This week has been so busy! Monday- Wednesday was pre school, and Thursday and Friday was homeschool. Tuesdays I now help run library club, and on Weds and Thurs I do homework clubs at the houses.
Thursday afternoon I went into the community and we set up for the clinic, not too far from Hawane. The clinic went well and was packed as per usual. Afterwards we went on a home visit, to visit a 30 year old man who had been bed bound for over a month, he hadn't moved from his mat on the floor. The man had full blown Aids, stage 4, and also had Meningitis. It was suspected that he had numerous other diseases too. Jane and Jude the two nurses decided that we had to take him to hospital. It took him so long to stand up I thought we might all have to carry him. He looked awful, skeletal and so thin. I was asked to pray for him and his eyes kept rolling, they couldn't focus on me which was really sad to watch.
His homestead was one of the smallest I have seen, it had 1 tiny bedroom with his mat on the floor and 1 other bed to sleep 6/7 children, as well as the man and his mother. The other room was the entrance to the homestead and can have been no more than 2m by 2m. It was used as the store room, kitchen and living area, and was so smoky!
We took him to hospital, which looked like a prison. It was appauling and the wards were horrible.
Two other girls from the U.S arrived on Friday, and I think they were tired because they slept for a long time!
Youth was really good on friday, the kids really enjoyed themselves.
On Saturday we all got the combi into Mbabne which was an experience! It was packed out! One of the girls had to sit next to goats on the way back! Trying to get the shopping in on that was difficult!
We all went to the CLC church up the road from the farm this morning and we were the only white people in the church! We had to stand up and introduce ourselves! I loved it! Everyone sings and dances to the Siswati songs! It is a real African Gospel church, and it was really good to see people I've met in the community there and children who go to the pre school.
I am Potter's Wheel church now, the evening service starts at 5pm, so in 10mins. We got the bus then a combi down here and it was packed again.
I am off, pictures tomorrow!
Bye Bye
Sounds exciting! Do we get a dance demo when you're back at TCC????!!!! Keep smiling!
ReplyDeleteChris & Sue xx
We can't wait to see the ballroom dancing!!
ReplyDeletePraying for you when you go to the children's ward. Like Chris said "keep smiling", your smile cheers everyone up.
loadsa kisses
Hi Katherine. I'm typing this from my Itouch so will have to keep it brief as connection is poor. We're at Elim conference now after great week on church holiday. Wow your blog sounds so exciting and challenging . So many rich experiences. I'm sure this trip will stay with you forever. Praying for you and looking forward to hearing all your stories on your return. Loads love Alice
ReplyDeleteHey Katherine, I too am typing this on my itouch, which is hard because my big fingers keep obscuring the screen as I type! We are having a good time here, but it seems that you are having a great adventure there. I guess that you are having such highs and lows that it will feel like a bit of roller coaster. One of the messages that we heard on the church holiday was about David dancing with God, and I guess that is what you are doing, dancing with God and the individuals with AIDS, which means that as you touch their lives and pray with them, they will know that God loves them-because you are dancing with them for him. Then when you dance in worship you are dancing again with God but this time he is singing a different, exuberant tune. I am so proud of you! It takes a special heart to dance as you are doing.
ReplyDeleteSo it's not just dancing?? I've heard that you're also a bit of a singer. We've given your name to Mark Whitney - to lead the choir.
ReplyDeleteIf the church Swaziland get to hear you - I think we should to!!