The bigger picture – Day 11

Joyela is only a speck on the map of Swaziland and the Matjetjeni Care Point is nothing more than a little building with a roof.

It is here that I met the most wonderful people. I met women from the surrounding community who come and teach a group of children. These children cannot attend the government schools, as they cannot afford it. At Matjetjeni, they receive something to eat and are taught to read and write – nothing more and nothing less.

These children come from very poor circumstances and in their community, “the feared illness” has taken its toll. Bongiwe Shongwe was hardly nine years old with a pretty face and the most beautiful smile. She was not shy and posed for me. She smiled broadly and enjoyed the attention as only a child could. While photographing her, I wondered about her future. What will become of this little girl? Will she be given all the opportunities she deserves? Will she be lucky not to get infected?

I had the opportunity to capture the bigger picture. It was one of people who care and who are prepared to help. People who are set to make sacrifices for others. They live their faith in a practical manner.

We know that neighbourly love is not about the question of who is my neighbour. It is about those to whom I can be a neighbour. There are thousands of believers who reach out to others on a daily basis, as in the case of Joyela. These outreaches happen in different ways, but there is one common divisor. This is obedience to the obligation that Jesus gave us.

“Love your neighbour as you love yourself.”

This assignment requires self-sacrifice and an open eye for others’ needs. This assignment asks of me to move out of my comfort zone and to get involved.