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