This morning the World Race teams loaded up and headed out, bound for South Africa. They will converge with the rest of their squad and go through a time of debrief for several days before traveling on to Europe for the final leg of their race. It has really been a blessing to be able to spend these past three weeks with them, though a challenge at the same time. So many things reminded me of my own team, squad, and race. I wanted to stuff myself into one of their packs and join them for the rest of their journey. It’s hard not to sit here reminiscing my Race and not feel a pang of sadness that it is over. In fact, it has been over for more than a year now…crazy! Not only that, but I was able to make some awesome friendships within these teams, and I will miss them a ton.
At any rate, I felt that they finished their time in Swaziland strong. Their time at the Care Points were great, and they were able to share several bible stories with the children, play games with them, and create lasting memories for both the children and themselves. Hopefully, encounters like this will also challenge the kids to pursue the Lord.
We threw a Mexican fiesta last night for the everyone–the team, translators, and Pastor Gift–in which they were able to thank the translators and Pastor Gift for all of their hard work and continued service even after they leave. Sadly, Pastor Gift had to deliver some heartbreaking news. The one of the ladies from the “Home Based Care” had passed away. It was difficult to accept, and hard to believe that we just saw her last week. What an honor it was for them to be able to talk to, love on, pray with, and generally minister to her in her last days here on earth.
With this unfortunate news came a new surge of energy, though. I have a passion to see this nation changed–to no longer hear of the death of so many young, for preventable reasons. It is devastating, and it is my prayer that one day this will no longer be the norm for Swaziland. Please lift up a prayer for the family of this cherished woman.
