Marius & Jodi Stancil Deetlefs - & Baby Emi

A Week in the Life of a 4 Month Old Missionary

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

My mommy wanted me to share what I've been up to this week. Besides eating and sucking on my fingers, this has been a really busy week for our family. My daddy has been going to the airport in South Africa to pick up teams, and he has been showing them different ministries they can be a part of while they're here. He has been driving around some people from Focus on the Family who are getting involved here in Africa, and today he is taking a team of really BIG guys to the Kruger National Park to see some lions and hippos. Our friends Scott and Marcia have been staying with us and helping these teams get to know what God is up to in Swaziland.

My mommy and I and our friend Julie have been making food for teams. One day we cooked cottage pie for 24 people, and later that week we all made beef stew for 15. A few days ago we got to make sandwiches for some really big guys that were here visiting orphans at the carepoints. They play football for the NFL, and one of them just won the Super Bowl! . Mom says that is a very big deal. There was also a former Georgia Tech quarterback on the trip. That is my favorite team.

My mom and dad took me to visit a few of the carepoints last week. The Swazi people think I am very WHITE!

We went to give some of my clothes and toys to another little baby. Her name is Nolwazi, and her mommy is 14 and has AIDS. Nolwazi was born a few weeks after I was, so mom says we can always give her my hand-me-downs so she'll have plenty to wear and play with.

I love living in Swaziland, and so do my mommy and daddy. Thank you so much for helping us be here. Our family really appreciates you! I will send you more pictures of my adventures later....

Love,
Emi D.

Today I Sat With My Friend

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Today I sat with my Swazi friend, who just lost her sister to AIDS. Her sister was only 42, and she is leaving behind 6 daughters, a son, and several grandchildren who don't have a father in the picture. It is tragic, and colors in a little more of the bleak picture that we are faced with in Swaziland.

But, as sad of a day as it was, in a way it was one of the most significant and heart-warming days I've experienced since I got here. So many times in life, we don't really know if our lives are making a difference, if we are really living for what we were created for. This was one of those rare days when I felt like I got it right - that I was precisely where I was supposed to be doing precisely what I was intended to be doing. And I wasn't doing much. I just took food for the family; Marius and I gave a little money towards the funeral expenses, and I simply sat on a little bench with my friend for a while.

The grandfathers sat on a little woven mat under the tree. The grandmothers sat on a different mat under another tree. My friend's late sister's children were in their thatched hut, crying and mourning the loss of their mother. There was an open fire with a big black pot of stew cooking. We were surrounded by their beautiful land - corn growing all around the homestead, mountains off in the distance, and over us a big blue canopy of sky.

After my grandfather died several years ago I was surprised by some of the goofy things people say to you in your time of loss, and I never wanted to be like that to others. Today I simply took food, told their family I was sorry for their loss, and sat with my friend in her time of need. Sometimes, maybe that is the best that we can do.

jodi

Emi goes to a Birthday Party

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Emi went to her friend Ellie's birthday party on Saturday. It was a polka dot party, so everyone dressed in polka dots and all of the food was round. It was a great little party. Ellie turned 5 years old. When she was just days old, she was abandoned by the side of the road in a plastic bag. My friend, Julie (the Julie who came up with the idea of helping the women here sew purses for income) adopted Ellie when she was just a few weeks old, and now she is five. It amazes me how our God can redeem terrible circumstances in our lives. Little Ellie's life will forever be changed by God's redemptive power at work in Julie.
I attached a picture of Emi with Ellie as well as a few more cute pictures of little baby Emi. She is growing like a little weed. She weighs 12 lbs. now, and her first little tooth is starting to come through. When Emi smiles, it lights up the room, and her mommy and daddy's hearts. Emi and her mommy are enjoying hanging out together, and hosting teams that come through our home. Enjoy the new pictures.

Love,
Jodi & baby Emi

Just another week in Swaziland

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It has been a great few weeks for me here in Swaziland. I hosted a group from Children's Hope Chest last week and was reminded again why Jodi and I are here. We are people from all walks of life with the one goal of somehow making a difference here in Swaziland at such a time as this. As you guys know we work with Adventures in Missions (AIM) and Children's Hope Chest (CHC), www.hopechest.org This trip was a CHC trip of only 4 guys and that included Tom Davis, the president of CHC. Jodi and I connected with these guys and visited like old friends. We are connected because our hearts are broken for the poor and needy, the orphans and the widows, and we stand on behalf of those who cannot stand for themselves...

We visited several of our care points throughout the country. Some are in better shape than others, but the common denominator is kids are being cared for that would otherwise starve without the food provided here. My heart broke anew, when I sat at a homestead of a lady that was dying from HIV/AIDS and TB. It is one thing to bring food to the care points to feed the thousands of orphans; it's a whole different story sitting down with a dying grandmother in her mud hut.

Here we were at this homestead in the bush, far from the comforts that I depend on every day. The reality is this lady will die soon, and I kept thinking that the one thing we all have in common as humans on this little planet is death. Death is the great Equalizer. Doesn't matter how hard you try to avoid it.

Here I was, sitting on the red African dirt, smelling the smoke from the fire cooking their meal for the evening - which consisted of beans and a little boiling pot of maize meal to feed the five of them. I looked at the lady sitting on her mat and couldn't help but think about the fact that she is someone's mom, someone's daughter, someone's sister. The woman opened up about her illness and my heart broke over the harshness of this life. She told us her joints hurt, she couldn't lift her arms, and she needed someone to help her stand. She had difficulty talking to us, and I couldn't believe how honest she was.

Two little boys, her grandchildren, were playing in a little tub which served as their bathtub, and they were all smiles, not aware at all of the dire straits they are in. I sat there wondering if their mom is also HIV positive and wondered about their futures.

The grandmother tells us that her biggest struggle is to get someone to take her to a clinic to get daily injections for her TB. Have you ever been in a situation when you feel that whatever you do, it won't be enough? I patted my pockets down for money, looked in the car for food, and I felt so inadequate - wondering how we could help this lady today. Tom Davis paid the public transport money and immediately met this lady's most desperate need. This means that for the next 45 days she can restart her regiment of TB shots. We layed hands on her and prayed for her. She was so grateful.

