1 day and counting

I'm sitting here in my house looking out at on another gloomy day in New England. (That's an interesting way to start a happy blog post, right?) I checked the weather for Mbabane, Swaziland - the capitol - and it is 81 and sunny today. That is just one example of the stark contrasts we will see and experience over the next month. Today is everyone's last day at home as we are meeting up at Gordon for the night to prepare as a team and to make sure the logistics are figured out before we fly out tomorrow. I still cannot believe that we are heading out tomorrow. It's completely surreal. I wanted to extend a huge thank you to those who have supported us in prayer and financially. I don't think I have mentioned this, but we are completely and totally funded to go! That is such a blessing from God and another example of how He is preparing our way. I can honestly say that I feel complete peace in the midst of the insanity of packing and moving out of the dorm. I know that God has gone before us and has prepared a path for us. While is Swaziland, we will take turns leading daily devotions. One of the reason for this is because God has laid a path out for us and His Word is the lamp to follow. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Psalm 119:105 - This way of seeking after God will also draw us together more as a team and will help to show us exactly what God has in store for each one of us individually and as a team. Your prayers will be invaluable to this process because there are going to be days where we are totally emotionally exhausted from everything we will be experiencing. There are a few specific prayer requests that I have for the team:

-Peace over our hearts to know that God is working in this town and these people.

-Unity within the team to be able to build each other up and to care for one another.

-Hope for the orphans and people of Swaziland.

-Grace within the team. 1 month can be a long time to be living in a such a closed environment. We long to have Christ's attitude towards each other.

-An overabundance of love to pour out to the people there.

-Ears to hear what the people there have to say. We do not want to be separate from them, but a part of their stories and them a part of ours.

-Safety in traveling.

-And so many more things that I am not thinking about right now.

Thank you again and in advance for your prayers and love.

An update about the blog while we are there. The blog may be updated a few times while we are in Bulembu. We have very spotty internet access and can use the computer that they have there when allowed to. Do not expect many updates, but check back here once in a while and you may get a surprise! Remember - no news is good news!

That is all that I have to say in this last pre-trip blog post. I desperately need to finish packing as I'm sure most of the team needs to as well. =)

So for now, see you in a month!

Kristen