Sanibonani (hello) from Swaziland, Africa! I am sitting in a small Internet café in a very remote city called Pigg’s Peak in the mountains of Swaziland. I’m not really even sure where to start because all of my days are beginning to run together at this point. We flew into Johannesburg, South Africa the night of July 3 after a very long flight from Washington. We stopped to refuel in Senegal about half way through the flight. Once we got to South Africa we met our contact and drove to a compound called Alabanza where we stayed the night. It was absolutely freezing there. A lot of the kids struggled with the weather since many of them didn’t believe us when we told them it was going to be cold (ha). We had a good night of rest though and headed out the next morning for about a 2 hour drive to Swaziland. The drive was beautiful. I must say it looks completely different here than it does in Kenya. Swaziland is completely surrounded by mountains and looks more like an island (minus the water) than what I am used to seeing in Africa. Crossing the border was a unique experience as we all had to get out of the car and walk across after waiting in a very long line. We arrived just in time to attend a 4th of July party where I was reunited with my roommate and other very special friends from home. Words can not explain how much joy it gave me to see them and get to spend that time with them. The Lord knew I needed that. After the party we drove to Manzini where we would stay with the Real Life (college-age) team for the weekend. This is the group that I met at training camp a month ago and fell in love with. It was amazing to get to see them again and here all God has done in and through them over this last month. They took my team in with open arms and really made them feel more comfortable with all of their new surroundings. We spent time playing sports with them and we also ventured into the city for a small scavenger hunt to help get my team used to the culture. This time with the Real Life team was just really good for my heart and ministered to me in ways they will never know. I must say I have been a little lonely since starting this trip. It is hard being at a different age and place in life then everyone else that I am around. It can jus make me feel very alone at times. I don’t think I had prepared myself for that, but the Lord has showed me that this time is for Him…not me. He is going to be the one there for me and I need to use this time to run to Him and learn even more dependence on Him. Although it is a ruff process, I can see that He is continually trying to break me of myself and that is a good thing. It was hard saying goodbye to my roommate and the rest of the team, but I cherish the time I did have with them and know we will see each other again in a month.
We finally arrived last night at our final destination where we will be staying for the rest of the trip. It is a very rural village about a 2 hour drive south of Manzini. It is much colder here in the mornings and nights but the weather during the day is beautiful. Praise the Lord for no humidity! We are living on a homestead in small round huts. Our huts have no electricity but there is a small amount in the kitchen and a couple light posts outside. Our bathroom consists of 2 long-drops (one does look somewhat like a toilet…the other is just a hole) and that’s about it. I am using my water bottle to wash my face and brush my teeth and mirrors have pretty much become obsolete. Let the record show that no one can ever call me high maintenance again and say I don’t know how to camp (ha)! 🙂 The kids love the location as it is much more what you would think Africa to be than Manzini was. Today I am updating all the blogs and will then go to the grocery store and get food for the next week or so. Sean will be visiting the local school and clinic to see if we can do ministry there. We also have a net ball court (similar to basketball) on our homestead where we plan to do a lot of kid’s ministry. The next couple of days are going to be hard as we have to do most all of the set up by ourselves. Please pray that the Lord would go before us and prepare all of these ministry opportunities for us. We are blessed to have our own translators and drivers which really help a lot.
I feel a little scattered in this blog because I have so much to say and not a lot of time to say it, but I hope it has made some kind of sense. Please pray that the Lord would give me wisdom on how to lead this team and that He would just give me joy and love for them and the Swazi people that is not of myself. We have really been through a lot already: ear infection, pink eye, throwing up, upset stomachs, twisted ankles, homesickness and the list could go on, but the Lord has been faithful to heal it all and He is breaking me of my fears in the process.
Prayer Requests:
*Continued good health as it is very cold here in the morning and night.
*Team unity (they have already had some ruff times but are really working well together to work through the disagreements)
*Teaching times-I have never really taught before so I am nervous, but trusting the Lord to help me through it.
*Details-That the Lord would help us figure out how to handle the money well and getting ministry details finished.
*That the Lord would break my heart for my team and the people here…that I would see them with His eyes and not my own.