The hour and a half drive home was a silent one, as we all were busy with our own thoughts. You can always look downstream and find someone that is in more need than yourself. I felt so blessed and so saddened at the same time.

The next day I sat with a dear Swazi brother of mine, Elliot, at his homestead in the rural area. Elliot says I am his youngest born brother. We sat under a tree and talked about life. We walked between the rows of corn that was in desperate need of rain and he showed me his land and told me what he dreamed of doing with it. He was proud, almost beaming, and I realized that I have developed a soft spot for Elliot.

I love being here in Africa. I love being in Swaziland. While I love to be part of the lives of many, I mostly enjoy being part of individual's lives. The masses of needy people can be overwhelming, but Jodi and I want to make a difference in the lives of a few families. So, while we continue to help feed the masses, we want to personally give a lot to a few. When we leave Swaziland, we want to feel that we have truly made a difference in people's lives...

We continue to thank you for being part of that difference here with us. We can't be here without your faithful financial support. Thanks to those of you who have joined our team recently. We really appreciate all of you!!!
Love,

Marius, Jodi & Emi

Happy Christmas from Swaziland!

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Happy Christmas from Swaziland! I know it's a little late for a Christmas message, but I'm learning just how long it can take to write a blog in between feeding sessions of a little one! We had such a great time hanging with my parents over the holidays. They got to help out with a Christmas party (Kriek's last one of the year and it was a great success thanks to all her planning and hard work). Interestingly, this year there was a team of NFL wives who also helped out at the Christmas party, so that was pretty cool to meet them. We want to say a big thank you to Whitefish Foursquare in Montana for sending money to help make this party possible.
Besides the party, mom and dad also visited several care points, met Enoch (Marius will write a special blog about this later), helped us decorate Emi's room, delivered food to some Swazi families for Christmas, and just hung out together. They left on Dec. 14th, which was bittersweet - more bitter than sweet - but I'm so thankful that they were here.
Marius and I spent our actual Christmas day in serious hot weather, wearing shorts and trying to stay cool. We have enjoyed our much-needed break, as the Swazi base is closed for a few weeks until the new year. We are gearing up for a very busy year, full of lots of teams from the States. We hope you had a wonderful Christmas and that 2010 is a blessed year for you! We greatly appreciate your support here!
Lots of love from Swaziland,

Marius, Jodi, and little Emi

Sending Out an S.O.S.!

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Happy Holidays from Swaziland! It has been so nice to have my parents here with us for the past few weeks. They have been enjoying little Emi as she is already growing and changing so fast. Marius and I always try and keep talk of money out of our blog, but we find ourselves needing to mention our present situation. We are facing some pretty serious financial challenges right now. We have lost about 20% of our support due to some of our supporters having financial troubles, the exchange rate has taken another 28% cut as the Dollar has become weaker here, and our medical insurance just TRIPLED this month due to the addition of our daughter. Some pretty serious changes! We have been trying to make up the difference from other sources, but those are now depleted and we need to get the word out that we could use some help.

Several of you who are reading this send us monthly support FAITHFULLY every month and we would literally not be able to do what we do here without that consistent support. THANK YOU! Others of you might not know that we don't get paid by the organization we're with - rather, we raise support, which means that individuals send a monthly amount or make a one time donation into our AIM account.

So, if you or someone you might want to share this need with have an opportunity to make a year-end donation, it would be GREATLY appreciated. Or, if you want to give a monthly amount and become part of our support team, then you can do that from this site. No gift is too small. All you need to do is go to www.jodiandmarius.com . Click on "Support Marius and Jodi" on the left menu and follow the online instructions. When it asks for Program, click on "Unknown" because there isn't a special field for us. Of course all donations are tax-deductible, and if you don't give online, there is also a tab to click on for the address to send a check. Thanks so much for reading our blog and caring about what we're doing here in Swaziland. We know that we are supposed to be here and we are making a difference with your help. Please pray with us that we will make up this deficit soon and be able to continue our work here. Thank you so much.

Lots of love from Marius, Jodi, and Baby Emi

A Message From Emi Deetlefs

Tue, 1 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I finally received my American passport and I am so excited to be in my new home in Swaziland. I'm with my mommy and daddy, and my grandparents are visiting from the States. Yeah! We're going to have a big Thanksgiving meal tomorrow (a week late) now that we are all here and together.

Thanks to you guys who prayed for me to get my passport, because it took a whole month. Thanks to my friends, the Greylings, who let us stay there before I was born, and the first four weeks of my life. We love and appreciate you guys very much.
My mom and dad say to wish you all a belated Happy Thanksgiving, and they hope you are enjoying your family during this holiday season. We all love you!

Sincerely,
Emi Deetlefs

Our sweet little Emi girl!!

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Jodi and I would like to introduce our sweet little Emi Adison Deetlefs. We celebrated our 4^th Wedding Anniversary on Friday night, and 8 hours later we welcomed Emi into our family. We had to have an emergency C-section, but mommy and baby were just fine. She was born at 8:20 a.m. on Saturday, October 31^st and being a typical girl she doesn't really want to share her weight.

We want to share with you some photos of her first few days. We are in awe of this little miracle and can't believe the capacity of our hearts to love this little girl so deeply. Please pray with us for favor in quickly getting through the red tape to get her American passport, and for her Jodi to recover quickly from her surgery. We look forward to being back in Swaziland soon. Marius has had to buy new shirts because his chest is so proudly swollen.

Lots of love from the Deetlefs family!

Marius, Jodi, and little Emi

Great to be in the States - Great to be back in Swaziland!

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Marius and I had such a great trip to the States. I got to be a part of my friend Schramm's Montana wedding, which was wonderful. I got to be with my family lots, and I was able to speak at Whitefish Foursquare and Trinity Evangelical and connect with many friends there. Our church in GA had a baby shower for our sweet little girl, and I was so blessed. So many people came and gave generously -clothes, money, diapers, etc. It was really, really sweet!

I had a bit of a rough start with getting a flight out of South Africa. I was supposed to fly standby with a buddy pass, but after waiting 6 days and Delta not letting a single standby passenger on, we finally bit the bullet and bought a ticket at the last minute on SAA. Thanks to some very generous friends (Stephan and Janene, Randy and Sandra, Jay and Cindy, Christy and Gilbert, and Tommy and Velma), we were able to not go into debt for the airfare. THANK YOU GUYS!

