Swa Vana and Time with Mama LaVerne

  Here are a few more snapshots from the Swa Vana site in Justicia during  my week with "Mama LaVerne" up in the bush. (refer to prior post to get more of the details).

Praying and Singing before the Meal

Preparing the Meal- chicken, pop, and lots of veggies

Bible Story Time with a new friend in my lap

One of the days, I was able to go out with the Home Care Workers to visit some of the widows and ill who they work with on a regular basis.  This 'go go' or grandma asked us to read from her favorite scripture: Romans 8: 37-39 - How nothing -really nothing "will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord". I pray that the truth of His constant, unstoppable, unconditional love would really go deep in all of us.

praying with one of the 'go go's

 

Teaching the ladies in LilyDale some exercises. They've started on physical and spiritual 'challenges' with the kids. So I was able to share some new ideas and we all shared some good laughs haha. 

I am always so amazed at how the Lord gives little and big surprises when you're walking in His plans.  His got the best sense of humor as well! These are Mopani worms - yes that right I said worms.  I 've been hearing about these little delicacies from the being on my time in SA but didn't know if I would have the "pleasure" of trying them.  Sure enough, Ms. LaVerne and I just happened to stop by a school and her friend there insisted that we go in and meet the principal and he had his plate of Mopani worms out ready for a tasty lunch. 

  To my surprise I really liked them haha.  You just have to think of them as crunchy fries and he had put some spices on them that reminded me a little of Bojangles' season haha! Rich in vitamins - who wants to try some?

This is just a little extra something for fun.  There was a dance off in the town square in Huntington one of the days that we were there.  I'm telling you all of these kids can move! It was fun to see.

Shalom and Many Blessings over you All!

Swa Vana (For the Children)

'Swa Vana' means "For the Children" in Tsonga

learning a new game with the kids

This is the 2nd hand store that Swa Vana has recently opened up in the community.  They were getting so many clothing donations out of the children's size range that they decided that this would be a great way to serve the larger community and to let the community have a chance to support their own widows.  It is the only clothing store in Huntington and all the money that is made goes to buy food for the Home Base Care that provides for the widows and sick in Huntington.  I was able to spend the day helping calculate the inventory as the purchases were made.

The Ladies in Lilydale:  With their church they were already feeding the orphans in their community.  When they found out about Swa Vana- they asked to join forces and it has been such a wonderful match up.  This team along with Pastor Abendigo are always trying new things with the kids and their hearts are to serve. 

Bible Story with the kids

Soaking in the Bible Lesson

 

The kids make their own beads out of cereal boxes and other paper and then design beautiful jewelry to sale.  With the money they earn Swa Vana opens up individual bank accounts for them.  I, of course, will be bringing some special creations home to you all!

2 meals a day- 5 days a weeks the orphans and very destitute children in 3 communities are feed tasty meals.  Here are some of the older boys helping to serve. The food for the day was a thicker type of corn with beans, cabbage, and pop.  I thought it was great!

 This is a church out in the bush that Ms La Verne has been sharing Bible Stories with the kids at once a week for the last year.  We shared about Noah and his obedience to God.   The kids were so happy to sing and color.

 

 

 

 

 

kids at the school - excited to see the Mulungus!

Family Time and now off to "the Bush"

I've had the pleasure of spending the last week and a half with a lovely family in Pretoria.  We've been enjoying language and culture differences and growing together!

Braiding the Challah Bread for a Special Dinner

UNO! Imported from the States and a card shuffling lessons

On your Mark, Get Set, Go!

The kids were inspired by hearing about the Raleigh Krispy Kreme Challenge (where you run 2 miles, eat a dozen doughnuts and run back in an hour). We started Africa's first official Crazy Doughnut Drive- biking to the store, scarfing down some doughnuts and riding back. Fun times !

  Today I'll be headed northeast on the road to Huntington near the Kruger National Park in "the bush".  Ms.  LaVerne, who is originally from North Carolina, and is now a full time missionary has graciously welcomed me to "come and see".   I will get to serve with her among the youth of their community and be a part of whatever she is doing for the week.  I don't know what to expect, but I know that God has some awesome things planned! They speak Tsonga there so "Avuxeni" (hello) to a brand new adventure. Much love to you all !