By Susan Carson
 I’ve hesitated to write about the trip because I simply don’t have words to express what I saw and experienced. It will take months, years, maybe a lifetime, to absorb the reality of it. It was overwhelming. I’ve cried a lot. And prayed a lot. And I’ve experienced God’s heart in ways I could not have otherwise. God broke my heart in Soweto, and a piece of it remains there.

My heart aches for all the people who are suffering. But I believe deeply that God wants to display his glory, his healing, in South Africa. I am easily overwhelmed. But God is not. I feel smaller. But He is bigger to me now than he has ever been. ...

We encountered the reality of AIDS immediately. ... I would meet many others during our visit. No family is untouched.Now, the details. At Zeke Swift’s invitation (for which I am forever grateful), I traveled with a team (an amazing team) as part of the Southern Africa HIV/AIDS Collaboration (SAHAC). We stayed at a wonderful little bed and breakfast in Soweto, Mama Lolo’s guesthouse. Mama Lolo is an amazing woman, a leader in the community with such a heart to see God move. We encountered the reality of AIDS immediately. Mama Lolo’s neice and her neice’s daughter are HIV positive. I would meet many others during our visit. No family is untouched.