Africa thus far
We have been in Africa for 1 ½ weeks now and aside from Africa looking nothing like I expected, these weeks have already been incredible as expected. Last week our team spent the week in Manzini, Swaziland. We had some intense teaching times and different ministry opportunities like visiting the local hospital or The Hope House which is a home for AIDS victims. I entered the week of teaching with this prayer: “Lord break me of everything that is not of you, strip me Lord. Help me to say ‘yes’ to all that you ask this week. Would you show me your power, your love, and your grace in new ways. Lord begin to show me more of the gifts and the authority you want me to use for your glory. Thank you Father for always working.”
Needless to say, God answered all of those prayers. It was intense. But I am so thankful for it.
Now my team is in Nelspruit, South Africa which is absolutely beautiful. We are staying in Bob and Sue’s house (they are really fun missionaries from the UK). We are staying on top of a beautiful hill in a town-ship that stretches all the way to Mozambique. As far as I can see in all directions are huge, green rolling hills. Wow! So amazing. 
We are ready for what God wants here in Nelspruit. We are still praying about how God wants us to serve here, but my team feels like God is calling us to step out in faith and take some risks this month. I think we will have to choose to trust God even when the outcome is unclear. I am excited.
A little bit about today
My high and low today were both at the children’s ward of the local hospital. There were so many suffering children. Many are dying. Hopelessness covered the faces of children who should be running around playing soccer or climbing trees. Seeing the hopelessness in the children’s beautiful eyes was rough to say the least. My high though, was being reminded that my God is HOPE. His hope can transform their hopelessness. 
Thank you Father that you can overcome even the most hopeless situation. You are life and hope and healing. I pray that you will use me to be your hands and feet for these precious children at the hospital.
