John's and Kay's Swaziland Mission Journey

Home

2012-01-19T04:38:00.000-08:00

"Home is where the heart is." "There's no place like home." What is "home" to you? We live in Swaziland. Our dogs are here. We sleep, eat, dream, and serve in Africa. And yet we are citizens of the USA, and our oldest son, parents, and many many friends are there.Our hearts are often torn. We just returned to Swaziland from a month-long journey back to the US for the first time since moving here. Treasured time for sure. Reverse culture shock and then reverse, reverse culture shock for sure. We are blessed to have loved ones on two continents. Most of all, we are blessed to serve a God who is omnipresent--everywhere. And He will never leave us or forsake us. And our REAL home will be a beautiful, amazing, wondrous place for eternity! “Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.”

Parties, Parties, Parties!

2011-12-13T02:12:00.000-08:00

It has been a full, fun month already! We've had parties at the care points for the kids, a party for the old folks at our church, graduation parties again at the care points, Bible school end-of-the-year party, and a wonderful Christmas play put on by our church youth. We are so blessed to get to share in all the joy. Life here is hard, but Jesus shines His light in the darkness! My personal favorite moment was after the feast prepared for the old folks. They were having such a great time, the spontaneously broke into praise songs as soon as the dessert plates were cleared!

Swaziland's Greatest Treasure

2011-11-21T04:57:00.000-08:00

The future of this beautiful country ultimately depends on and belongs to these precious children. While the country has taken great strides to protect her greatest resource, most still live in dire poverty, many cannot afford to attend school and will never learn to read or write, and both physical and sexual abuse are rampant. Yet we know that Jesus Christ is their Deliverer. They were created for His wonderful purposes and He cherishes them with a never-ending love. Please join us in praying that every child will come to know Jesus as his or her personal Lord, Savior, protector, provider, and best friend.

2011-11-21T04:49:00.001-08:00

Medical Mission Work

2011-10-17T04:48:00.000-07:00

We were blessed this month to be able to work alongside visiting medical missionaries from the US. It was a week of very long days (11 hours without breaks even for lunch) and hard work, but oh the joy. Over a hundred patients seen each day, and we had the joy of leading more than we can count to the Lord!

Hospital Ministry

2011-10-17T04:43:00.000-07:00

What can God do with downtrodden women from the poorest of poor communities, widowed and doing their best to survive while caring for their own children as well as the children in the community who have lost their own parents? He can give them a heart to serve others in miraculous ways, of course! Section 19 is a village of mostly mud huts and a lot of despair. Enter Jesus Christ and a community is transformed. These beautiful women have so very little, but they had a dream of serving their Lord and Savior. John and I provide the transportation and they do the rest. We visit the hospital once a month and these ladies have blossomed from timidity into bold evangelists and prayer warriors. God has taken their compassion and humility and is using it to bless so many hurting and lonely patients and to bring many of them to a saving knowledge of Jesus!

MITI Conference

2011-10-17T04:31:00.000-07:00

Lisa Jisa and Kay led a two-day Moms In Touch International (MITI) prayer conference. God's plans were so much better than our plans. It was two days filled with fun, faith, and fellowship, and SO much encouragement for all who attended. God continues to grow this amazing ministry here in Swaziland--we started with one group earlier this year and up now up to nine and growing!

Jesus the Miracle Healer

2011-10-17T04:27:00.000-07:00

While Lisa and Molly were here, a neighbor came to our door one evening reporting that a little neighbor boy was "broken." After figuring out that he had an obviously broken arm (hanging at an angle God did NOT intend!) we prayed and rushed him to the local clinic where the night nurse put him in a splint, gave him pain meds, and asked us to return in the morning. When we picked Mhlengi and his mom up the following morning, he was NOT the same little boy we'd seen the night before. This Mhlengi didn't seem to be in any pain and was laughing and smiling. X-rays proved what we already believed--there was NO sign of his arm ever being broken. What a mighty God we serve!

What Missionaries do for Fun

2011-10-17T04:19:00.000-07:00

Our wonderful friends Lisa and Molly Jisa came to visit and to minister alongside us. In addition to leading a Moms In Touch International prayer conference, ministering at the hospital, and teaching Bible studies to the women in the villages, we took our friends to Hlane Game Preserve where they saw lions, hippos, giraffes, rhinos, elephants, warthogs, impala, and much, much more. We also went shopping for some souvenirs for them to take back to the US. And of course we had to take them to our favorite Nando's, where we enjoyed a fun meal and Molly and I had yummy ice cream bars for dessert!

Brotherly Love

2011-09-07T04:32:00.000-07:00

Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

The brotherhood of believers truly surpasses cultural and national boundaries. We have become blessed as some deep and wonderful relationships have developed here with members of our Swazi church family.

One young man in particular has truly become an integral part of our own little family. Phinda (you may recognize him if you've been following this blog for any length of time!) came to us as a gardener. He was 21 years old at the time and living with his uncle, one of his few remaining family members. Phinda lost his father and mother at an early age. His granny raised his brother and him until she, too, died when Phinda was in his early teens. The brothers survived as best as they could but desperately wanted a way to support themselves. Phinda came to church to look for work, and the rest is history.

He is, we are convinced, the most gifted gardener in Swaziland. But more than that, we've unofficially "adopted" him as our son. We love him dearly, and Jeremy and he are great buddies. He is growing in his walk with the Lord daily and has a real hunger and thirst for God's Word.

Please keep Phinda in your prayers as he seeks the Lord's will for his life. He is retaking some high school courses in the hope of making higher marks, since he was struggling through grief and in survival mode during his regular high school years. He is a very intelligent, hard-working young man and we know God has great things in store for him in the future.

A Match Made in Heaven, Part 3

2011-07-29T06:57:00.000-07:00

I mentioned to a friend that my heart was breaking because it is winter here (yes, it does get cold in Swaziland!) and we personally knew kids who were sleeping on the ground with no blankets. Friend told our Bridgeway Community Church family and suddenly we had fund to provide about 60 blankets to vulnerable women and children. We are sleeping so much better at night knowing they are now warm as well!

A Match Made in Heaven, Part 2

2011-07-29T06:53:00.000-07:00

Friends of friends just "happened" to be in Swaziland with their son who is attending school here. We met one afternoon and took them to one of the nearby communities. Ron and Chris Medvescek have an adult daughter with Cerebral Palsy and immediately fell ...in love with a young lady in the community who has the same condition. Ron and Chris set out to show Christ's love and raised the necessary funds for Nomphilo to have a wheelchair specially made for her and the rural conditions in which she lives. Prior to this Nomphilo uncomplainingly crawled around in the dirt and mud and her awesome mom Jane did all she could to take great care of her, but there was no wheelchair. Now, thanks to the love of the Lord and His surrendered servants, we have a happy young lady and her mother!

