“Where Love Found Me: My Time in Nsoko”

There are places you visit, and then there are places that become part of you. For me, Nsoko specifically the Mahlabaneni Carepoint has become a piece of my heart that I know I’ll carry forever.
The Carepoint sits right at the front of the community, almost like a heartbeat that breathes life, joy, and hope into everyone who walks through its gates. What made it even more meaningful was watching my leader, Abby, return to the place where her own journey began. Her World Race team was the very first to ever come to Mahlabaneni, and now she’s back, leading mine. It’s a full circle story only God could write.
“This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.” — Psalm 118:23

Happiness — The Shepherd With the Biggest Heart
From the moment I met her, I felt it Happiness lives up to her name. She is a shepherd in every sense of the word, constantly going out of her way to make people feel loved, welcomed, and cared for. She pours her whole heart into the kids, walking to and from the Carepoint every day with joy that inspires everyone around her.
What a blessing she is. What a disciple of the Most High King.
“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” — Proverbs 11:25

Lindo — A Friend Full of Light
Lindo is one of those people who brings fun everywhere she goes. She taught us dances, played with us, and served beside Happiness with such joy. The sweetest part? She grew up at the Carepoint herself. Now at 19, she’s returned to give the younger kids what was once given to her.
“Let your light shine before others.” — Matthew 5:16

Sporo — Joy in Human Form
And then there’s Sporo everyone’s favorite. At 19, he also grew up at the Carepoint and now comes back to give the kids the same sense of belonging he once felt. He brought laughter, friendship, and life to every single day. He joked with us, cared for us, and made us feel part of something bigger.
His famous daily phrase:
“EAT FAST!”
He will forever be part of my World Race story.
“A cheerful heart is good medicine.” — Proverbs 17:22

Innocence — The Little Girl Who Changed Me
There are no words big enough for this one. Innocence is a 3-year-old girl who ran to me every single day with the tightest hug and the brightest smile. I came here expecting to pour out but God poured into me through her. Her presence brought me so much joy and made me feel so deeply loved.
She is forever part of me now.
“Let the little children come to me.” — Matthew 19:14

Pumba — Quiet, Sweet, and So Deeply Loved
Sweet Pumba. Soft-spoken, shy, gentle and incredibly precious. Even though we’re complete opposites personality wise, we connected instantly. She held my hand all day, every day. She’s walked through so much, yet her spirit is tender and beautiful. I hope she always knows how valued she is.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” — Psalm 34:18

The Soccer Boys — My Barcelona Team
Samkelo, Tumelo, Luwandile, and Cemusa were such unexpected blessings. Every day they’d shout, “Niom! Come play, my friend!” (They couldn’t say Naomi, so Niom stuck)
We played soccer like our lives depended on it and yes, Team Barcelona remained undefeated.
They cheered every goal like it was: a championship, and after playing we would sit on the tires at the Carepoint as they taught me Siswati.
“Rejoice always.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Deli & Sekile — The Leaders Behind the Scenes
These two coordinate all the Carepoints in Nsoko, and the amount they pour out is unbelievable. They support every volunteer, every shepherd, and every child with strength and grace. Their leadership makes so much possible.
“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” — Mark 10:43

Zola — Faith That Walks Without Sight
Zola is a blind man who walks alone to the Carepoint every day. Though he has never been healed physically, his faith is radiant. Despite waking up blind every morning, he still proclaims, “God is good.” His life is a testimony in itself.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7


These people and T hese stories are only a fraction of what God has done in Nsoko and in me. I came to serve, but I learned that love is never one way. It multiplies. It returns. It transforms.
Thank you, Jesus, for this beautiful community. Thank you for giving me a heart for the nations. And thank you for teaching me to love big, to see people deeply, and to step boldly into the places You call me.
“Here am I. Send me.” — Isaiah 6:8

I am still 73% funded and so so grateful! I know the Lord will provide, if you would like to support me through prayer, connection or financially anything is appreciated!! Love y’all so much and happy Thanksgiving!!