Wow, I can’t believe I’ve been serving in Swaziland for three months already. I can’t begin to describe how truly incredible this experience has been. The first month was a time of alteration in my thoughts and way of life. The second month was a time of understanding these changes and relying on God rather than myself. The third month was a time of realization beyond what I would have ever imagined. God called me to Swaziland to not only teach but to also be a student of His word.
In January I was so excited to be serving in a foreign country and being able to share the love of Jesus with everyone I met. It was also a time of change in my life. I was able to fully grasp what scripture says about putting off the new man. In particular 2 Corn. 5:17- “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” What that means in my life is the old way of thinking has to go and this was not an easy process. We can’t expect for change to happen instantly. Yes, we can accept Christ and feel completely different by that decision alone. However, there are things that we’ve worked and built on when we weren’t walking in Christ. And these thing we have to rid our bodies off. John 15:2 says that every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. God will take away these things but you have to be willing to change your mindset and start viewing yourself the way God sees you. At this time I was sooo high on life because God gave me my joy back. I stopped listening to Satan’s lies and started to live a God-fashioned life.
In February that excitement slowly melted away and I started to look back on my past and wonder why I made some of the decisions I made. I couldn’t understand how God could use someone like me. When we look back on our past we question are very thought process that made us decide to make some of the not so good decisions that effected our lives and the way we view ourselves today. Being reminded of these things I also started doubting myself and wondering if I was even making a difference by being here. That’s when God reminded me of 2 Corn.8 when God says “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” I took this verse and ran with it! Knowing that the times I’m weak God will spring me back up and I’ll be stronger than before. I started to understand why I went through all these, what seem now, silly bad experiences prior to Swaziland. I also started seeing why God called me to Swaziland. In a past entry I explained that one of the keys is saying yes to every opportunity you see without placing your own fears at the forefront.
WHOA…March has been incredible!!! I kicked off this month with the very awesome Daniel fast. I’ll be honest; the first couple of days were terrible because I couldn’t stick to it. The next couple of days, I realized that I was fasting for the wrong reason. Then after that my body started to physically feel bad. Through all this month was a time of learning and realizing how amazing God truly is. Pastor Augustine of Hawane CLC always uses crazy stories to express a powerful meaning. Perhaps this story will explain my experience. There was this man who had worked really hard all his life. He had a huge house, a wife and beautiful kids. As time went on his children grew and his career became number one in his life. But he continued to work really hard and eventually things turned for the worst in his marriage. This still didn’t stop him for working hard. One day he woke up and found a list he had made from when he was a teenager. The list included all he planned on accomplishing in his life. He soon realized that he hadn’t came close to reaching even 1/6 of his goal. Some mysterious motivation fell upon him and he decided to try to reach the easiest goal on the list. Well, he failed with one try. He found himself old and rich. He thought surely there is no way I can do all these things in my old age. So he set out to find the fountain of youth. He knew that if he drank this water he’d be able to accomplish all the things on the list. Well, he searched high and low, too all the valleys and mountains of the world until he found it. When he drank the water, nothing happened and in that moment he realized that it wasn’t about the end but about the journey through it.
Sometimes when we are searching or waiting for things such as answered pray request we have to realize that when it doesn’t happen instantly it’s because of God’s perfect timing. And trust me God’s timing is sooo much better than ours. Maybe instead of focusing on the none answered prayer we should try focusing on the journey through it and try to see what God is trying to teach us. This is of course easier said than done. My journey this past three month has be packed with excitement, joy, and of course my favorite…fulfillment! I know that I will return to Swaziland soon but I cannot wait to see what God has in store for me in Ohio!!!
Written by Waheedah Pugh
Waheedah will return to Dayton on Thursday, April 1, 2010. We look foward to having her back "home" and hearing even more about her experiences in Swaziland.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Welcome to Swaziland CLC Dayton!
February 28, 2010
What I weekend!!! Welcome to Swaziland CLC Dayton!!!
Friday
I had a sleep over with all the girls from the farm, CLC side and even one from the community. Our topic of discussion was teenage love. Everyone shared their point of view and no one held back if they disagreed. It was so encouraging to hear what these young women of God had to say. It actually made me rethink my teenage years. This also provided the new team from Sweden with the opportunity to meet and greet their new sisters in Christ.
