Legacy Books

April 2009 from Morgan McKeown's Blog, www.morganmckeown.theworldrace.org ... At 26 years old, Dudu is grappling with the reality that she will not get to see Sinetemba past his infancy. She won't have the luxury of hearing his first word, telling him bedtime stories, or kissing his scraped knee. She will never get to see her beautiful, thirsty, baby boy grow into a man, wave goodbye to him on his first day of school, or teach him to tie his shoe. When he cries she won't be there to circle her arms around him and whisper that everything will be all right. Her death will come before she knows if he has escaped the monster we call AIDS.

Most likely, Dudu has a few weeks left; maybe it's a few days. I have no pat answers, no beautifully articulated words of hope, but I know that God holds her during this time as she looks into eternity.

What if we could work with parents like Dudu and write out their stories, their advice, and their love notes, as a legacy for their children? What if we could take family pictures, and make something beautiful to leave for those who are left behind?

Today... In the summer of 2009, working with Adventures in Missions, we were able to complete over 30 legacy books for families in Swaziland. Since then four of the parents we worked with have passed away. This year we hope to extend the project to more families.

A legacy book costs about $30 to compile. Will you consider sponsoring one today?

Your gift will...

Give a mother or father with HIV/AIDS peace as they prepare for death.

Allow an orphaned son or daughter a tangible way to know their parent’s love, stories, hopes and dreams.

Provide beautiful portraits of loved ones for a family who likely has no photos.

From the 2009 Legacy Books

Shongani Dlamini – Mother to Nzuzo a 9 year old son and Nokwenza a 2 year old daughter.

“When I was young I wanted to be a dentist. I was able to finish school and learn English. My dreams changed after I had children, and life changed even more once I was diagnosed with HIV, now I cannot work. Today I find joy in counseling others about HIV/AIDS.

“Nzuzo and Nokwenza I hope that you know to watch out for HIV/AIDS because it kills. I want you to learn that Jesus is the answer to everything. If you know those things you can have successful lives. I desire for you to know the right way so you can learn from my mistakes. I hope you live better lives than I was able to.”


Nurse Mngometulu – Mother to Candy and Zenda, daughters, 11 and 8 years old

“Candy, I love to dance with you, especially when there is a traditional wedding. Zenda, I love it when you sing. Girls, I want you to know that I tried really hard to take care of you and I want you to continue going to school. Above all else know that God is alive and He is able to help you.”


Nkosingiphile Mamba – Father to Sphumelelo Mamba – 6 year old son

“Sphumelelo I love to be with you. I am happy that you are alive and that you are never sick. When I am gone I hope that you remember how every day I gave you sweets and carried you around. I also want you to remember that when you came home I asked how your day was. I care about you.

“I hope that you have a long life. I think that you will grow up and become a teacher because you have a very good mind. Sphumelelo, I cannot live without you. It's a joy to spend the day with you, hear your stories, then put you on my shoulders and listen to you laugh. My legacy to you is that you would put God in everything that you do and follow Jesus, and that someday you would love your children the way I love you.”