You could say the time difference and long travel days are catching up with us—but nothing a little coffee and good company can’t fix!
After touching down in Africa, we spent the night in Johannesburg, as border crossings into Eswatini can only happen during the day. It was a much-needed pause after our long journey, and we made the most of it with a team dinner alongside our incredible friend and guide, Tamara. Waking up to the lush greenery and vibrant flowers surrounding our hotel was a refreshing way to start the day before hitting the road.
Today, we’re making the 4.5-hour drive into Eswatini, the last absolute monarchy in Africa. This beautiful country will be our home for the majority of our trip, as we serve at various carepoints in the villages. Along the way, we had an unforgettable roadside stop—where else can you grab a snack at a gas station while watching ostriches and other wildlife roam nearby? The scenery is unlike anything back home, and it’s incredible to take in.
Beyond the beauty, we’re also getting a deeper understanding of the challenges communities here are facing. Recent changes in U.S. funding for international aid have had a significant impact on NGOs operating in Eswatini. Organizations like Children’s Cup and Feed My Starving Children have been vital in continuing to provide resources despite these shifts. The carepoints we’ll be serving at play a crucial role in economic empowerment, equipping locals with skills that create lasting change—reducing reliance on volatile external aid and fostering self-sufficiency within their communities.
Tamara shared how the medical sector has been hit particularly hard, making it difficult for children affected by HIV/AIDS to access necessary treatments. Thankfully, Children’s Cup has partnered with Baylor to help bridge this gap, ensuring children can receive care at the carepoints. Tomorrow, our team will take part in the first medical camp day of the year, where kids will have the opportunity to receive check-ups and medical support—it’s an incredible opportunity to serve in a tangible way.
We also spent time learning more about the programs we’ll be assisting with at the carepoints, and the impact they have on the children and families they serve. If you’re interested in supporting these efforts, visit childrenscup.org to learn how you can become a friend of the villages from afar. The carepoints feed 6,000-8,000 kids per day and the cost to fund these feedings and programs keeps rising. Your support could go a very long way in allowing us to continue the impact being made here as more and more kids look to get fed and learn!
The anticipation is building as we get ready to meet hundreds of amazing kids tomorrow. We can’t wait to form new friendships, share in their joy, serve, and be part of the incredible work happening here.
Stay tuned—tomorrow is going to be a big day!