Swaziland-
Swaziland was so good to us. We spent the month secluded on top of a mountain at a children's home called El Shaddai. While we were all on top of the mountain, men and women were separated for the month so that the men could have a month of manistry. For us women, ministry included manual labor in the garden, tutoring the students after school, holding daily chapel times for the students, loving on the babies, and going on home visits. Surrounded with the love from sixty little African children and the views of the breathtaking landscape, it was impossible for me to NOT feel the Lord's presence. Worship was so easy, so natural. God also did some really huge things in my heart this month. It was a month of big prayers joined with faith-filled expectancy. The Lord revealed so much to me: more of himself, his heart, and more of how he has uniquely created me. I will never forget my silly little buddy Siphe, sweet Wendy, gentle Ruth, all of the little angels in the baby house, and the many more precious little treasures at El Shaddai. My love for those children was deep and they ministered to me in so many ways. My month in Swaziland will forever be a deeply cherished memory in my heart.
South Africa-
Month 11 was spent on the Wild Coast of South Africa, in a small town called Port St. John's. For the first time in awhile, we pitched our tents and pulled out our sleeping pads. Our team's ministry included prep for a holiday Bible club, hosting the week long club, neighborhood outreaches, visiting local schools, pouring into the youth at a youth center, and more. It was a strange month of feeling the transition period beginning- staying present and beginning to process going home at the same time. Even still, I experienced so much of Christ in this place through the jaw-dropping beauty of the rugged coast to the soulful, smooth voices of the high school students as they worshipped their Maker. The Lord used this month to continue to teach me about unconditional love, hard work, and enjoying his presence in an intimate way. It was a wonderful way to wrap up this absolutely incredible journey. I can't believe this is it!
Love,
Kara