Saturday
Connecting with the youth seems to be my new passion. This Saturday Hawane CLC held their first youth day. I must admit I was getting a little bothered that no one showed up on time but then God humbled my spirit and reminded me of the rain at Camp Victory. Slowly but surely people started coming and it was a lot more than I expected. The day was amazing and there were testimonies shared by young people and younger people. The coolest thing was two teenagers made the decision to follow Christ. This brought me great joy…that I cannot seem to express through typing. You see, I was busy worried about the organization of the event and starting at the scheduled time that I forgot what that day was really about. Praise be to God that He is in control over my life and I’m not!
Sunday
Today, I woke up with great joy knowing that God has a perfect mercy that allows us to overcome the things we struggled with just yesterday. After one crazy trip from Dayton, Ohio to Swaziland, Pastor Stan and Pastor Rich finally arrived at Potter’s Wheel church and Hawane CLC this morning. The service at Hawane CLC was so powerful. Pastor Stan asked the leadership of the church to touch and pray for each and every person in the building. It was phenomenal! People were crying out to Lord and everyone felt the presence of the Most High King. I cannot even begin to tell you how many people came up to me after the service and wanted to speak on how powerful the service was. They kept expressing how Pastor Stan is truly a man of God. Today was a day that heavy chains were broken and the oppressed were set free. People we no longer subjected to the evil desires of Satan but were now speaking and casing out their own demons.
Monday
Lavumisa! After traveling two hours from Mbabane to Lavumisa we finally arrived to what I like to call “Real Africa.” Although it was blazing hot, the view was spectacular. On our way we even saw a crocodile. As we turned off the main road we found ourselves traveling for quit a time on a dirt road. It appeared that no one was around, then finally we approached a school. At that time “The Luke Commission” was doing a clinic and soooo many people were there. Pastor Stan was so excited to see that the new church was being planted near the school. This was really encouraging because we were able to see hundreds of people within the community. Pastor Stan even got to share the good news to the students right before they received a physical gift. I cannot wait to see all the amazing things that are going to take place in Lavumisa!!! This experience also made me thankful for CLC because we really are impacting the world. Not all of us can come to Swaziland but we as a church body have truly made a difference in sooo many lives throughout Africa. There is no doubt in my mind that Swaziland is the perfect kingdom to partner with.
Tuesday
This was a really exciting day for members of both Potter's Wheel church and Hawane CLC. Pastor Stan was able to share his experience and our vision as a church to Potter's wheel. I tell you people were so motivated and moved. Great things are happening and will continue to happen through the church in Swaziland. Also, at that time Pastor Rich was stirring up some electrifying discussions at Hawane Farm. I heard for days and days about what was shared those couple of days. And I will not be surprise if Pastor Rich has hundreds of emails from the students. We CLCers are so blessed to have the leadership that we have. However we (including myself) must remember that we all play apart in the body of Christ. We are all called to serve in several different ways. This reminds me of 1 Corn. 12:12-31. Actually, the whole chapter explains this but in short it talks about the unity of the church and spiritual gifts. For example, if Pastor Stan were the hand the body would still need a wrist and an arm to be effective. I love you CLC and thank you for sending me here.
What I weekend!!! Welcome to Swaziland CLC Dayton!!!
Friday
I had a sleep over with all the girls from the farm, CLC side and even one from the community. Our topic of discussion was teenage love. Everyone shared their point of view and no one held back if they disagreed. It was so encouraging to hear what these young women of God had to say. It actually made me rethink my teenage years. This also provided the new team from Sweden with the opportunity to meet and greet their new sisters in Christ.
Saturday
Connecting with the youth seems to be my new passion. This Saturday Hawane CLC held their first youth day. I must admit I was getting a little bothered that no one showed up on time but then God humbled my spirit and reminded me of the rain at Camp Victory. Slowly but surely people started coming and it was a lot more than I expected. The day was amazing and there were testimonies shared by young people and younger people. The coolest thing was two teenagers made the decision to follow Christ. This brought me great joy…that I cannot seem to express through typing. You see, I was busy worried about the organization of the event and starting at the scheduled time that I forgot what that day was really about. Praise be to God that He is in control over my life and I’m not!