A Match Made in Heaven, Part 1

2011-07-29T06:51:00.001-07:00

Our neighbors, two single young men and a young single mother with small children were having trouble making their food budgets last through each month. They approached us for a loan to buy a refrigerator so that perishables wouldn't go to waste We explained that we couldn't provide, but that their Heavenly Father could. We suggested they pray and ask Him to provide. I sent this prayer request to our faithful team of intercessors, and one of them quickly responded back saying that God has a great sense of humor. Vicki Butler had been out to purchase a new refrigerator for her family when she saw this plea. Needless to say, Vicki is an obedient servant of the Lord and quickly sent us the money instead. What an amazing God we serve! He knits us all together for His purposes! Sibongile, Nhlanhla, and Phida are all praising God and have committed to bless Vicki back by keeping her in their prayers.

An Amazing Year

2011-06-26T07:04:00.000-07:00

We have now celebrated our one year "anniversary" of living in beautiful Swaziland. It has been a year of God's amazing blessing, provision, protection; a year of His molding, testing, shaping, and using us. Thank you Lord for your incomparable LOVE.

"I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you." Luke 10:19

2011-05-26T03:00:00.001-07:00

Setting up chairs yesterday to train our 5th group of women in MITI prayer. One of the ladies suddenly pulled me backwards and pointed to a snake in the corner.Turns out it was a cobra. Did we scream and run--yep. Did it stop us--nope! NOTHING can stop a group of praying women!

Refiner's Fire

2011-04-15T07:10:00.001-07:00

Humbled. Again. Recent civil/political unrest in Swaziland was used by the Lord to cause me to face the Refiner’s fire in a new way, and the dross is ugly—fear, self-centeredness, anxiety, reliance on worldly wisdom. Sigh. Thank you Lord for your purifying process—painful but so necessary. Thankful for spiritual sisters who reminded me that I am here for a reason, and that I need to keep my focus on Him and He will take care of me. PTL.

From the "Experts"

2011-03-21T08:35:00.001-07:00

The best thing to do when you are hungry is to go to sleep--then you don't feel the hunger pains so much.

A Dream Coming True--a Vision Being Fulfilled!

2011-01-15T01:48:00.003-08:00

We broke ground for the children's home!!!

You're Not in Kansas Anymore, Dorothy

2010-12-22T02:22:00.001-08:00

Yet another indication we aren't in the US anymore....At a recent "Happy Birthday Jesus" party for children, the kids were asked what gift they would give to Jesus if they could. "A chicken." "A pair of shoes." "Clothes that fit." An egg."

A Family Saved

2010-11-17T04:09:00.000-08:00

Filemon is a remarkable man of faith, and it is our honor to call him friend. Before he accepted Jesus as his lord and savior, Filemon, like many Swazi men, had more than one wife, plus some girlfriends on the side. Since coming to Christ, he sought advice on how to honor Christ in every area of his life. He is now doing his best to care for both wives, though only living with one, to whom he is faithful. He is also taking care of 11 children from all his previous alliances, and his wife is even helping raise some of the children from the other women when the mother's themselves cannot care for the children due to illness, poverty, or disinterest. Jesus' love shines through this beautiful family as they care for one another and trust Him to provide. Filemon is a farmer and his big dream is to someday own a tractor so that all his children, who currently have to work the fields, can afford to go to school. In spite of living a life of poverty, disease, and hardship, Filemon and his family have great joy, and show us all the thank the Lord in ALL circumstances, and to "count it all joy."

Lessons from the Swazis, Part 2

2010-10-11T07:51:00.000-07:00

So we got a bag of completely rotten potatoes. It wasn’t just one or two rotten ones that we could have thrown out—the whole bag was a stinky, slimy mess. Feeling rather virtuous, we put the bag outside to throw into our compost pile and thus at least not just throw them out. An hour or so later, our neighbor came and hesitantly asked if he could dig through the bag to see if there was anything left he could eat. Of course we said yes, and watched dumbfounded as he and another neighbor gleefully hacked away and saved a half potato here, a quarter of a potato here. We were ashamed of our own waste and humbled by their example of good stewardship.

I taught a women’s Bible study in a community of dilapidated mud huts, filth, and unbelievable poverty and despair and disease. The women were warm and welcoming and I was blessed to be in their presence. It is pure joy to share with Word of God with those who cannot even read or write, but are so eager to learn more about Jesus. When we were through, and I was feeling quite full of myself and what a sacrificial servant I was to be in that place full of hopelessness, sharing Christ with them, God quickly showed me the error of my ways. Some of the women, who can’t even afford milk or meat or medical care or a roof over their heads, insisted on giving me gifts from their garden—fresh tomatoes, potatoes, onions, and corn. My gift was so small in comparison to theirs—they gave so much more. It brought tears to my eyes—I felt like a Pharisee in the presence of the widow who gave her only coin. Thank you Lord for my Swazi sisters and their generosity, and your grace in showing me my pride and loving me just the same!

We continue to learn from the Swazis….

A Frank Conversation with a Swazi Friend

2010-09-08T10:20:00.003-07:00

Me: I am fifty years old today.
Philemon: You do not look that old.
Me: Thank you—I am not ready yet to be a gogo (grandmother).
Philemon: Most Swazis do not live as long as that.
Me: Yes, I see that.
Philemon: I think Americans feed themselves better than Swazis do.
Me (wanting to understand how he viewed this): Why do you think this is?
Philemon (factually, almost apologetically, without a trace of self-pity): I think it is because of poverty, ma’am, and disease…..

Rambling Thoughts of New Missionary

2010-09-08T10:19:00.001-07:00

I’m so excited to be here at last….God has given me such a love for these people….What do you mean the electricity is out?!...Lord, please use me as you see fit today—I only want to glorify you….Whoa, I didn’t know God made insects that big!...Whew, I didn’t realize just day-to-day living here would be so hard and uncomfortable and inconvenient….What a glorious sunset….It is just too painful to see people in so much physical and spiritual pain day in and day out—I don’t think I can take it….I miss my old home and all its comforts and I miss my friends and family—I want my old life back….What do you mean the electricity is off again?!!....Lord, you are amazing—I’m so grateful for your Word speaking life to me each and every day….What do you mean we have no running water today? It’s not like the stuff tastes or looks that great, but….Thank you Lord for allowing me to see beautiful glimpses of how you are using us here—thank you for the joy of sharing who you are others….I’m scared….You are my rock and my shelter and my hiding place….When I am weak you are strong….I am SO glad someone is praying for me right now!....Ho hum, the electricity is off again….Those monkeys on the side of the road are cracking me up!....Thank you Lord for health, shelter, food, clothing, and water to drink—please help all my neighbors who are lacking in these….Please, oh please, oh please, Lord, let me NOT see a black mamba this summer….I’m hot and tired—why is it, Lord, that you called me here??? Is this some mistake?....Oh, Father, I am so grateful to you for sending so much encouragement my way, and confirmation after confirmation that we are on your designated path for us….Help! I’m lost on a dirt road somewhere in the middle of Africa!....Thank you Jesus, I am found…..

