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
We are SO thrilled with the good news and the JOY that comes through your written word! We rejoice with you in the newness of your marriage, the excitement of a baby and the ministry in Swaziland that is taking place. We love you dearly.
Bonnie and George
Jodi & Marius,
Thanks so much for writing these words, as they are ones we all should hear. You two are an example of what amazing blessings come from putting the Lord first. Your joy is so evident. Please know that we’re praying for you. Can’t wait to hear if the baby is pink or blue!
Jodi & Marius!! How exciting – I can totally relate to getting things in order! It is ever so hard to do ministry and have a million things going on and be MARRIED!! What a blessing that you ar working these things out and that your health has improved – i am so excited for you both and can’t wait to hear more updates!
Love,
Wendy & Steve Lowe
Marius and Jodi,
I had a vision in my head when you referenced riding your bike everyday, but then I see a motorcycle. I had a vision of you riding a bicycle miles and miles every day.
Thanks for the update as your life there is so different so anything I read that you do and photos are intriging to me. Jodi, get meuch rest and I look forward to the next update.
All the Best,
Joe Nacchia
Jodi and Marius,
We are so happy to hear from you guys again! We’re so excited about the baby! I would love to skyp you guys sometime on our new Mac!!!
We love an miss you both! We’re so happy to hear about what God is doing in your lives and in your marriage. Each and everyday I’m overwhelmed at God’s sufficient grace and it’s new everyday.
N-E-ways, I hope God continues to work in and around your lives!
Love Ya’ll! Stay Faithful!
Chris Ridler
Hey Jodi and Marius,
I’m deeply glad and thankful to hear that your’re both so happy, and back in SZ 🙂
So much looking forward to seeing you in TWO weeks, can hardly wait!
Love you, Dani.
What a blessing to see your smiling faces and hear how the Lord is working in your lives and hearts. You both look TERRIFIC … and that baby!! yay! Sending hugs, love, and prayers for that new home!!
Marcus & Jody:
It is great to hear from you and I am so happy to hear about your revived marriage and that a child is on the way. I am sure that you know that God works in misterious ways and that we are all tested at times; always maintain your faith in Christ Jesus and the rewards will greatly outweigh the trials and tribulations.
Yours in faith.
Harry
Marius & Jodi,
We love to read about your journey with God and are so grateful that you are willing to share the struggles and the blessings that you are experiencing along that journey. It is truly a blessing to us to see how God is working in and through your lives. Isn’t it the grandest thing when you can look back and see how He was working out His plan and His purpose the whole time. He is sooo good and faithful!
Yesterday Josh and Tara Bruce came to our church. Josh preached an amazing message on God’s grace. They were really excited to see your pictures up on our missions board. I told them that you were expecting. This was especially exciting because they are also expecting! I think you are probably due about the same time! Also, Katy Simmons had a beautiful baby girl Friday night-Susan Jennifer Simmons.
We love you guys so much and can’t wait to see you! We are praying that you will continue to put God first and that He will continue to lavish you with His blessings.
With much love,
Jay and Cindy
Thank you for the update. What good news. God is awesome.
Hallie
Jodi and Marius,
So glad to hear from you and that you are healthy, physically and spiritually. God is good all the time. I am so excited that you are back! You will continue to be in my prayers. Love, Marty
Jodi and Marius,
So good to get your update with all the exciting news!I love your hair cut! You look great jodi!
Judi and Don are here in Jasper today and Judi read your blog.She wants to get your e-mails.I forwarded your emial to her address so she can contact you.
Marty and I plan to be in Cape Town in Oct.Where will you be then? Would love to see you if possible???
We are keeping the prayers coming!
Tricia
What joy to hear from the two of you and hear such peace and joy from both of you! Our hearts are rejoicing that you are at this place in your life together. This is so important since that “little one” is coming to live with you. We are just continuing to pray for good health and a
wonderful pregnancy for the whole 9 months!
Love and blessings to you both,
Phyllis
We were worried as it had been so long since we heard from you but now we’re excited with you over the good report. Sorry about the morning sickness Jodi, but all in a good cause. Its been a season of big changes for us too but we’ll e-mail more details. Love you both.
P & A
Hi Jodi and Marius,
I am so glad to hear all is going better with both of you! You have been and will continue to be in my prayers. Thank you for helping so many of God’s children.
Hope you get a house soon.
Love and prayers,
Mrs. Jean
Hi, Marius and Jodi!
It was so great to meet both of you this week in Swaziland and to talk southern with you, Jodi, as Marius said! I’m glad that I’ll be able to keep up with your family and ministry through the blog! Can’t wait to see whether you’re having a boy or girl. Remember all our talk over dinner and know that I’m just an email away if you have baby questions – I really mean this!!
Even though we’ve just met, my heart is filled with love for y’all because of our bond in Christ!
Know that you’ll be in our prayers in Augusta, GA!
Love, Andrea and family (Jack, Will, Emily, Anna & Caroline)
Blessings to all “three” of you! Thanks for the update and heart-felt out-pouring of your hearts. You have shared so much good news that I even feel better just reading it. God has created a masterful plan for you and it is really wonderful to see that the two of you are able to work out the order of his plan. When God created the two of you, He must have been delighted….just think what He has in store for the new “little one”. Stay well and enjoy each day.
Much love,
Cindy
Jodi-Pete & Marius,
I’m glad to hear your health is improving, Jodi. Take care of yourself and the little one (& Marius) these next few months. Richie and I will continue to pray for your health and the work both of you are doing over there. You look AWESOME! Keep those pictures coming!!
God Bless,
Amberly
P.S. I shared your news with Karen P. a few weeks ago and she is very excited for you. She’s returning to the states from Africa in about two weeks to stay while she is planning/training for a new mission opportunity. I know she’d love to get your updates if you wouldn’t mind adding her address. ([email protected])
So good to hear all of your news…aren’t fresh starts amazing? And I loved seeing the photos…and the Wallaces! I’ve gotten to know Tonya via the internet. She’s a real sweetheart.
If you think about it, please pray for us. Our oldest daughter Anna leaves for Swaziland with an Ambassador team in less than 2 weeks and we’re praying for wisdom and direction on whether we should make a short-term trip out to Swaziland this fall. We’re feeling more and more that God is leading us overseas in 4 to 5 years and it’s looking more and more like Swaziland. But Jim really needs to get over there and experience it for himself.
Love to you both and praying for you daily!
Elysa Mac
Hey Marius and Jodi
Congratulations on the great news! May God bless you as a family with love, unity and many fruit on your work…
Love
Christo & Annemare Klopper
Hi Marius and Jodi,
It is nice to learn that you will soon have a place to call home! It is wonderful news that you will be able to fatten up in your very own kitchen and set up the nursery before the baby arrives! I am anxious to hear whether God plans to test you with a son or daughter so please post this news as soon as you are ready to share it!
Marius- I am shocked to see you on a motorcycle NOT a bike. Be careful- you are precious to your baby’s mama, your baby and many, many more!
Take care!
Lots of love to you both!
Julie