Marius spent time at AIM headquarters where he participated in training, and attended several meetings regarding his new position here in Swaziland. He is now overseeing all the AIM short-term teams that come through Swaziland - logistically, arranging ministry opportunities, hosting, transportation, etc. He is enjoying his new responsibilities, and I am also getting a chance to get to

know the teams, and be there for the leaders when they need input.

This past weekend we hosted a "sleepover" for the AIM team that is currently here. They are here for 3 months, and there are 19 of them, and they're an all-girl team. They're working at Nsoko with the carepoints there - playing with the children, teaching Bible stories, visiting several homesteads, and taking care of some desperate needs in the community. They're also really roughing it - with bucket showers.

We made homemade chocolate chip cookies, brownies, hot fudge sauce for ice cream sundaes, and we grilled burgers and had a baked potato bar. We also made homemade pancakes with maple syrup and bacon for breakfast. Best of all for them was the face that everybody got to take their first hot shower in a month! I think that was their favorite part. They were blessed and we really enjoyed getting to know this team. This is really right up mine and Marius's alley to make food and have a home to host people and bless them. We love it! We have had a sweet girl from Alabama staying with us for a few weeks. Bailey was not feeling so well, so she came to the Deetlefs's B&B for some rest and relaxation, and we just love her.

We are getting really close to our due date - just under a month away. We leave next week to spend the last 2 weeks in South Africa (so that we'll be over the border in plenty of time before I go into labor. Please pray for us in these last days of preparation, and pray that by the mercy of God it be a labor and birth without complications. I am so blessed that my mom and dad are coming to hang out with their little granddaughter for a few weeks, and Marius's mom will also come spend time with us. We are very excited to meet this sweet girl!

There is much more to say, but for now please know how grateful we were to see you in the States, and thank you so much for supporting us here in Swaziland. We love you and promise to keep you posted on ministry and "baby" news!

Lots of love from Africa, Jodi and Marius

Swazi Ads

Tue, 4 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Here are some ads from our local newspaper here in Swaziland that I have really enjoyed. Somehow the difference between first and second prize seems a bit, well, less appealing.

I'm dropping Jodi off at the airport in a few hours, and she will be in GA tomorrow morning. She's so excited.

Bless you!

Marius

A Man Named Enoch...

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As I pulled up to the office on my motorcycle, I noticed two things immediately. One, I was the only AIM staff member at the office and, two, there was a man waiting at the front door balancing himself on his crutches...

For a split second I considered driving by. I just had no energy to deal with this very familiar situation. We have people at the office door all day long looking for money for school fees or looking for work or food or a combination of all three. We almost get numb to the need that overshadows us daily. There is no end to the desperate conditions and need here.

I got off my horse and tried to get a quick overview of the reason for his visit. " I am looking for Jumbo or Musa. They said I could get some food here. I have traveled very far today to get here." (Jumbo is the head of AIM Swaziland and Musa is part of the discipleship team.) "They are not here today," I replied, anxious to get inside and escape the constant chatter of the man. He mixed SiSwati, English and hand gestures and I had a difficult time following his desperate plea.

I decided to phone Musa and see if the man's story was legitimate. Turns out they have helped this man in the past, but our shipment of food boxes was not here yet. "He was supposed to wait for a phone call," said Musa. "That settles it then," I thought. "You should go home and wait for Musa to phone you. We don't have food boxes yet." His face immediately changed and I could see the desperation. " They promised me food for me and my family... Home is far away and I need money for transportation back home. I need R20.'' (This was about $2.50 USD). We don't hand out money as a general rule, but if I don't give this man taxi fare, he is not going to leave... I stuffed R10 in his hand (half of what he said he needs) and told him again how crazy it was to just show up here out of the blue without calling first.

My conscience is screaming at me and I can feel my insides churn as I look from my office window at him sitting on a 2-foot wall by the stairs to the office. I tried to calm the storm that was raging inside me by sitting down behind the computer and downloading emails. I got up again in time to see an older woman pulling him to his feet and onto his crutches. It was then that I realized that this guy was not pretending to be lame; he could barely walk with those crutches. I ran out and stuffed another R10 in his hand and said much softer and kinder, "Please phone before you travel out here next time okay?" He was thankful for the rest of the bus fare and I went back inside and stood by the window watching this man struggle to walk. Every step was labored and with great effort and it took such a long time to travel 10 feet. He was going back the way he came, but now it was uphill... It was so difficult that a bunch of school kids gathered around him trying to help. They were cheering his every step and celebrating in the victory of him not falling flat on his face. They tried desperately to flag a taxi down for this stranger. "Why didn't I think of that?" I caught myself saying out loud.

He disappeared up the street while I stood there confronted with my own thoughts.

"You are such a fraud, why did you come to Swaziland? You wanted to make a difference but look at you - how did you help this man?" I finally couldn't take it any more, so I ran up the street looking for the man who fights with gravity every step he gives with those crutches. I could not find him; he disappeared like he was a dream, a mirage, a figment of my imagination. I was still the only one at the office and as I climbed the stairs to the door, the weight of what just happened hit me and I started crying. I realized that I had just failed a major test in my life... I had the overwhelming sense that I was going to see that guy again in heaven and that I would be confronted with my "by the book" attitude and lack of compassion. I left the office with my heart heavy and my mind being flooded by image after image of the man struggling to get up the hill, a man who I had failed to help...

Part II

"The need here in Swaziland is overwhelming, and it is simply impossible to help everybody." This is what we tell one another. A friend of mine, Doyle Wallace, along my dear wife helped me to process through this day which was one of the most significant experiences in my time here.

Yes, there is a lot of need, but I should focus on the one that God sends my way today. I can make a difference in peoples lives here, one at a time. I want to be a blessing to this Nation one child at a time, one widow at a time, one man on crutches that comes to me for help. In recalling the episode I told Jodi that he had traveled far to get food for his family. He wasn't asking for money, he needed food. People don't get up early, leave their wheelchair at the bus stop, travel half a day, change buses twice, and show up at a door hoping someone would be there to give them food if they weren't HUNGRY!

