I’m thankful for the days when God allows me to clearly see some of the work he’s doing around me here in Swaziland. In the midst of all the logistical frustrations of life here, days like yesterday are refreshing!
A while ago my friend Nomsa told me I needed to come to visit her home so she could show me what she has done with money she’s earned through Timbali Crafts. Nomsa is a precious woman, who works hard, never complains and has a beautiful smile. Yesterday afternoon Ellie and I, and a few other friends, were able to visit the home of Nomsa and her family.
Nomsa and her husband, their 6 children, 3 other children they care for, and her husband’s mother all live on the same homestead. Nomsa’s house is small, only one room made from stick and mud, with a very leaky roof that was threatening to cave in during heavy rains. There were several other similar stick and mud homes/rooms shared by the family members and also a concrete block home (one room) for the grandmother. What Nomsa was so excited to show us was the nearly finished concrete block house/room that they have been able to build using money she had earned through the purses she sews. We captured some great pictures during our visit, but I wish you all could have seen Nomsa in person yesterday-she was BEAMING with the excitement of visitors to her home and showing off what the Lord has provided. 
It was such a good time of rejoicing with my friend. There was one less chicken running around their yard yesterday afternoon, as Nomsa had also prepared a meal for us! At one point during our visit I walked around to the other side of the house to see what Ellie was up to and found her with all the other children sitting in a circle on a grass mat. The children had been playing cards and were trying to include Ellie. Just as I came around the corner I saw one of the girls help Ellie adjust her hand of cards and then say, with her british/swazi accent, “Now shut up, and play the game.” It was hilarious. Ellie had a blast playing with all the kids.
I hope it encourages you as it did me to see the good things the Lord is providing for these precious women!
Here are some more pics…enjoy looking at them and rejoice with Nomsa!
(Nomsa and me)
(Nomsa)
(the grandma that lives on the same homestead)
(Ellie playing cards!)
Great story Julie – isn’t it great when the Lord gives us something to rejoice over and to renew our vision and strength? He is good.
Awesome, Julie! This tells our story so well!
This is great, Julie! Thanks for sharing this heartwarming experience with us. We love the pictures!
Julie- this is wonderful news! Glad to see the fruit of all your labor! I’m still selling bags at all my events and shared the info with some boutique owners we met on our honeymoon with the hopes maybe they’ll carry them!
Praying for you guys- heard the recent news. Praying for protection and provision!
I found your blog through Christine. Your photo’s are so beautiful of the women in the village. Their faces are so real and just touched my heart. I will be praying for everyone there. God bless, Rose
Yay! I’m so excited so finished her house!
This post pushed me over the edge of buying two bags. You are doing a great job.
Where does one find these purses online???? I’d love to check them out and support this mission.
how cool julie – it’s awesome to get to hear the story of one of the women. Ellie has gotten so big! She is adorable. I love you friend and miss you – i was just telling someone about our big european vacation the other day 🙂 Bless you today!
love you,
lisa
WOW! This blog is so exciting! I love hearing that Nomsa has been able to finish her house! I just love that family, it is so neat that all of the kids included Ellie!