It’s early morning here now and I just did not have the emotional energy to write last night. What a day it was. There are so many wonderful stories to tell that I will not be able to do justice over a blog.
There was a little boy that had came to Timbutini the day before with a very badly injured hand. He said he had “fallen”. Jeff looked at his hand and it was clear this injury was not from a fall of any kind. He would not tell the D-Team what really happened to him. Jeff and Dona worked on his hand but decided he really needed to be taken to the clinic, which is quite an ordeal in Swaziland. Jeff went with him to the clinic. He was treated, given medications and checked from head to toe. Sounds like a great story with a nice ending, huh? Well, this child “just happened” to be one of Jeff and Dona’s special friends. Needless to say, this was a very emotional time for them. This child was clearly hurt by the hands of another. He was scared yet at the same time a very strong little boy. Dona cradled him in her lap the entire time Jeff worked on him. While they were waiting to leave for the clinic, Jeff fed his “son” from a bowl.
The valley? The stark realization that someone could harm a child. We all know it’s there and it happens everyday, but seeing a child hurt, in pain and scared will shake any of us to the core.
The mountain top? This child received more love over those few hours than he has probably ever experienced. He was loved on by his “parents” like every child should be.
We were able to bring him back to our team house and share dinner with him before one of the disciplers took him home. We then prayed for the safety of this child and all the children of Swaziland.
This was a difficult situation to walk through, but God provided the strength needed for Jeff and Dona, and for their precious Swazi son. A coincidence that this little boy was a special friend of Jeff and Dona’s? Of course not. Jeff and Dona had planned on being at a different carepoint on that day, but ended up staying at Timbutini. God directed their steps, they just followed.
As we all are…….
What a beautiful picture of God’s grace! Our prayers are with you, dear team. Know that every effort you make to communicate the Father’s love to these sweet children, He will multiply tremendously. Thank you for the updates. We look forward to hearing and seeing more. Blessings to everyone.
With Love,
Jim & Beth
What a beautiful picture of God’s sovereignty in allowing Jeff and Dona to be with this precious boy and love on him! Thank you all for loving on all these children and making a difference in their lives. Praying for your continued strength as you see hard things and are so very faithful to God.
So many stories for you… Love you!
Oh.
That’s the only word that’s needed here.
PS Lest it get lost in translation, that’s an emotional “Oh.”
**tears**…..just a heartbreaker & at the same time, such a blessing….thanks for sharing! We are praying! <3
I know the emotions of letting go must be so difficult. What a great opportunity for that little one to feel love. And a blessing for Dona and Jeff to be able to care for him and love on him. But hard to know he doesn’t get to feel that love every day. Hopefully he will realize and feel God’s love every moment.
Michelle… There are no words… Thank you for following us. I love you!
God send and place his angels in the right places in marvelous and unpredictable times. I’m glad Jeff and Dona stayed just where God wanted them to be. I’m praying for all the kids and this marvelous mission. Keep doing God’s work. Love Ya.
You are so right, and we are so blessed. I love you!
Dito to all of these sweet words, although words don’t do it justice.
I thought reading these post from American soil would make me sick…wanting
to be there so bad, but it has been just as awesome to see new people fall in love with
this country. For years we have come home and tried to explain how the power of God is
moving in this special place, and again our dinky words can’t match just how powerful he is. ALL I CAN SAY IS…..TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!! Please give NKO and Tacona a huge hug and tell them how much I love them and miss them!! You ALL are doing an awesome job!!! love you all!! cricket
There’s that coincidence thing again. More evidence it doesn’t exist. It just doesn’t! GOD-incidence…now we’re talking! Thank you for keeping us informed of the goings-on in Swaziland. Continuing the prayers for you all. We all feel the good works you are doing.
<3 to you!
What a GOD story. Jeff & Dona what a blessing both of you are, knowing both of you were right where GOD needed and wanted you to be so you could be there for one of your own to comfort and love. All of the children are so special and we are so thankful that God called each of you to Swaziland to love these children, knowing that ya’ll will be changed forever.Continuing to pray daily for each of you, sending our love.
Mrs. Carolyn – very sad but wonderful. Thank you for your prayers. We love you!