Okay, so yesterday was my niece’s
2nd birthday! (Happy Birthday, Mariné!) My parents drove 12 hours to be with their first and only grandchild; (just for the next 7 months, then she’s getting a little brother or sister). They had a birthday party for her and her friends. Inflatable swimming pools, cake, candy, gifts, etc.
And here in
Swaziland we had a little boy celebrating his 2nd birthday also yesterday. But his day was no different than any other day. He came to the care point for his daily plate of pap (maize meel) and beans. He played with the other kids, slept some, and then went back home. No ‘Happy Birthday’ song, no cake, no candy, no gifts, nobody getting all excited about his birthday, nothing. He even wore the same dirty, torn clothes as the day before.
Why am I telling you this? I don’t know. I know I am not writing this to make anyone feel quilty. Please don’t! Enjoy what God has given you! Maybe I just want to share with you in what way God is still touching my life and giving me compassion for these kids. Maybe because I feel it is unfair and I am asking myself the question: Is there anything in this little guy’s life that brings him joy?
I just wish some of you could be here with me to experience the things I am experiencing.
Kriek
Below is a picture of my very cute niece and of Khulekani Mhlanga, the little Swazi boy.