Tears rolled down my cheeks again as I asked God to forgive me. I was not only seeking forgiveness, but a chance to make it right. Jodi and I decided to get his number and do a home visit and take the man food - maize meal and beans and soya. My heart sank as I learned that Musa had lost his number. There was no way to track him down, no way for me to redeem this situation. I needed God. I needed a miracle. I agonized over this for days, and then my phone rang two weeks later and it was Musa. "That guy is back at the office," he said. I was on my way back from a food drop an hour's drive away and with a quickening in my spirit and a greater sense of urgency, I stepped on the gas.
So there we were again at the office, but this time I sat down beside him and listened. His name is Enoch and he is crippled due to chemicals, he explained. He used to work for a refrigeration company where he handled chemicals on a daily basis. "This is Africa," I thought, "the stuff that people can get away with here." I knew in my heart that if this man were in the States he would now be living off a hefty settlement, but here the company just changed their name and is still around while many ex-employees are either crippled or dead. He lost his sight for a while and could not walk. He is in a wheelchair most of the time but is trying to get his legs to work again, therefore the difficult crutch sway. "Enoch, I brought you the boxes of food today." He was clearly very happy. I pulled my car close to him and helped him in. For the first time I noticed how worn his shoes were and how his clothes are very dirty. Enoch doesn't smell like he had a bath in a while, but I couldn't be more content in this moment to have this man in my car. I was at peace and knew that I was making a difference in this one man's life. We stopped at Kentucky Fried Chicken and I grabbed him lunch for his journey back home. Looking Enoch in the eyes I said, "Enoch, please forgive me, I should have helped you the other day, I am so sorry!" He just smiled at me graciously and said that he would like to bring me one of his chickens next time... he could not stop saying thank you. His heart was overflowing with thanks and so was mine. I sat back in my car seat as we headed to the taxi rank, and I realized God had redeemed this situation and taught me a valuable lesson. Good had come from this - I met a man named Enoch who helped me far more than I helped him...

This story is dedicated to Dani

Pink or Blue?

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

That has been the question for the last 23 weeks of our lives, and we finally have an answer.............The Dr. says it's going to be a GIRL! We are absolutely thrilled and can't wait to meet this new Deetlefs chick! Just 4 more months until we get to hold her. She is kicking and punching her mommy daily, and Marius even got to feel her strength the other day. So, so cool.........

Several of you have asked if you can mail things to Swaziland for the baby, and it's not really a good idea because of the postal theft rate here. The good news is I'm coming home on August 5th for 2 weeks. So, if you would like to mail something or (if you're in GA) drop it by my parents - their home address is below. Just remember if you want to send clothing, the seasons are exactly opposite here - so her birth date should be around Nov. 16th, and that is our summer. Your coldest month is our hottest one, etc.

Johnny & Cheryl Stancil
896 S. Main St.
Jasper, GA 30143

I have the opportunity to send a few bags with an upcoming team who is coming to Swaziland, so my mom and I are even going to shop for a stroller while I'm home (because they are $400-$600 here!). Everything is more expensive because it's all imported - even diapers are twice as much. So, Target and Wal-Mart are calling my name when I get home.

I look forward to seeing you soon. If there is any way to come to the church in Marble Hill, GA or in Whitefish, MT - it would be a super way for you to see some pictures and hear some new stories of what we've been able to accomplish so far here in Swaziland. The numbers to call for directions and times of services are in our last blog. Please come see me.

Lots of love,
Jodi

........ Stay tuned for an upcoming blog from Marius about "A Man Named Enoch"........

Homeless No More...

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It is so nice to let you know that after 10 months of waiting - we are in our very own rental house! We feel so blessed to be here. The man who rented here before took good care of the place, and he even had the kitchen renovated before he left. Marius and I both really love cooking, so anyone who knows us well knows what a blessing a nice kitchen is. The house is spacious, with a room for the nursery and a guest room. There is a fenced-in yard, complete with a lemon tree, lime tree, mango tree and 2 banana trees. So no matter how tough the economy gets, we will always have fresh fruit to eat! We want to thank all of you who have prayed for us to get a home. We just moved in this week, and every morning we wake up SO grateful to be in our own place.

We've been very busy for the past few weeks. Marius coordinated the painting of the floor of a new medical clinic at Nsoko (an extremely poor part of Swaziland). The AIM Real Life college students were a great help getting the floor done for the grand opening of the clinic. There was even one girl on the team from Ball Ground, GA. (See photo above) Small world, huh?

Later that week Marius and I had the privilege of delivering some much-needed food and blankets to a lady named Make Zwane. She is doing an amazing job with widows and orphans out in a rural area near the border. She's a Swazi teacher and her husband is a pastor, and they are making a difference in their nation. They are not one of AIM/CHC's "sponsored" carepoints, but nevertheless some very generous people in the States (thank you Becca) raised $2,000 for her, and she decided to buy blankets for the elderly (believe it or not it gets quite cold here in the winter), as well as food to distribute amongst the people. They're going to have a big meal together next Sunday when they will distribute everything, and Make Zwane asked Marius to please buy several live chickens and deliver them to her for the feast. That is going to be an interesting journey, as the place we delivered the blankets and food to was about 2 hours away, including 33 kilometers of very bumpy dirt road that consumed an hour of the drive!

We also had the opportunity to visit with Pastor Sam, who is another wonderful Swazi man who's making such a difference. He and three other volunteer teachers are teaching at a school that AIM has partnered to help finish construction on. Marius got to take food (pap and beans) so that the kids will have a meal at school before they walk home. When asked what the teachers wanted, they said it would be so nice to have a teapot to start the morning out with a hot cup of tea. Marius and I bought some tea supplies for them, and now they'll be having tea. It's amazing the simple things that truly make life easier here for these super volunteers.

I am very excited that I get to come home in August for a short visit. I'm coming for my dear friend, Michelle Schramm's wedding in Montana. We promised one another long ago (when it felt like we were the last two single girls on earth!) that we would really make an effort no matter where we were in the world to make it to one another's weddings. She kept her promise almost four years ago when I got married, and now I get to be a part of her special day too! (Thank you Liz for helping me with my airfare!). It will be a short visit, and it will just be me as we can't really afford for Marius to come too, but it's gonna be great! I know I won't have a chance to connect with everyone I want to see, so I want to invite you to come see me if you can.

