Shoes and hearts....

Shoes and hearts....both were left today. There aren't words to describe the emotions running through church today. It seems like such a small gesture, to simply leave your shoes, and it is. For us anyways. I mean, Preacher Timmy was right on when he said that our small gift of shoes doesn't effect us much. We all have more shoes, many people right in their bags to replace the ones they left. Most of us in the car. But to an outsider, someone who wasn't in that building today to feel the unification this small act brought to our church, is indescribable. People of all ages came together to make a difference in another person's life. Isn't that what the Bible tells us to do. To give of ourselves, not so that we are hurting, but to share our blessings so that others can feel God's love too. To see children taking off their shoes and leaving them, to know that for some in our congregation, leaving their shoes was all they could do to make a difference. We all have to make a choice, to decide what is important to us. And if leaving your shoes is the most you can do, then you have done enough. The unifying factor though, is that we can all feel like we have made a difference in Swaziland. That someone in that sweet country will be blessed by the shoes we have sent. To know that our church will be walking around together in Swaziland...maybe not physically, but definitely in spirit.

Shoes (and hearts) for Swaziland

I can't believe how close Sept. 8 is! Only a week and a half away. It's unbelievable that the trip of a lifetime is just around the corner. I'm almost packed and we're still waiting on our supplies to arrive.

Today in church is sure to be an emotional event. We have been asking Diane what are some of the greatest needs of the community served by Children's Cup and time again she responded with "shoes". There are so many children who walk miles to reach the carepoints in search of love, food, and help that don't have any shoes. As a way to get the entire church family involved in the upcoming mission trip, Preacher Timmy has asked that everyone wear shoes that they are willing to give away. At the end of the service, everyone will take off their shoes and leave them on the altar, then in unity we will all leave barefooted just as those who are in Swaziland do. The children will leave their shoes as they exit to Children's Church. I don't think there will be words to describe this event, but I will try to get some pictures. It is our hopes that our church will feel unified in our efforts for Swaziland. They have been supportive in so many ways and hopefully this ceremony will help them feel included in our small team's experience.

I had hoped to wear my new shirt today, it reads Jesu uya kutsandza, which is Siswati for "Jesus Loves you!" It hasn't arrived, but I do think I will dress as I will in Swaziland today. Long skirt, tshirt, and of course I will be leaving my shoes on the altar, and for many more their hearts too.