It has been three months since we arrived in Africa and so many wonderful and amazing things have happened. Along with the excitement of being in Africa there have been many difficult times as well. We have heard many stories from people who have had a difficult life , many stories of tragedy and sadness but along with these stories we hear the commitment many dedicated men and women have to care for children and families who are the most vulnerable in these communities.
I wanted to share with you one of the stories we have told of a family in South Africa whom we met and had the privilege to stay with:
In
Urban South Africa there is a community called Clau-Clau. Where we had the
privilege, of staying for three nights. Upon arrival at the care point we
noticed a young girl who was very much a leader to her peers. She lead singing
and bible reading for the others who attend .We saw her as a shining example, a
born leader , a well respected young women.
As
a young women of 15 years Frieda is loved deeply by her "step mom "
and the two younger brothers. Many children choose their backyard to play and
be shown love by this family.
Frieda
is at a fragile age where the realities of her life and her circumstances have
come knocking on her doorstep. There are
many situations that make Frieda a vulnerable teenager. She is surrounded by
men who are so broken they choose alcoholto
take away their pain but with those men in her life she is extremely vulnerable
to the abuse that surrounds her.
Frieda
is also a young women whose teachers know she is a hard worker and a good
learner. She enjoys school activities including Traditional dance , soccer and
sports. Frieda loves school and treasures her relationship with her two best
friends.
She
is a 15 year old in grade 8 , with her age comes responsibility to be an
example to her classmates. This is only one of the responsibilities she takes
on in her day with the joy of a servants heart.
Frieda dreams to be a Lawyer, but her heart is with the children of her
community. She cares deeply about the work that is being done by the home base
care and envisions herself being a part of that work as she gets older. The
example that has been set for her to care for the children has inspired her to
understand that as God placed her in the care of these women He has a plan for
her to also care for the children in her community.
Frieda
enjoys leading choir in her church and is passionate about the teaching that
she receives. Her pastor is a good example in her life and a positive male role
model for her. Frieda understands that her life would being very different if
not for a relationship with a God who loves her and knows her every concern.
She is blessed to have the women who care for her at the care point as well as
a step mother who truly loves her and is intentional about how she raises her.
This family is more to us then a story we care deeply about the future of this family. We hope to visit them often and remain a part of their lives.
Brian and I are in Zambia now and do hope to post more often.
Thank you for you love and prayers,
Lisa