I will be speaking at Trinity Evangelical Church in Marble Hill, GA on Sunday, August 9th at 10:30 am (call 770-893-2682 for directions). For those of you in Montana, I'll also get to speak at Whitefish Foursquare Church on Sunday, August 16th at their 10:30 a.m. service (Call 406-862-1653 for directions). My heart would love to see every one of you precious people who help make it possible for us to be in Swaziland, but I know that my 6 month pregnant body probably won't have the stamina to individually visit everyone, so please come to one of these services if you can!

Next week we will have an anatomy baby scan in South Africa for my 22-week checkup. Please pray that everything with the baby is developing as it should, and that we would be able to see if it's a boy or a girl. We are so curious!!!

We love you and thank you for being a part of our Swazi journey with us.
Jodi & Marius

A Fresh Start

Mon, 8 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hey there friends,

It has been too long already since our last update and I know you are anxiously awaiting news from us, so here we go: (Caution - this is a little longer than usual b/c of our long silence)

House Update: We're still waiting for a house! Our application for housing is dated 07 October 2008. We have heard the words: "The end of the month..." since December. But the good news is that 2 houses will be available by the end of June, so it appears that we will have a choice between the two. Please pray that this would be it for us, and that we would be in a house soon. We would really like to unpack and feel like we "live" in Swaziland...

My work in the Kingdom of Swaziland (Marius): Jodi and I have been back in Swaziland for the last two weeks. I came back with a bang and have been all over Swaziland on my bike. We have been surveying at 4 of the Care Points for new wells that will soon be drilled. We have installed a solar pump at a care point where there was no electricity and now there is flowing water. ( 2 Pictures) That was awesome. I am also busy with two AIM teams of college students from the USA that are here for a few months. I've been helping a local pastor buy supplies to finish up his school, and we set up a water tank there for the children he is caring for. (Picture) It seems I have my hands in so many projects currently, but I love getting up in the morning and heading off in a new direction with the desire to make a little difference here each day.

We have been surrounded by Georgians this past week, as a CHC team has been here from Warren Baptist in Augusta, GA as well as a family from New Hope, GA who is leading one of the AIM teams. (Photo) Jodi has been very excited to talk "Southern" again.

Lastly, my heart is filled with absolute joy, and I am overwhelmed with God's goodness. My marriage has gone deeper in the last 3 months than in the last 3 years, and there is such a peace surrounding us. Those of you who know me well know that I am a straight shooter, and I say it as I see it. With that being said, I want to say: I am in love with my wife, love the idea of being a dad, and I'm forever grateful to God for the healing that has happened in my marriage. I have purpose, I have hope, and I pray the same for you. marius

From the heart of Jodi: I really want to be honest and say that the last few months were some of the toughest of my life. I was sick most of the time since we arrived in Swaziland in September, and our schedule was much more challenging than I had anticipated. The reality was we didn't really have time off, we didn't have any "space" of our own, and so our marriage was suffering. I made the decision to "stop the bus" and head to South Africa for some much needed medical attention, rest, and for Marius and I to seek out the help of a marriage counselor.

God has been so, so faithful to me in this rough season! He has transformed our marriage, and given us the tools we need to communicate with one another. He has healed me of many of my health ailments. He has helped Marius and I to re-prioritize our lives by putting God and our marriage before ministry. And the fruit of those tough decisions is truly love, peace, and a precious baby on the way!

We are now 17 weeks pregnant, and we're both SO excited about this sweet life! We can't wait to find out if it's a boy or a girl, and we should know at our next scan in a couple of weeks. Besides throwing up every day since we found out we're expecting, and suffering from a bulging disc, I am doing great.

I have made the decision to spend more time at "home" (a relative term right now) and to take care of Marius and myself during this pregnancy, and see exactly where God wants me to fit into things here. I just bit off much more than I could chew before, so the new game plan for me is to actually ask God what I should do instead of charging ahead into exhaustion land! Novel idea, huh?

Please forgive us for our lack of communication in the past few months, as we were both truly just overwhelmed. Thank you for your continued prayers and support, as you guys are a treasure to us, and make it possible for us to be here in Swaziland. Thank you for giving, and know that we also pray for you in these tough economic times. We don't for one second take you for granted.

Lots and lots of love from us three here in Africa! jodi

Good News

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Have you noticed how good articles and blogs usually builds up to a climax... the whao moment, the paragraph that stays with you all day long, which defines the essence of the book? Wouldn't it be nice to read a blog where the author gives you the WHAO moment upfront? You don't have to scroll down and see how the blog ends etc. This is going to be THAT kind of blog, right now. Ready for it?

Jodi is pregnant! We are going to have a baby! Yeah!! We just had an ultrasound yesterday and it was the most amazing experience of my life. We saw little hands and feet and the baby was moving around like it was doing a dance for us. So, we should be adding a little Deetlefs to our family around November 17th, just in time to give Thanks.

In our last blog we gave you an update on Jodi's health. She had a staph infection in her bladder and we were seriously concerned about her health, especially fearing more cysts on her ovaries. She was very tired and felt bad most of the time. GREAT was our surprise when the gynecologist told us that the "cyst" had a heart beat. Ha-ha. We were SHOCKED.
Jodi and I are doing very well. Actually, to tell you the truth, we have never been any better. We have decided to make our marriage our priority, to place it above any expectations, above people, above what we believe God has called us to do here in Africa. Our foundation is stronger, more secure and I can honestly tell you that I love my wife so much, that I am in love with her and that I cannot wait for God to write this new chapter in our lives. It is amazing when we understand that God's economy is so much different from our own. It has brought Jodi and me freedom, life, abundance and exuberant amounts of love.
We will be back in Swaziland very soon. Please pray with us for a house. We are still on a waiting list as house #7 fell through. I will be in Swaziland next week looking for a place for us...again.
Jodi and I would like to acknowledge Ragie Venter, Stephan and Janine Greyling and my bother, Tinus and his wife Lynette. These people have opened up their hearts and homes to us while we were here in South Africa recovering. We are in awe of your generosity. Thank you.

Blessings.

