Well folks, its that time again.
Time to pack everything I own in a backpack (I’m actually excited about it this time…can you believe that?). Leader’s training starts tomorrow, and then the Real Life participants arrive on Monday evening. I’m so excited to finally meet them and begin getting to know them. Please be praying for us during our training time (from January 25-29). Pray for a deep sense of trust to be established with each other quickly, that we would set a foundation of loving and honoring each other above ourselves, that we’d have an abundance of grace for unity, and that we’d have a lot of fun!
Here are some stats about Swaziland to get your heart moving in prayer and compassion for the people we will be meeting in a little over a week:
• Life expectancy is only 30 years.
• 15-year-olds have less than a 10% chance of living to age 35.
• More than 50% of the population lives on about 28 cents a day.
• Half of the country’s population are under the age of 15.
• In some parts of the country, 80% test positive for HIV.
• According to UN statistics, the entire country will cease it exist by 2050.
Can you imagine? I’ve been there and I can’t wrap my mind around it. I’d only be expected to live 7 more years. My parents would have died over 20 years ago. Half of US citizens would be homeless (its hard to have a home on 28 cents a day), and only be able to feed one member of their family once a week…if that. Half of the country wouldn’t be able to drive a car. In a get-together with 10 friends, at least 5 would have HIV, if not 8. I’m skipping over a few statistics because I can’t even begin to go there. What is it like for an entire country to “cease to exist”?
These odds are devastating, but there is always HOPE because our Daddy God has a great, mighty arm to reach down and rescue us.
Please be praying for my co-leader Neil and I as we listen to and watch the Lord to see what He’s already doing and how He’d have us move with Him. Be praying for wisdom in decision-making, and confidence to move and act in uncertain situations. Pray that our team would be one full of willing hearts to serve and give all that we have. Pray for our protection.
Thank you!!! I’ll update you again soon!
Neil and I in San Jose, Costa Rica on The World Race
