The story of two brothers

Every journey, every road, every story has it's ups and downs. Today is a down. ...or is it an up?

My team and I dearly love each and every single child we know in Swaziland but there are a few that hold a special place in our hearts. Sandziso is one of these children.

Sandziso and his brother Zolani attend the DIC. They are two young boys who have seen more heartache than you or I will ever see. I have never seen such a genuine love between two brothers in my life. Both HIV positive, they have had their share of overnights in the hospital. When one was sick, the other was by his side crying. I don't just mean some tears rolling down the cheeks, I mean a belly cry. The one that comes from so deep within.

Despite their unstable health, they are amongst the most cheerful and silly children I know. Sandziso has a huge smile full of rotten teeth and eyes that twinkle. Zolani is my little old man. He's got the sense of humor and mannerisms of a grandpa; always slapping his knee, winking and pointing at you. Both boys very smart and at the top of their class. Together, they are two peas in a pod.

Yesterday, they were walking down the huge hill near their house. A kumbi (15 passenger van that functions like a taxi) driving up the hill decided to pass the car in front of it. Unable to see Zolani and Sandziso, he continued to pass. It was then that the kumbi hit Sandziso.

Zolani ran to his side and knew he neeed to get help. He charged down the rest of the hill to the Drop-In Center to get Gogo Abner. Sandziso was still breathing when they returned. They rushed him to the government hospital only minutes down the road. The doctors ran x-rays on his little body. ...and that's it. It makes me so mad to know that the hospitals in Swaziland don't have proper resources to help in these urgent situations.

Four hours later, at 6 pm Sandziso passed away. Zolani knows his beloved brother has passed but cries out for him asking where Sandziso is.

Please pray for Zolani, their family, Gogo and the children at the Center. The heartache I feel is only magnituted in each one of them. I've spent months with precious Sandziso, they've spent years. My fear is wondering how Zolani will cope with his brothers death. Please pray for a peace and understanding in his heart.

So although today would probably be looked at and placed on the down side of the list, it is actually an up. Although we are hurting here on earth, Sandziso is pain free in Heaven singing praises to our Father. His body is now free of HIV. He is reunited with his mother and father whom he has never had the opportunity to know here on earth. I am witnessing God's divine plan as He has sent me to Swaziland during this time to mourn with and bring comfort to Sandziso's family.

I'll be sure to update you during my trip. Thank you for your prayers and please help me celebrate the life of Sandziso through some pictures of him below.
Some school work Sandziso did. So proud of him


Hard at work make art with flowers


What a scary tiger!


My little goof ball


Haha how can you not love him?

Here's a video of some of the boys playing in a river. Zolani has on the green shirt and Sandziso has his shirt off with blue sweat pants on. Not the best video but it gives you an idea of their personalites. They're the best!