One afternoon we had the opportunity to spend time at the Nazarene hospital in Manzini. My mom was so awesome because she sent me with dolls and baby blankets that she made and sewed together. We decided to put little bags together a long with soap and wash clothes, candy (or in Swaziland, sweeties), tooth brushes and tooth paste etc.
We brought them with the intent to visit many wards but never actually left the children’s ward! which was totally great. We gave out all the bags, and the kids loved them. Little girls were walking around and sitting in their beds with the dolls tied to their backs or holding them like their moms do to them.
We spent the afternoon visiting with the parents and caretakers of the children and playing with all the babies. I was able to visit with quite a few people that spoke really great English, but there was a pretty big language barrier with some of the kids- so I just sat and colored with them.
One of the ladies on my team met and fell in love with a little boy named Zuma who was very sick. It was so cool to see her interact with him and see the smile on his face. You could tell that when she was spending time with him he felt so loved and valuable.
Paliswa- was a 7 month old little baby girl who’s mother died and when we first met her was abandoned at the hospital. This is Lea who got the privilege of holding her. Our hearts were all broken over her and the other abandoned babies. I was really torn up having to leave that day. I couldn’t stop crying just thinking of how many orphans there are in Swaziland. It’s the hardest thing to describe holding an orphan in your arms, and knowing that when you leave nobody could hold them for a long time. I had to remember that God has it under control and only he can do something about the unjust things happening. And even though they are orphans according to the world, they are all God’s children and are in His family. He knows them and loves them unconditionally. The awesome thing about Paliswa is that a few days later we went back and they told us a family member had come to get her, like her grandpa or something. PRAISE GOD!
Azimathle and Make- I talked with these two for a really long time. She taught me how to carry Azimathle on my back because that is how Swazi women carry their babies.
“Let my heart be broken, by the things that break the heart of God” Bob Pierce, founder of World Vision.
I’ve just finished reading the Hole in our Gospel, by Richard Sterns, current president of World Vision.
These pictures, your blog, and comments remind of what one person can do to further Christ’s kingdom.
Keep up the good work.
Wow
it is awesome to see the bags that my sunday school kids made…
and to fill them with the dolls and blankets…
I am glad I got the chance to make them for the Children…
Thank God for the gift of sewing and for Abbys love of Mission WORK!
I was a surgical resident on asigment for 3 months to RFM hospital in 1991. It is great to see photos of it now. I am sure alot has changed.
It was a great experience to be there for so long.
All my Swazi friends have died – presumably from HIV since then.
Each year another letter was returned as “undeliverable”
very sad….. There is still alot of work to be done there
do you have more photos? Links?
Brian
To Brian; there is a facebook page :).
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=142930239073340
Hi there I’m frm sa gauteng nd want to donate lots of clothes so I don’t know swaziland
I AM VERY HAPPY TO GET THE CONTACT OF YOUR HOSPITAL,I AM AN APOSTLE,AND AM IN GHANA,I WISH TO VISIT YOUR HOSPITAL AS AN APOSTLE BY THE GRACE OF GOD TO GIVE TREE COUNCEL ON HIV/AIDS,BLOOD GORUP DIETING,I AM CO-PARTNER WITH HEALTH EDUCATION ON WHEELS(H.E.O.W.),GHANA POLICE HOSPITAL ANNEX.
I WILL BE GRATEFUL TO HEAR BACK FROM YOU.THANKS.
BENJAMIN AGGREY.
PHONE:+233244471490