Last Full Day in Africa.... For Now

Tuesday, October 16, is our last full day in Swaziland and 1 of our busiest days of the trip.

We started early with a 1.5 hour drive back to Mapa Veni near the border of Mozambique to visit the church/school and the Children's Cup Care Point. Mapa Veni is 1 of the poorest areas in Swaziland. It is covered with sugar cane fields and many of the people who live here are "cane workers". Christian Family Church and school was started by La'Salete, a Portuguese woman who has been living in Swaziland for over 25 years. She is one of the most beautiful women we have ever met and we have "reserved" a post space just for her. The school has 59 students in grades 1-7 sharing 4 small classrooms. The church is attended each week by hundreds of people from the surrounding communities and La'Salette continues to lead and grow the church as pastor.

During our visit to the church and school, Syndy photographed each class, the teachers, and then the whole school together. At the Care Point, also lead by La'Salette, we had the honor of distributing more shoes from the "Share A Pair" project. Syndy photographed all the children and staff at this Care Point, which was much more work than at the school due to the presence of 200+ children! What a blessing for all these children. Because of La'Salette, Children's Cup, and the women who volunteer their time, energy, and love, more than 200 children now have a meal everyday.

We spent the afternoon at Makholweni Care Point and Clinic. Teresa runs the clinic every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon with children coming from all the care points to receive medical care. Lauren, a psychologist, works with Teresa at the clinic providing counseling for specific children who have experienced severe trauma and abuse. The care Teresa and Lauren provide is invaluable. They are filled to overflowing with love and compassion for the children. They are Living in Love.

Our day concluded with a brief stop at Gabby's soccer practice. Gabby is Teresa's and Daran's eldest daughter. She is an avid soccer player, hoping to receive a scholarship and play for university. Syndy was behind the camera again, photographing the players as they warmed up and a team photo. As the sun began to set, we left the girls to their training.

Quite a variety in our day. From churches to schools to care points to cooks with new shoes. From clinics to children waiting in line for their food to an organized soccer practice. Just a few of the many faces, the many sides of life in Swaziland.