WEEPING...AND JOY

2010-07-02T10:59:00.001-07:00

Weeping as we left loved ones behind…joy as we landed on African soil.

Weeping with frustration as things progress slowly and don’t go “our” way…joy as God shows us His perfect timing and way.

Weeping as we see hungry children with no shoes on their cold feet…joy as we witness the donation of blankets to those children whose smiles would melt the coldest heart.

Weeping as we hear of a local 8-year- old boy who just died of AIDS…joy as we see God’s Church reaching out to help those who are suffering.

Weeping as we miss loved ones…joy as we are greeted with big smiles, warm hugs, and shy voices welcoming us “home” to Swaziland.

2010-06-22T15:16:00.000-07:00

Leaving PHX tomorrow, landing in South Africa on Thurs., driving into Swaziland on Fri. "In my life Lord, be glorified today" Anyone remember those words to an old song? That is my prayer--that God would be glorified in our lives today and every day.

2010-05-18T10:38:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,
Sanibona! Ninjani? This means “Hello! How are you?” in siSwati, the native tongue of the
Swazis, and a language we hope to learn well!
Through your prayers, finances, and loving encouragement, and most of all by the grace and
provision of the Lord, we will leave for Swaziland on June 22! You have been incredibly
supportive through our long process of preparing to become full-time missionaries, and we are
so excited to get to share this long-awaited news with you.
So much has happened over the past three months! We are close to closing on the sale of the
house and will move out on June 1. We will stay with John’s mom and dad, Murv and Jane, until
the time we leave for Africa. Plans are not firm yet, but we’ll drive to San Diego to spend some
time with family there before heading to the airport in Los Angeles.
The family in San Diego will soon include our first-born son, Zack. In an amazing turn of events
as only God can orchestrate, two of our biggest concerns have been alleviated. Zack will move
in with my mother this month, and they will take care of each other—how beautiful is that? The
plan is for Zack to attend college in CA.
For those of you who know our dogs and who care, Boaz and Barnabas are going with us!
Our hearts are heavy as we have already begun the goodbyes, yet we are filled with joy
knowing we will soon be serving our beloved brothers and sisters in Swaziland; sharing the
hope of Jesus where things seem so hopeless and giving His love to those who may have never
known love at all. We just got news that money towards the first building of the children’s home
has been donated and is secure! There is so much work to be accomplished there and we can
hardly wait to get started.
Our email addresses will remain the same: john@swaziserve.com and kwest@swaziserve.com.
Once we get settled, we’ll send everyone phone numbers and a P.O. Box address. We really
hope you will stay in touch as I’m sure we’ll be lonely at times in our new home. I know we’ll
miss you all.
It will be a whirlwind time for us between now and when we leave. We’d truly appreciate your
prayers.
swaziserve.com
swazilandk.blogspot.com
Prayer Requests:
 Getting rid of 50+ years and a 5-bedroom houseful of stuff (garage sales, Craigslist,
donations)
 Choosing the bare minimum to take (2 suitcases each and 1 or 2 pallets to ship)
 Safe travel for Zack and for a good roommate relationship between his grandma, Bobbie,
and him
 Saying goodbye with grace—to family and friends—the tears are already flowing freely
 Attending to all the necessary details
 Safe travel for us and for our dogs
 Support-raising--we’ve almost reached our goal for the move, but still fall approximately
$1,000 short for minimum monthly support.
 Representing our Lord Jesus Christ well in all that we do, relying totally on Him
Other ways you can help:
 Let us know if your church or organization might be willing to allow us to come give a
presentation about the mission within the next month, or ask them to contact us.
 Share our brochure, website (swaziserve.com), blog site (swazilandk.blogspot.com),
and/or this letter with anyone you think might be interested.
Please send support checks payable to:
Bridgeway Community Church
c/o Margaret Reis
2420 E. Liberty Lane
Phoenix, AZ 85048
IMPORTANT: Subject line should read” Swaziland.”
Ngiyabonga, size sibonane futhi
(thank you, until we meet again),
John, Kay, and Jeremy West

Waiting

2010-04-07T13:06:00.000-07:00

Psalm 27:14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Psalm 40:1 I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.

Notice that third word in Psalm 40:1? Oh, in my flesh that is SO hard, yet I know He is teaching us exactly how to do that--in His perfect strength. We are learning in deeper ways what it means to completely trust Him with our lives. I love that story in 2 Kings, (Chapter 6) when the Lord opens the eyes of Elisha's servant to see the spiritual reality of God's power and provision and might. That inspires me to not lean on my own understanding of our situation right now--John is out of a job, we are waiting for our house to sell in one of the worst housing markets in the country in a bad economy, and we have yet to reach the full amount of monthly support we'll need to be full time missionaries in Swaziland. And yet, and yet, we wait expectantly for the Mountain Mover to reveal His perfect plan and timing. We can't see it yet, but in faith we trust Him, and we wait....

Singing God's Praises!

2010-03-11T17:00:00.000-08:00

God has been moving in so many glorious ways--time to give him some praise! Here are the joyous answers to prayer we were able to shower our prayer team with this month. We serve an amazing God:

The rummage sale was extravagantly successful! There were so many contributions, from our church members as well as the community, that we couldn't even put everything out at once--our sanctuary and some of the classrooms were full to overflowing, plus the big items that were sold outside!

A dear friend donated really cool t-shirts for all the volunteers to wear with our website, theme scripture (James 1:27) and a design involving an African tree created by John and a youth from our church.

A grand total of over $4,000 was raised!

Another couple, friends from church, blew our socks off by saying God has led them to share the bulk of a foundation (started after the death of their infant son) for the work in Swaziland.

As a result of the newspaper articles, several people sought us out at the sale. One was a woman from another church who asked us if we'd like to come share about Swaziland at her church.

Another couple--husband is a doctor and wife is a nurse--came to meet us and expressed interest in working together in the future. They do short term medical missions in Africa and seemed excited about the possibility of coming to Swaziland.

We watched many, many acts of kindness exhibited at the sale--our church volunteers truly did share the joy of the Lord with the community.

Former work contacts/friends of John's donated some very professional pamphlets for distribution, and a fabulous and very professional video for us to use at presentations.

Some of these same friends also helped us develop a really neat logo.

We have had overt a dozen prospective buyers come look at our house over the past month.

More friends have committed to giving us monthly support, and the one-time donations continue to come in.

We were blessed by a visit from cousins (a couple and their 3 adult kids) from CA who visited our church, took us to lunch, spent 3 hours helping us get the house ready to put on the market, prayed with us, and wrote us a check--this was on a spontaneous weekend getaway for their family!

