Zoey kicked our day off with a devotion on compassion—a perfect one for this Valentine’s Day! If you asked anyone on the team, they would tell you this day was surely full of love.
As we pulled up to Makholweni, we were instantly greeted with smiling faces, waves of excitement, and giggles—ready to tackle us with hugs as we opened the van door.
We spent the entire day at the carepoint! It was a non-stop day full of 500+ kids. Jack, Nick, and Greg finished the fence around the garden with some of the bobabe (local men), which made the carepoint look so complete. Meanwhile, the ladies finished prepping for the medical clinic and set up stations to gear up for the hundreds of kids who would come through the doors for a medical checkup.
The medical checkups consisted of Snappy and Natalie measuring heights, Nick taking weights, Greg giving ringworm pills, and Jack and Katelyn sending the children to the nurses. From there, Zoey assisted the staff in getting the necessary medications from the pharmacy based on each child’s condition. McKenna kindly documented each child’s records into the system, carefully deciphering their beautiful, long names. The team enjoyed laughing as Greg handed out the pills, ensuring each child swallowed the nasty-tasting horse pill.
During the day, Zoey handed out the remainder of her 600 handmade bracelets to the kids and they absolutely loved them!
Carol did an awesome job making the preschoolers laugh and assisting the Bomake in prepping for kitchen day. She peeled vegetables for hours, playing a big part in Chicken Day!
This team is all hands on deck, and the collaboration is truly great! You would never know we were once a group of strangers from around the states who now feel like family, serving in this place together. Each member contributes so well, making each day a smooth blend of fun and hard work.
After the entire afternoon of clinic was completed, the hundreds of kids sang so beautifully outside as the team finished prepping for Chicken Day. Their voices are something you simply need to hear—it’s more than music to your ears. Their singing brings tears to your eyes and joy to your heart; it’s the best Valentine’s Day gift one could ask for.
The 500+ kids lined up, excited to get a big meal with real chicken, freshly cooked rice, potato salad, carrot slaw, and beets. This meal is one kids will walk hours for, and the experience is one that each member of our team continues to reflect on with smiles. It’s amazing what food can do—transforming hungry bellies into happy humans.
We see the impact that feedings and carepoints bring to the community each day. From seeing kids become fed, educated, and raised in faith, we are proud to partner with Children’s Cup and Feed My Starving Children. There is impact being made, and we are determined to keep it going!
Our hearts sank as we had to say our goodbyes. We were left with lots of hugs, sweet words, signed shirts, waves, smiles, and a reminder of how powerful community is in sparking hope.
We finished the night with dinner at a local restaurant, where we shared our favorite moments of the day.
Next up, we are heading off the grid! With no power or electricity for the next two days, we’ll be embracing the African landscape by embarking on a safari. The team will stay in yurts and enjoy both sunset and sunrise safaris to see God’s beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. Stay tuned for some updates when we’re back!