katiemovic - A busy week in Swaziland

"You are sooo white! Why won't you marry my brother?!"

This was one of my favorite quotes from this week, coming from one of my dear friends, Nosipho. Nosipho is 20 years old, and she spends her days selling muffins and other snacks to school children. She is hoping to raise enough money to return to school herself, as she has only finished up through 10^th grade. Many young people, like Nosipho, are forced to drop out of school early due to the inability to pay school fees. While we wait for potential muffin-buyers, Nosipho and I talk about dating, teach each other dances, sing songs, and read the Bible together. I've noticed that it is peaceful under the shade tree and it is a blessing to spend time with Nosipho and the other women. (Even though they are always teasing me about my white skin and about my refusal to marry any of their brothers or cousins)!

On the other side of town, the students at Roads Park High School gather excitedly to receive their gift from the U.S. With the help of the youth at Kenmore Alliance Church, as well as from other donors, we were able to raise enough money to buy a Bible for every student at the school (totaling about 115 students). The first term of school is about to end, so we distributed the Word of God as a parting gift. Much to our surprise, the Swaziland Media arrived that morning to interview us and to ask questions about our ministry to the high school students. Yes, it is true, I was on TV in Swaziland… of course, it is rare to find a home in Swaziland with a TV… but I was on it nonetheless! J After speaking a few words of encouragement, we passed out the Bibles, with a name written inside each one. The students were delighted to find that people in America were thinking of them and praying for them. We know that there is no better gift to put into their hands as we leave. Please continue to pray for the Roads Park students, that the seeds we planted in their school and in their hearts will continue to grow over the years.

Also, remember to pray for the multitudes of orphans and poverty-stricken children in the Kingdom of Swaziland. This past weekend, our team had the opportunity to bless the children in Timbutini (a rural area) with a full blown festival, complete with bobbing for apples, a ring toss, a jumping air castle, slip ‘n slide, balloon animals, necklace making, face painting, hundreds of hot dogs, and plenty of sweets for everyone! We also taught them about Jesus, explaining that the love they receive from us is simply an extension of the love that God has for them. What a sweet blessing it has been to act as a vessel of His provision! We were surprised to find nearly 200 children present at the festival, some of them having walked miles to come! They have all become so precious to us.

Please be sure to browse my photos to find more pictures of this week's events!

With love from Swaziland,

Where bug spray and sun block are my most valuable possessions,

Katie Movic