Today we started our work in the communities. Lebo our host dropped us off at the church around 8 am and we were assigned to the gardening group and put on the red team. We piled into a small van with about eight others and were taken to a community where everyone lived in shacks. There were thousands of shacks made out of salvaged materials. As we drove down the dirt roads we encountered poverty unlike anything most Americans have ever witnessed. We saw a woman lying in a tent on the ground with her three children. She had a small baby lying there completely naked and crying. We met small children with yellowed eyes who wore ill fitting, dirty clothes with no shoes. One boy could not play soccer in the road with us because he had cuts on the bottom his feet. There was trash everywhere and the dirt roads were littered with everything from discarded food to paper and feces. The people dumped their trash in their front yards. It was so dirty.
Despite the condition of the surroundings, the people seemed very happy. They were especially happy when they discovered that we were there to plant gardens for free. Today our team planted five gardens. It was hard work! We first had to dig a trench two feet deep. While some of the team , the others collected discarded food, dry grass, paper and egg shells to use as compost. When the plot was dug we covered the bottom with the compost, re-filled the area with the soil and then planted cabbage and spinach seedlings. Then we surrounded the gardens with rocks and prayed over the garden. It was a true labor of love.
We broke for lunch around mid day and headed back to the church. When we arrived, we met up with Titus (not the pastor) and he gave us African names. Mikka is now Niyko (Nee-e-ko), it means "gift". Daisia is now Vutomi, it means "life". We received our names because we are giving the gift of ourselves to Mamelodi. He specifically said that I brought Daisia to them to share her as a gift because she represents life. Deep huh? They love Daisia.
After we receiving our names we caught back up with our group and left to do home visits in the community close to the church. We visited the poor and sick to give them food parcels and to pray for them. It was amazing to feel such freedom to just go out and love on people and to know that they were open and receptive to our love.
We love these beautiful people of God!!!!!
Love you all,
Nyiko and Vutomi
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11 comments:
I am so excited for you guys! I can imagine what this experience must mean for the both of you...especially Daisia! I love reading your blog, even if it brings tears to my eye...their tears of joy! Love, Alicia
Day 5 Dinner for EJ and Malea...grilled ham and cheese sandwiches, celery and ranch dressing, and yogurt. After Malea's practice they had honey nut cherrios...they say its good for their cholesterol...you know I'm just trying to keep them healthy! couple apples and oranges were eaten somewhere in there....
The girls were excited to talk to you all today....dj
Hello Mikka and Daisia...the Moorman family wanted to say hello and hope everything is going well. We are so impressed and proud of your commitment to humanity and betterment for human life. Be safe and we'll await your safe return!
Mikka and Daisia, I feel like I am there with you reading your entries. I caught up on all of them today and will be keeping up with them from now on. I am so happy for you two and this experience. I can only pray that Olivia gets an opportunity like this. So, Daisia is a hit. I am not surprised. She is such a sweet girl and it shows in her spirit. I am going to forward this blog link to Jennifer so she can read about your experiences. Keep working hard. We are so proud of you here in Atlanta. Love you, Chuckie.
I realize now how technically challenged I am, for you can't imagine the hoops I have jumped trying to get my message sent. I am determined to persevere, however, for I must tell you what an impression this is making on my heart. What a privilege to be able to help our brothers and sisters who are in such dire need, and how clearly you present their pitiful circumstances through your descriptions. It is so apparent what happiness you find in what you are able to share of yourselves with others, and there is joy in the way that they receive you. I just became aware of the blog tonight, thanks to DeShonne, and I will continue to read and vicariously experience this glorious mission in Mamelodi. Mikki, last year you were given a name by a visitor from there. Is this the same name that you were given then. How beautiful the connection between your name and Daisia's is.
Hi Mikka& Daisia! Reading your blog is such a joy. I also teared up as I read it. The people in Mamelodi see in you and Daisia what everyone here already knows....how loving and beautiful you both are!! I can't wait to hear about your trip when you return. Be blessed and keep doing great things over there. We love you! Diane
I can't wait to see all of the amazing pictures. We will continue to pray for you, Daisia and the Mamelodi family!
Tesha
Thank you for sharing your blessing with us through narrative. It was like a morning devotional for me. God is big ain't he. I will continue to pray for you and Daisia as you travel and do the Master work. I will also pray for EJ and Malea on the DJ cereal and celery diet. Be well and GOd Bless Life and Gift.
This sounds so exciting, the church service and the time spent with the people. Continue to allow the light of God to shine through you. This will be an experience you and Daisia will never forget and neither will the people you both impact while on this trip.
Love ya! Vickie
Dumelo Niyko and Vutomi!
What an eye-opening experience for both of you! Your descriptions are well-written and with such passion- I feel like I am in Mamelodi with you. It is amazing how much you give to the people of Mamelodi and how much the people of Mamelodi will continue to give to you. Take care!
Mrs. Cepress (Cathy)
I am so amazed at how people are asking for Daisia (I can't imagine departing with her). Be safe and continue to share your love, spirit and smile!
Love ya,
Crystal
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