We've found a great agency who helps with moving pets around the world--many of my overblown anxieties have been removed.

Swaziland has now passed a law that says every child is entitled to free education.

Swaziland has passed legislation that enables some women to be able to own property in their own names.

God Knows How to Get the Word Out!

2010-02-02T06:52:00.000-08:00

May God get the glory and others be drawn to Him and His greater plans and purposes. We were blessed by two local Christian reporters, from two different newspapers, who wanted to help us get the word out. Here are the links. A great thanks to both reporters, the photographer, and the newspapers!
http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/
http://www.ahwatukee.com/news/swaziland-8661-family-made.html

FAITH

2010-01-09T08:27:00.000-08:00

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1

I've never been a thrill--seeker--I don't even like those IMAX movies where the helicopter visually takes you over the edge of a precipice. I ALWAYS cover my eyes at those parts! And yet, God calls us all to the very edge and asks us to jump and to trust Him to catch us. This is what I know He is doing in our lives as we prepare to move to Swaziland. While I hope and pray I never have to experience that free fall feeling skydivers so crave--you know--that part before the chute opens up--I think I have a better idea of how that feels!

Another apt analogy for our lives these past few months is the roller coaster--the ups of loving friends who encourage us and come along side of us, the downs when fear sets in as we prepare to leave all we have ever known and loved behind; the highs of seeing God work and move in mighty ways, the lows during the times we have no tangible evidence.

And a last comparison to those dare devils I've never wanted to emulate--those brave, crazy souls who have dared to climb Mt. Everest. I'm sure there are times on the way to the summit that they feel like they are just taking one hard step after another and not getting anywhere, and maybe even have lost their way. As Christians we all have these times, and this is certainly one of them for us. My wonderful husband just keeps telling me we have continue to put one foot in front of the other....

Thank God He is faithful to His promises and will complete the good work He has begun in all of us!

2009-11-12T07:02:00.000-08:00

A praise report and prayer request all rolled into one! The praise: God has blessed John with the the support and time so he can work full time on preparing to move to Swaziland! He is an amazing God! The prayer: translation to above--John was laid off from work yesterday, after 24 years of devoted service to the same company, and now has the time necessary to devote fully to preparing us to go. Please keep us in prayer as we adjust to this!

God's Willing Servant

2009-10-16T15:53:00.000-07:00

These are photos of the beautiful Pastor La'Salette Duarte, who will NOT be pleased with me for posting her photos for the world to see. Please forgive me, Pastor, but I want to share about the wonderful works God is doing through you for the people in Swaziland. Pastor La'Salette shares the love of Jesus with the poorest of the poor, many of whom are HIV positive, or have AIDS. It will be a priviledge and honor to work under her ministry. God has mightily equipped this woman, His willing servant. He has given her a big vision and together He and she are doing amazing works.

Hope and Initiative

2009-09-29T08:21:00.000-07:00

This mud hut is special--the woman who lives here is amazing. Amidst the squalor, poverty, disease, and hopelessness, she stands out. She has planted a very neat little garden, has curtains in her windows and a tablecloth on her crude table. She is a great example of what a little initiative can do. I can hardly wait to get to Swaziland to help encourage her and others like her, as well as those still stuck in hopelessness and despair.

2009-09-10T09:20:00.000-07:00

James 1:27a Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress....
Swazi women have heavy loads figuratively and literally--many are widows and caring for others children as well as their own, or their husbands have left them. This is compounded by the fact that 25-40% of them or their ...children are HIV postive or have full-blown AIDS, as well as severe poverty.
God has placed the desire on my heart to share the love of Jesus with them by visiting the sick and lonely, sharing God's Word with them (especially those who can't read it on their own), praying with them, discipling them, and encouraging them in practical ways.

2009-09-08T08:32:00.000-07:00

Thanking God for His provision through His wonderful people! Jeremy's percussion teacher for donating Jeremy's lessons so that money can go to Africa, a dear friend found a New Testament in siSwati for me--now I can truly begin learning the... language through the best book of all, Monica at Mail and More on Chandler for spending almost an hour helping me collate our support raising letter, a young woman working to put herself through college quietly handing over 10 $100 bills with the admonition that it was from the Lord, the list goes on and on. Thank you Lord, thank you brothers and sisters!

2009-09-02T13:16:00.000-07:00

This sign says "Beware of Crocodiles" in both English and siSwati. It is especially poignant to me today. John, the kids, and I were blessed with a wonderful weekend at a local resort (probably our last vacation together before three of us move to Swaziland). While enjoying gorgeous fountains and lush swimming pools, I couldn't help but reflect on the disparity on how much we have here, vs. the women and children who walk to crocodile-infested water to get their daily needs met. Some lose their lives each year in this way. Praise God that He is making a way for very real help for our brothers and sisters there as He allows us to be His hands and feet!

God's Call

2009-06-22T11:23:00.000-07:00

When God calls, it is wise to answer. So we are answering: "Here we are, Lord, send us." It became abundantly clear while we were there that God wants us in Swaziland as full time missionaries. Our hearts are overflowing with a love for the Swazi people and a burning desire to serve them with our lives. Of course more than that, our hearts are overflowing with love for the Lord of the Universe who calls us His own and we desire to serve Him with all our hearts and lives and strength.

We covet your prayers as we walk this out--so many unknowns at this point. We know that God provides when He calls, but we have no idea how that will look, or what His timing is. We are also aware that, while it is exciting, there will be pain in the leaving behind of family, friends, and the only lifestyle we've ever known.

Most of all, though, we are on our knees in gratitude, surrender, joy, humility, total dependence, and awe!

Mud Hut Ministry

2009-06-08T11:14:00.000-07:00

That is how I think of our time there. God moved in so many ways in us and through us while John, Tom, and I were in Swaziland. He used us to touch hearts and used the Swazis to touch our hearts. There are so many stories to tell and I hope you will all ask many questions and be patient as we try to answer and process it all. It was definitely life-changing for us. I will share the mud hut story to give you a glimpse.

We spent a lot of time in the "communities"--villages of mud huts. These places are heart-wrenchingly sad with the poverty, huge epidemic of AIDS and other diseases, alcohol abuse (mostly home brew), and the breakdown of families due to death and serial marriages. They are also places of great hope as Pastor La'Salette, Lori, and others from Christian Family Church reach out to share the Gospel as well as practical help with the people. The church itself is comprised of people from these communities.

During one of our visits, La'Salette observed that a widow's home was virtually falling over--held up only by a long stick. So the men and youth group from church pitched in, along with the 4 of us, to rebuild. Yes, it is actually fun to build a mud hut in one day! This small act had a profound effect on the community. Abraham, a dear brother from the church, shared that many non-Christians were very impressed at what God had done through His people. Abraham said that several turned their lives over to the Lord as a result. It was huge for men in the community (who tend not to take care of responsibilities like working and supporting their families) to see this work. It also had a huge impact on the people that white people were sent by God all the way from the US to minister to them. This simple mud hut stands for God's mighty provision for His people, through His people. It is a light to the entire dark community there and a reminder of His great love.

