At the start of the year, most of us had not heard of Covid19. Certainly, it was not part of my lexicon. Today it is one of the most recognized terms globally. Last time I checked, 234,218 people had died from the virus in the US alone and 1,187,734 globally. For many, these are just disconcerting stats; for those who are affected either through disease or loss, it is a nightmare that seems to have no end. I thank God that though the plague passed through my household, by a miracle of God’s mercy, my husband, who was given a death sentence is more vibrant, healthier and more alive than he was before he was affected. I am grateful that I, as an unprepared care giver, with not so much as a mask or gloves available at the time, remained untouched by the scourge. For me, it is a testament to the power of prayer.
In Eswatini, where SOHO is serving, many don’t have masks, and some share to meet Government regulations. Food shortages have been most keenly felt by children who got what often was a solitary daily meal at school. School was also a safe place, so abuse is a greater threat than before.
I believe in shining a light rather than cursing the darkness. SOHO’s feeding program at Mhlosheni Welcome Place is serving 150 children. They line up in shifts, social distancing, collecting their food and returning to their homesteads to eat. Close to the center of town in the Nhlambeni area, SOHO has been providing food from INTSABA farm for another 145 children.