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A letter from Cindy Easterday in
South Africa |
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December 2004
Greetings dear Friends and Family,
As most of you are adapting to winter we, across the Atlantic
and down at the far end of the African continent, are now into
the early days of summer. From the looks of it, we are headed
for a very hot one, indeed! Our rainy season also begins this
time of year, and we hope rain will be abundant, as the land is
very dry.
December also means school exams are finishing and the long-awaited
summer break begins. Those who are able soon begin their vacations,
traveling to other parts of the country to holiday, often joining
with family members elsewhere for Christmas celebrations. It’s
a time for fun and frolic, rest and recuperation, play and preparation
for the coming year for many. For others, it’s a continuation
of facing the daily struggles in life that flow easily from one
season to the next.
Children’s care center
For over four years my local church has worked in partnership
with a group of ladies who operate a daycare center for pre-school
children in a community on the outskirts of town. They are the
orphans and vulnerable children in the area whose families are
struggling to cope. Yesterday, as part of our annual “send
off” at the end of the year, with the help of friends at
First Presbyterian Church in Puyallup, Washington, the ladies,
family members, children, and church friends joined together for
the distribution of Christmas food parcels, a gift that will carry
the families through this holiday season. |
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Granny and young girl awaiting food gift parcels. |
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These years with the ladies and children
is filled with rich and wonderful memories. I have learned so much
from them and they have become so engrained in my life during this
time that it is with a touch of sadness that our time with them
is now drawing to a close. God has used these children to impact
my life in ways beyond my imagining or description. Through them
He reminds me of my own blessings of safety, security, unconditional
love and support in my own childhood and family – things so
often taken for granted as “normal”. I’m reminded
that my own past has been privileged and is not to be taken lightly
-- that what I have been given is intended to be shared with others
who may only experience God’s love and joy through my hands,
arms and words. And what a privilege that is. |
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A grateful gogo
I was particularly touched by two situations as we gathered at
the shelter. One was an old granny (“gogo”) who came
supported by her cane. As she sat in the shade of the tree, looking
tired and worn, she said she didn’t need help with the packets—her
other grandchildren would be coming to help. They did and, preparing
to leave, she stood up, raised one hand in the air, and began
singing. “Akekho fananaye, Akekho fananaye, Akekho fananaye,
Nkosi yamakhosi.” (There is no one like you, King of Kings,
Lord of Lords). “Siyakudumisa” (We give you praise,
o God). As she sang, you knew it was from her heart and that,
in the midst of all her struggles, her love and gratefulness to
God were ever with her. |
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Vulnerable children
Near gogo was a girl about 8 years old who I thought was one
of her grandchildren. Instead I discovered the girl, whose younger
sister attended there, had come to accept the gifts of food for
her aunt, who wasn’t home. Since she couldn’t carry
the parcels home, we took them there in the car. Though only about
a mile away, the road was all uphill. Her house sat near the edge
of the dirt road, up a steep incline that goats and children could
easily scamper up, but was a bit trickier for adults with heavy
packets.
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Boys with hula hoops at play outside the daycare center fopr pre-schoolers
that Cindy's church has run for the last four years in a community
on the outskirts of town. |
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I noticed the
water tap in front of the house (their water source) and saw that
though the house had three small rooms, there was only one single
bed visible and a small table with dishes. A neighbor passing
by commented the aunt was often not there, though she did not
have a “real job.” One could only wonder what he meant
but wasn’t saying.
It was clear these young girls were often on their own, vulnerable
to things one doesn’t even want to think about. Their situation
is not unusual these days, a tough reminder that the growing battle
for the safety and care of our children must be a top priority.
It was for Jesus, and it must be for us.
United States in 2005
I plan to return to the States to do mission interpretation from
March through May next year. Please do let me know if you are
interested in my visiting and sharing with your church, mission
committee, Presbyterian Women’s group, etc. as I put plans
to paper in the coming months.
Merry Christmas!
This may find you in the midst of the Christmas season. My wish
for each of us is that we would experience a new and fresh revelation
of who God is in our lives, particularly as we recognize the gift
of His Son, Jesus Christ, through whom He offers us the gift of
a new life in Him. And for that we sing: “Siyabonga, Baba”
(Thank you, Father).
With blessings and love,
Cindy
The 2004 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p.
61
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