I’m sorry there are no pictures. I am dying to put some up but this Internet will not allow it so I will just have to put them all up when I get home. Thank you for your prayers and support. Your comments are such an encouragement to me so keep them coming. I love and miss you all and am so thankful to be here. Until next week…
For His Glory,
Caroline
Ps. 56:3
My heart rejoices to hear from you and all that has happened so far. I’m thankful the Lord has gotten you and the team through the various sicknesses & situations. Many are praying for you and your team by name for the mininstry, for good health, safety and this special time of relying on the Lord, praying for all that you ask and more.
The Lord is truly molding you and making you into His image. I have no doubt the Lord is working, preparing hearts to hear His Word and for the work He has there for you. He will equip you to teach & work in each ministry He has for you. “Now, unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” Eph 3:20
My heart is truly thankful you have answered the call to serve, submit & surrender to the Lord. I love you and miss you so much! Bella sends kisses & lots of barks to you! She is good.
Praise the Lord, Caroline! Indeed, you are learning the difficulties of serving in ways you never dreamed. It is so neat to see how you are allowing HIM to work on you. He indeed has a plan for you and you are remaining steadfast in Him, so watch out for Blessings ahead (not always what we would call blessings!!) Keep up the good work. I’ll be praying-Angie
Sounds like your team has been through a bunch. Hang in there, God’s going to use you guys as you minister to the Swazi’s. We’re praying for you back here.
So good to see your update this morning. I’ll keep saying it…I’m praying for you and your team.
“I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Ps. 4:8
Rest in Him. (I know…easier said while sitting in G’ville with running water… than Swazi with a hole in the ground)
Love you.
I thoroughly enjoy reading your stories and hear how you have grown stronger, not only in your faith but as a person. You are truly an amazing young ladya true and faithful servant. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I’m praying for you and your group, Caroline. Keep trusting Him – His tapestry is beautiful, and this trip is part of the pattern of your life. Remember His Word NEVER goes out without effect on hearts so as you teach, focus on the truth of His Word and the reality of His love – He will do the rest. He only needs you to open your heart and then your mouth:>) Love & hugs!!
Caroline, Thanks for the update. Things sound a little interesting for sure. Hang in there and the Holy Spirit will guide you and the team with everyone’s prayers. I was thinking that during WW II the German High Command received a top secret message advising “the Eagle has Landed”. In a totaly diferent context you and the team are our Eagles on this trip. God doesn’t need help to assist those in need but he enjoys working through individuals like yourself and the team to bring His change about.
yay for safe arrival and God working already in so many ways!!! i love to hear you talk about your heart for these people and your passion to serve and love on them. It’s so crazy i was there several months ago. I do miss it so much. can’t wait to continue hearing more of what God is doing!!
How exciting your time has been so far! Sounds like you’re doing a great job and constantly learning to rely on the Lord! Keep up the great work. You’ll have so much to share with your grandchildren one day!
It is so awesome to hear how the Lord is working in you Caroline. I will be in continued prayer for all the requests you posted, yours and the teams health, Wisdom, Unity…. I am so proud of you and cant wait to see and hear all about it when you get home. Love ya bunches!!
Caroline,
It’s so good to hear that you are there! I have to say I am extremely jealous. I can relate to the things you will be going through the next few weeks so know that I am praying for you alot! You are such an amazing woman of God and I know that you are such a blessing to your team. Keep trusting the Lord to refill your cup and refresh you every moment you are with Him. If you end up at the Manzini Hospital, I have someone for you to meet. You will love her. Her name is Nompumelelo. When you are looking at the hospital from the fruitstands, there is an clinic on the left before you walk into the hospital doors. It is the HIV clinic and Nompumelelo works there. She is an amazing woman and I know that you would love her!! I can’t wait to hear all about your trip. I love and miss you and am so sorry we never caught up last week!
Caroline,
It is exciting to see what you and your team are doing! I am praying for you to have the wisdom and stamina of a leader, both for your team members and for the African people to whom you minister. God’s resources are inexahustable. We are teaching Joshua in Sunday School, he was a leader used by God even though he thought he could not lead the people. God is the same today as He was then, and He will help and strengthen you too.
Keeping you in my prayers,
Cindy Hall – Huntsville
Your story here is so amazing! I will pray for you during your time in Africa. I am so sorry we didn’t get to talk before you left. I miss you C!
Way to go girl! The Lord is stretching and using you in wonderful ways. Our prayers are with you!