Sunday
Today, I woke up with great joy knowing that God has a perfect mercy that allows us to overcome the things we struggled with just yesterday. After one crazy trip from Dayton, Ohio to Swaziland, Pastor Stan and Pastor Rich finally arrived at Potter’s Wheel church and Hawane CLC this morning. The service at Hawane CLC was so powerful. Pastor Stan asked the leadership of the church to touch and pray for each and every person in the building. It was phenomenal! People were crying out to Lord and everyone felt the presence of the Most High King. I cannot even begin to tell you how many people came up to me after the service and wanted to speak on how powerful the service was. They kept expressing how Pastor Stan is truly a man of God. Today was a day that heavy chains were broken and the oppressed were set free. People we no longer subjected to the evil desires of Satan but were now speaking and casing out their own demons.
Monday
Lavumisa! After traveling two hours from Mbabane to Lavumisa we finally arrived to what I like to call “Real Africa.” Although it was blazing hot, the view was spectacular. On our way we even saw a crocodile. As we turned off the main road we found ourselves traveling for quit a time on a dirt road. It appeared that no one was around, then finally we approached a school. At that time “The Luke Commission” was doing a clinic and soooo many people were there. Pastor Stan was so excited to see that the new church was being planted near the school. This was really encouraging because we were able to see hundreds of people within the community. Pastor Stan even got to share the good news to the students right before they received a physical gift. I cannot wait to see all the amazing things that are going to take place in Lavumisa!!! This experience also made me thankful for CLC because we really are impacting the world. Not all of us can come to Swaziland but we as a church body have truly made a difference in sooo many lives throughout Africa. There is no doubt in my mind that Swaziland is the perfect kingdom to partner with.
Tuesday
This was a really exciting day for members of both Potter's Wheel church and Hawane CLC. Pastor Stan was able to share his experience and our vision as a church to Potter's wheel. I tell you people were so motivated and moved. Great things are happening and will continue to happen through the church in Swaziland. Also, at that time Pastor Rich was stirring up some electrifying discussions at Hawane Farm. I heard for days and days about what was shared those couple of days. And I will not be surprise if Pastor Rich has hundreds of emails from the students. We CLCers are so blessed to have the leadership that we have. However we (including myself) must remember that we all play apart in the body of Christ. We are all called to serve in several different ways. This reminds me of 1 Corn. 12:12-31. Actually, the whole chapter explains this but in short it talks about the unity of the church and spiritual gifts. For example, if Pastor Stan were the hand the body would still need a wrist and an arm to be effective. I love you CLC and thank you for sending me here.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Depend on the Lord and not on Mankind
Depend on the Lord not on mankind, because there will be disappointments.Stay encouraged because mankind is human too. Last night I went with two of the nurse missionaries to Mbabane Hospital to visit one to the TCMI (Life Skills Student) girls. The previous night she had tried to overdose on some heavy medicine. For the past week she had been stopping by my house asking if we could talk. Yet, for some reason I just wasn’t making time for her. The reason is because I felt that I wasn’t making a difference in the place that I was at, because I couldn't see any difference. Yet, just because you can’t see a difference doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. I know that now. I thought I needed to spend more time in a different area of the farm becauwe I was afraid that others would judge me for not spending time with everyone. And I must admit…that is just silly! The people on the farm wouldn’t think like that, but I was trying to be Superwoman.
Anyway, when we went to go visit this girl, the very first thing she says to me is “This wouldn’t have happened if you would’ve made time for me.” The two nurses I went with were a little concerned that I would beat up myself. But thankfully I know who my God is and I wasn’t about to allow Satan to penetrate my heart so easily. The comment bounced off as if she didn’t even say such a thing. However it was what one of the nurses said to me later that caught my attention. “Waheedah, maybe you are called to minister to suicidal people.” I instantly said NO WAY! Its funny how God may call us to things that we think we can’t do (or sometimes don’t even want to do) but he equips us with all the necessary tools. I wrote this poem shortly afterwards.
