So much has been happening in Swaziland. We have helped with six teams since we last wrote, and Jodi has been in the kitchen a lot cooking for them.  One of my responsibilities here is the upkeep of the base vehicles. Four out of our five vehicles died this last month! I've been scurrying around trying to buy replacement vehicles so the teams would not be stranded. Fortunately, I have been able to replace two vehicles so far and we're looking for others.

 

Our retired pastor and his wife, George and Bonnie Callahan have been visiting with us for the past 10 days, and it has been wonderful to experience Swaziland anew through their eyes. They have been extremely moved by their experiences here.  George went with me as I did a food drop in a town called Gege where we are starting a new carepoint.  It was so neat to be dropping off the very first black pots where food will be served to kids daily and that will develop gradually into a much needed community carepoint. For me the theme here is that it really takes so little to make such a big difference here. These pots of food alone will change little kids lives!

 

Bonnie was able to teach a Bible lesson at another carepoint. She taught 35 girls a lesson on parables and did a craft to help illustrate. We were able to help with a "Princess Party" last Saturday hosted by a team of NFL wives.  Several hundred little girls ages 5-9 came from 9 carepoints and received new dresses, shoes, had a huge meal, got their fingernails painted, had their pictures taken, and just danced and played like princesses. It was awesome! 

 

 

 

George taught a Homiletics class at the College of Theology. Bonnie shared with my Bible Study group. We visited several other carepoints and did some home visits as well – taking food to some needy families. George was also able to do a chapel service at the Hope House, a hospice for terminally ill AIDS patients. This was a very special day as well. It was a packed 10 days!

 

Emi has been blessed with a ticket to visit her grandma and grandpa in the States. Jodi and Emi will be leaving Monday evening and will be in Georgia for the next three weeks. She is so excited for Emi to be able to spend some time with her family. A lady Jodi has never even met donated the money for the ticket, so she's heading home.  She will share at Trinity Evangelical Church in Marble Hill, Georgia on May 9th if you want to come hear a quick update, and she is also planning a few "Drop By and Meet Emi coffee dates at places in or near Jasper. Stay tuned to the blog for where she will be and when. Emi is almost 6 months old and today she started saying,  "Ma Ma Ma Ma" which Jodi is sure translates to Mommy. She is such a happy girl and gets to meet so many people that pass through our home. She is the joy of our lives.