Blanco

One of the places where we work is a township called Blanco. It is a very poor place. There is a lot of drinking going on there. It is one of the highest places in Gorge (at least Gorge, maybe South Africa) for fetal alcohol syndrome. It is not a place where one would go on vacation or where one goes to see the beauty. There is beauty there, but it is hidden. Most people wouldn't see a beautiful place. But if you look closely into the hearts of the men, women, and kids who live there; you see beauty. Sometimes you have to look hard, they have lots of hurts and pain in their lives. But it is there. Just waiting to be found and appreciated.

But there are some who are making a difference in their community. There is a group of woman who are looking past their own hurts. They have sought and received Christ in their lives. And are making a difference in the life of their neighbors. These woman in extreme poverty, run a soup kitchen for the elderly. They meet on a weekly basic for a bible study. They don't believe that they can't make a difference because they don't have much to work with, they do what they can, and let God supply the rest.

We have worked a good amount with these woman and with the kids in Blanco. The kids have stolen my heart. We go up to a place where there are swings and a place to play. The kids gather, like ants upon a picnic. They are just craving love. That is all. But love is something that most of them are lacking. A statement I heard going though my DTS was that "Hurt people hurt people". It is true in all people but especially here. The parents are hurt and then the kids are hurt and the cycle continues. It is not something that can be changed by money. Yes, some money is needed; but what is needed more is people who care and can make a difference.

One of the kids who stole my heart name is Waldo. He is a six year old boy. Sometimes he is naughty, looking for attention that he doesn't seem to get all that often. But looking past that, there is so much more to him waiting to be discovered. He understands some English, but doesn't really speak it. But when I spoke about Jesus to him. And how much Jesus loves him, he had the biggest smile I have ever seen on him. He didn't understand it, but he got something from it.

One day, I was playing with Waldo and he beckons me to follow him.  I follow a little ways but then turned back. He wasn't too happy with me not following, but continued on. When he came back he had to pieces of candy with him. One for him, and one for me. Not knowing what it was, i put it in my mouth (it was tightly wrapped, so i didn't have to worry about germs and things), it turned out to be gum. (if you know me well, I hate gum and can't stand chewing it) But I chewed on it and enjoyed it. It was one of the few ways he had to share something with me. This poorest of poor kids buying me gum. Enjoying it with me and enjoying that he had something that he could give. It was quite important to him that I chewed it.

Waldo was the first miracle that I had a part in. He had a hurt very close to his eye. It looked really bad. Some people in my team prayed for it, and I prayed for it as well. A couple hours later it was greatly improved. It wasn't completely gone but it was better than it should have been. It wasn't normal how quickly it improved. It was totally cool seeing God work.

No matter how many times I have seen God work here, it never ceases to amazing me and to have me in awe of his power and works. The more I see of God and his works,  the more I want him in my life. God constantly amazes me and life is never boring with him. 

I pray that you all are encouraged by this note. Thanks so much for supporting me with prayers. All that I am doing would be a lot harder if I wasn't covered in prayer like I am. I am so blessed having all you in my life. If you have any questions, I encourage you to ask them. I am not the best at answering but I will do my best.

Love,
Haleigh