Re-Joyce in the Lord

Most people in South Africa have house help. Including us. It is definitely a blessing which I am very thankful for, although it was difficult for me to get used to at first. Joyce, who works in our home, is a pure delight. She always has a smile on her face and is a blast to be around. She is an incredibly hard worker, often helping me cook as well as clean the house and wash laundry.

But Joyce is more than a “domestic worker”; she is also a friend. I’ve celebrated her children’s birthdays with her family (in fact, her daughter Nomboso turned 9 yesterday), and I’ve mourned with her over the loss of her loved ones.

Since yesterday, I haven’t been feeling well. I’ve had a fever off and on, but mostly it’s my sore and swollen throat that is bothering me. This morning was particularly rough; I took a slow morning before finally crawling out of my bedroom. When Joyce saw me, she asked, “What’s wrong?” (That tells you how great I looked!) After telling her that I wasn’t feeling well, she asked, “Can I pray for you?” She then hugged me and prayed for me in Sesotho.

While I still feel yucky on the outside, that moment with Joyce this morning warmed my heart…

Comments

15 Responses to “Re-Joyce in the Lord”
  1. Andrew Ronzino says:

    Thanks, it’s good to be back. :-)

    I know this has no meaning in SA, but, Happy 4th of July!

    Love you,
    Brother Bean!

  2. Alece says:

    Well, we still celebrate! We’re taking all our staff, outreach staff, and our visiting mission team out to the Spur tonight (local restaurant). After dinner, they are going to bring out sparklers for everybody and play “Born in the USA” over the sound system! Should be fun times!

    Happy Fourth of July!

  3. Anonymous says:

    Sorry to hear you are not feeling well. Praying for your healing.
    :)
    Roo’s Mom

  4. amy ellison says:

    heart warming indeed!

    i’ve heard it’s dirt cheap to have help in some countries.

    this story reminds me of a scene from the movie Crash…

  5. danielle says:

    That’s great that you have help and a friend!

    Have a good 4th of July!! Sounds fun — I remember one year specifically rafting on the Zambezee (sp?) on the 4th!

  6. danielle says:

    and feel better :)

  7. Andrew Ronzino says:

    When I was there for my missions trip, we when there for the 4th! It was a lot of fun!

  8. Natalie says:

    That was a great story.

  9. Alece says:

    Thanks for all the prayers and feel-betters. I’m still not feeling the greatest, but yes mom (and Christen!), I’m taking my vitamins! :-)

  10. Andrew Ronzino says:

    I’m happy then. :-)

  11. Amy says:

    Hope you’re feeling better Kitty :) Thinking of you… Maymes

  12. Rikki says:

    If you’re feeling homesick drop by http://gimmeyourstuff.blogspot.com
    where you can set up cultural exchanges all round the world! We’d love to get some people in SA involved!!
    Rikki
    Australian Ambassador for Gimme Your Stuff

  13. Ellie says:

    Hallo i am Ellie From Holland
    I enjoyed your site
    especially the pictures
    They are beautiful.
    Greetings Ellie

  14. Abigail says:

    She was a friend to you, because you have always been a friend – respectful and kind; concerned and no “color” barrier; encouraging and smiling! You reaped what you have sown. And Joycee will in turn reap…changing a country one-at-a-time! You are a Missionary indeed! I’m proud of you.

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