Love Comes In All Shapes and Sizes

Friday morning began with sun shining through the windows for the first time since we’ve been here. We knew it was going to be a memorable day.
Kristen and Charles are Children’s Cup missionaries and friends we have come to know. Charles has already returned to the states for a new ministry opportunity and Kristen is joining him later this month – hopefully with their new baby girl they are in the difficult process of adopting here in Swaziland. “Jules”, the current favorite in the name category, is 1 month old and in the abandoned baby ward at a government hospital. Friday morning Syndy and I had the honor of meeting Jules and sharing bath and feeding time with her and Kristen. A beautiful baby, a beautiful woman, wrapped up in love. Everyday brings new challenges as the adoption process is filled with red tape and poor communication. Despite the difficulties, the emotional ups and downs, and an unknown outcome and future, Kristen and Charles choose to Live in Love and are committed to bringing Jules home.



Our next stop was a return to the RFM Hospital's children's ward to deliver the photos Syndy took the previous day. The smiles from the children and the mothers began the moment we walked in the door. With their memories of the day before, the pleasant surprise was apparent in their expressions and reminded me of how often they have been let down and no longer expect people to follow through with what they say. Mother's faces glowed, children's eyes lit up, and God brought joy to a despair-filled place.

The morning continued with the first "Share A Pair" shoe distribution. Old, dirty, worn-out shoes were quickly shed as the cooks at the Makheweni Care Point picked out their new shoes, courtesy of the kind giving of our friends and family. The women showed off their new shoes to each other and 1 women even started dancing. Smiles, hugs, thank you's, and happy soles rounded out our visit to these beautiful women.

Love. It comes in all shapes and sizes. A family, a photo, a pair of shoes... It doesn't take much, just a little love.