The foundations of this tree will never spoil because the Lord has placed my seed in the living water.
I shall grow like a tall plant overlooking the city
For my roots aren’t watered by natural water but by grace, mercy, love and compassion.
My fruit is a perfect plum that satisfies the hungry and encourages the weak.
But one plum can’t feed you for a life time. It can only plant another tree
There will be a time that you must let go of me and trust in Him.
For I was used for rescuing but I am not your Redeemer
I am your equal, I am your sister and sin also exists in my life
I too have a caretaker for my source in Jesus
The Amen that satisfied every bit of my endless hunger
The Comforter who has restored my body, mind and soul
And has made me strong through His everlasting love.
When water is still it keeps you in perfect peace
Not by things such as ceasing of winds but the gift of the Holy Spirit
How my soul cries for the manifestation but my flesh stands in the way
So close to touching God, my branch is growing strong and stretching out long
But every time I think it will reach the heavens it drawls back up
I am your equal and I struggle too
But That’s when I see His mighty hand harvesting what I thought was lost.
He uses us even when we give up
Because our foundation is a holy foundation
Our seed is watered by an a diamond pond
That only those who love Him can fully receive
Waheedah Pugh
Anyway, when we went to go visit this girl, the very first thing she says to me is “This wouldn’t have happened if you would’ve made time for me.” The two nurses I went with were a little concerned that I would beat up myself. But thankfully I know who my God is and I wasn’t about to allow Satan to penetrate my heart so easily. The comment bounced off as if she didn’t even say such a thing. However it was what one of the nurses said to me later that caught my attention. “Waheedah, maybe you are called to minister to suicidal people.” I instantly said NO WAY! Its funny how God may call us to things that we think we can’t do (or sometimes don’t even want to do) but he equips us with all the necessary tools. I wrote this poem shortly afterwards.
The foundations of this tree will never spoil because the Lord has placed my seed in the living water.
I shall grow like a tall plant overlooking the city
For my roots aren’t watered by natural water but by grace, mercy, love and compassion.
My fruit is a perfect plum that satisfies the hungry and encourages the weak.
But one plum can’t feed you for a life time. It can only plant another tree
There will be a time that you must let go of me and trust in Him.
For I was used for rescuing but I am not your Redeemer
I am your equal, I am your sister and sin also exists in my life
I too have a caretaker for my source in Jesus
The Amen that satisfied every bit of my endless hunger
The Comforter who has restored my body, mind and soul
And has made me strong through His everlasting love.
When water is still it keeps you in perfect peace
Not by things such as ceasing of winds but the gift of the Holy Spirit
How my soul cries for the manifestation but my flesh stands in the way
So close to touching God, my branch is growing strong and stretching out long
But every time I think it will reach the heavens it drawls back up
I am your equal and I struggle too
But That’s when I see His mighty hand harvesting what I thought was lost.
He uses us even when we give up
Because our foundation is a holy foundation
Our seed is watered by an a diamond pond
That only those who love Him can fully receive
Waheedah Pugh
Monday, February 22, 2010
How Does Your Garden Grow?
This past week we've been going throughout the Hawane community and following up on the Seeds for Swaziland gardens that members of CLC Dayton planted last August.(Remember, Swaziland is south of the equator, so right now it's late summer. Here are some photos of those gardns.
As you can see from the pictures below, we have also been doing some fall planting. Gardening with people such as Gogo (grandmother)Phiwa and several other members of the community has really made this suburban girl adjust to life on the farm. Community members taught me how to plow, plant, water, and anything else you can think of. Several of the students from the Lighthouse Life Skills School were able to oversee the planting and turning of the gardens and help gogos and "makes" (Siswati for "moms" and pronounced "magays") throughout the community.
Hawane CLC is also partnering with a local school to have a garden for the students. One day during school hours, several parents of elementary age children came out to work on the school garden. It was really nice seeing the whole community come together through gardening.
It was also fun watching Pastor Augustine of Hawane CLC attempt to plow a local garden. After slipping on several rocks, he finally found his part as “distributor of the fertilizer.” Haha! I really respect him for trying but more importantly the community is really thankful for his hard work.
