When I started this journey, I had a little friend come with me.
His name is Gus. He is well suited for this trip because he carries everything he needs on his back just like we world racers do.
This past month in Swaziland has been incredible. Gus was sad to leave. He has a few departing thoughts to share with the world about our ministry time here.
1.
Living in tents on a farm is an adventure here. Where else do you get to see zebras and bulls at the same time and within the same fence (Gus is very glad for the fence)?
2.
Very rarely did we get to out at night. When we did it was an adventure and we took pictures of everything (Gus never got out at night and was disappointed on the few occasions I left him).
3.
There is an abundance of smiling faces and excited children (They like to do dances that imitate Gus. It makes him happy).
4.
Cooking around a fire every night is fun, but smelly (Eau de Smoke is not a trendy smell for turtles). Hey, but who knew you could get so much good food from a kettle over a fire?(Gus is glad that turtle soup was never on the menu)
5.
Swaziland is a beautiful country (Gus blends in with all the greenery here very well).
6.
God impacted us just as much if not more than we impacted the people we came to help. (Gus is very wise for a turtle).
7.
It is very hard to say goodbye to people you have formed relationships with (I told Gus he better get used to this. It won’t be the last time).
8.
God really used this month to bring our team to together (Gus is so excited to have 6 people to watch out for him instead of just one. I don’t know what that says about
my ability to look out for him).
9.
God is good no matter what your circumstances.
That last one is something God has really impressed on me being here. We came to this place not knowing what to expect. I am leaving knowing that God is faithful.
He provided for us above and beyond our expectations. He showed us people that seem to have little to nothing, but with Christ they are rich beyond measure. I met children who wore rags every day, who did not know where their next meal was coming from, and who had no one to care for them. Yet they smiled and laughed and hugged and played. They had joy. I met women who give of themselves daily for children in the community and do it out of desire, not obligation. I met a man whose heart for his community made him take time out of his busy work schedule to drive a bunch of crazy Americans around for 3 weeks in his truck so we could visit the care points. When we told him goodbye, someone asked, “Nicholas, are you going to miss us?” He replied, “How can you even ask that. Of course I will.”
We met Swazi business men who are catching the vision to use their resources to help this community. God does amazing things. Best of all I learned more about how He loves me and loves them. That is the best part of all. Gus agrees. Like I said, he is a smart turtle.
