Lwandile

WRITTEN ON MONDAY JUNE 24TH

today we got to meet the girl that we have sponsored for about a year. the fact that she lives in the tiny little country of Swaziland, && that we would end up being able to visit her is amazing. when i chose her, i was just scrolling through the pictures of kids and thought that she was cute.

early this morning, we got up to go to her homestead. i was so excited getting to meet the child that i already felt a connection with. 

because of the extra money that we raised while we were fundraising, we were able to go the grocery store && buy some food that will last them a while.

we were greeted by lots & lots of extended family, her mom, and our sponsor child, Lwandile. such a happy moment. 

mats were quickly rolled out for us, and i “pulled” Lwandile into my lap. such a sweet moment to hold her in my arms, finally. i cuddled her close & saw her precious smile. 

she is honestly the most beautiful child that i have ever seen.

i gave her the african doll that i had found back in the states, and her face lit up. beautiful moment. i brought her back in close to me & held her there. i just couldn’t get enough of her. 

i didn’t realize that this love was inside of me for a child that i had never met. i am getting to see God’s promises to me coming true right in front of me. 

i wrote before we came, “I am in love with a country i have never set foot on & people that i have never met.”

oh how that has been true.

we sang a kid’s song with the family & then all the sudden they asked Lwandile to stand up & i looked to see her doing the funnniest dance i have ever seen. she was kicking both of her legs up as high as she could and almost falling over.

to see the quiet shy little child doing this was hilarious.

after this, we brought out the food for the family && they were so so grateful. it is such a great feeling to be able to use what you have to help others. 

Lwandile got into the crayons & paper a few minutes after we had given it to them. for the first time, she was able to draw. my heart just about melted. she was so focused & would copy what people drew on the paper.

:)