This afternoon we had a very special time set aside for Mission of Mercy sponsors to meet with their sponsored child.  We had a special KFC lunch and a time for writing to their sponsors.  What an absolute joy this was.  For some sponsors; it was a first time meeting for others however, it was a wonderful reunion.

 

For the Schmidt family, this was a wonderful first time meeting and their daughter Lindsy now has a new friend.

I had the awesome joy of hanging out with this little fellow who is sponsored by Corey and Stacy, friends of Curt.  Jane and I also had loads of fun playing soccer with him and his friends.











And here we are sharing a special moment with children before they had to return to their Care Points.  Look at their beautiful smiles........all of them!

 As we walked through the community near the Care Points, we had an opportunity to interact with the staff.  These precious ladies care for the children by providing instruction, education, and feeding.  Jane and I got to love on, encourage, praise the staff for their kindness and compassion for the children.  Jane was trying to figure out how to carry rice.

 We also met some of the cooks and Jane took a moment to encourage her and tell her how much she is appreciated for what she does for the children.  At the bottom here am I stirring the pot of food that is being prepared for the children.  The packets of food are provided by Children's Cup and they are a rich blend of rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables, and beans fortified with the essential vitamins needed for nutrition.  They are wonderfully named  "Manna Packs."  Thirty six of these packs feed around 200 children. Thank you ladies for your part in caring for the children of SZ-012.  We love you!

This is why we are here.

So excited to meet Mitch and Charlotte for the first time.  At Highland we have prayed so much for this couple.  Thank you for what you do for the worlds' impoverished children here in Swaziland.

Today will be our first visit at one of the care points and we will also do a community walk.  Pray for us as we begin to love on kids and their families.

Here we are at the airpoort clowning around waiting for our ride.  Tonight we meet some of the missionaries here in swaziland.   Their work, their testimonies to Gods, amazing Grace touched us all.  More to follow as we see all God is going to show us this week.  Love you all.

Swaziland...not sure if this is a sunrise or sunset... but it sure is beautiful.  Thank you Lloyd Rachels from Christian 107.3 for this awesome view.  We can't wait to see this with own eyes.  Just three more days!!!!!

  Finally....Here is the picture that we promised.  I told Jane that the background behind my head looked like a halo but she didn't buy it.  She told me it hid my horns.
  In just a short week we will be on our way to Swaziland, Africa with our hearts filled with the joy and expectation that we are prepared for whatever the Lord challenges us with during this trip.  We have been blessed by our family, friends, co-workers, and our church family.  More than once we have been told to fully rely on the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and direct all that we do for the Father's Glory.
  Please pray for us and our team that we will be able to accomplish all that God has planned for us to do.  Please pray for the children and families of the little ones we will meet in Swaziland.  And please pray for our families.  We are so thankful for your support!  We will try to keep sending posts and pictures as best we can with the resources that will be available to us in Swaziland.  Blessings......Proverbs 31: 8-9!