Melody of the Spirit

(This just came in via Ruth's BB...a recap of their Thursday in Mhlosheni, written by Shana...)

 

Our morning began to the soulful sounds of World Vision staff singing "When
I remember what the Lord has done, I won't look back anymore." (When the
Swazis sing, they repeat the song many times, to allow the words to sink
into the soul.). Little did we know it would be the first of several songs
that would form a sound track for our day.

From the ADP office, we visited a dairy project that provides milk for two
Hope  centers that, together, serve 90 orphans and vulnerable children. We
distributed flip-flops, stuffed animals  and suckers to the children at one
such center.  They serenaded us with "Making Melody in My Heart," (a fun
song with lots of hand and body motions.  Adults joined in, and we were
reminded through a child's song that regardless of our circumstances, we
can choose joy.

Our final stop was a water project, where a borehole well was recently
installed to provide a community with clean water. After joining our hosts
on a lengthy walk to the previous water source, we were appalled to see the
dirty rivulet that about 35 homesteads had shared with animals. (Only about
4 percent of Mhlolsheni households have access to clean water). As we were
saying goodbye, our new friends broke into dance and song, inviting us to
join them. It was a wonderful way to end out time, and we all left with
full hearts.

As we began our trip back to our lodging, the words on the radio were,
"Lean on me, when you're not strong.  I'll be your strength; I'll help you
carry on." It was yet another fitting song, but I'm at a loss to say who is
in the position of strength. Perhaps we were meant to lean on each other.

-Shana