by Denise McCleese

This evening as we drove back to the Care Pointe from a homestead visit we were guided by the most beautiful sunset lowering across the African plain. With tears still flowing down my cheeks from our homestead visit, I reflected on God’s beauty that has no geographical boundaries. God prompted my heart to also reflect on the things that connect our hearts that aren’t limited by our ability to speak the same language.

Psalm 126:2, Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.

On our first night team debrief after visiting the Care Pointe, our team talked about how limiting it felt to not be able to talk with the kids and some of the bomake (volunteers at the Care Pointe). Three days ago this seemed like something worthy to discuss; today it feels so insignificant. The first moment God moved in my heart that language didn’t matter was a sweet time handing out goodie bags and food with the bomake . We were in their outdoor kitchen area and we began to dance and as we danced we laughed and as we laughed we danced more. It was a beautiful moment with NO music and NO words but our hearts united in ways I have never connected with many who I communicate words with daily. We have had many moments that laughter connected our hearts over the past several days. Children from Swaziland and America playing games like net ball and soccer, drawing together, blowing bubbles together and dancing together. I have watched and participated as laughter and smiles have connected hearts and eliminated what once felt as barriers. One of my most joyous moments as a mom is watching my children laugh together, isn’t this how God must have felt as He watched His children laugh together. Can’t you just imagine it? Him saying this is how it’s supposed to be. Laugh together. Love one another.

1 John 4:11-12 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

Love and laughter unite our hearts in ways we may not be able to fully understand but the instant it happens we know it. I think it is similar to how we often cannot describe the joy and love of the Lord. It is a deep joy in our hearts and a love in our souls that deeply connects us to God. The God who created and loves us. Who is the same God who created and loves the people of Swaziland. Love, laughter and Jesus speak one language for one people, God’s beloved children.