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.
Thanks for keeping up with what is happening here with us. We love you and Jodi hopes to see you at Trinity in a few weeks. We couldn’t be here without you and we dearly appreciate your support!
Love,
Marius, Jodi, & Little Emi
Great update – it was great being there with you for some of it!
What a great time of ministry and love! I can’t wait to meet Emi and see Jodi. God is so good all the time.
Love,
Marty
Please keep me posted where you will be in Georgia. We would love to see you Jodi, and meet Emi. Love you guys!
Wow You guys just keep “rockin” Awesome to see George & Bonnie out there with you all I know that must have been a great time for all.
Much Love,
the Lupi’s
Awesome update and great pictures! Thanks for sharing. What a busy couple of months it’s been. You guys are a beautiful family, we are blessed to get to be a part. See you soon Jodi & little Emi:)
Emi’s room is ready and waiting. 24 hr room service as well. Enjoy holding Emi on the plane, it will probably be the last time you get to hold her til your return flight.
Papa (opa) and I are already trying to decide who gets to hold her 1st. CAN’T WAIT TO SEE MY GIRLS!!! love Ouma Cheryl
Wow! Love all your pictures and update! We can’t wait to see you in Georgia!!! HUGS!
I was just thinking that I have not heard from you all in awhile. You all look great and Emi is growing up so fast. Thanks for the pics and email.
Joe
I can’t wait to see both of you. Beautiful baby!!!!
As always….great to see your precious faces. Wonderful to see George and Bonnie on the scene as well. I’m sure they were well received had a successful trip. Emi is growing and gets cuter with each new photo! Jodi, enjoy your time with your folks….I’m sure they are more than ready to see the two of you!!!!
We love you so much. We’ll be posting these pictures in church to keep you in the forefront of people’s prayers. Have a wonderful time stateside Jodi. And Marius – be good while she’s gone, but miss your ladies like crazy.
This far exceeds our experiences in Honduras a few years ago and our trip through Israel and Jordan last year. Mission work in the field is the highest work we can do for Jesus.
Matthew 245: 31-46
Thank you for updating your news letter in your busy days.
I was thrilled as I read your letter as thinking how each kid feels when they receive a gift, they received more than a man made gift or meal, but love from God through your action, and again good chance to think my life with different view.
I just can’t wait to hug Emi-chan!
Haluto looked these photo and said ” who this cute baby girl?”
Hope to see you this year!
Juri
man you have a beutifull child we think of you often and gloryfy God for you love the Roose
I love it! Thanks for letting us know all that you guys have been up to. I think and pray for you and all of the Swazi ministry, often. I miss it out there like crazy, but seeing and reading the stories helps.
Blessings!
what a wonderful update.. so much going on! love the pictures with george and bonnie. i know you guys must be exhausted at the same time, so i pray that you will have rest in these next few days! love from bosnia 🙂