To the lovely Magdalene, our dear friend from South Africa:

We are so grateful for you and for your friendship.  We love the way that you reflect the image of our God.  You are a teacher to many, offering knowledge and wisdom to the old and young alike.  You are a mother to the motherless, showing love and compassion to everyone who comes your way.  Your life and work are filled with joy and purpose.  Our time spent with you has truly been a blessing.  Thank you for encouraging us, loving us, praying for us, and sharing life with us.  Please send our love to Precious, Grace, Martha, and all the children as well.  We love you, Magdalene!

To all my friends in the U.S. (and elsewhere),

I just wanted to include this note on my blog to remind this friend of mine how much she is loved.  This wonderful woman was a big part of our ministry in South Africa last semester.  Just a few weeks ago, we had the opportunity to return to South Africa to visit with our friends, and with all of our much-loved children as well.  In addition to spending time with Magdalene (and even enjoying a surprise visit with her daughter, Grace), we had the opportunity to distribute new clothes to the children in Atteridgeville and to reconnect with our old friend, Francina.  Below is a photograph of some of our favorite children in South Africa looking their best!!  J

Since we have returned from our visit to South Africa, we have been staying busy here in Swaziland.  I have been continuing to work with high school students at several local schools, teaching them and encouraging them to live lives of love, faithfulness, and purity (and continuing to teach computer classes as well. . . when the power is on, that is).

I have also been spending time visiting the hospital, where I have made several very dear friends. 

This past weekend, our team worked together to put on a children's program for the children in the local squatter camp.  I took on the role of storyteller… one of my very favorite jobs. J  We were also able to distribute food throughout the squatter camp as well as to the many people who live in the dump nearby.  This was a joyful but humbling experience.  In the meantime, I have also had the opportunity to love and encourage the women who sell fruit and baked goods near the schools that I visit.  Most of these women are supporting families on the little income that they make doing this difficult job.  Most of these women are also some of the most faith-filled and joyful women I have come to know in Swaziland. 

Please continue to pray for the remainder of our time and ministry here.  As March comes to a close, we are realizing that time is indeed short!  I will be returning home to the U.S. in only 6 short weeks!  Life here is tiring - bringing out the best and the worst in all of us.  We are depending on God each day to use us and to change us, as we impact the lives of others and as we ourselves are being changed.  Thank you for your love and support from across the ocean.  I need it and appreciate it very much!

Grace and peace my friends,

Katie Movic

P.S. I love receiving your notes and messages on my blog.  Siyabonga kakhulu  (Thank you very much) for keeping in touch!