Marius and Jodi

Update On Jodi's Health

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It has been a while since we've blogged. Sorry. It has been a rough time lately, especially for Jodi. She has been sick for basically 3 months now, with a severe bladder infection that has not responded to 3 doctors, and 3 rounds of antibiotics. On top of that, the Dr. said yesterday it is likely that Jodi has more cysts on her ovaries. She also has Candida, which is a yeast overload in the body, so she is on a strict yeast-free diet and some strong anti-fungal medicine as well. She has been in a lot of pain, and has been unable to stay awake for an entire day. She is sick of feeling sick! Jodi has another appointment with a specialist on the 25th, so we should know more then.

It has been very stressful for both of us, as we're not currently in Swaziland and feel guilty about now contributing there, because the need is great. But right now Jodi's health is our top priority. Please pray with us that Jodi would be HEALTHY, and that this infection would be gone for good. We are currently in South Africa, and will be until she is fully recovered. Thank you for being gracious with us.

Much love,
Marius & Jodi

Our first 6 months in Swaziland...

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Check out our first Swazi video blog!! Hope you enjoy it.

Love

Marius and Jodi

Swazi Feet

Thu, 5 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We have been quiet on the blog lately, but it is not because we have not done anything. On the contrary...

I have been helping two Americans build deck flooring for a church and community center in Nsoko, Swaziland. Nsoko is one of the most impoverished parts of the country and also a place where hope is springing forth in the form of a medical clinic, a community center, and an "orphan village". It is also where the mercury hovered at 103F and shade was a joke. I felt good that some of the decks were soaked in my sweat...

The most REWARDING Swaziland experience happened last week while we hosted a Vision Trip for Children's Hope Chest. It was a rewarding and quite significant experience. I was part of handing out shoes. This was not a cold, disconnected, "Here's your shoes, go with God" day. I washed and dried their feet, applied band-aids, and made sure their new shoes fit. Then I prayed the blessing of God on each of their little lives.

It would have been so easy to sit on the sidelines - to take pictures or sort the shoes- but it was a whole other experience to get my "hands wet". I washed the feet of little kids that felt like the feet of adults - scarred, hardened, callused little feet that have walked many, many miles ...

I left the U.S. thinking I was coming to Swaziland to help the orphans... the truth is that the orphans are helping me realize that hunger, hurt, poverty, tears and loneliness are not spectator sports.

Marius

Water Water Everywhere!

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It is 8 o'clock in the morning and the mercury is just about to cross over the 100F line. No joke! It has been hot here in Swaziland lately - hot and very humid. When the sun comes up, the sweat starts dripping... So I want to hear NO complaints from you guys in the States as far as weather goes.

One of my responsibilities here in Swaziland involves overseeing the drilling of wells. I have some very good news to share regarding that. We drilled wells at two Care Points with great success. The thing is - the contractor will drill a well for us, but if there is no water we still pay. The cost of a typical well is around $5000 depending on how deep we need to drill to get water, before the cost of a pump.

Therefore, the GREAT news..... We hit water at both Care Points! Up until now we had to truck the water to the Care Points. Having running water makes everyday life SO much easier. Water truly brings life, and I feel blessed to be part of something that makes such a huge difference in the lives of these Swazi kids. How many of us give running water a second thought?

I am including some pictures of the drilling. Jodi mentioned that I am never in the pictures, but it is because I am the only one out there in the middle of nowhere to take the pictures...

Thank you, all of you for making a difference here in Swaziland. Here is to a wonderful and blessed year for all of us.

Marius

Happy Christmas!

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

We have a little bit of time off and are spending Christmas with my mom in South Africa. I have not been home for Christmas in many, many years and this is a real blessing for me.

Jodi and I would like to wish you a very "Happy Christmas" as they say here in Swaziland. Thank you so much for making a difference with us here in 2008. We love you and couldn't be here without you!!

Love

Marius & Jodi

New Territory....

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, Kriek and I explored some new territory. We traveled on paved roads, then dirt, then through sugar cane fields, and then some four wheel drive territory - with crocodile and hippo warnings! Not your ordinary drive!

Our destination was a very remote, seemingly forgotten place. We were with one of the local pastors, who is working at another carepoint, and he wanted to introduce us to this community. There were 116 homes in the area, and it truly reminded me in some ways of looking at parts of the Appalachian Mountains. Scattered throughout the hills were little houses everywhere. The pastor explained that these people in this VERY rural area don't have water, access to medical care, schools, or even a church. I have to say, out of the places that I've been able to visit so far, this was pretty rough conditions - even for Swaziland. We hope to be able to share food with this new place, and "stretch the soup" a little more.

We are very grateful to you guys for being a part of this with us with your financial support as well and your prayers. Several of you have expressed an interest in sending us a financial gift for the first time, and I wanted to mention how to do so. On this site, just click on the "support marius and jodi" link and choose "One-Time Gift". With 2008 drawing to a close it would be a great year end donation, (for tax purposes for you) and it would help us make up a small deficit that we still have for our 2^nd year to be funded. To our faithful supporters we say THANK YOU, and to those of you who are just keeping up with our stories-we genuinely thank you for caring enough to read our blogs, and hope you find some inspiration along the way.

love from Africa,

Jodi and Marius

PS. Marius will celebrate his 37th BIRTHDAY on Friday, if anyone wants to send him a quick birthday email. thanks, jodi

Big Smiles from another Big Party!

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

We celebrated our 2^nd amazing Christmas party on Saturday with around 550 of our little Swazi friends. The kids ate a big meal, played in the jumping castle, danced, heard the Christmas story, and then received the only gifts they will likely receive for Christmas-new backpacks for school, toys, and a bag full of snacks.

It was another day of happy tears for Marius and I as we were humbled to be the hands and feet of Jesus in this land. As you celebrate Thanksgiving, please know that we are giving thanks to God for your friendship, and for your generous prayers and involvement with us here.

It is highly unlikely we'll be eating turkey and dressing with cranberry sauce on Thursday, but we will be here in Swaziland with grateful, thankful hearts that Marius and I can share in these precious orphans' lives. The more we serve here, the more we see how short and sweet life can really be, and we can't help but want to make a difference with the few breaths God has given us to breathe. WE LOVE YOU! Thanks for making a difference here! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

jodi and marius

Swazi Christmas Party Pictures!

