He came and sat on my lap at lunch on our trip to South Africa. When all the other children left to go have playtime, he stayed.
We sat together. I hugged him tight.
I talked to him (even though we spoke a different language). And he clung to my “Expect Miracles” necklace and turned it over and over, rubbing his little hands on the words.
When it was finally time to go, he clung to me. Someone had to pry him off of me. And my heart just about broke right in two.
I don’t know his story. I don’t know the difficulties he experiences at home or if he has parents or if he lives in one of the many child-headed families in this area.
But my heart is grateful that he’s not alone. He’s part of a class at the Reagaboka Centre — an amazing center run by a dedicated staff who are committed to feeding, teaching, caring for, loving on, and providing a safe and clean environment for these very vulnerable kids to go to every day.
And I’m so grateful that he gets to go to a clean and cheery classroom everyday that you all helped to build.
When we visited, the director of the Centre told us with tears in her eyes how the 2-classroom building is changing lives and how they had prayed and prayed for God to provide a building there. They had land given to them by the local chief, they had plans for a building, but they had no money.
Little did we know, when God brought me to South Africa back in January of 2015, that we were going to get to be a small part of that miracle!
{photo from October’s trip when we unveiled this two-classroom building!}
First, you all banded together and bought my Make Over Your Mornings course and funded the two-classroom building — which we got to unveil on our last trip to South Africa (see all the pictures and read all about that unveiling here).
And now, because you purchased Make Over Your Year and Make Over Your Evenings, you helped to almost finish funding a much larger Community Building (see the unfinished building in the background in the photo above).
{You can see the progress that has happened on this building since the beginning of the year with this photo.}
This building is going to serve a HUGE need in this community. Plus, this Centre will be able to receive a lot more monthly income from government grants and stipends because of having the building — which will allow them to be able to make a difference in even more children’s lives.
Jesse and I stood in the almost-finished building together and there were tears in our eyes and a lump in our throats to think that God would use us as part of the conduits for this long-prayed-for building.
God worked out so many crazy details for that to happen. As we stood in on that ground that day, we realized afresh that He is a miracle-working God.
I want to go through life living in faith and obedience… Expecting miracles! Because, as I witnessed so clearly in South Africa, God is still in the miracle-working business!
Jessica says
I love, love, LOVE your blog. I was born and raised in South Africa. I moved to the states 6 months ago. It is so touching to see what you are doing in South Africa. God sure is working some great miracles. I hope to return each year and help contribute to the beautiful community I grew up in. Africa has a way of sneaking into your heart and never leaving.
Crystal Paine says
Aw, thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement! They really blessed me!
Kat says
I love your family. So many times I hear Christian bloggers or motivational speakers or radio hosts talk about how having money, nice vacations is not wrong–well there is an opportunity cost–this! I love you and your family for knowing that joy comes from giving. Not getting. Give like no one else. I am forever supportive…
Debbie says
The story touched me in so many ways. The child on your lap demonstrates the power of loving and how little of that so many children receive. The miracle of the building that will be his safe place reminds me God caring about every aspect of this child’s life. As we face God dreams it also reminded me that our God gives dreams and makes miracles happen to accomplish them. Thank you Crystal for your obedience and heart to be God’s partner in Miracles.
Cathy @ tips4livingbetter.com says
Thank you for sharing with us these heart felt stories.
lisalyn says
Best photo of the year!
The photo of your pendant in that beautiful little hand speaks so much!
Rosanna says
What a beautiful story! Thanks so much for sharing. It’s so neat that you have been able to help do so much for these people and that you are able to go and see the progress. What a blessing.
Francesca Mazzotta says
This is just absolutely wonderful. Thank you so much for doing this and having this heart for these children. I am so touched by reading and seeing this, it is exactly what I needed this morning. I came to your site through seeing your link for a Joann Fabric 50% off coupon , but BOY am I ever glad I did! Thank you again. This is very inspirational. God Bless you all. -Francesca
RAMS says
Hi Crystal, could you please give me the link for donation site you published here before? I am sorry I forgot its like 10 dollars for 10tribe or something. I wasn’t able to before but I would like to do now. Thank you
Crystal Paine says
Yes! It’s the Ten Dollar Tribe! You can read more about it here: https://moneysavingmom.com/2015/02/day-weve-anticipating-months-finally.html
KIm Dunn Iosia says
LOVE This Post So Much!!! Thank you so much for sharing!! Where could I get a Expect Miracles Necklace?! I would love to get one and also order one for a friend that is struggling!! Be Blessed!!
Crystal Paine says
It’s available through Cents of Style.
Alicia says
This is so amazing Crystal, and a privilege for us to read and be a part of in this small way.
Diane says
Wow, what an amazing story of God using His people to work a miracle in the lives of many. It brought tears to my eyes just reading this wonderful post. Thank you for sharing!
Emily says
I have been a loyal follower for over 6 years and THIS has to be one of my all time favorite posts!!!?? congratulations and thank you for sharing the journey with us!!
Crystal Paine says
Thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement! I’m so grateful you loved the post!
Katy says
What a beautiful story!