10 days

When we first started praying about this trip, I could not wait to actually go to Swaziland and it felt like we'd be waiting forever. Now it is almost here and I still can't wait, but am amazed at how quickly the trip seems to have approached. We have just ten days left before leaving. SO exciting!

Last night, Alli said something I told her I had to mention on the blog. We have smiled as people have asked many times what exactly we plan to do in Swaziland. We know their point is asking why we are motivated to go, and what type work we are going to accomplish, and what our goals are. We do have a reason to go and a goal, and it is all pretty simple.

Why? We were asked to go, so we are. 

What? We are going to love on people and show them the hope and love of Christ.

We do not consider ourselves gifted missionary material or ladies who have something to offer that others cannot. We really just are obeying a clear call, right now, to go and visit people who need encouragement. Alli said it well last night, "I am just so full of love and have to share it!" I feel the same way. That was why we initially became friends I think - our mutual love of people and sharing connections led to discussion and laughing and bonding very quickly. We also have been loved on so well, through many precious friends and family throughout our lives. When you are this full of love, it spills over, Alli says. I think she's right. :-)

We are just people-people. 

We love people from all over, every age range; of different heritage, beliefs, personality, and interests. We are those folks who annoy others with our large number of friends, with whom we really do keep up and communicate regularly. The purpose is not to merely have a lot of friends on Facebook (though we do have a LOT). We just genuinely can't get enough of sharing life with people. I cannot tell you the diverse group of friends Alli and I have between us, who we dearly love. It is a blessing to be able to share life with people who enable us to grow and stretch, because we are not all the same.

One of my favorite things in the world is to make friends, to get to know new people, and really connect in how we are the same or different, and to remember what they share. {Seriously, ya'll, I have bonded with folks I met and maintain a friendship with today, just because we clicked and we would've never met if they hadn't offered a fishpond on Craigslist! I love it when things like that happen!!}

So, this time, we will get to do that in another country, across an ocean, on a huge continent we have never seen. We just stay amazed and awed that we get to go do this.

1. Please pray that we will really be able to love on the McAdams and Clyburns and refresh them while we are there. 
2. Please ask God to help us show joy and hope to these precious children and the women who care for them. 
3. Please remember to pray for the many children in the local hospital who are hurting and alone, and that we can bring a little happiness to them when we visit.

We are so grateful for your prayers and know that the Lord really hears and answers.