Why do people blog? Why are we blogging? To tell you what's happening in our lives? To share with you what God's doing in and through us (and you; if you are partnering with us in this ministry)? To somehow keep you involved in our lives and ministry? Right now I don't even have an answer to this. I, Kriek, am really tired and now might not even be a good time to write this blog. But I am going to! I don't think I have put much emotion into the last few blogs; I have been going through the motions. Sad, but true! But I am hoping this one will be different. I guess it is easy to just give a report (or quick updates) about what's happening, but for me it is harder to reflect my real emotions while sharing with you what's happening.

We are over the busiest time of the summer and things are starting to slow down somewhat now. It has been a good summer and the kids, the ladies cooking, and even the communities, have been blessed immensely by all the visiting teams. All the gifts they received were amazing; new clothes, shoes, toys, blankets ... just to mention a few! And all the medical attention the children received was a huge blessing. (At one of the carepoints there is even a whole container still waiting to be opened!) Jumbo and I have been blessed too! Spending time with returning friends and new friends, all the prayers and encouragement we received, friends blessing us by serving alongside us, spending time with the kids at the carepoints, etch. (Thanks again girls! I could not have done it without you and our emergency chocolate!)

But during this summer I have been asking myself this question: What makes me come alive? What during this summer made me come alive? If I am doing what God has called me to do, why am I just going through the motions at this stage? Why am I so tired? Well, I don't have the answers to this yet and maybe I will blog next about the thoughts I do have and what I think God is telling me. But I can share with you what makes me feel alive at this stage!

Seeing growth in the lives and behavior of the kids at the carepoints. Sometimes I feel so proud of them that I want to burst into tears! Seeing growth in the discipleship team; in their walk with God, in the way they take responsibility for the things that need to happen. They way they interact with the kids. Doing things that is against the cultural norm.

Seeing hearts being touched and lives being changed through vulnerable, forgotten little ones. Knowing that God is at work.

Hearing a few of my favorites calling me by my name for the first time in 2 years. First they called me ‘mlungu' (white person), then they called me ‘make' (mother) and now I am Krrrieke (I love the way they say my name!). This shows me that there is growth in the openness of our relationship.

Walking a few of my favorite boys home, hand in hand, in the rural area, on a lovely sunny Swazi winter's afternoon. No demands, no responsibilities. Just me and them; laughing and walking. Not much talking; I am still struggling with SiSwati. Who needs words if smiles say enough?

Knowing that God is using us to make a difference in Swaziland. And it isn't anything we are doing or that we can boast in. It is all God; He is just allowing us to be part of it.

These are a few things I want to remember for the rest of my life! What are the things you want to remember for the rest of your life? What makes you come alive?