Gardening has been an effective outreach to meeting the needs of the Hawane community - both physically and spiritually.
Posted by Waheedah Pugh - CLC Extended stay traveler to Swaziland
As you can see from the pictures below, we have also been doing some fall planting. Gardening with people such as Gogo (grandmother)Phiwa and several other members of the community has really made this suburban girl adjust to life on the farm. Community members taught me how to plow, plant, water, and anything else you can think of. Several of the students from the Lighthouse Life Skills School were able to oversee the planting and turning of the gardens and help gogos and "makes" (Siswati for "moms" and pronounced "magays") throughout the community.
Hawane CLC is also partnering with a local school to have a garden for the students. One day during school hours, several parents of elementary age children came out to work on the school garden. It was really nice seeing the whole community come together through gardening.
It was also fun watching Pastor Augustine of Hawane CLC attempt to plow a local garden. After slipping on several rocks, he finally found his part as “distributor of the fertilizer.” Haha! I really respect him for trying but more importantly the community is really thankful for his hard work.
Gardening has been an effective outreach to meeting the needs of the Hawane community - both physically and spiritually.
Posted by Waheedah Pugh - CLC Extended stay traveler to Swaziland
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
What Part of the Body are You?
Hawane CLC is doing well and I especially love the women’s Bible study. When I first attended we had only 4 faithful women coming. Now we have reached a total of 21 women. Many of the women that were coming were older but now we have had a sudden increase in young women, which is exciting because I was starting to feel like a baby! This week we talked about what it means to be a part of the body of Christ and how everyone must do their part. Some are singers, some are intercessors, and some are sweepers of the church. It is really cool to see how everyone is coming together to provide for the needs of the church.
One exciting thing that will be happening is that a feeding station is going to be added to the preschool next door. Three times a week children from the community will be feed. The women of the Hawane CLC Bible study will be serving and preparing the food. Also, the children will do a short time of work in the church garden and the food will be used prepare their food. This is creating a sustainable community and this kitchen is for them and managed by them (think of FUBU clothing line). Now, they are a Jerusalem and their Judea is Luvumisa. I am so excited to see all the women of the church stepping up and doing what they can to help not only their sisters in Christ but the whole Hawane community.
Over at Hawane Farm, this past week I finally shared my testimony in full and it was powerful. I don’t know what I wasn’t saying before that moment of sharing but now every night my house is filled with girls and young ladies who want to talk about God and problems or dance and sing. I’ve even made some connections with some of the people who at first were hesitant to talk to me. The girls are hanging out with me as soon as they are done with school/duties and the boys are speaking out words of encouragement constantly. I feel like I have an extended Swazi Family on the farm. I’m learning that one of my contributions to the body of Christ is an ear to listen. Most of you know me as a really talkative person but God is teaching me to show love by lending an ear. I’m sure my friends and family in the US really appreciate God dealing with my lack of listening skills!
As I am beginning to understand what part of the body of Christ I am, I’ve found myself doing things and displaying gifts that I’ve never thought I could do. In Swaziland there is a different (can’t think of a better word) releasing of supernatural events that leave people like me growing at an unusual rate that is beyond description. I think it’s because the way of life here is different than back at home and it's much slower. However, this same influence and power is evident in the United States and every where on this planet. But why is it that many people in the US miss these things or have a temporary lapse of memory on what the purpose of our life is? It's probably not fair to limit this to only Americans as I’m sure there is this same struggle for Christians in every culture. My life verse is 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 and I am just now starting to understand what these verses really mean. Also, putting on the full armor of God has a whole new meaning for me.
Finally, I am trying to understand this kingdom on earth and the spiritual gifts that God himself has given to me. We all have are own special gifts but sometimes we struggle to use them. For me the roadblock in using my gifts is my mind. At the women’s Bible study ( Hawane CLC) many women came broken and of need of prayer this past Tuesday. For some, Hawane CLC has been their refugee and time of comfort away from home. We started with worship and went on to put on the full armor of God. We all stood up and locked are arms so that nothing and I do mean NOTHING could penetrate the body of believers. As we lifted each and every one of our sisters in Christ up, I can remember being afraid to pray. However, I can also remember thinking “This is not about you Waheedah.” We are often afraid to do things because we are too busy arguing within are own mind. This week I tried to stop not believing in myself and know that God is using me as a vessel for His kingdom. When we all use our spiritual gifts the body is complete and can work effectively.
