Hi friends & family! If you haven’t heard, I’m currently writing to you from Siteki, Swaziland! A few months ago the Lord put on my heart that my summer was to be dedicated to missions, and this wonderful internship opportunity fell upon my lap in just the right timing.
I am 1 of 3 interns currently at One Heart Africa, a non profit organization run by Ryan and Anna Carmichael. The OHA farm is located in Swaziland (and partly in Mozambique) aimed to bring sustainable change to disease stricken and highly impoverished parts of southern Africa. OHA sits on a beautiful plot of land in the Lubombo valley, with multiple acres of farmland and an aquaponics system (lettuce, basil, peppers, onions, all that good stuff = best salads ever!). The farm provides fresh produce to neighboring people who are affected by HIV and also to care points who serve orphaned and vulnerable children in the community. One Heart Africa also started Sharing Hope Preschool in 2013 and it is located in Mozambique. This preschool educates 100 children who are fed daily, taught the gospel, given a quality education, and provided access to safe water through the school’s fresh water well. Learn more at oneheartfrica.org and be sure to follow the Facebook page too! So, yes this place is amazing! The Lord is never ceases to put me in awe of ministries like One Heart Africa - what a special place! 11 things i've learned in Swazi after 11 days:
On the real, I’ve learned some crazy things, but most of all I’ve learned that intentionality is a huge concept here. The American culture lacks an intentional desire to really know what’s going on in people’s lives. We lack the time to sit and listen to people’s struggles, their spiritual life, and how we can invest time in them. Here in Swazi, people greet each other everywhere. Strolling in town they will stop what they are occupied with to be present in the moment and enjoy conversing just a few words. They take the time to invest just a few seconds into real conversation and yes it makes a big difference. This seems so easy, but being here has made me realize that we are running a rat race and life gets so crazy sometimes that we lose our focus, our purpose behind our each and every breath. We wake up, we work, we eat, we have small talk in the Starbucks, we say "thank you" at the checkout...we run the rat race. I’ve learned here that sitting in His presence and running the true race for the Lord is what my life should be centered around - not the every day jumble and chaos. Our typical routine checklist isn't important, changing lives is. We are called here to run the race towards our heavenly Father - every moment with intentionality and pursuit for His glory. It’s a beautiful thing to see the joy on people’s faces here, even those who may not believe in Jesus, they still have joy. Imagine if their lives were changed by Him, even more joy, even more intentionality! This is a calling to all who believe - run the race towards Him, fiercely in pursuit for his will and His glory - nothing more nothing less. Sala kahle for now, -gcg
4 Comments
Charlcie
6/6/2017 05:10:03 pm
Gabrielle you are a beautiful writer as well as a beautiful girl inside and out! God has put you in the right spot....I am so proud of you and for you, what an experience! God bless you and be safe!
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Karen Fetters
6/7/2017 05:49:11 am
Gabe, I am so inspired by you. Your insight and obvious love for life, God and people is so string and amazing. I am so blessed to have you and your family in my life.
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