I have been walking around with this blog rattling around in my head for weeks now! This is the final “chapter” in the story of our family receiving new names from our Swazi friends. This last story is about our daughter, Claire. What is kind of cool is that she was given her Swazi name by the same young lady who gave me my Swazi name in 2009! Namcebo is a beautiful 15 year old girl who I met on the vision trip I took with AIM in January of 2009. She has held a special place in my heart ever since. When I met her, I felt drawn to her partly because she reminded me of my own daughter. She is bright, intelligent, well-spoken and funny…just like my Claire. In fact, my nickname for Claire since she was very tiny has been “my bright, shining star”. Reuniting with Namcebo in Nsoko and introducing her to Claire was one of the highlights of being in Swaziland again. They became fast friends and confidantes almost immediately! It seems only fitting that Namcebo would be the one to give Claire her Swazi name. My heart quickened and my eyes filled with tears as she uttered the words to my girl: “Her name is Nothando!” (translation: love)
Claire lived up to that name every single day we spent in Swaziland! She loved having Namcebo over to our home. They spent lots of time giggling, telling secrets and playing around on the computer and trying on Claire’s clothes! Claire never let Namcebo go home empty-handed; sharing art supplies, books, clothes, candy and other goodies.
Claire loved spending time with the other pre-teen and teenage girls of Nsoko. She gave of herself in so many ways to these young people. Studying the Bible with them and praying with them; showing them how to make friendship bracelets…to name a few!
By far the greatest way Claire showed her love in Swaziland, however, was in how she showered it on the children of Nsoko! I will let the following pictures and Scripture tell the story:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud…”
~ 1 Corinthians 13:4
…”it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres…”
~ 1 Corinthians 13:7
“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because (s)he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, (s)he will certainly not lose (her) reward.” ~ Matthew 10:42
“…Jesus said , FEED MY LAMBS” ~ John 21:15b
“Blessed is (s)he who has regard for the weak…” ~ Psalm 41:1a
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.” ~ 1 Corinthians 12:4-5
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation…” ~ Isaiah 52:7
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
~ 1 Corinthians 13:13
When you see the blessings of Christ literally pour out of your own child…when you see that child praying over the sick and proclaiming life over the dying…when you see joy and wholeness reflected in the eyes of a broken child as they look into your own child’s eyes…when you see your child pick an orphan up out of the dirt, into her arms to tell that child there is a Father in heaven who will never abandon them and because of that they are in the same eternal family…that is priceless! That is beautiful! That is love…
“Her name is LOVE…”
thank you
so much, i love you so very much and the blog meant so much 🙂
yep – she’s special.
ohhhh man i looove her soooooooooooooooooooo etc. etc, much… so much 🙂
Wow, Jen, I’m rearing up, so sweet. This mama’s heart totally can relate.
Loads of love to you guys.
Beautifully written about a wonderful daughter and family!!
Such a great post..so overwhelmed at the love you are showing to those kids. Claire..God has called you for “such a time as this” to love on those Swazis! I know that your life will be changed perhaps more than theirs at times..let them into your heart, but know that once in, those faces never go away. Oh how I miss them! Praying for you guys!
ooops I am tearing up not rearing up:))
What a wonderful writing, Jen. The pictures sure tell a great story. That time will be something Claire will always remember. May God continue to use her and your family and bless you while doing so!
Thank you for pouring your heart out and sharing your experiences in Africa. They have been priceless. What a blessing for your children to have been challenged to serve the Lord and BE a blessing to them. Those are life lessons that will encourage them to continue meeting the needs of others throughout their lives….and LOVE doing it! Love transcends culture and Claire sure demonstrated that. Looking forward to talking with you on Sunday!
Claire….you are a person who loves and loves and loves…what a blessing to so many!
Anxious to hear all your stories on Sunday….
Karla
Northando – Claire you were given the name Love because that is what you are. You are such a dear and loved by so many because it shines. You do not hide your light under a bushel. I love you, Aunt Marilyn
You are love my dear. Keep showing that love sweetie.
When I read your entries regarding your children, I can’t help but believe that the Peterson FAMILY was called to Swaziland. Seems that Claire and Jake are truly needed there just as much as you and Eric. Children can reach other children in ways adults, no matter how they try, just can’t.
Just got back from Haiti where I was spending time at an orphanage. One of the girl’s name is Love and another is named Lovely. Your daughter is in good company!