What part of the body are you?
Submitted by Waheedah Pugh - Extended Stay Traveler to Swaziland
One exciting thing that will be happening is that a feeding station is going to be added to the preschool next door. Three times a week children from the community will be feed. The women of the Hawane CLC Bible study will be serving and preparing the food. Also, the children will do a short time of work in the church garden and the food will be used prepare their food. This is creating a sustainable community and this kitchen is for them and managed by them (think of FUBU clothing line). Now, they are a Jerusalem and their Judea is Luvumisa. I am so excited to see all the women of the church stepping up and doing what they can to help not only their sisters in Christ but the whole Hawane community.
Over at Hawane Farm, this past week I finally shared my testimony in full and it was powerful. I don’t know what I wasn’t saying before that moment of sharing but now every night my house is filled with girls and young ladies who want to talk about God and problems or dance and sing. I’ve even made some connections with some of the people who at first were hesitant to talk to me. The girls are hanging out with me as soon as they are done with school/duties and the boys are speaking out words of encouragement constantly. I feel like I have an extended Swazi Family on the farm. I’m learning that one of my contributions to the body of Christ is an ear to listen. Most of you know me as a really talkative person but God is teaching me to show love by lending an ear. I’m sure my friends and family in the US really appreciate God dealing with my lack of listening skills!
As I am beginning to understand what part of the body of Christ I am, I’ve found myself doing things and displaying gifts that I’ve never thought I could do. In Swaziland there is a different (can’t think of a better word) releasing of supernatural events that leave people like me growing at an unusual rate that is beyond description. I think it’s because the way of life here is different than back at home and it's much slower. However, this same influence and power is evident in the United States and every where on this planet. But why is it that many people in the US miss these things or have a temporary lapse of memory on what the purpose of our life is? It's probably not fair to limit this to only Americans as I’m sure there is this same struggle for Christians in every culture. My life verse is 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 and I am just now starting to understand what these verses really mean. Also, putting on the full armor of God has a whole new meaning for me.
Finally, I am trying to understand this kingdom on earth and the spiritual gifts that God himself has given to me. We all have are own special gifts but sometimes we struggle to use them. For me the roadblock in using my gifts is my mind. At the women’s Bible study ( Hawane CLC) many women came broken and of need of prayer this past Tuesday. For some, Hawane CLC has been their refugee and time of comfort away from home. We started with worship and went on to put on the full armor of God. We all stood up and locked are arms so that nothing and I do mean NOTHING could penetrate the body of believers. As we lifted each and every one of our sisters in Christ up, I can remember being afraid to pray. However, I can also remember thinking “This is not about you Waheedah.” We are often afraid to do things because we are too busy arguing within are own mind. This week I tried to stop not believing in myself and know that God is using me as a vessel for His kingdom. When we all use our spiritual gifts the body is complete and can work effectively.
What part of the body are you?
Submitted by Waheedah Pugh - Extended Stay Traveler to Swaziland
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Say "Yes"
What I keep telling myself for this week is “If you want to grow, then say 'YES' every time.”
Praise God Almighty for calling me to Swaziland for three months. I am so excited to share with everyone what He is doing in Swaziland, and in particular at Hawane CLC. I have finally adjusted to the altitude both physically and mentally. This past Sunday the pastor explained that “Attitude is Altitude,” and I am accepting this thought to the fullest. I am here to not only serve, but connect with others, connect with myself and most importantly connect with my Lord and Savior.
First, I must acknowledge the amazing soccer team that opened up 2010 with an incredible soccer camp. Regardless of how I feel about soccer, I cannot begin to tell you how much of a blessing the camp and the team were to the whole Hawane community. I still see Camp Victory shirts hanging on the stick fences all throughout the community and everyone keeps asking about their coaches. Aside from the huge blessing of leading many Swazi children to Christ, we were also a huge encouragement to the staff at Hawane CLC and the Teen Challenge Lighthouse. Several people have shared how heartening it was to see how well our team bonded with each other over the week, like we’ve known each other for years. Personally, I miss that bond and I can’t wait to see you all again!!!
