Communities
in Africa, and the vision of Hands at Work, are founded in relationships;
relationships built in love, trust, and faith.
From
the rolling mountains in Houtbos, to the cooking igloo in Zwelisha, from the
hills and fields of Sthobela A and B to the passing traffic of Mafambisa… each
community we visit welcomes us, and remembers us by name. It is the greatest
joy to return to communities and see familiar faces, to meet new children and
Care Workers, to listen to children we met in previous years and hear how they
are doing, to share in a meal, to worship together with singing and dancing, to
hear how the Care Workers are and how life is for them, to encourage and thank
them, and to play with the children. We, in turn, in humility and love, learn
from them and are inspired by their commitment and their selfless service to
their community.
Although
I am saddened not to be visiting Hands’ communities this year, their safety and
health is of paramount importance- our visits are to empower, to encourage, and
enable their community. We learn from them, are challenged and are invited to
walk alongside them. COVID-19 is a situation which is affecting each corner of
the world; Hands at Work are considered to be an ‘Essential Service’ so have
been able to continue their life-saving and life-changing support in
communities.
I
am excited to be able to re-join Hands and the communities as soon as travel is
appropriate and safe, to listen to the stories in these communities, to share
in their journeys, to cook alongside them and support their children and young
people. For now, we keep them safe by not visiting.
In their
vulnerability, there is strength and love and selfless generosity. Those are
lessons and qualities we always need to listen to and learn.
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