This past Thursday, our small group of 8 leaders were joined by a total of 57 participants. Emotions were running high: excitement at finally beginning the trip they had dreamed and talked about for the past several months; anxiety about leaving behind home and comfort some for the first time; and a mixture of apprehension and joy in meeting the 14 individuals who, in the coming months, will become family.
Team Swazi dove right into training camp with all the enthusiasm that can be expected after a poor night’s sleep and a day of traveling. Even finding out that there are only 2 showers on the facility to be shared by 65 people couldn’t dim their joy.
Team Swazi enjoying the beautiful snowfall
Throughout training, Team Swazi has sought to build community through intentionally spending time with each other – even if it is playing mofia or catch phrase, being vulnerable and open with their stories – both joys and struggles, and supporting each other through encouragement and prayer.
The community that already exists for our team of 15 is strong and beautiful. Even in the initial stages, each member of the team is willing to sacrifice for another. The heart of the team beats in unity already and I can’t wait to see the team love once on the field. In my opinion, the bond of community of Team Swazi (combined with a couple sick dance moves) led us to be crowned champion of the Spring 2016 Passport dance competition.
This week has held a lot of firsts for many of the team. 1st time seeing snow. 1st time flying by themselves, 1st time experiencing spiritual warfare, and 1st time hearing the voice of God. For 14 of us, arriving in Johannesburg will be our 1st time in Africa. There are so many joys and fears in new experiences, but through it all, God is faithful.
Tomorrow morning we will be dropped off at the airport and at 7pm, we will board our flight bound for Johannesburg. 15 hours later, we will be on the ground and met by host. After a night’s sleep in a hostel, we will travel to Nsoko, Swaziland and begin our ministry.
Prayer Requests:
- Health and safe travels
- Grace to pour out on each other in the midst of sleep deprived travel
- Continued growth in community within our team
