Let me tell you about Thando- one of the most amazing children I've ever met. He was born with Spina Bifida and had surgery when he was just a baby. Something went wrong during the surgery leaving both of his legs completely paralyzed. He has been in a wheelchair since then. This may not seem tragic or uncommon to you because of all the resources we have in the States, but in Swaziland things are very different.

It's impossible for him to travel on public transport, he was not able to attend school because of his disability, and public places are not wheelchair accessible. With all of these challenges facing him, you might think he would be miserable. But not Thando. You can't keep him from smiling. He is full of joy. As a ten year old, Thando was finally able to enter school at Mkhuzweni Primary. He sits in the front row, at the first desk as you enter the classroom. There you will find him laughing, writing diligently, and listening intently. Thando is my model student. He is an inspiration to all that come into contact with him.  His mother comes to school every day and waits there to take him to the toilet, help him get lunch, and lift him in and out of the classroom. She is one of the strongest women I've ever known. She told me that the boys that live close to Thando's house race there early in the morning to be the first one to push him to school. They get 2 emalangeni if they push him to school! You can imagine that Thando is a popular kid J Many people are working together to see if ramps can be built at the school so pray that everything falls into place.  If the ramps are successfully built, Thando's mother wouldn't have to come to school everyday so it would be a wonderful thing! Thank  you for sharing in my joy as I'm serving in Swaziland and  meeting great kids like Thando.