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.
Jodi and Marius,
Love to see and hear what God is doing. Wowzers, you literally hit the ground running. Will def. be praying for wisdom for you as you take it all in and get time together to process and run to Jesus together.
we love you guys and are cheering you on.
anna
Life has definitely changed for you all. Praying you will soon find a place to rent. That may help with the Jodi/Marius time. Praying the Holy spirit will guide you each day in the particular things He wants you to do for God’s glory and praise. Praying the language will come miraculously – being immersed in it as you all are, it is going to happen. Praying God will provide all in all areas of your lives as you minister there in Swaziland. Love you with the love of the Lord. Mary Ellen
I’m just amazed that I can slide my finger across the mouse pad and move your message left to right, Now that is important! Oh yeah, what Mary Ellen said too. As that great philosopher Doc Watson used to sing, “dig a little deeper in the well boy dig a little deeper in the well, if you want to get a cool drink of water, dig a little deeper in the well.” Be blessed today, no excuses. We love you! Jay and Cindy
Aunt Jodi,
I love you and I am praying for you. Thanks For the pictures. Love Evan
Mary Ellen said it beautifully! I ditto her.
Praying for you.
Thanks for the pictures.
Tricia
Hey Jodi and Marius!
It is so good to hear from you guys and see the pictures! Becky and I are both sitting here looking at the computer with big cheesy smiles on our faces knowing that you guys are making a difference where your at. We’re so proud of you guys and are honored to know ya’ll and have a relationship with such awesome people as yourself!
Yeah we have been going through some difficulties, nationally, on this end. Gas shortages, mortgage’s in crisis, economy tumbling, etc. However, God is in control!
We love you guys and miss ya’ll dearly! We’ll be praying specifically for a place for you guys to call “home”. I hope ya’ll will have plenty of time together over the next couple of weeks. Oh yeah, and work hard, but make sure you rest hard too! You don’t want to get burned out!
WE LOVE YOU! MANY BLESSINGS!
CHRIS AND BECKY
It’s so great to see the sights through your pictures –
The children are precious and I love your boots!
We’re praying for you guys on all points and feel so
privileged to come alongside in your endeavors.
We’re sending BIG HUGS from across the way!
Love you! Wendy and Frank
You both look awesome! Swaziland is good for you.
Bless you as you do His work, in His time and in His way!
It can be so easy to stay “busy” but be careful of being task oriented – do not allow Satan to get you distracted from your First Love.
I can sense the need is great –
You are an ordinary couple who are empowered by an extraordinary God. Allow Him to work through you.
Love the boots – very funny and very necessary.
Can you share some of your worship time with us? I see you praying for a lady. Was that part of a worship service?
Do you have music and can you recognize any of the tunes?
It is such an incredible time to hear worship in another language. Knowing that all languages, peoples and nations are HIS! I know the feeling of being one with the nations – can you share your thoughts on that? I can only imagine what it will be like around His throne! Love it!
Okay I am done rambeling – in prayer for you, your mission, your families and the lost around world.
Blessings,
Julie
Hey, Jodi. Don’t forget what gogo Hallie, told you. You have been through alot and have alot to go through. Don’t be too tough on yourself.
Love you,
Hallie
Jodi and Marius: As has been so well stated, above from all, I, too, am with you every minute of every day in thoughts and prayer. The pictures are amazing, and to actually see a WATER TANK in one of them is so encouraging….things are happening! I send you my love, and many hugs to both of you. Until next time…Dottie.
Hey Guys,
A prayer of encouragement for you. Stay strong as a unit, never let a wedge come between you guys no matter what the day has for you. The Lords work is not always easy.
KNOW that you you have many prayers sent your way.
KNOW that each day will have its challenges & individual accomplishments
May God be with you both!!
J&C Lupi
Jodi and Marius,
So good to hear from you and see the great pictures. Stay focused on God as it is through His power that we live and breath. I pray that you can find a place of your own. You are in my prayers every day.
Love, Marty
You two look radiant. It’s great to see you at work for the Lord. I’m proud that you made it and happy to be a small part of your endeavors. Remember, timetables certainly are quite different in different parts of the world. You do what you can and pace yourself. The days belong to the Lord and His plan will get done. Enjoy each day as much as you can. I know the Lord will teach you and prepare you, sometimes it just seems overwhelming. As I tell my 4 y.o. grandson, “I think I can, I think I can” and then he just does it. Your smiles will go a long way. I bet just touching those children with love is overwhelming to them. See Christ in everything. Love you and miss seeing your beautiful faces.
MaryEllen, Phyllis, I, Chris Rumble,Jeff and of course your Johnny Stancil leave in 10 days for the Dominican Republic. God is sending all these old folks. Don’t laugh. Just pray for us.
In Him,
Grace
Hi Jodi and Marius,
It was great to hear form you both and see the pictures. I am very thankful you came to visit at Talking Rock 1st Baptist. I am excited about the work you are doing. I will keep you in my prayers.
In Christ,
Janice McGraw
Hi Jodi and Marius,
It is good to see that God is faithful and has brought you to the place HE wants you. We are blessed to be a part of your lives and pray that your lives will be incredibly enriched as you spend days and nights serving these lovely people. We loved the photos and are looking forward to hearing and seeing more.
Our hearts with yours…
Debi and Frank
Jodi & Marius,
I am so happy to hear your first letter. I knew it must be busy adjusting & settling there for several weeks.
I could imagine with my little head how it would be like to live in reality of Swaziland through your letters. Tough side and goodness.
Just seeing a photo of beautiful baby my heart just filled with compassion and I am so glad that you guys are there to hold each of kid’s hands. I like to feel their warm palm, too through your letters.
There are things happening lots of things in each day and Masaki and I will be praying for you two have good rhythm for your own.
There must be lots sacrifice, time, money, family in U.S and physical labors so on but I pray that Jesus work with you and fill you His joy each day at good day and bad day.
He who calls you is faithful and will accomplish His work through you. I believe GOD will make difference in each kids you care through your love and sacrifice. “making difference” really hit my heart in your letter.
Thank you and looking forward seeing you again.
Love in Him,
Juri
I loved reading your blog post and seeing your photos…and yes, I confess a bit of envy hoping that one day I’ll be writing a similar post about God returning me to Swaziland to live and love.
I’m praying for you guys. You’ve got such an amazing adventure ahead of you.
Drink some grapetizer for me and my girls and kiss on a little, beautiful Swazi baby for me.
Salani Kahle bonkhosi!
Elysa Mac
What a blessing to me to be a part of your ministry in Swaziland. I continue to pray for you both and your ministry. Love to you both, Jennifer
You Guys!!!!!!!!! You made it!!!!!! I’m sorry I haven’t written before, but I’m so happy you are there and things are now beginning for you. It sounds like you have a ton of work to do and I can’t even imagine. I miss you, of course, I missed you already when you were in Georgia, but I miss you still. We’re thinking of you and I’ve got some stuff to send to you via your mom. Love, Sara
Jodi and Marius-
Just wanted to let y’all know I put up a bunch of pictures at my blog and asked for folks to pray for y’all plus directed them here.
Salani Kahle!
Elysa
http://elysasmusingsfromgraceland.blogspot.com/