It Never Gets Easier

Today I give tribute to my little friend, Singobile Sibandze "See-(click)oh-bee-lay See-bond-zah"

He passed away at the start of this new year or the term in Swaziland is "he is late".

Those on the Oct. 2008 Oasis Team to Swaziland probably remember him well. He was a "chatter box" and a comic. His verbal English skill was very good even though he struggled with his classwork. The team nicknamed him "Doc". He had never really gotten to go to school much so he joined our 2nd year class and graduated in Dec. of 2008. He had finished grade 3 in the public school last Dec.

Over holiday this year he had gone to stay with his "gogo" (grandmother). She had done what her tradition and upbringing had taught her. She took him off his medications and gave him "traditional healing" treatments. He became sick and dehydrated and his health spiraled downward. In a matter of just a few weeks (holiday is from beginning of Dec. to middle of Jan.) he was gone.

It never gets any easier to say goodbye. But God is faithful and I know He was with Doc through it and they are together in heaven where there is no sickness. I am thankful to be here to touch these lives that might only be here for a short time. To tell them God loves them and has not and will not ever forget them. To say that their lives matter.

Farewell Doc!!! I'm sure God is smiling and laughing in heaven at your stories!!