October 7, 2009

• A day at Momma’s house…..

  I’ve been meaning to post this for awhile, but do to internet issues and my trip last week it was delayed.  I also didn’t want to rush it…..it was such a special day I wanted to try to put words around it.  I am not even sure I will be able too, but I hope the pictures speak for themselves. 

  Kevin and I met Mma Sibongile in 2003 when we came with Teen Mania our last year.  She helped in the camp area and helped watch our stuff when no one was around.  Her cheerful smile captivated me instantly and though she only knew the basics of English, we managed to communicate the best we could.  When Kev and I moved to Maun in Jan of 2004 we were happy to see that she was still with the Mission! 

  From there our friendship grew and she’s been known as our “African Momma” ever since.  She has a particular soft spot for Kevin as Kev is forever doting over her and making sure she’s okay. He brings her cokes and heart medication when the clinic is out……she just beams with delight when he comes to the house!  She’s battled many health issues over the years but is a strong pillar in her family.  She lives just off the turn to the property so many times when we drive by we honk and all the family waves.  We also pick her and the kiddos up for church on Sunday.  Mma Sibongile has some problems with her feet that prevent her from being able to walk long distances, though she is getting much better.  She’s a loyal staff member with the Mission and a favorite of many.  Even better her English has improved drastically and now we can communicate quite well. 

  A few weeks ago we had the honor of going to her house and spending the entire day with her and her family. The interns helped gather firewood, play with the kids, and help prepare a traditional meal.  She said over and over that we were her guests but the truth is, we wanted to bless them and well…..we walked away with more of the blessing. 

  The day was quite overcast and cool which was perfect.  We shared the whole day together and Momma had a huge smile on her face the whole time.  She was so content and happy.  Her grandchildren enjoyed all the attention and even Andrew and Piper were just mixed right along with them! 

  I was humbled as Sibongile spoke of Kev and I to the interns.  At one point she wiped tears and said, “They are truly my son and daughter and I don’t know what I would do without them.”  She said when we go home in December that her heart would hurt till we were safely back.  Oh how blessed to know that I have another momma on the other side of the world who is missing me too! 

  They served us a lunch of soup and bread and then a few hours later we feasted on a traditional meal that they had worked on all day.  It was honestly the best food I think I’ve ever had.  At the end of the day we all left tired, dirty, full,and most of all with smiles on our faces.  It was a good day.  At the end, Sibongile looked at Kev and I and said, “I am full not only in my belly, but in my heart as well……I love you both!”  We couldn’t have agreed more…..it was a good day and we were blessed just as much. 

  
  Me and Momma

  
  Andrew and David…….David was quite patient with Andrew at the beginning while Andrew got warmed up.  After that they became fast friends!

  
  I love that you can see my face in his eyes! 

  
  I told you they were precious……
  
  Big Smiles…..
  
  Pipes with Granny!
  
  Portia, Sibongile’s daughter gets ready to serve the food! 

  
  Our traditional meal!  Included Rice, Poppa (maize), Samp and Beans, Seswa (the local favorite, pounded beef….much like roast beef), beet root, cole slaw, and veg.  It was way more than we could eat, but SO good!

  
  Here is the crew (and Piper! )
  
  Interns with momma! 

  I took over 300 pictures of that day and it’s hard to choose just these few to put up as they were all really good and captured the day so well.  I can honestly say that was one of my most favorite days in Botswana!  I was reminded that just the simple act of building a friendship is sometimes the strongest way of showing Christ through us! 

  • 9:11 am
  • 1 Comment