This week has been so eye-opening and I've been struggling in a good way. The Lord is bringing so many things to my mind and my heart and it's hard to process everything. The Lord is good and I know He will reveal truth to me in His time.

It's so beautiful here and I'm just always in awe of the mountains and the Lord's creation. We started language lessons this week and I'm having so much fun learning SiSwati! Ministry was a variety of things this week. I was able to spend time at a few care points and there was a birthday celebration for all of the children at one care point. I loved seeing their little faces light up when they got presents and cupcakes and they got to jump on one of those huge blow up castles. I'm sure it's one of the first birthday parties some of them have ever had. We went to the squatter camp one day and made connections at a school where some of us will tutor next semester. The rest of the days I went to the hospital because I love visiting the women. One particular woman has caught the attention of my friends and I. Honestly, I don't know how she couldn't catch your attention, other than the fact that she's in the very back of the ward in an isolation room. Her name is Philile. She is dying and nobody seems to care. A feeling of desperation comes over me when I look at her 70 pound body laying there lifelessly. We sang to her and held her hands because that's really all you can do. Ultimately, I just invited Jesus into her room to be with her always, when we can't. I know He's there and I know He will stay. The Lord is opening my heart to the real need that people have. I want His heart for people and nations and He's giving that to me with experiences like this one.

On Wednesday morning, Stacie, Michelle, and I took a walk on the road by our homestead in hopes of finding the school that all the children walk to in the morning. We walked for 30 minutes before we came across the school and it looked like hundreds of little ants running around. My heart was captured and I was sold. The rest of the morning consisted of us going into every single classroom- 14 in all and speaking to the children about America. My favorite classroom was the first graders, of course. They all stood when we entered the room and in unison told us good morning and asked us how we were. I spoke with the principal about needs that the school had and I do hope to spend a lot of time there next semester- in grade 1 if at all possible:)

Well, that's all I have for now. I will be updating with a lot of pictures when I get home for Christmas break so be sure to look for those. Ngi ya kutsandza! That's I love you:)