking a lot about the ministry out there in Swaziland. He has made me think that I would like to visit and I am really looking forward to hearing all your stories first hand. Life is still ultra-busy back here and we have Tudor Botwood coming tomorrow for the men's event and he is speaking in church on Sunday. Shame though that the event clashes with the first England match! The world has now gone mad with England flags flying everywhere - on cars and in windows and all eyes on South Africa! Keep up the good work - you sound like you are doing a great job!
ReplyDeleteBless you loads - Alice
Hi Katherine your work sounds really challenging and rewarding. I spoke to Chris Jones at the Elim conference and he said that he was hearing really good things about you and all that you are bringing to the ministry, so be encouraged. I also met some people from Jane's church and they said how the ministry was difficult but fantastically important and worthwhile. They also said that they had heard of you and that you were a blessing. We still miss you though and look forward to seeing you come home and hearing more about your experiences, God bless, Dave
ReplyDeleteSeeing your smiling face in the pictures really cheers me and makes me smile back. So how much more then, for those who can see you face to face. I can see how tough it is, but just think how much love and acceptance you're bringing to the lives of those you're with.
ReplyDeleteAlice is right though, just following your adventure makes me want to go. I've penciled in school summer holiday 2011. Coming??
Love you loads. So Proud of you, what a blessing you are.
Sanibonani!
ReplyDeleteNinjani?
I am getting the phrases slowly!
Thank you for all your comments, it is really encouraging to read them especially after a difficult day :-)
Salakahle!!
Katherine xxx
Hi Katherine,
ReplyDeleteI see you mention difficult days, and although I am sorry for you having to experience them, I know that God will use them to invest in your character. Martin Luther King said..."The ultimate measure of a man (or woman) is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of challenge."
You are standing and doing really really well.