The art of returning and remembering

My time back in Swaziland has been marked by the art of remembering.

I am learning to not compare my time, but also recognize similar patterns .

Right off the back I had the privilege to go back to my same carepoints ! Seeing the same group of kids, but nearly 2 years older was wild. The kids knew my name without introduction and throughout the first week asked where my teammates were at. Each care point has a Sheppard who is in charge of running it, ours is named Happiness. Happiness 2 years ago was quiet and new to being a sheppard, now with a little over 2 years under her belt she is confident, has more authority, and the kids know her as someone who is safe and calls her auntie! What a privilege to see Happiness grow into the woman of God she is today!

About once a week we get to visit homesteads near our carepoint. At multiple homes I have recognized that I have been there before! Seeing the same family, kids, and homes! One house visit stands out to me the most. I was having a more difficult day due to some things happening back at home, but when I arrived at the home the grandmother recognized me first and said “I remember you from a few years back, you made everyone in your group greet me properly.” Though I do not recall this incident happening, I completely believe her and my heart just was so full that I once again get to visit and encourage her in her walk with the Lord!

At first it was an interesting experience being back at the same place, with similar staff and Swazi people, but a brand new squad with a brand new role. The Lord touched my heart with the phrase “ the art of returning “ that is actually a huge privilege for me to serve in the same exact place as my last race. My default is to desire a brand new place , new country, new ministry, but the reason I desire those are for selfish reasons only. To say I’ve been to a ton of places, to experience new and cool things. And though that will come with me going to Malaysia, it has been so evident that the art of returning is actually more special. That the faithful servants of the Lord here know me by name, they remember the work and time I put in 2 years ago when I assumed I wasn’t making much of an impression or impact. I am able to see how much of a difference I do actually make, just by the relationships I’ve made! I now have so many more Swazi friends! Wow. It is a privilege to see the fruit of your labor. It is a privilege to return to somewhere you’ve been. Not a hindrance , not uncool, not un-special. So I am soaked in gratitude for what Swazi has done to my heart in this country. I am grateful for my team and how they have given their all into ministry without grumbling, I am grateful to be back at the same carepoint, I am grateful for the same Sheppard to be here and working so hard.

I have said my second goodbye to Swazi and this one was different. I was happy to say to Bye to the 16 largue and lightly posionous frogs that always seemed to get into my bedroom. I was happy to say bye to the possibility that a snake could be waiting for me outside my door. But I was not happy to give my second goodbye to my carepoint. Not happy to say goodbye to the Swazi woman who I became friends with.

Goodbyes are hard, but I am so grateful for my time in Swaziland again.