We were also blessed to get to share a Bible study with this community--Tom, John, and I all shared what God placed on our hearts to share from His Word. We visited the women's TB ward at the hospital. We went out with the CHIPS team on emergency calls (ministering to those with AIDS whom the program is helping--these were all emergency calls--Lori is fabulous, along with Teresa's help as she is able to reach her via cell phone). Most of the calls resulted in Jabaloni taking the patients (adults and children) to the hospital--often for severe malnutrition or TB which goes hand in hand with AIDS there. Neat to witness Teresa planting the seed of salvation with one emaciated man and then Pastor La'Salette and the men leading him to the Lord when he was ready.

I also was privileged to get to do counseling with 4 women while I was there--2 missionaries and 2 Swazi women. In addition, I led a full day training with breast cancer survivors who will now reach out to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Breast cancer, along with AIDS, has a huge stigma in Swaziland, so for these women to "go public" takes a great amount of courage and strength. I was honored to get to be a small part of encouraging and equiping them. Teresa does a great job in her role with Breast Cancer Network--truly an important ministry.

I was also blessed to get to do a training with a group of 5 pastors--God does amazing things--who am I to mentor these men? Yet I know God used me mightily in their lives.

We visited an amazing place called simply "The Farm"--a self-sustaining orphanage consisting of 4 homes overseen by widows, each caring for 8 orphans. These children come from horrific backgrounds (wandering the city streets, being beaten when failing to bring home food to an alcoholic father, being fed beer in a bar at age one by a mother who said, "you take her then, I don't want her," a 5 year old boy who was so close to death with AIDS that a doctor said it was useless to waste money trying to treat him--he is now 13 years old!, many with a past of sexual abuse). They will be raised as their own children. The children are provided with an education as well--a big deal in a country where education is not free and many go without. The farm supports itself by raising chicken, pigs, and produce. Peter and Mary Jean are the missionaries to whom God gave the vision for this place and through whom it is run. I was honored once again by being able to do a training session with the 4 mothers--a time of counseling and prayer.

We also got to witness the wonderful things being done at the Care Points (where children are fed the one meal they get each day--usually beans and "pop"--a maize porridge) and at the schools run by Pastor La'Salette. I got to overhear a class being taught on AIDS--teaching children how to avoid it as well as how to care for family members who have it. (Every family is affected.) The children ALL said that they love school--there is NOTHING they dont' like about it. They know they are blessed to get to attend as many children from their communities do not. Those who do not sit around or go to work in the markets. There are no toys except rubbish they find and use creatively.

I would be remiss if I failed to mention the wonderful things--Bongi and the beautiful praise and worship team who blessed us so mightily with their music, Pastor La'Salette and her overabundant hospitatlity (we all GAINED weight in Africa!), Pastor Jabaloni, Jabaloni, Pastor Sibisi, Abraham, and so many others who allowed us to minister alongside and learn from them. They are our beloved brothers and sisters in Christ.

I'm sure I am leaving so many things out--please do ask us questions if you are interested--we want to share! Thank you so much for your love and support. Please continue to keep this country in prayer as the needs are great. Please also pray for those like Lori, La'Salette, Teresa, and Daran who serve so faithfully there. Lastly, please continue to pray for us as we seek God in how we should best follow Him in continued ministry there.

Home

2009-06-07T16:38:00.000-07:00

We are back safe and sound and full of gratitude for all your prayers--God answered them mightily and we can hardly wait to share all that He did! We are exhausted after 2 days of travel so will post more later. Please forgive me for not being able to post while we were there as I had hoped--Internet access was very difficult so had to use those precious moments we could get online to be in touch with our family. But you were all in OUR hearts and prayers while we were away and we definitely feel like you were part of our journey as you supported us so abundantly in so many beautiful ways!

We Are Here!

2009-05-19T22:29:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to let everyone know we arrived safely in Johanessburg. We'll fly into Swaziland this afternoon and Lori will pick us up and drive us to our new home away from home in Simunye.

And the Winner Is.....

2009-05-03T15:41:00.000-07:00

Linda Abell is the proud new "grandma" of "Hope." Thank you to everyone who bought raffle tickets!

2009-04-24T14:33:00.000-07:00

Donations are pouring in for us to take on our trip! Thank you to Kenny Gee, Olivia and Michelle Ageno, the Bridgeway Community Church Crotcheting Club, and others who are giving the love of Jesus in such tangible ways. And I had a wonderful dentist appointment yesterday! Yes, you heard right! Blessings to Dr. Rush and his generous staff. When they asked me about my summer plans I begin to share about Swaziland and the hygenist (I can't remember this dear woman's name, but she's from Macedonia and has a huge heart) came with piles of kids' toothpaste and toothbrushes in her arms! Oh, the joy of seeing God's people working together!

Prayer Requests as we prepare to go

2009-04-15T14:42:00.000-07:00

Please, most of all, pray as the Holy Spirit directs you, but these are the things on my heart at the moment:

1. Protection for us spiritually, physically, and emotionally--John and I are both feeling very drained and vulnerable right now.
2. Preparedness--spiritually, physically, and emotionally.
3. Surrendered hearts--God seems to be guiding us in a new direction for our lives--it is scary but of course exciting as well.
4. Hearing--God's voice alone.
5. Unity for our team (John, Tom, Kay) as we discuss the myriad of details necessary for the planning and packing stage.
6. That we would have exactly the room we need in our suitcases to take not only what we need but also for all the donations we'll be taking over.
7. Direction for Lori and La'Salette, Teresa and Daran, as they prepare for our visit--the needs are many and they are working on a plan to make the best use of us while we are there.
8. None of us (Tom, John, Kay) are detail people, and we are all leaving families behind--please pray that we will be able to put all the necessary details in place before we leave so that our families are adequately cared for in our absence.

For His glory!

2009-04-15T14:34:00.000-07:00

My dear friend and sister in Christ, Sarah Davidson, creates "reborn dolls." She designed "Hope" as an African baby for a fundraiser for our trip. "Hope" represents so many things to me--when Sarah first presented her to me, I promptly started leaking tears. Hope represents the dear friendships in Jesus that He graces us with--like Sarah for me. Hope also represents all those precious children in Africa who so desperately need the hope of the Savior. Most of all, Hope represents the Savior Himself, with whom all hope resides.

If you would like to purchase a raffle ticket, please email me at kaywest@cox.net and let me know. Tickets are $5. each and the drawing will be on May 1.

Thank you Sarah, thank you Jesus!

WE ARE GOING!!!

