Well we have
reached the half way point and as always it hasn’t been the easiest part of the
trip. We are now transitioning into countdown
mode. You start to realize how the time has flown but how much you still have
left of it. Earlier this week I found
out that my great uncle Jim had passed away. I was beginning to feel more
homesick than ever, but the family that God has provided me with here has been
so comforting. Knowing that I’ll see him again someday and be able to tell him
face to face about what happened here gives me an overwhelming sense of joy.
As a team we have
all gotten close through not only doing ministry together but through living
together as well. As the weeks go on our
bond as sisters and brothers has grown rapidly. Our lives have routine to them now, although in Swaziland you
have to be extremely flexible, because plans tend to change on the drop of a
hat. We do our different ministries
until about 4:00 in the afternoon then we head home to do chores just in time
to watch the sunset. It is beautiful. It’s during those times on the balcony, just
sitting, that I have felt God’s presence the most.
July 4th : There’s no other
place I’d rather be than right here, right now, watching and hearing the wind
hit the tree leaves. I close my eyes and the sound sooths my soul. My heart is growing more in love with God as
the day goes on. Without the distraction of my ipod I forget sometimes how to just
sit and hear God but he has been keeping conversation with me all day.
It
is in these times of rejuvenation that I am able to go and play with kids knowing
that it is for a bigger reason than to simply play day in and day out. Last week
at the Mongoneni care point we gave each kid a simple bead bracelet. It was
your average VBS bracelet with the black, red, and various other colors. We
made up a song to go with the bracelet that coincided to the story of Jesus’
life. Although to some of us this seems very plain and maybe a little over done
in the vacation bible school world, the kids have been singing the song
everyday and continue to ask us what they mean. I keep praying that their little
hearts and ears will be opened up to understand who Jesus is and that their hope
is put in him despite their circumstances.
As
my love grows for Jesus, my team-mates, and the children I have met here I pray
that your hearts are growing more in love with Jesus too. I read this verse the
other day and want to share it with you to strengthen you as you walk out life
with Jesus and each other:
Ephesians 1: 17-19
I ask
that the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory, to make you
intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and
clear, so that you can see exactly what it is He is calling you to do, grasp
the immensity if this glorious way of life he has for Christians, oh, the utter
extravagance of His work in us who trust him-endless energy, boundless
strength.
I
have been experiencing the joy of God’s family here and I can’t express enough
how great his love is for each of us. I love you all and I can’t wait to tell
you more stories of how God is working in this place. Please continue to keep
my family in your prayers and for the ministry that’s going on here.