Connecting with myself- Where to begin? I live in an amazing house just like I’ve always wanted. The first night here was scary but that all changed. The following day, an Australian family with 10 kids came to live with me for a couple of nights. What a blessing it was to learn what it is like to live within a huge family. Everyday I woke up to a 1-year-old baby that only knows how to say “Hello.” Now picture that with a cute little Australian accent. At night we sang praise songs and spent time in prayer as the little children fell asleep to our voices. It was an international experience within another international experience. Right now the biggest thing I am learning about myself is to take control over my mind and exercising what I’ve been learning. When we are made new, sometimes we expect everything to change instantly but for me I needed to exercise a completely new way of thinking. I have finally said "YES Lord, I know you give me authority to have control over my thoughts and I will no longer have a passive mind, which allows Satan to influence freely." Another thing I am learning is to step out of my comfort zone. Actually, I’m pretty sure I don’t know what a comfort zone is anymore!
Connecting with others- EVERYONE and I do mean everyone thinks I am Swazi; not only because my completion matches but also because I wear braids and I carry packages on my head just like several Swazi women. Throughout the community and town, I find people constantly speaking Siswati to me. For the most part, if there’s no translator I just pretend I know what they are saying. On the farm, I really have connected with several of the young ladies here and maybe that’s because at heart I’m a 13-year-old stuck in a 23-year-old body. At the church, one of the coolest things is that I am able to represent our church during a women’s Bible study. These women travel very far to come to Hawane CLC’s Bible study. One day, after the study we gave each woman some of the food packs our church (CLC Dayton) put together. I can’t describe how thankful they were. In particular, there was a woman about 65-70ish who held up the food pack and openly thanked God for always providing. You don’t have to be here in Swaziland to bless those in need and I want to personally thank each and every one of you who participated in the “Kids Against Hunger” food packaging event. From that group of women present, there were 53children represented. Thank you CLC for saying "YES, I can do that!"
Connecting with God- God loves me and I am so thankful that he sent me to what I'm calling "Believer Boot Camp" here in Swaziland. Of course, many people believe the purpose of going on mission trips is so that we can help people in a certain place, but it’s also because God wants you to grow as well. As I had mentioned before, I have eliminated all comfort zones in a matter of two weeks. I find the Holy Spirit taking complete control over my mouth and my whole body. The answer here for me is always "YES!" At home in the U.S., I would always put up some sort of "fight" if I were ask to step into leadership- whether it be something small as in praying out loud, leading a Bible study, or just talking about my beliefs. What I mean by "fight" is that there was always some sort of hesitation that presented itself through fear and/or laziness. Among all the many things He has placed into my understanding in this past month, I wanted to share that it is imperative to continue this “Boot Camp” when I return home; to not let hesitation be the reason someone didn’t get blessed that day. Finally, just say "YES" to Him and then be like Nike.... and just do it!
Posted by Waheedah Pugh who is serving at Hawane CLC until March 31st.
Praise God Almighty for calling me to Swaziland for three months. I am so excited to share with everyone what He is doing in Swaziland, and in particular at Hawane CLC. I have finally adjusted to the altitude both physically and mentally. This past Sunday the pastor explained that “Attitude is Altitude,” and I am accepting this thought to the fullest. I am here to not only serve, but connect with others, connect with myself and most importantly connect with my Lord and Savior.
First, I must acknowledge the amazing soccer team that opened up 2010 with an incredible soccer camp. Regardless of how I feel about soccer, I cannot begin to tell you how much of a blessing the camp and the team were to the whole Hawane community. I still see Camp Victory shirts hanging on the stick fences all throughout the community and everyone keeps asking about their coaches. Aside from the huge blessing of leading many Swazi children to Christ, we were also a huge encouragement to the staff at Hawane CLC and the Teen Challenge Lighthouse. Several people have shared how heartening it was to see how well our team bonded with each other over the week, like we’ve known each other for years. Personally, I miss that bond and I can’t wait to see you all again!!!