2009-02-27T13:21:00.000-08:00

Yes, God has done it again, working through the extreme generosity of His people. Not only was enough money raised for John and me to go, but also our dear brother in Christ, Tom Strohm will be able to travel with us. Please pray that we will listen intently to His voice as we prepare for this trip. We will leave Mon. May 18, 2009 and return Sat. June 6, 2009. to Him be the glory and honor and power forever!

Our Gift-giving God

2009-02-27T13:15:00.000-08:00

When God gives to His people, He gives lavishly and abundantly. In spite of our impatience, in spite of our lack of faith, even though we stumble around and get distracted and whine and act far less than lovely, He gives out of His great love.

Another demonstration of this was shown to us through a dear brother and sister in Christ, Bob and Dorothy Lehman. They chose, in spite of bumbled communication on my part, to sacrificially bless John and me with a class on missions ("PathWays," used to be "Perspectives"). It has truly been a huge blessing--John and I are learning tons and seeing Scripture through new eyes. This class is definitely encouraging and thought-provoking, and of course God's timing is perfect as we will finish right before we head to Swaziland. Which brings me to my next post....

Humbled

2009-01-10T14:01:00.000-08:00

We have recieved our first donation for this year's trip--and probably the most precious one we will recieve. One of my beloved students, Mya Carrizosa, came to her lesson and literally dumped the entire contents of her piggy bank on my desk. She apologized because it was "only" $6.68. I reassured her that God will use her funds and multiply them for His glory. Of course I cried, and later John got tears in his eyes when I told them the story. Mya did this as an assignment for AWANAS--to help a missionary--but obvioulsy went way above and beyond--giving to Christ EVERYTHING she had saved--not withholding even a penny. I don't know if Mya knows the story of the widow's mite, but I do, and I know God will richly bless this precious young woman for her faith. She sure humbled us--how can we give less than our all after the lesson from this generous child?

Swaziland Trip 2009

2009-01-10T13:47:00.001-08:00

It's official! John and I are taking steps to make a trip to Swaziland in late May/ early June, God willing. If you'd like to support us, we'd really appreciate it. Please pray for God's will, protection, provision, and blessing, and most of all for Him to use us for His kingdom purposes. If you'd like to make a donation, please mail to: Bridgeway Community Church, 2420 E. Liberty Lane, Phoenix, AZ, 85048. The subject line should read, "Swaziland 2009" and the checks should be made out to Bridgeway Community Church.

2008-11-25T12:37:00.001-08:00

Oh, the joy! Daran Rehmeyer of African Leadership Partners has been in the US for several weeks raising support, and we were blessed, along with Tom and Doreen Strohm of Jesus Cares Ministries, to be able to host him for a weekend. We got to hear him give presentations to two groups--one at a dessert gathering at the home of Ed and Margaret Reis, and the other at Love of the Lord Community Church. Lots of tears, lots of hope through Christ. It meant so much to John and me to be able to connect face-to-face to get further clarity about what is going on over there, and ask lots of questions (poor Daran--thanks for your patience with us!) about the possibility of both short term and long term mission trips there for John and me.

2008-09-16T16:10:00.000-07:00

God continues to give John and me a burden for Swaziland. Tom and Doreen Strohm of Jesus Cares are exploring how God might lead them in ministry for Swaziland as well. The four of us meet regularly to pray for God's guidance, provision, and wisdom as we tentatively plan a trip to Africa in 2008. God continues to challenge me to greater tests of faith. He's really called us to trust Him for finances, and has already proven He is faithful even when my faith falters! My heart burns and yearns to be there again, yet I want to remain entirely in God's will and not get ahead of His plans! Please keep us all in prayer as we seek Him!

Please also keep a very special little girl in prayer. She is the first child I connected with there. When we got to church, Lori and this child's little sister made eye contact and reached for each others' hands as they headed into church. I was, quite honestly, shy with the kids and not sure how to act. "My" little girl looked at me questioningly for a few moments before coming up to ME and holding MY hand to lead me into church! What a beautiful welcome.

She sat with me during the service, and during praise and worship we held hands and danced together. She's the one who got a tiny bit of money from an illustrated sermon. After church she bought candy with this precious money, and offered it to me!

The next time I saw her was at the school at one of the care points. I didn't recognize her at first until Lori pointed her out to me. She was positively beaming to see us! During recess she insisted I come watch her play dodge ball. She was really very, very good. She also helped me to console another little girl who was crying.

The village from which she comes is the poorest of the poor, and AIDS and other diseases are rampant. She has less than nothing, sees such heartache, loss, and death every day, yet is eager to love and be loved.

This vibrant, generous, loving child has been referred for testing because of HIV symptoms. My heart is breaking. Please pray for her to live out the full life God intended her to, whatever days He has numbered for her. Please pray that her days will be filled with His joy and hope and that her light will shine brightly for Him.

My Part?

2008-06-18T11:09:00.001-07:00

In spending time with the missionaries there, I was told over and over that there is no one there with my gift of counseling women and pregnant teens and that my skills are desperately needed. Obviously we can't pick up and move there (yet!?) but please pray for God's leading in how specifically I can be of use--at least as a consultant for LaSalette and Lori.

Praise and Worship

2008-06-18T11:01:00.001-07:00

What joy--I was told I was a definite answer to prayer not once but three times! First, by Bongi, a precious young Swazi woman who leads praise and worship at LaSalette's church. Her voice puts every Gospel singer I've ever heard to shame! She had begun to teach herself piano, but needed some help, which I was happily able to easily provide. It opened a big door for her and she is now practicing diligently and is eager to share the gift in leading the church in worship! She told me that 2 days before I arrived she had cried out to God in frustration asking for His help for her to be able to play the keyboard! Oh, how humbling and amazing to be used!
Abraham, a joyful Swazi servant, helps LaSalette with the church and grounds. His faith is astounding. He shared, with a huge grin, how my visit has encouraged them all greatly because they know it is just the beginning of God's answers to prayer for what He is going to do there.
Joy and Maria, two of the cooks for whom I was blessed to be able to lead a Bible study, shyly confided that they knew I was an answer to prayer and that I came at "just the right time" because they have been so discouraged. Many mock them for the work they do in cooking for the children because children are not valued and also because they are working for a white woman. We cried and prayed together. They said I blessed them but they blessed me far more.

The Vision

2008-06-18T10:57:00.000-07:00

God has given Pastor La'Salette another vision--they dream big things together and with His power they happen! The next step, in which Lori will be instrumental and I am playing a part, is the building, in phases, of a children's home, home for pregnant teens, hospice, school, another care point, and a church. While I was there, we saw and prayed over the property. It is beautiful! We spent quite a bit of time discussing floor plans and ideas. It will be pure joy to see how God brings it all to fruition.

