Right now I am just so thankful. I am so thankful to have been born in the United States of America because I truly have been blessed beyond measure. As many of you know, I am embarking on an 11 month journey to 11 different countries to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others and to love on people from different nations. At this point I am not sure if I have even told many of you what countries I am going to. Here is goes:
1. Dominican Republic
2. Haiti
3. Costa Rica
4. Nicaragua
5. Guatemala
6. South Africa
7. Botswana
8. Swaziland
9. Thailand
10. Malaysia
11. Philippines
So there you have it! Those are the countries that I will be partnering with each of you in!
Today I want to share with you about the country of Swaziland. I have to admit, the name is interesting in itself, isnt it!? Swaziland is a country in Southern Africa that has a land mass near and around the size of New Jersey. However, looking into the statistics of Swaziland, it is nothing like New Jersey. The average life expectancy in Swaziland is 49.4 years old! If that number does not tell a story in itself about the vast need of the hands and feet of Christ, Swaziland is the HIV capitol of the world. Over 26 percent of the country has the disease. As a spiraling effect of the HIV pandemic in Swaziland, the population growth is a mere 1 percent.
In 2004 to present, Swaziland has been struck with a severe drought. The drought has led the nation to become one of the most starved and poverty stricken countries in the world. Most families who do not have enough food to feed their entire family. Looking at Swaziland, I feel a mixture of emotions. I am heartbroken for those suffering the effects of poverty and HIV, all the while feeling blessed. It is sometimes a hard pill to swallow knowing what is happening around the world, but I have to take a step back sometimes and realize that God has his hand in all places. His provision never fails and it is something I simply trust in. I know many of you have an urge to help those in true need and do not know how. I truly do understand the feeling. The feeling that I was meant for something more. To help others. When I found the world race, I could not believe what it encompassed. The blessed lifestyle I was so used to would be placed aside to I could uplift and bring blessings to others in the name of Christ. Through my opportunities on the World Race, and specifically Swaziland, I will be serving the people of Swaziland to hopefully offer a better opportunity for at least one person. I think it is ok to not be ok with the statistics given. I ask that each and every one of you who reads this blog would join in as a prayer partner to lift up those in Swaziland. God is faithful and will provide. Additionally, if you would like to partner with me to help out those in Swaziland, you can give a tax deductible online donation on the left hand side on the Support Me tab! I just want to give a little warning that there is a small processing fee.Thank you all!!!!
