I know it has been a while since my last post. It seems the Lord does something so deeply in me when I am on the continent of Africa. It takes me some time to get it together when I return home. My emotions go up and down with being grateful to be “home,” yet longing to stay with the beautiful people of Africa. Hopefully one day I will be able to go and not come back for a while. 🙂
I was fortunate to lead a group of NFL wives on a Vision Trip to Swaziland, a country in South Africa. Swaziland is a beautiful and yet desolate place. The Desolation is not in the scenes of the countryside but in the plight of the people. 5% of the total population are orphans. 9 out of ten people tested for AIDS has a positive diagnosis.
While the plight of the country looks bleak, there is hope in the hearts of the people. The Swazi people are so open to the Word of the Lord and learning more about Him. It is refreshing to see people so hungry for more of our precious Lord.
My time In Swazi was spentiin several ways. One of the highlites was ministering to women at a Beauty for Ashes retreat. Beauty for Ashes is based on Isaiah 61 and is used as a stepping stone to teach the women about God’s restoration and redemption for all of the horrible things that have happened to them in the past. We had a time of teaching, sharing our painful stories and then giving up the painful ashes. The NFL wives brought many gifts to share with the ladies. Each woman was given a Bible, scarf, a gift bag with various toiletries and a new pair of shoes. We had a wonderful time ministering to these women and then just basking in the glow of the Lord.
After our mission trip ended and the team went home, my friends from Johannesburg came to pick me up and I spent a few days with them. The Helling Family absolutely spoiled me rotten and I had a great time with them. I was also able to see the The Mvulane Family and the Deacons and spend some time with them. All of these families work for Walk Thru the Bible, South Africa. I was priviliged to stay in a “flat” (aka – apartment) at the Walk Thru the Bible headquarters. What a joy to have a time of refreshment after an intense mission experience. Thank you!!!!
Stay tuned for more info. on my upcoming trip to Haiti. I will be leaving May 29th for two months. More info about my time in Swazi and Haiti are in my newsletter that goes out by snail mail so if I don’t have your address, email it to me and I will add you.
A big thank you to all of you for your prayers for my niece Shana. Her surgery went well and she is doing fine. She has gained several ounces and is eating like a champ since she came from the hospital.
Blessings to you and yours!
