Sharing my journal

Ok, friends. I am home now and after celebrating 3 birthdays, getting over jet lag, starting our new school year and fitting in everything else that makes up my life, I am ready to start sharing my trip to Swaziland. As time allows, I plan to share my handwritten journal from my trip. I would have loved to have kept it up electronically, but internet was random and typing for long periods of time on my phone just wasn't fun. Anyway, I hope you will enjoy sharing my laughter and my tears during my amazing time. I apologize for being so far behind, but hope the wait will have been worth it.

Swaziland!

We finally made it to Swaziland Friday morning after a long day in the airport of London. We never got the chance to go into London because we had to first make sure we had a seat on the plane and by the time that was done there wasnt ime without running the chance of missing our flight. Since our arrival we have had a delicious cooked dinner and breakfast. After a good nights sleep in an actual bed we had the energy to enjoy a little shopping. The area we are in is beautiful, with prevalent reminders of the poverrty in this country. The carepoints we learned are closed on the weekends. Saturdays they have begun closing because the children and others travel far away to visit extended family which is too far for them to walk. Sundays are closed for church. Our work will begin in earnest on Monday morning, although I feel like we have done wonders for our local missioanries from Piney Grove. I cant imagine what it must do for their spirits to be surrounded by their home church family. Hugs from home can do wonders for the soul. A bag of home favorites (A-1, coffee, spices, dips) will keep their spirits up when we leave. We are having a fabulous time learning about the Swazi culture, trying to learn Swazi congenialities (like which hand to shake with and how to shake hands) I am excited to go to church tomorrow and participate in the Siswati service. Waiting to see how God continues to use us.

Across the pond

Well...looks like we'll be spending the day in London. So instead of a long flight with a night in Johannesberg, we'll be taking a shorter flight across the pond theough the night. Spend the day in London and sleep again on the way to Johannesberg. Works for me!!

Africa...here we come?

After an emotional goodbye with some sad boys, we were on the road. Camden was not happy I was leaving, which led Dylan to being upset. But I reminded them that I was their gift to the children of Swaziland. That they are sharing me with boys and girls that don't have a mommy.

Right now we are sitting in Washington Dulles airport having missed our connection to Johannesburg. The flight was delayed due to a late flight and then delayed due to mechanical problems. We're not sure where this journey is taking us from here, but it's sure to be good:)

906

906 pairs of shoes will be traveling to Swaziland. 906 people wikl now have shoes to protect their feet. 906 people will feel love from strangers:) 906 people will feel the love of Jesus.

Shoes and hearts....

Shoes and hearts....both were left today. There aren't words to describe the emotions running through church today. It seems like such a small gesture, to simply leave your shoes, and it is. For us anyways. I mean, Preacher Timmy was right on when he said that our small gift of shoes doesn't effect us much. We all have more shoes, many people right in their bags to replace the ones they left. Most of us in the car. But to an outsider, someone who wasn't in that building today to feel the unification this small act brought to our church, is indescribable. People of all ages came together to make a difference in another person's life. Isn't that what the Bible tells us to do. To give of ourselves, not so that we are hurting, but to share our blessings so that others can feel God's love too. To see children taking off their shoes and leaving them, to know that for some in our congregation, leaving their shoes was all they could do to make a difference. We all have to make a choice, to decide what is important to us. And if leaving your shoes is the most you can do, then you have done enough. The unifying factor though, is that we can all feel like we have made a difference in Swaziland. That someone in that sweet country will be blessed by the shoes we have sent. To know that our church will be walking around together in Swaziland...maybe not physically, but definitely in spirit.

Shoes (and hearts) for Swaziland

I can't believe how close Sept. 8 is! Only a week and a half away. It's unbelievable that the trip of a lifetime is just around the corner. I'm almost packed and we're still waiting on our supplies to arrive.

Today in church is sure to be an emotional event. We have been asking Diane what are some of the greatest needs of the community served by Children's Cup and time again she responded with "shoes". There are so many children who walk miles to reach the carepoints in search of love, food, and help that don't have any shoes. As a way to get the entire church family involved in the upcoming mission trip, Preacher Timmy has asked that everyone wear shoes that they are willing to give away. At the end of the service, everyone will take off their shoes and leave them on the altar, then in unity we will all leave barefooted just as those who are in Swaziland do. The children will leave their shoes as they exit to Children's Church. I don't think there will be words to describe this event, but I will try to get some pictures. It is our hopes that our church will feel unified in our efforts for Swaziland. They have been supportive in so many ways and hopefully this ceremony will help them feel included in our small team's experience.

I had hoped to wear my new shirt today, it reads Jesu uya kutsandza, which is Siswati for "Jesus Loves you!" It hasn't arrived, but I do think I will dress as I will in Swaziland today. Long skirt, tshirt, and of course I will be leaving my shoes on the altar, and for many more their hearts too.