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so today our blog will be short and you can read the Christmas story on the faces of God's precious Swazi children!

On Saturday we celebrated our first Christmas party with no snow, no Santa, and no beautifully decorated tree - but let me tell you it was Christmas nonetheless! About 500 kids got to enjoy a fun-filled day of playing games, doing crafts, hearing a Christmas story, and eating a Christmas feast which included meat (a real treat for the children as they rarely get to eat meat).

They had so much fun and at the end of the day, they had another surprise in store- they got a big bag of gifts which included a brand new backpack for school, a toy for the younger ones, and a bag full of treats -cookies, chips, and candy. It was such a gift to be a part of this celebration, and to see their little faces light up throughout the day. It was a picture of the real Christmas story - of God sending His son Jesus to make a way for us to have life and to experience real love and real redemption.

These kids have a rough life, and many of them have lost their parents, and have had to grow up really fast and take care of themselves in many ways. How humbling and awesome it is to be part of the process of God stepping in and redeeming these tough circumstances by bringing life, food, water, love, and joy. You are part of something wonderful here, and together we ARE making a difference in these lives.

Love,

Marius and Jodi

Bye Bye Kathu!

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

For the past three weeks we have been helping Marius's mom, Toekie, move. She just retired after working for the last 27 years, and living in the home where Marius grew up in the town of Kathu, on the edge of the Kalahari Desert. As you can imagine, it was an emotional time boxing up memories, selling things, and moving cross country to this new chapter in her life. Marius's dad died when he was just a boy, so his mom has been a "single mom" throughout most of her life. We were so blessed to be able to be a part of this move with Toekie, and to help her through this transition. Marius's brother and sister were also there helping, so it was a time for all of them to say Bye Bye to their childhood home and town of Kathu.

We felt guilty at first for being away from the orphans in Swaziland for so long, but we both agreed that not only was it a blessing to have the ability and time to help his mom move; in God's economy, He is no greater pleased with His kids when they are feeding orphans, helping their families, or for that matter, just enjoying Him.

While we were in Kathu we celebrated my 35^th Birthday and our 3^rd Wedding Anniversary, so it was quite an eventful few weeks. We're back in Swaziland now, and gearing up for Christmas parties for the orphans. The first one is this Saturday, and I look forward to sharing pictures with you and telling you all about it. Please know how very much we appreciate you and your being a part of all of this. It's such an awesome thing to know that we are not alone, and we are joining hands with about 150 people to be able to do what we do here. We don't for one second take this for granted. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Love

jodi and marius

"Little Fighter for the Faith"

Thu, 2 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This is a bonus blog for this week... It is about something VERY close to my heart. Jodi and I went to my sister and her husband's farm in South Africa to CELEBRATE the life of our godchild, my baby niece, Ilanza Nel. It was the first time since we arrived here that I saw all my family and it was such a blessing.

There are three photos on this blog - a sort of "before" and "after" photos of Ilanza. Many of you know that Ilanza was born 7 1/2 weeks premature. Her little life truly balanced on a knife edge at the start. I remember my mother phoning me while I was opening a new store for World Market in Florida, saying it didn't look good and that we really needed to pray for her to make it. I remember my struggle with the contrast of two very different worlds -one where I worried about wine schematics and retail costs, and on the other side of the earth was a little girl trying to stay alive during her first days in this world. There was an out cry to God to have mercy, and to give life to this little baby. People from all over South Africa and the United States united in prayer.

God is still in the business of doing amazing miracles. I know that for sure- I held one in my arms. The coolest of all is the meaning of her name! Ilanza means "Fighter for the Faith." Jodi's mother always said she was such a little fighter. Little did we know just how much of a fighter. She has made her stand, endured the pain, and now her scars are a reminder of God's hand on her life. I know that God has an amazing plan for that little life.

Ilanza is seven months old now, and the friendliest baby in the world. She wakes up with a smile, seldom cries, and just wants to be around people. She likes to hang with anyone willing to be her friend. She is 100% healthy, extremely beautiful, and such a joy to be around. She is her father's daughter, her mother's pride and a wonderful example of a true FIGHTER to us all. To God be all the glory!!

Marius

First Sights of Swaziland!

Wed, 1 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

From Marius:

What a blessing to finally be in Swaziland. It is Africa after all, and nothing happens fast, especially the internet in Swaziland. Please bear with us.

We arrived and immediately hit the ground running. I moved around with Jumbo to get familiar with the layout of Manzini and locations of many of the care points. We are beginning to drill for water at two care ponts tomorrow. I will take pictures and/or video. So much needs to happen that it seems overwhelming. The need is just all around us and we can see why Jumbo and Kriek are overwhelmed. Jodi and I feel priveleged to come alongside them and to make a difference together.

We are doing well, but need you to continue to pray for us. Jodi and I are are trying to find our rhythm in our AIM work and also in our "Jodi and Marius" time. We want our lives to matter, make a difference without compromising our relationship.

We have not found a place to rent yet. Our name is on a waiting list. The wait can take several months. Please pray for that.

I am blessed to be here with my wife and also blessed that all of you are playing a major role through us in Swaziland. Thank you!

From Jodi:

Highlights and lowlights. No, I'm not talking about hair, I think the easiest way to give you my first impression in a condensed form is to give you a few of my best moments so far, and a few of the rougher ones. Let's start with the good stuff:

*I got to pray alongside my good friend Kriek for about 45 amazing women who are cooking food for the orphans every day, rain or shine, as volunteers. These are amazing ladies, and I was honored to be in their presence, and to lift up their needs to God. They possess nothing that this world calls treasure, yet they give everything they are every day - which is treasure in God's economy.

* I got to touch the hands of several hundred children this last week, as we painted their little hands to present to the sponsoring churches who are helping to clothe, feed, and send them to school. It was a way to start out "hands on" with the kids, and begin learning their names.

*Now for the lowlights - the need is truly great, so I need the strength and discernment to live not according to the need, but according to what God has for me to do here. As Marius also said, I need to find my own rhythm, and take this one day at a time b/c I'm finding myself easily exhausted already, and this is a marathon - not a sprint.