Connecting with myself- Where to begin? I live in an amazing house just like I’ve always wanted. The first night here was scary but that all changed. The following day, an Australian family with 10 kids came to live with me for a couple of nights. What a blessing it was to learn what it is like to live within a huge family. Everyday I woke up to a 1-year-old baby that only knows how to say “Hello.” Now picture that with a cute little Australian accent. At night we sang praise songs and spent time in prayer as the little children fell asleep to our voices. It was an international experience within another international experience. Right now the biggest thing I am learning about myself is to take control over my mind and exercising what I’ve been learning. When we are made new, sometimes we expect everything to change instantly but for me I needed to exercise a completely new way of thinking. I have finally said "YES Lord, I know you give me authority to have control over my thoughts and I will no longer have a passive mind, which allows Satan to influence freely." Another thing I am learning is to step out of my comfort zone. Actually, I’m pretty sure I don’t know what a comfort zone is anymore!
Connecting with others- EVERYONE and I do mean everyone thinks I am Swazi; not only because my completion matches but also because I wear braids and I carry packages on my head just like several Swazi women. Throughout the community and town, I find people constantly speaking Siswati to me. For the most part, if there’s no translator I just pretend I know what they are saying. On the farm, I really have connected with several of the young ladies here and maybe that’s because at heart I’m a 13-year-old stuck in a 23-year-old body. At the church, one of the coolest things is that I am able to represent our church during a women’s Bible study. These women travel very far to come to Hawane CLC’s Bible study. One day, after the study we gave each woman some of the food packs our church (CLC Dayton) put together. I can’t describe how thankful they were. In particular, there was a woman about 65-70ish who held up the food pack and openly thanked God for always providing. You don’t have to be here in Swaziland to bless those in need and I want to personally thank each and every one of you who participated in the “Kids Against Hunger” food packaging event. From that group of women present, there were 53children represented. Thank you CLC for saying "YES, I can do that!"
Connecting with God- God loves me and I am so thankful that he sent me to what I'm calling "Believer Boot Camp" here in Swaziland. Of course, many people believe the purpose of going on mission trips is so that we can help people in a certain place, but it’s also because God wants you to grow as well. As I had mentioned before, I have eliminated all comfort zones in a matter of two weeks. I find the Holy Spirit taking complete control over my mouth and my whole body. The answer here for me is always "YES!" At home in the U.S., I would always put up some sort of "fight" if I were ask to step into leadership- whether it be something small as in praying out loud, leading a Bible study, or just talking about my beliefs. What I mean by "fight" is that there was always some sort of hesitation that presented itself through fear and/or laziness. Among all the many things He has placed into my understanding in this past month, I wanted to share that it is imperative to continue this “Boot Camp” when I return home; to not let hesitation be the reason someone didn’t get blessed that day. Finally, just say "YES" to Him and then be like Nike.... and just do it!
Posted by Waheedah Pugh who is serving at Hawane CLC until March 31st.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Waheedah Begins Her Extended Stay Assignment
The soccer camp team not only left a part of our hearts in Swaziland, we left a member of our team! As we departed, Waheedah began an 11-week extended stay assignment with CLC Hawane and Teen Challenge. She moved her belongs from the temporary living quarters at Hawane CLC across the street to Hawane Farm. During her time there, Waheedah will:
*Assit Pastor Augustine with outreach visits to the community and food packet
distributions
*Help Pastor Augustine organize his weekly tasks
*Assist in leading the women's Bible Study and teen girls cell groups
*Tutor kids at Hawane Farm
*Assist Nurse Jane with community health clinics
*Other duties as assigned (This is always the biggest responsibility and the
chance for the greatest growth!)
During the camp, Waheedah became friends with Musa and Jared from Potter's Wheel Church. We are grateful they are there to continue to support her and encourage her. She also connected with several of the teen girls from the community. We know she will be a great source of strength and encouragement to them.... not to mention some one to have fun with!
Please keep Waheedah in your prayers as seen begins this spiritual journey, and be sure to check back with the blog for updates from her.
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