“Returning to Hands at Work after being away for a few years felt very natural, like returning to another home. It was only the second time our boys had visited Africa, but watching them there, you would have assumed that that's where they grew up! They felt so comfortable in the community setting at the Hub, reconnecting with and making new friends. They enthusiastically engaged in play and serving in the communities and at the Care Points. Sharing meals and just spending time with people was a big highlight.
We had planned the trip to Africa, but from the beginning, God started to reveal what His plan was for our time. Three unexpected blessings came. One was when our friend and fellow advocate (Aunty) Tina decided to join us. Due to health concerns, she thought she might never get the chance to be back in Africa again. Witnessing her there and participating in the telling of her story and testimony was only God’s doing!
The second was an invitation to join the Ralph family (International Volunteers, Canada) in Eswatini. We had been there three years ago as a family, and to witness the growth in both the model and the team was amazing. The team had expanded from essentially one local person to four enthusiastic, compassionate, young local leaders in the local Hands at Work team in Eswatini. The Care Points now had new programs for the 0-5 years and the youth. It seemed like places were buzzing with activity. Grandmothers were growing community gardens and selling the produce to the Care Points, earning an income for their families.
The third surprise blessing came when our boys, Brayden & Justin, individually decided they wanted to get baptized in South Africa, along with Levy & Prag’s (African leaders, Zambia) girls (our God-children) Shalom and Tawonga. They wrote out and shared their testimonies: “I wish to take the next step in my faith, and I see baptism as that next step of getting closer to God.” (Brayden), and chose scriptures: “He restores my soul… Psalm 23” (Justin)
I wonder at the beauty of how the Lord is speaking to and forming our children in the place where we, their parents, were largely formed and shaped in our faith.” – Jayme Chotowetz, International Office Volunteer (Canada)