*I am pretty tough on myself b/c I want to be able to communicate with these amazing gogos, the precious orphans, and the discipleship team. I can tell you this - I will be learning to speak their language - as quickly as my little head can process it. One thing at a time though - I need to learn to drive on the "other" side of the road, get to the 19 care points, pronounce the names of the carepoints, and begin profiling these kids, so that they can have sponsorships through Children's Hope Chest. Lots of opportunities here....

We love you, miss you, and treasure your being a part of this with us. We are hearing about the rough economy in the States and the lack of gas in Ga. Please know our prayers are with you too.

"227"

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Jodi and I left Swaziland 227 days ago with a burning desire to return there and somehow make a difference. The wait is finally over and we are leaving Tuesday, September 9^th for South Africa, and we'll join our friends Jumbo and Kriek in Swaziland this Sunday.

Jodi kept reminding me that God is a God of the 11^th hour. So much has come together in the last 3 weeks. We are blessed and our hearts are filled with joy and appreciation for each and every one of you who share in this Great Adventure.

Of course, with every journey comes goodbyes, and those are never easy. Please pray for Jodi's mother, father, brother, sister-in-law and her nephew and niece as they bid her farewell for a while.

Our next blog, God willing, will be from the heart of Swaziland. Stay tuned...

Marius and Jodi.

Legacy

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Today, the Stancil family said goodbye to Jodi's grandmother, Carrie Stancil. She passed away early Friday morning. As we all gathered by her bedside on Thursday, so many emotions flooded the room, and I could not help looking at her and realizing that she probably wouldn't see the sun come up the next morning. In that moment I thought about how death is the great equalizer. Carrie was at the "jumping off place" and in a few hours she would meet her Maker. It didn't matter then how much money she had made or how famous she was or if she graduated from college or not. What mattered at that point in her life was that she knew Jesus, and in a few short hours she was about to be welcomed home by Him. Jodi's grandmother left an amazing legacy. She had 3 children, 2 grandkids, and 2 great grandchildren - all who love the Lord. At the funeral today Jodi sang and her brother, Kris, did the eulogy and they honored their sweet "Nanny". I pray that someday I will have kids and grandkids who love God and honor me in the way they did today. Even more so it makes me desire to leave a legacy after I am long gone from here...

Jodi and I want to thank all of you who are part of our vast support group. You are part of a team that stretches from Georgia to Montana to Japan to South Africa. Each and every one of you is so extremely important and we are grateful that you share in our journey. We are preparing to leave for South Africa in September. We need just a few more drops in the bucket. Please continue to pray for us as we prepare for our time in Swaziland. We're almost there!!! Thank you.

Marius & Jodi

The Freedom of Letting Go...

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I have started this blog a few times tonight. My wife calls me "shiny boy", because when something shiny passes by, I am immediately moving ontill some other shiny flash gets my attention You get the point.

I love the old movies from South Africa and there is one in particular that makes me laugh. It is called "Beautiful People". One scene has got my attention lately. A man travelling through a very dry area needs to find water. He knows the baboons always stay close to their water source, and that they don't share the secret. He also knows that baboons are very curious creatures. He makes sure one is watching him while he makes a small hole in an old deserted termite mound. He then throws pumpkin seeds through the hole into the termite mound. The hole is just big enough for the baboon to push his hand through, but when he grabs the pumpkin seeds, and closes his hand to form a fist to keep them, he cannot get his hand back through the hole again. He is either too dumb or stubborn to let go of the seeds so that his hand will come back out of the hole. The man quickly grabs him and he does let go of the seeds, but a little too late. The man then proceeds by feeding the baboon salt for a while to make him really thirsty. When the man lets the baboon go, he leads the man straight to water.

I thought about what a terrific analogy that is for our lives. We hold onto things that we don't really need, and we hold on tight! We really don't want to let go. We will hold on even if it kills us, even if it hinders our mobility. If the baboon will just let go of the seeds he will be free and his freedom so outweighs the stuff he is holding on to.

Freedom means different things to different people. We all desire to be free. At our core we want to fly and feel the wind in our hair and go explore what lies behind the next valley. This is what people tell me when I ask them about freedom. Yet somehow we manage to get tangled up in life and like a lion in the zoo we just imagine that there must be more to life than just this cage..but we never leave the cage.

Jodi and I lived like this baboon for the last few years. It is just now that we are beginning to taste the joy of living free. We were just talking earlier this week about how we're amazed that after selling our cute little house and nice furniture and other "stuff" that we don't really miss it at all. Quite the contrary. We're tasting the glorious freedom of not holding on to our stuff any more. Nothing wrong with stuff, except when it keeps you from where you're supposed to be.

We are trucking along with our support. We've raised about of our monthly goal, so we've still got some ground to cover before we can hop on that plane to Swaziland, but we're getting there. I gave my notice at World Market and my last day will be July 25^th. That same day we will fly out to Montana to connect with people and speak in some churches for two weeks. Scary, yet thrilling!! This is BIG for me. This is where I stop offering lip service to this call and start walking in FAITH. Exciting journey of faith, and one that I want to continue living radical and free.

only the beginning

Fri, 4 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Today the news was saturated with stories of Dr. Martin Luther King. One man, one faithful man, changed the course of history. He mattered; he made a difference regardless of the struggle

Jodi and I will be leaving to go work in Swaziland, Africa soon. The decision to go, in a nutshell, is rooted in our desire to matter, to make a difference in this world. We just want our lives to count. For us, this is bigger than just being on an occasional service project. This is a call from deep within. We know that God has made a place for us in Swaziland and that our move there is only the beginning of this journey

To name a few "WOW" moments:

*Jodi put our house on the market and 14 days later we had a cash buyer with no agent who wanted to close within a week Yep, in this economy and housing market, I would say that is a miracle. We definitely could not have made that happen.

*Random people we are meeting for the first time seem to be so exited about this upcoming adventure. One morning Jodi met a man, who strolled into her office while waiting on the office next door to open. Within half an hour this man was re-living his "best" years when he worked as an agricultural missionary in Africa. He was so moved by Jodi's story about what we're doing that he came back the next day to get info on becoming a financial support for us.

So many more stories already. I know one thing for sure - God is who He says He is. He is faithful, especially when we step into our purpose, our passion, the thing we we're created to do. Blessing always follows obedience.

This is our Journey. Jodi and I will share more with you soon..