Safely in South Africa

We have finished our time in Swaziland and we are so grateful for all your prayers. I am updating the blog at an internet cafe in Kruger National Park over our lunch break. It has been a great morning of seeing native animals in their natural habitat. Unfortunately, the lack of internet access in Swaziland was exactly what we had expected so we have not been able to post all the blogs written. However, they will be posted once we get home - so continue to check the blog even after we get back!

I did want to give you guys back home a brief overview of what the team has been up to the last several days:

Wednesday: The weather was cold and chilly, but that did not stop the kids from coming to the carepoint. We finished the work on the soccer field and netball court and spent most of the time there playing on the new fields.

Thursday: We had several crafts and skits performed. We have had a team of Ministry Partners with us all week and they really shined today! The Ministry Partners (some may know of them as the D-Team) are local Swazis in their 20s who go around to about 10 carepoints helping disciple the kids there. They themselves receive training and mentorship. They are doing an incredible job with the team!

Friday: All of Friday was spent with the Luke Commission helping put on the medical clinic. It was held at the primary school where most of the kids who attend our carepoint go to school. It was a hard day. The reality of HIV/AIDS hit home as several of the women our team have gotten to know over the last week tested positive for HIV. They women are able to get ARVs and counseling for their situation. In addition to HIV/AIDS testing the Luke Commission helped fit adults with reading glasses, other tests, light surgery, and several other medical procedures. The team had a great debrief that night, wrestling with the emotions and scenes from the day.

Saturday: It was a rich, full day at the carepoint. We knew that today was going to be our last day at the carepoint and we had a blast. The students performed skits, played soccer, led games, and help the girls make their own dolls. It was such an exciting day to see all the life at the carepoint. We helped the gogo's prepare a special meal with gravy, brisket, rice, and an orange for kids. We even had to make a second trip to the market to get more brisket and oranges - but after that we had more than enough food! It was very difficult to leave knowing that some of those people we might never see again.

Sunday: Today was such an answer to prayer. One of the key things our team has been praying for is a healthy church located on the carepoint. Today, we were able to participate in the very first church service on the new carepoint. Pastor Thuline was approached by the community and asked to Pastor this church. After prayer and seeking advice from mentors he accepted. We had a "MC" who was able to help translate the service into English. The singing was rich and beautiful, the local kids performed several songs for us, and then asked us to sing them a song! Steven Walton did a great job leading worship - we sang several songs all together. I had the privilege to give a short message, it was such an honor that Pastor Thuline asked me to speak. Please pray for Thuline as he leads this new church. He has a wife and two great daughters. Thuline works at a grocery store in Big Bend (near the carepoint) and his wife works at Nisela Guest House. Saying goodbye was difficult as we loaded up the bus and headed to South Africa. After a long day of travel, we made it safely to our guest house. A warm shower, roaring fireplace, and a meal of chicken curry greeted us!

Monday: Today we are at Kruger and loving it. We plan to have a bbq and firepit tonight at the guest house.

Tuesday: We will head to Jburg and depart for home! We are sad to be leaving Africa, but excited to see family and friends!

I hope that gives you a better picture of the last several days here! I apologize about the internet connections, please check the blog even after we get back to read what the students wrote about. We will also be updating the blog to give you updates about the carepoint and specific ways to pray.

That is all the time I have for now, the truck is about to leave to try and find more lions! See you soon,

Matt