First, a story: Kajiah’s island had no dirt. Water?  Sunshine?  People?  Yes.  But no dirt.  And, subsequently, no plants, no food chain, and few insects or animals. You may not want to live there, but Kajiah loved it. An elaborate economy formed around her community. In general, everyone knew them as an island that prospered […]

2008 – I met a twelve-year-old, front-tooth missing, phonily happy teenage girl who ripped the heart right out of my chest. But in its place, God put His heart for her. And so she became “umntfwana wami” (my child) ever since. 2009 – I returned to Swazi to find “my child,” was nowhere to be found. “You […]

“How are you doing, Ayanda?” the flight attendant in charge of an entirely different section of our plane came over to check on the ecstatic and terrified young woman sitting next to me. Ayanda has that magnetic effect on people. “Good, good!” she beamed from ear to ear while catching her breaths. “What do you […]

A little over 5 years ago, I began my journey with Hosea’s Heart in Swaziland. It’s crazy to think back on that time. God changed me in so many ways when I thought I was going to change others and help to start a girls home. Throughout that first year as we strove to start up the […]

I had the opportunity to travel to Swaziland for two weeks this past February and March 2017 to “serve” in whatever way Mary-Kate and the Hosea’s Heart team needed. I knew I would be there as a “background” person – to assist – as my husband, Steve worked with Mary-Kate and the Builder/Architect… but I […]

Dear Kate, It is my very nature to be 100% honest, and this is no exception. Sometimes the truth hurts, but you need to hear it. Though I enjoy being sought after, the truth is you will never win me. I am not a game, a scoreboard, a reward, or an achievement. I am like […]

  Once upon a time I let you have your say You tortured me with lies I believed you anyway You taught me how to drown my pain To run away from “fear” But when I chased your promises I lost everything I held dear I lived like I was unlovable As you reminded me […]

It used to be just a normal, unimportant street corner. Whether I was walking or driving past, it meant nothing. Until about six months ago. The first time I saw them, I thought maybe they were waiting for ride. It’s not the usual “working” corner. I knew those corners. This was not one of them. […]

In another conversation with a different girl who hasn’t been able to get beyond her scars, I tried explaining how God is still good even in times like these. But it’s hard for her to believe it. She said she wants the Lord, but she’s too full of pain. “What if you’re stuck?” she asked […]