Elli invited Shane and myself to visit her during the parent week of the race. Shane and I decided it would be easier if one of us went and one stayed home with the other kids; I was the lucky one that got to go. At this point, Elli has been gone 7 months and my Momma heart longs for her.
Seeing Elli was such an amazing experience. We were able to spend time together and just catch up. She is a different person than when she left. God has done amazing things in her life. The race has been one of the toughest things she has had to endure. She suffered great loss, frequent illness, and much testing. I’m so proud of her! She has learned to embrace the love God has for her and gives extraordinary grace and mercy and forgiveness to all. We are truly blessed to be her parents.
On a lighter note, A few things I found interesting in Eswatini are men are treated with great honor. As here men are expected to give up their seat to a lady and hold a door for her. The opposite is true there. Secondly, Women’s knees are to never be shown however, a breast hanging out of a shirt is no big deal. Next, this country has the highest HIV rate in the world despite its small size. So, everywhere one goes you can find free condoms. Finally, the people are so happy and content despite their great poverty. My favorite thing about this country is listening to them praise Jesus. They truly sound angelic. It is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard.
Thank you to everyone who has made this journey possible for Elli. Your support has been influential in healing, saving, and loving people whom we here in the US would not have been able to touch.
