Each birthday comes with its own special gift, for each specific age. When our children turn 13-years-old they get almost everyone’s favorite gift … cash (and candy). They receive their first handwritten card (a big deal here), a bag of candy bars and E200 (equivalent of $11 US) and get to choose a friend to go to town to spend their money. They can buy anything they want from clothes, shoes, snacks, sunglasses etc. We have had six children receive this gift and EVERY one of them used some of their money to buy treats for everyone in their home (40 kids plus staff!) That’s just who these kids are.

Yesterday we were able to take Caleb (friend Matthew), Emmanuel (friend John), Miriam (friend Sarah) as well as Uncle Likhwa, Hannah Gaddis and Laurie MacPherson. We went to Matsapha and first exchanged their “fake money” for real Swazi money. Then we explained each store and the quality of items found in each. We talked about the pros and cons of the “sale rack”, buying one item as opposed to buying many and showed them what the costs are of more expensive items like a couch, high-end soccer cleats or sunglasses. Then they went to check out and they learned how to pay for things, be sure to check the change given, and check their receipt. All good learning.

Each teen had their own ideas and they bought clothes, necklaces and then LOTS of special snack and bakery goods to enjoy with their brothers and sisters. Hannah told one of the clerks about what the kids were doing and the lady gave Miriam E20 as a birthday gift! No one was more surprised that Miriam! Laurie offered to buy everyone a treat and we headed to KFC to get an ice cream cone. When the kids (and staff) learned that French fries (called “chips” here) were an option, everyone chose chips over ice cream.

I love these kids so much. Each with their unique personality, each with their own taste in clothes, style and thoughts. And we love teenagers! Yes. I said it. And I look forward to watching these kids grow and develop in the years ahead.

Ian and I want to take this opportunity to thank EVERYONE who bought diapers, school supplies, sports equipment and even bed sheets for our children from the 2024 Diaper Drive. We have extended shopping through Sunday since we are short a few hundred boxes of diapers to help us get through another year. If you would click this link for the first time (or one more time) and see what we still need, we would be so very thankful.

We hope everyone is having a wonderful summer!

Janine Maxwell, Heart for Africa COO and Co-founder