Zwakele

One of the things I am most excited about our trip is the chance to meet our family's sponsor daughter, Zwakele. Zwakele is 4 years old and lives with her father and 3 siblings. The fact that she doesn't have a mother suggests that something must have happened to her, which is sadly very common I fear. My family and I have been praying for Zwakele almost every meal and night, and are in the process of puting together a little picture album to give her, along with a few other goodies. We have written her a few times (I am astonished I can send a letter to Swaziland for 84 cents (!) and they say it gets there in 4-7 days -- I can't send stuff to Seattle for that!), and my kids especially can't believe I get to see her. To us, she is an extension of our family -- her picture sits on our fridge next to our own.

And maybe that is the part I am so deeply thankful for. Not only do we get the chance to help in a small way one of God's children, but my kids get to be friends and sisters with a little African sister as well. I realize that the extent of this relationship is very limited. But it is very real.

I can't think of any better Christian training right now than this. And I can't wait to meet her!

If you want to sponsor a child in Sithobella, Swaziland with World Vision along with us, let me know!