I live in a hut in Africa, with a thatched roof and all it’s glory. I played with preschool children today but didn’t have a conversation with them because we don’t speak the same language. I came home to a cow being butchered on the ground by our outdoor showers, the cow died while in child birth. The smell of the butchered dead cow is ripe and still lingering in the evening air. I cleaned the outhouse today with bleach water and a broom hoping to eliminate some of the stench, but we all know it won’t be long until the heat of the day brings back the ripe smell of poop. I...

3 AM, sweating like crazy, tossing back and forth…the biggest of the roosters decides to make his presence known at our gate. Someone casually whispers, is this real life? Oh Swaziland. I could still muster up enough brain power after all the traveling to look around at the absolutely stunning country. Never could I have imagined myself traveling through the enormous hills of this hope filled countryside. The people wave at you with the biggest smile no matter who you are or what your purpose is. The most comforting smiles came from the children that were walking home from school...

I’m at the mall in Manzini, Swaziland right now. Michelle and I were just walking around, in and out of stores just looking around. We stopped in ShopRite (A local grocery store) and bought a few drinks, including 2 cans of very refreshing Mountain Dew. After purchasing them we reminded one another of the training session we had the day we arrived in Swazi, on Tuesday. At the session we were taught cultural norms in Swazi; No eating in public; No burping in public; Giving and receiving with your right hand only. So Michelle and I then had to discuss whether or not drinking our...

As we drove through the streets of Swaziland, passports freshley stamped, I was overwhelmed with two completely contradictory emotions. My heart was full of joy and sorrow all at the same time. Joy because I was finaly to the place where God so obviously wants me. The people of Swazi passing by made my heart leap, I was finally where I belong. Even though the last month flew by, it also in a sense seemed to drag on. Because I knew where I was supposed to be, I just wasn’t there yet. So now I had FINALLY made it. Now is my time to shine!! But even through this joy there...

                    WOW! We made it!After a crazy long flight,stay in South Africa, and a long bus ride…We are here in Swaziland, Africa! Honestly, The past 4 days now are just a blur, but I will tell you what i do remember 🙂 .             As we arrived at the homestead I felt at home. This is my new home along with the rosters, black momba, long drop and bucket showers.These little blessings brings such joy and humor to...

Honey, we’re home. After driving to the Atlanta airport, waiting for 6 hours, flying for 17 hours, driving for 1 hour, sleeping in Johannesburg for 4 hours, driving for 6 hours, going through 2 border checks, going grocery shopping, converting money, and driving another hour, we have made it to the homestead.Swazi isn’t like any stereotypical description of Africa, it’s mountainous, green, full of smiles, old dogs, chickens, blossoms, tin outhouses, and laughter. It’s everything I could ever want in a home. My team and I share a big hut with 7 sets of bunk beds,...