Original posting 7/15/2014

Getting out of the car, I see their faces and watch as they walk the fine line between trying to sell you their wares and not begging you to buy them. I listen as they call out and say, “Mama, I’ll make you a good price.” What I hear, however, is something entirely different. What I hear is, “Mama, do you see me? Do you see this is how I feed my child and support my family? Mama, I have a story. Do you want to know?” This all takes place in a matter of seconds. It’s in the final seconds that I see the line being drawn. Do I continue to try and sell this to feed my family, or do I look away with a look that says, “Oh well, someone else will come along?”

I have not thought of those ladies since I left their stalls by the waterfall, at least not until this morning. You see, I’ve found myself in that same place lately. Asking, “Do you see me? Have you forgotten all about me? Remember the promise you made? I have a story; do you want to know it?” I’m walking that fine line between not begging for support and trying to sell you my wares. 

My wares are not tangible trinkets that can be looked at, admired, and taken home to show people I went to Africa. My wares are of the spiritual kind, the kind you can’t see with your natural eyes. My wares teach God’s Word at teatime to eight beautiful and unique ladies whose lives are being changed. My wares are standing by the bedside of a child stricken with Aids and TB, getting down on his level, touching his face, and saying, “Nbubani ligama lakho (what is your name)?” My wares are chasing children down the hospital hall, trying to brighten their days just a little bit. My wares are touching a mama whose child is in the hospital and saying, “Can I pray for you?” My wares are handing a plate of food to a tiny little body and praying as I give it to her, “God protect this small one. Heal her body.” My wares are singing, dancing, and telling stories to hundreds of children each week. 

This morning, God gave me a fresh perspective on the ladies at the waterfall and broke my heart for them. They will no longer be just women selling their wares. I will see them. I will hear them. I will understand that just because I may never know their story doesn’t mean they don’t have one. 

He also reminded me that, though others may not see me and the wares I sell, He does. Though others may not understand the intangible aspect of my wares, He does. He sees me. He remembers me. He keeps His promises to me and, most importantly, knows my story and loves me.

Psalm 37:25- I was young, and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed.

One last note…thank you to @HighRockWest! You have seen us. You still remember us. You have adopted us into your family; we are truly thankful and blessed for that!

**This could be the story of any missionary in the world. If you do not support a missionary, would you pray about starting? Missionaries need our financial support, prayer support, and encouragement. Here are the names of three that I know personally who could use a little extra each month:

Mzwandile and Lafo Ndlovu serve with Ten Thousand Homes South Africa. Swazi and Lafo are the leaders of TTH, who have the heart to see the most vulnerable have a safe place to call home. Click on the About Us tab, scroll down to Our Team, and then click on either one of their pictures to give.

Kenzie Caster serves with Ethnos 360 https://ethnos360.org/missionaries/kenzie-caster Kenzie serves the missionaries in Mexico by teaching their children so they can go out and teach in the communities.