Have you ever had someone hug you and they just lingered in the embrace? Their hug was saying so much more than “Hi”, or “Goodbye”. It was as if they were communicating their great love for you and desire not to let you go. That is exactly what it has felt like numerous times this week as we have arrived at the care points. The ladies who cook greet us each morning with a hug, but those we really have a deep relationship with linger in their hug. It is how some of the staff has greeted us as we see those who have become good friends. There is no hug though like the hug the children give when they know it is their last time to see you until you come another year. Today was our last day at Thulwane care point. We have had the sweetest time with the children, shepherds and ladies that cook. We have laughed, held children, played games, smiled, eaten, encouraged, shared bible stories, and so much more. We have visited homesteads where families have had almost nothing. We delivered rice and meal to these families. Each came out the front door hands held high with thanksgiving to God for His provision. NOTHING stands out though like the lingering hugs of children who have bonded with you over the years. I am weeping even as I write because my heart hurts to know we may not see these special children again for a year or more, and some we never will.

As I held two special girls today in an embrace that said so much more than I will miss you, they were saying by their hug, “Thank you for coming.” “Thank you for loving me.” “Thank you for caring that I am alive and for praying for me.” “Thank you for keeping pictures of me from when I was a child when you came and bringing them so I can see what I looked like as a baby.” “Thank you!” You could tell neither child wanted to let go and return to their homestead. They just laid their head on me and held tight. As I held them I prayed for their health. I prayed for their safety. One of these girls has disappeared once from her home and was brought back 2 years later. So I prayed for her healing from what seems to be a very sad past. There are so many that want to be held. There just aren’t enough arms to hold.

We know we must let them go, but just as I told them, I have come back many times now and if God wills I will come again. It is what makes raising $3400, traveling 18 hours in the air, driving another 5 hours across yet another border worth every minute of it.

We will be at Bhalekane care point 2 more days loving on the children there. Tomorrow a part of the team will work on a home where no adult lives (Child led homestead). There are 3 children living in the home and there is a great need for locking doors and windows. Our team members along with some of the Swazi staff will make that happen. The rest of the team will be teaching bible stories and sharing the gospel again with the children. We will sing, dance, play and share many hugs again. Please continue to pray that God will move in a mighty way.