Week 1..
Swaziland is beautiful.
The hills, the smiles, the hugs…
We’ve only been here 3 days, but already, as I walk out of our “home” and the children jump all over me, it feels so natural. I have met many people heard stories that have broken my heart. Nsoko is one of the hardest hit regions when it comes to the HIV epidemic; Pastor Gift called it a “war zone.” Yet, the Nsoko project brings so much hope. And with all the encouragement of the go go’s and the other locals, through all this heartache, I can still smile because I know there are greater things ahead of Swazi. I pray..I trust…I KNOW this generation of children will make a change.
I know this is short and sweet, but internet time is very limited, so I will end with some random facts:)
–It was SUCH a blessing to have electricity and water! Although it goes off periodically, we are so thrilled.
–Dinner usually takes about 4 hours to make with our not-so-up-to-par appliances, but it usually ends up being a huge laugh/dance/singing fest.
–Our team gets along so well. We really are a family.
–Today was so chilly! I have a jacket and leggings on, but still, the wind is cold. I can only imagine how the kids feel.
I have so much more to say, but I will share when I can! Don’t worry, I’m journaling it all 🙂
Thanks for reading, and to everyone back home, I love you all and am praying for you! Hope you’re having a great day 🙂
Hey, team! Just wanted to say hey and keep encouraging y’all to keep persevering! I love you all so much! 🙂 I’m praying so hard! I’m FINALLY done writing individual emails to each of you (to the email addresses y’all each used on the group emails)so check whichever that one was! 🙂
Just a few verses to share with y’all:
-“But thanks be to God, who ALWAYS leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and USES US to SPREAD the AROMA of the knowledge of him EVERYWHERE. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those are are perishing.” -2. Cor. 14-15
-“May the God of HOPE fill you with ALL JOY and PEACE as you TRUST in Him, so that you may OVERFLOW with HOPE by the POWER of the Holy Spirit.” -Romans 15:13
-“…STAND FIRM. Let NOTHING move you. ALWAYS give yourselves FULLY to the work of the Lord, because you KNOW that your labor in the Lord is NOT in vain.”-1 Cor. 15:58
Keep going, team.
Kati!!! So glad you to hear you’re having a blast! I’m always praying for you. LOVE YOU LOTS xoxoxoxoxoxo
I can just picture all of the little children hugging you!! I continue to pray for you daily!!!
Glad you’re having fun 🙂 and I know you’re doing some amazing hugging. Bring some of those cooking skills back and make me a dang Swaziland meal. haha……but seriously, I’m hungry
Random updates: surgery was good, the cats name is Quincy, my drums are amazing, I don’t miss you yet ha 😀
I don’t know how to possibly transition to something like this, but on a serious note:
this is definitely the wrong place to tell you this, but I have no other means of communication with you and I thought you would want to know.
but a couple days ago (June 4th) Carver died in a car wreck on 5th street hill. We all went to his visitation yesterday and his funeral was today. One of the saddest things I’ve ever been to. I just thought you should know before you come back. I know you’ll keep his family in your prayers.
We’re all praying for you.
Love you!
-Tyler
Hey Keink!!! I’m ecstatic that things are going well for you in Swazi! I’ll look forward to your updates no matter how long between them!
There’s no need to repeat what Tyler has said above other than the wonderful memories made with him will drive on.
Love ya!!!
Mish
Kati, we were so happy to see that you are safe. I’m sure the little kids just love you like crazy.
We are praying for you!!!
Mary, Terry , Spencer, Olivia, Luke
hey abbie, just want you to know that all the bros miss you down here. I hope your having fun and i can’t wait to see you when you get back.
KATI:
i’m a CBER…which technically means you should be below me. this job is miserable, so i just write in the journal and read your blogs instead of working 🙂
i love you. everyone here (prudence, carli, and dr. kent) sends their love.
praying for you always.
lovelovelove.
Kati, I’m soo happy to hear from you and know that you are doing well. I loved the email as well and have already forwarded it to everyone. Give some extra hugs to the kids for me. I love and miss you!
Thanks for your great post! I lived in Swaziland in the 80’s, went on a short-term trip last year, and miss it so badly! My daughter is leaving with an AIM team to head over there this month. I’m passing on y’all’s reports to her and some of the teammates.
Sala Kahle and tell Pastor Gift “sawubona” for me!
Elysa “Thandeka” Mac
Ryan,
Happy Belated Birthday!!!! We will sing to you when you return. Glad you are safe and we will continue to pray for you and your mission daily. We lift you up in love and prayer. Cindy & Kenny
hey kati,
i miss you so much. i hope you have fun over their nd tell about god over their
i love you
mikayla
Hey guys!!!! Thanks SO Much for all the words of encouragment and prayers!!! I will pass all the love, hugs, and messages on!! I Love you guys!!!
Tyler, I will email you when I can. Praying hard for everyone!
I can’t access the blog this week because of this weird interent!? so for now I’m posting it on facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?created&&suggest¬e_id=92077874925
if you don’t have a facebook, don’t worry, I will copy it on here next week or soon after when I can access it again”!?
sorry I can’t email this week. this internet is SO slow.
I love you all!!
Hey guys!!!! Thanks SO Much for all the words of encouragment and prayers!!! I will pass all the love, hugs, and messages on!! I Love you guys!!!
Tyler, I will email you when I can. Praying hard for everyone!
I can’t access the blog this week because of this weird interent!? so for now I’m posting it on facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?created&&suggest¬e_id=92077874925
if you don’t have a facebook, don’t worry, I will copy it on here next week or soon after when I can access it again”!?
sorry I can’t email this week. this internet is SO slow.
I love you all!!
Hey guys!!!! Thanks SO Much for all the words of encouragment and prayers!!! I will pass all the love, hugs, and messages on!! I Love you guys!!!
Tyler, I will email you when I can. Praying hard for everyone!
I can’t access the blog this week because of this weird interent!? so for now I’m posting it on facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?created&&suggest¬e_id=92077874925
if you don’t have a facebook, don’t worry, I will copy it on here next week or soon after when I can access it again”!?
sorry I can’t email this week. this internet is SO slow.
I love you all!!
Hey guys!!!! Thanks SO Much for all the words of encouragment and prayers!!! I will pass all the love, hugs, and messages on!! I Love you guys!!!
Tyler, I will email you when I can. Praying hard for everyone!
I can’t access the blog this week because of this weird interent!? so for now I’m posting it on facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?created&&suggest¬e_id=92077874925
if you don’t have a facebook, don’t worry, I will copy it on here next week or soon after when I can access it again”!?
sorry I can’t email this week. this internet is SO slow.
I love you all!!
Kati
Good to hear that you are doing well and having a great time. What a special person you are for doing what you are doing. Pastor Larry talked about your mission trip this morning and asked everyone to pray for you. Stay safe and have a wonderful time. God bless!
Hey guys – glad to hear that your team is doing well. Can’t wait to meet you all in July.
Have a great day. I’m praying for you.
Kati,
I’m so glad things are going well! I look forward to hearing all about what the Lord does in and through you this summer! Praying for you!
Melinda
KATI!
i sent in my camp form today. i wish you would be back in time! but i think of you daily and i miss you! loveee you! hope you’re doing great work over there, i’m praying for you.
-paigee
Kati, I’m so happy you and your team have made it safe. You will make friends for life I’m sure.
Matthew and I have been praying for your safty and for the little angels GOD has sent you to help.
I love you!!
Keep us posted.
Abbie,
I am excited for all of your experiences and look forward to hearing about your adventures! 🙂 I shall continue to pray for safety, growth, and enduring love.
miss you girl!
love,
Emily