HOME--FOR NOW

2008-06-18T09:19:00.000-07:00

I am home and trying to find the words to share with you all God has shown me. His grace and covering and love were so obviously present during my whole trip. I was beautifully taken care of and provided for.
I also witnessed the devastation the enemy has wrought on a beautiful people in Swaziland. I've never seen such extreme poverty, sickness, pain, or suffering on such a wide-scale basis. AIDS has devastated this country and evidence of it is everywhere. I met many gentle, stoic Swazi's and not one of them had escaped--all either have HIV, full-blown AIDS, or have lost one or more family members to this disease. We visited care points where kids get their one meal a day. Small children converge from surrounding fields to eat a bowlful of food. The presence of Children's Cup workers (May God richly bless these amazing servants!) enables many to get food, an elementary education who otherwise would have none, and some medical care. The children put ours in the U. S. to shame with their gratitude for their schooling. Teresa, a nurse with Children's Cup, provides health care against extreme odds, working long hard hours in a country brutally lacking in health care. Children come to her clinic with high fevers, rashes, extreme dehydration and malnutrition, as well as "normal" childhood health problems. Of course many have HIV or AIDS. What amazed me was these kids come without parents (who are either dead or single parents who have to work no matter how sick their kids are) in conditions that would have me laid up in bed. They sit stoically waiting for care. Teresa then prescribes treatment and medication and hopes and prays that these grade-school age children follow through. She takes those to the hospital herself who otherwise would probably die alone. Pastor LaSalette is a one-woman dynamo running a church for the poorest of the poor, a school for children who have nothing but Christ's love, and a beautiful care point. Everything she touches shows God's beauty and love. Lori and I were blessed beyond measure to get to stay and work with these two women and Teresa's family. We also visited hospitals (if you can call them that--filthy places of dispair, including an abandoned children's ward where kids are dropped off either because they are too sick for their parent(s) to care for them, or their surviving parent is too sick to care for them, or both), villages consisting of straw shacks without roofs where the "men" were drunk on fermented sugar cane and children went without shoes or adequate clothing in winter, and orphanages--sad places because they were orphans, but happy places because they were clean, well fed, and loved by a housemother who will raise them to adulthood . Often "all" I could do was pray for those staying in these places. Children are children and all were happy for attention. We held them, Lori took photos (they loved to see themselves!), laughed with them, read to them, sang with them, prayed for them, and told them Jesus loves them.
We witnessed a sad but commonplace funeral procession--a motley group of villagers wailing and singing and carrying a dead 6-month-old baby to a grave in the village. Unaccomapanied children stood by the way watching a pageant they see all too often.
I was blessed to get to teach Bible studies to two groups of care point cooks. One group had Bibles in SiSwati--the other group were illiterate. All come from the villages where they work and recieve no pay but do get food for themselves and their families and are grateful for what they recieve. Most are abused by their husbands or have been abandoned by them (both rampant and permissable in Swazi culture). We prayed and cried together.
I attended probably the most powerful church service I've ever been to at Pastor LaSalette's church. People with nothing came for miles to worship our Lord and they do so with fervor. The worship team was on fire with the Holy Spirit, in spite of electrical failure, darling (smelly!) children with sores all over their bodies came and sat in our laps and sang and danced with us. Teresa's husband, Daran, was the guest preacher and I'll never forget his message. At the end, he gave an altar call--the most powerful I've ever heard. He shared his testimony of accepting Christ at age 28. Then with brutal honesty he pointed out that most of those in attendance won't live that long and exhorted them to come to Christ now. Once again, I was in tears. We were welcomed with open arms by the congregation. As I was most of the time there, I was humbled beyond measure. One little girl had been blessed with candy. She gave me a piece. Oh, that we were that generous with all the Lord has blessed us with.
Beyond the pain and suffering, I was also witness to God's grand creation--zebra's, baboons, monkeys, a pregnant giraffe, elephants and rhinos right in front of our vehicle, hippos, crocodiles, exotic birds, warthogs on our patio, springboks, impalas, bushboks, and many more. Africa is every bit as beautiful as I imagined, at least the corner I was priviledged to visit.
I was treated to gracious hospitality and succulent meals by LaSalette, Teresa, and Theronda's mom Carolien. We had hot water, running toilets, and electricity most of the time. Phone lines were iffy at best, though!
I'm sure I'll think of other things to post as I get beyond jet lag and culture shock so please stay tuned if your eyes haven't glazed over yet with my long missive here.
Thank you seems so inadequate for all your prayers, financial support, and love, but it's the best I can do.
Please continue to pray for the Swazi people and the dedicated missionaries who give their lives there, including Lori, LaSalette. Teresa and Daran, and many others I was honored to meet. God works mightily through these warriors who are His hands and feet.
Please also pray for John and me as we pray for God's guidance as to how He would have us serve--part of my heart remains in Swaziland and I know John is being moved as well.
If God moves on your heart to donate, you can contact Live in Love, Children's Cup, or me. While I don't know what the future will bring, I definitely feel God's call on my heart for another trip, with John, to serve in Swaziland.

Kay is fine!

2008-06-12T12:35:00.000-07:00

This is John providing and update again. Kay was finally able to get online this morning and I received an email from her. She hoped to update this blog, but I know she didn't have much time.

She is healthy and well taken care of. What she is experiencing has been very, very hard on her as she wrote "I've never seen so much horrible, horrible suffering anywhere ever . . .". This often brings her to tears and others there are doing what they can; mostly praying with her.

Please keep Kay in your thoughts and prayers.

John

Message from Kay in Swaziland

2008-06-09T10:51:00.000-07:00

This is John sending correspondence on behalf of Kay.

Kay has arrived and all is well in Swaziland. I have heard from her two times now for very short phone calls. She had hoped to be able to update this blog while there, but is unable to.

Kay indicated that so much is happening and she has been busy filling up her journal. I know she wants to share as much as possible, when possible.

We both covet and appreciate your prayers and support.

I am excited to see how the Lord uses this beautiful servant in Swaziland.

John

2008-06-05T09:11:00.000-07:00

Not much to report, but have time and Internet access, so wanted to let eveyone know we're doing fine so far. PHX...Albuquerque....LA...NY--all kind of a blur and I've had 3 hours sleep. Lori's great. This missionary stuff is pretty cushy so far--with Lori's frequent flier miles we get to do our long NY layover in the United VIP lounge--quite, comfy chairs, free food, reading material...zzzzzzz....

