Erica Zeiler
Dear Junior High Peeps (and everyone else I love),
No lions, no elephants, no people in tribal clothes. No Lion King tree of life, no monkeys all over the street, and no crazy face paint. Driving into Swaziland for the first time will blow your mind.
It is full of rolling hills and beautiful country side.
And as we crossed the border from South Africa my mind started trying so hard to paint a lasting picture of this tiny wonder of the world. It’s a small country full of loving people and smiling children. Just like the saying goes never judge a book by its cover. Don’t judge a child by her smile. On the outside this small girl looks happy and content but asking a few general questions you come to find out she does not have a normal child hood. She is twelve years old has already lost her father at age six, had a step father
walk out on her family after beating the children, and is now taking care of her mother dying of aids, as well as her four younger sisters. Oh my lord, help this poor girl, poor baby, may be some things that come to your mind, but the sad fact is that this is as common in Swazi as having a pet in the United States. This precious child of God however does not complain or feel sorry for herself, but instead rejoices that her God has given her strength! My prayer each day has been “God please make me as strong as this young girl.”
After hearing so many heart wrenching stories from these small children the only words I feel are appropriate to describe them are…
When peace like a river of attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll,
whatever my lot You have taught me to say…
it is well, with my soul…
It is well, it is well
Through the storm I am held,
It is well, it is well
God has won Christ prevailed,
It is well It is well with my soul.
Despite all the hurt the joy of Christ over comes it all. Blessed is an understatement and I know each one of my team members will join in singing with me as we proclaim the raining of God’s love in this Country of courage.
Love Bailey
P.S. Someone please tell Seth to print this off and read it to the middle school youth groupJ Thanks love ya’ll and miss everyone tones! And I can email so send me an email if you have time!!! xoxoxo
Hey Parents of Swaziland lets exchange contact information so we can help support one another while our girls are gone. Our email is [email protected] phone is 205-987-7842
David and Sharon Hazouri, Baileys Parents
Hey Bailey,
I was so excited to see a message from you! Sounds like you are having a great impact on the children you are meeting. Im sure they are having an impact on you.
We are so proud of you! Keep up the Good Work!!
Auburn is still undefeated!!!! War Eagle!!!
Mike and Lee Ann send their love! We are with them this weekend.
We love you,
Mom and Dad
i’ve only heard that song maybe twice in your car but it is perfect for your message.
continue to do great things. i love and miss you.
love,
Lucas P. Higgins IV
Bailey, thank you for your touching account of what God is doing in the children’s hearts there. It makes me stop and thank God for all He has blessed me with and to remember “it is well with my soul” no matter what pain we are living with. Give Laura a big hug for me. God bless and keep you!
Bailey, I was reading your above letter and did not realize until the end that it was you that wrote this! This is the first time on this site and I was thinking this was from one of the leaders! Your passion and writing floor me! You have a special gift that most of us will never understand! I’m so proud of you and this special time will be with you for your entire life! Hug as many beautiful children for me and hug yourself! You make me proud!!
Love you!
Aunt Debra
We love you Bailey! We will definitely read it to all of the youth this Sunday. You are awesome and we are praying for you! May God pour out His blessings to you!
In Him,
Seth and Natalie
Bailey, you are right where God needs you. We will also be praying for you to have the strength to show God’s love to all you encounter. But knowing you it is already there.
Ben and Angela