How blessed are we to have something that makes saying goodbyes so hard
Our days in Manzini, Eswatini, have sadly come to an end. As we reflect on the last six weeks, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the experience we’ve had. Saying goodbye to the people we’ve spent most of our time with has been incredibly difficult, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The opportunity to witness firsthand the work that God is doing at Bovinny (our carepoint) and in the communities here has been nothing short of incredible.
One of the most impactful parts of our time here was on Mondays, which are known as ATL days (Ask the Lord). On these days, we would venture into downtown Manzini, walking through the streets and praying for guidance. We asked God to highlight people to us, to show us where He was working and where we could serve. Some of those days were heavy, as we walked through challenges and difficult situations, but we were also able to build meaningful relationships with some of the beautiful people of Swaziland.
A common theme that has stayed with all of us throughout this journey is the deep desperation for God that we have seen here. Often, in the States, we get caught up in the busyness of life and forget the urgency of seeking God. But the people here in Swaziland have shown us what it truly means to humbly surrender before the Lord, to recognize our need for Him, and to earnestly seek His will. While we came to serve, we didn’t realize how much God would use the people of Swaziland to minister to us, transforming us and deepening our faith in the process.
The kids here have stolen my heart. They are some of the most resilient and fearless children I’ve ever encountered. They’ll jump off playgrounds and trees that are four feet high, giving us a heart attack, but their courage and joy are contagious. Despite the hardships many of them face, these kids find a way to radiate joy. It’s a beautiful thing to witness. For many families in Swaziland, the primary concern is getting food on the table. As a result, spending time with their children or giving them the attention they need can be a luxury they simply can’t afford.
That’s where we came in. The simple act of spending time with the kids and pouring love into them has been such a blessing. Though we may not be able to be physically present with them anymore, we take comfort in knowing that God holds them in His hands. Our time here was never about us; it was about being vessels of His love, joy, and peace. We were given the opportunity to reflect His goodness and share that with others, and for that, we are incredibly grateful.
As we say goodbye, it’s bittersweet. We’ve been changed. Our hearts have been expanded, and we’ve been reminded of the power of God’s love. The goodbyes may be hard, but we are blessed to have had this experience. May we continue to carry the lessons we’ve learned here, and may we always remember the importance of being desperate for God.
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