I can’t believe it’s been almost a month since we were evacuated from Africa. I know this update is late but I made it home safely! Upon returning to the states, my team was able to take a couple days to debrief. We stayed in an air bnb in Atlanta where we were able to sleep in comfy beds and talk about what all happened, how our time in eSwatini was, why we were being pulled, what was going to happen from there. It all happened so fast. We found out on a Friday that we were heading home, we were on a bus Saturday morning, back in the states by Monday, and heading home (or in my case to go hiking for a few days!) on Wednesday. Being sent home early sucks. It was not my plan. However, I know that God’s plan is not mine and He will bring good from this. It’s been really weird since I’ve been home. Corona has everything shut down. I haven’t been able to go to work, see my friends, or do anything ‘normal’, I know we’re all in the same boat here. Going from ministry every day in Africa, I’ve had to slow down and intentionally ask God what he has for me every day. I don’t necessarily always feel an answer but I know that he is faithful. Yes I’m sad that I’m not in Africa, but I’m choosing to see what God has for me here in the states, even though life is far from normal for all.
I also want to share a little bit about what ministry looked like in eSwatini! We stayed at an Adventures in Missions base and would join them every Monday morning for worship. We would then go out and do market ministry and a few of us would go shopping for team groceries filling at least 3 carts full! Tuesday through Friday we would hop in the Top Cat, a vehicle we rode in, and head out to do Care Point ministry. We would squish in and ride for an hour and fifteen minutes each way on the bumpiest roads you could imagine. In the mornings I taught preschoolers English with Jo. They were age three to seven and they were crazy! Some days we would feel like no progress was being made but their sweet smiles were always worth it. In the afternoon the older children would arrive. Most of the older kids spoke pretty good English! We would hangout, play games, sing songs, and feed them a hot meal. Although our time was cut short, I know that my life was changed by these children and I can only hope that theirs was as well.
I am so grateful for the time I had in Africa, for the relationships formed, and the memories made. I’m sure it wasn’t goodby forever. Africa has a special place in my heart and I hope to make it back in the not so distant future. Thank you all for your support and prayers through this crazy adventure!
