When Gary picked me up at the airport, 6 weeks ago, he brought with him a new spiritual son, Nick.
They both informed me in my jet-lagged state that Nick was adopting an abandon baby for his mother (who lives in the States) and would be staying with us until the adoption went through.
Okay.
Welcome to Africa.
Nokatula and me …
I visited Nokatula in the hospital, she looked to be about 8 months old, she could barely sit, no crawling or standing for this little girl close to 11 months old.
Nokatula was left in the forest to die as a newborn and brought to the hospital by the teenagers that found her.
She never left, until the day she entered our home.
I am ashamed to admit, all I could think was, (just care for her and keep your emotions out of it, you will never survive Africa if you fall apart over every little child).
She showed no expression at all, even while being bathed by a stranger in a strange place.
Everyone thought she was a “good baby’ when she slept 14 hours her first night with us, I was very concerned.
I wanted her to cry, I wanted some reaction from her no matter what it was.
She ate, she slept, she never smiled, and she never laughed.
She had been so neglected that while in a hospital, no one seemed to pick up on the fact that this baby’s lungs where full of fluid.
We took her to the clinic; sure enough…pneumonia.
After just a few days of the proper nutrition, medicine and constant cuddling and LOVE, and a new creature began to emerge.
Where it seemed there was no personality we heard shrieking screams and giggles.
She would even grab our faces in kiss us!
We were given several different translations for the name Nokatula, first “shut up”, then “hush,” finally ” peace or quiet”…it suited her at first, but the longer she was with us, the louder and more animated she became.
Soon she was scooting around the floor and pushing herself up.
Where she was all gums, suddenly teeth started coming in everywhere.
Nokatula’s adoptive mom is here now, pushing the adoption through.
Tami walks in peace through the whole crazy process.
She just knew this baby was hers to love and care for, forever.
I am so happy for both of them…I will always be grateful for the opportunity to continue to watch this little girl grow and blossom into a mighty woman of God.
By the way, I have not been able to “keep my emotions out of it”, every time I see Nokaktula, my heart melts. She reaches out for me, and can’t help but squeeze her and kiss her all over. She will always be our first miracle in Africa.
I have decided what the name Nokatula really means is…”steal your heart”,
LISA YOU R SO BEAUTIFUL I AM SO PROUD OF YOU I WOULD WANT TO KEEP HER TO MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU WHEN HE CREATED YOU HE CREATED A GREAT WOMAN OF GOD ILOVE YOU
this is a wonderful blog. great to be here with you in Nokatula’s homeland.
Lisa!
It is so great to read your blogs! I have enjoyed seeing God working in your life since moving to Africa! What a beautiful story and I am so glad the Nokatula had such wonderful people to give her love!
This reaches in to our heart’s. What a beautiful baby. God certainly had his hands on her.
You look beautiful, I am proud. God has so much to show you and have you help him with in your life. Good job my beautiful faithful servant. Love you Mom
Nokatula crossed the border and went home with her new Mother today….!!!!!!!!
Praise the LORD!!
that’s so exciting! I’m so glad I’m here and I’ve finally gotten to meet you!:) love you much!
Oh you so touched my heart! You are dearly missed Lisa…all of you are so loved…thank you for keeping in touch this way. It is wonderful!!! Did you connect with Tom and Em yet?
You are adored!
awwwwwwww…. it stole my heart. im just so amazed and love you and miss you much…
hugs and so many smooches to you
tatiana
Nokuthula Rose Kesling aka Tula Rose is home! She was amazing on the long journey and slept all but two hours. She has learned how to wave “Hi” and charmed the hearts of all the other passengers. She is already proving to be an awesome testimony of the Lord’s love and provision. Much love and thanks to the entire Black clan for taking us in and supporting us during our time in Swaziland. Many prayers are going up for all the babies of Swaziland. May they all find homes!
All for His glory and honor…Tami
Lisa,
What a blessing it was to meet you and Gary in Swaziland(to help you put a face with a name- we met about a week ago at Carike and Jumbo’s home- I was with the Grace Campus team from Auburn- the one who loved scarves- ha!) You and your husband were a blessing to me- thank you for pouring out over us that night!
I loved this story of Tula- she was actually the first baby I met in Swaziland! It’s great to know she made it home safely and is doing well! If you get a chance, could you send me Tami or Nick’s email address? I have some precious pictures of Nick and Tula from a couple of weeks ago that I thought they might like to have, but I have no way to get in touch with them!
My email is: [email protected]
Blog: http://www.erickabennett.blogspot.com
Your family will remain in my prayers, as will all of Swaziland! I hope it’s in the Lord’s plan for me to return someday… what a beautiful place full of hope and joy! My heart already aches to be able to hold those little ones again…
Salagahle Sisi~
In HIS hands,
Ericka <><
Oh, the power of LOVE!! I “just happened” upon your blogs via Andrew Shearman’s blog, as I am part of Pastor Ted Hanson’s church family here in the States and of course Andrew’s a spiritual Dad to this house also. Blessing upon blessing to your family as you minister His grace and act as His tenderly loving Body embracing, soothing, rocking, cuddling, smiling and nurturing LIFE into each precious child, the DEAREST delights of His Daddy Heart!! May they be delights to yours as well!!