One of our responsibilities here in Swaziland is to host teams that visit Nsoko. We love this part of our job! After all, it was a vision trip with AIM in 2009 where the seed was first planted in us to serve in Swaziland. We know that the Lord works in powerful and unique ways on these short term trips, so we consider it a blessing to be part of the experience when people encounter the wonder of Swaziland first hand.
Today a visiting team of four men who help to sponsor the care point at Joyela through Children’s HopeChest wanted to host a fun day for the gogos and children in the community. Kids who have come to the carepoint in the past were also invited to attend. Word spreads quickly when an event like this is planned! Because we were holding the event on a Saturday, school age kids who don’t normally come to the care point during the week were able to take part in the fun. At one point during the festivities, Claire said: “This is kind of like a block party!” So what does a block party look like in Swaziland?
First you need food…and lots of it! 20 pounds of chicken, 25 pounds of beef, 10 pounds of sausage, 5 heads of cabbage, 20 pounds of carrots, 40 pounds of rice, 20 pounds of potatoes…well you get the idea!
Then, you need some amazing ladies to prepare and cook it all! These women were amazing! A bush knife, box grater,cast iron pots over open fires…”Iron Chef” has got nothing on these ladies!
While the gogos were cooking, we had to have something to keep the kids busy! Face painting was a huge hit…the kids loved having hearts, stars, flowers, butterflies, footballs, soccer balls, trucks and their names painted on their faces!
There was singing, dancing and some soccer (football in these parts!) Our ministry partners also gathered the kids together and taught them the story of when Jesus walked on water. However, the highlight of the day was when it was time to line up and eat!
The kids always line up from youngest/smallest to biggest:
The kids pray, always thanking Jesus for providing their food for the day. Their hands are washed:
They each receive a plate of piping hot food and then find a place to sit and enjoy the feast!
Today, at Joyela, over 100 kids enjoyed a delicious meal of stewed meat, vegetables, rice, potatoes, beet salad, green salad and cabbage! What a treat!
There were apples, cookies and sweets for dessert! The kids’ hands (and some of their pockets!!) were filled with goodies:
The men on the CHC team took the time to hand each child their dessert, and give a sweet blessing, as well! Many of these precious little ones don’t know the love of a father, so the fact that this team was four loving, godly men was very important and meaningful to them!
The kids all help out by washing their dishes…
A lot of food, a lot of work and a lot of fun!! What a great day here in Swaziland! We are so blessed to be part of God’s blessing to these beautiful people!
Great update- thanks for the story AND the pictures. The Peterson kids are naturals:)Mom and dad you’re looking great too. Bless you all in Jesus-may He continue to paint your faces with His beauty:)
Love hearing about your day, Jen and Eric! We are thinking of you continually and praying the same.
God is at work – both there, and here in Jones, MI! As we make plans and prepare for summer camps, we know that we are all building God’s Kingdom. What a privilege!
How blessed you are! We pray for you and your family each
and every day! May God continue to bless you and your family! We love you!!
Tell Clare that the joy on her face as sge sits with and holds the three little boy lights up the world. I am so happy that you are serving and allowing your lives to matter in His kingdom. Grace and peace to youand may he be your fortress and strength as you serve Him in Swaziland.
Dear Ones;
What a wonderful experience! We have experienced African hospitality and it is so warm and genuine. The women have amazing backs to be able to bend over those cooking pots!
You are loving those dear people for us and we are grateful! Hugs to all of you!
The gospel is such an amazing story to tell…God knows each one of those precious children and you are there to tell them about HIM!
Hugs to all!
Diana
Dear Ones;
What a wonderful experience! We have experienced African hospitality and it is so warm and genuine. The women have amazing backs to be able to bend over those cooking pots!
You are loving those dear people for us and we are grateful! Hugs to all of you!
The gospel is such an amazing story to tell…God knows each one of those precious children and you are there to tell them about HIM!
Hugs to all!
Diana
Praise God! This is absolutely awesome! Thanks to you and your family for everything that you do for the people of Swaziland. I hope that someday I too can help participate in something like this. I would love to help sometime.
Great story!! We are so proud of you all.Love and miss you.Look forward to talking soon.Mom & Dad- Nana & Papa
Jen,
Thanks for the great update. You guys sure made a difference in many lives today! The kids looked so happy. Take Care, Duane
Great story Jen, looks like the kids had a fun day.
Love you all.
LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!!!!! What a block party! Looks like everyone had a great time. What a special dat that must have been. I know God was smiling in heaven! Love you!
We need to get a djay spinning some Swazi tunes – I have some on my ipod if you want to borrow sometime.
Dear Peterson family,
Your blogs always make my day. What beautiful people these
dear people are. Thank you for giving us all back here the
chance to experience this thru you. Claire, I can’t believe
you are only 12 or 13. You have the mind & soul of a 30yr.
old(or more).
Love You All,
Dawn H.
Looks like the best kind of block party to have. Love you guys!