The other week I had one of the most touching moments of my trip. Cindy and I had planned on having over the four youngest Kuyasa Kids, all the 12-year-olds.

One of those little ones is actually a child that I sponsor through Horizon International. I truly love this little girl, she is shy and very intelligent, and it takes some time for her to warm up and come out of her shell. I have loved watching her grow over the last year. On the tour a year ago I was blessed to spend some good time with her – and when we reunited on this last tour I was greeted with a huge hug.

Cindy and I were going to stop by the homes of all the girls that were going to spend the night so that we could touch base with their parents and make sure it was alright for them each to come over. My little one was the last home that we went to visit and serious arthritis made it so that her grandmother could not get out of bed. The shack in which they live is very small – it’s the size of one small American bedroom and it is divided into a kitchen and bedroom. Resting on a slope the shack leans down the hill.

We sat at her bedside and spoke with her about her arthritis and about our plans for the overnight with the young girl sitting beside us. I sat there and wondered if I should mention that I’m the person that sponsors her grandchild. But as our conversation finished up I felt like it was probably not necessary.

I began to walk out of the shack when suddenly the grandmother began to ask a question. Cindy stopped and the grandmother asked again, “Where is Kholisa’s mother?” Cindy was sort of confused by the question and then Kholisa spoke and pointed to me as I walked back into the tiny room. “So you are Kholisa’s mom,” she said with a big smile on her face, Kholisa bashfully began to cover her face. I told her that I am and began to tell her how much I love this child and how special she is to me. Then the grandmother said, “Well this child loves you!” Kholisa continued to cover her face and I put my arms around her and embraced her.

It was such a special moment for me. First it was an affirmation that all the time and love that I’m pouring out is being received and felt. And it was also a reminder of the value that is placed on my relationship with this family. Culturally they view me as a mother to this dear child – and it touches me deeply.