Showers of Blessing

2008-05-30T10:13:00.000-07:00

I'm trying my best to keep track of all the amazing, loving things God is doing as we prepare for Swaziland, but who can keep up with a God who lavishly gives to His children? Anyway, some highlights:

*Kathie Kelly, a friend who teaches art classes professionally, has offered to come give Jeremy 3
two-hour sessions while I'm gone as part of his homeschool curriculum.
*I was stung by a scorpion last Sun. in between church services--like Lori said, "How obvious can
Satan get?!" I was able to laugh in his face as soon as it happened! And while my whole left side
was pretty much numb and useless all day, after the initial sting I had NO pain!
*Another dear friend, who I'm sure would prefer to remain anonymous (sorry--thank you Carol!) gave
me $100 to spend for a treat for myself. Others continue to give me cash and useful gifts up to the
last minute.
*Other precious sisters and brothers have joyfully agreed to be emergency contacts for Jeremy while
I'm gone.
*Two churches besides my own are having all their kids lift up our prayer requests weekly until we
return.

I could go on and on--no way to completely list all your kindnesses--thank you Father for being so incredible and putting such incredible people in my life!

More Prayer Requests, and Praises of God's Extravagant Love!

2008-05-21T08:38:00.001-07:00

Oh boy, how do I say this? I'm so grateful to you all for your faithfulness in prayer. I'm embarrassed to add a lot more to the list I sent last week, but there are so many things on my heart. Mostly, of course, please just pray as the Holy Spirit leads you, but in addition to the other list I sent, here are some more specific requests. Some of them were suggested by experienced missionary friends. (Thank you Kathy and Lisa!)

*Please pray for my counseling clients while I'm gone, and for Tom and Doreen Strohm of Jesus
Cares Ministries who will be covering in any emergencies.
*My family while I'm gone, including my 2 dogs!
*Health while I'm there--of some concern is the fact that I was advised NOT to get certain
immunizations due to allergies, including the Hepatitis B and C.
*I will be doing a grief workshop 2 days after I return. Please pray for adequate rest and prep for that.
*That I will be sensitive to the missionaries there--I want to be a blessing and not a drain.
*That I will be able to gather info on specific water needs and options for us to help--3 men
separately but at the same time felt the call to see what we can do. Blessings to my husband
John, Bob Lehman, and Durrell--a friend of Lori's--for their hearts to minister in this way.
*Peace and patience during difficult airport terminal situations, layovers, etc.
*Cultural sensitivity.
*Culture shock both going and coming home.
*Transition back into my family, daily routine after such a life-changing experience.
*Glorifying God in EVERY situation.

Praise reports:
So many--God is taking care of the smallest details in ways far better than Lori and I could ever imagine! For example, if I could have the biggest desire of my heart (outside of ministry) in Africa it would be to go to a game preserve. Due to the extreme generosity and gracious hospitality of Theronda's family, I'll be going to one with her family! God has provided for every need financially, and so many have blessed me with little and big gifts of things I will need for my travels. Most of all, I praise God for all of you and your support and love.

Prayer requests on my heart today

2008-05-14T15:50:00.000-07:00

Current prayer requests, in no particular order:
*Health and rest and good sleep for me prior to the trip
*Swazi kids' hearts being prepared to soak in Jesus' love that Lori and I want to share
*Wisdom for me in the details of preparation--what to pack, etc.
*Increase in my daily devotion time--not sure how to carve out more time but desperately desire it and I know God is the controller of time!
*Preparation of assignments for Jeremy's schoolwork for while I'm gone
*Safe travel
*I may possibly get the opportunity to teach on grief and/or prayer while I'm there--if this is God's will, for doors to open, schedules to jive, my time to prepare, etc.
*God's preparation of my heart--hard to describe, but I really feel like He's doing some work in me--probably a major overhaul--not fearful at all--I totally trust Him--but rather just don't want to get in the way of whatever He is doing.
*Lori--everything God lays on your heart--this is a HUGE step for her--I'm only going for 2 weeks--she's moving there!

I will probably shoot off more prayer requests as God lays them on my heart. I want to try really hard not to ask for things that "sound" good--you know, "Christianese missionary speak" but rather what God really shows me and those things that I'm truly concerned about--pretty or not--I want to be totally honest.

2008-04-19T20:15:00.000-07:00

Praise God for His faithfulness and His patience with my impatience. We have dates for our trip!!! Lori and I will depart June 4, spend the night in Denver, then on to Washington DC, Johannesburg, South Africa, and finally, Swaziland! Lori will, of course, be staying there for at least a year. I will leave on June 13 to spend two days and nights with dear friend Theronda and her family in South Africa before returning to my beloved husband, boys Zack and Jeremy, and puppies Barney and Boaz on June 16.

Of course I covet your prayers now more than ever as I prepare physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Thank you.

We Have Winners!

2008-04-10T09:15:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Joy Arnold and Theronda Schieke--winners of the raffle for the afghans, and Ann Arnold, winner of the photography package offered by Imago Deo Photography! Most of all, we are happy for the real winners--the precious children of Swaziland. These raffles raised $1,700. for the mission fund!

2008-03-02T14:46:00.000-08:00

God recently showed me something very precious that I want to share with you. As some of you know, in the past year I've lost my dad, step mom, and a dear friend. It has been a hard year, and at times it is difficult to put one foot in front of the other. When Lou and Joneen died within days of each other, both unexpectedly, I went online in desperation to see if I could find info on processing multiple grief. Ironic, because I have taught grief classes for 20 years now! Anyway, I did find a couple of sites, but pretty quickly got directed to sites on the AIDS community because they experience so many of their loved ones dying. And then I made the connection to AIDS... Africa....about that time I realized God was leading me--duh--it hit me--here I am struggling with these losses, yet I have a wonderful support system, enough food to eat, shelter, a loving family, maturity,... Yet these kids we will be working with have lost many loved ones, including parents, and have NONE of those blessings we take for granted. The Lord in His infinite wisdom used my pain to help me understand in a much deeper way how desperately hopeless those precious children must feel.

2008-01-31T12:00:00.000-08:00

Fundraising is going really well. Thank you so much to all who have contributed so generously. I'm about 2/3 of the way to the goal!

2008-01-02T19:03:00.000-08:00

Welcome. I have created this blog to keep you informed about God's call on my life to serve in Swaziland. I will be working in conjuction with Lori Schweighardt (http://www.supportlil.blogspot.com/) to help provide psychosocial services to children in Swaziland. Lori will live there full time, sharing Christ's love with children who desperately need it. Most of the children she will be working with have multiple issues which might include AIDS, loss of one or both parents, poverty, homelessness, physical and/or sexual abuse, and neglect. These children do not even understand the concepts of love and hope, so we will be developing (a) program(s) to help them heal emotionally and spiritually in order to teach them about the love and hope that are in Jesus Christ. We will work in conjunction with existing missions that provide meals, medical care, Christian teaching, and education. Lori's expertise is with helping dying children cope with end-of-life issues. My specialties include grief and trauma work and assisting with healing from physical and sexual abuse. Most of all, we will rely on the wisdom, guidance, and provision from our Heavenly Father.
My role will include a trip there to learn more about the culture, dialogue and pray with the missionaries there, and help set up services. I will provide ongoing support services once I return to the U. S.