Well, all my good intentions to blog went straight out the window. Once our work week began, time got away from me.
Every day we would go out to the children's home with our team and work on projects. Some people painted buildings, walls, some people planted gardens, some dug trenches and others took down large quantities of dry, overgrown grass. There were kitchen crews and baby caretakers and things were a buzz each day that we drove in with our fully loaded vans of workers. The children were so excited to have the activity going on at the homes. We worked on two separate orphanages in Swaziland. Matthias and I were at Emmanuel and the other team went to one called El Shaddai. Emmanuel is what we call a phase one home. They recently moved in to their new dwelling and now comes the process of getting them established and sustainable. El Shaddai is a phase 4 home and nearing it's completion on being a self-sustaining home, with income and food sources.
We spent the week with our little sponsor girl Elizabeth. Her Siswati/African name is Nobuhle which is pronounced: No -bool-lay. There are some cool Siswati sounds that come from the 'hle' combination but I will reserve that for when you hear me speak her name.
She is an angel. Words cannot begin to express the love we have for her in our hearts. It was difficult to leave her there when we left. She is a beautiful little soul and her smile lingers in my memory.
Every night we would have a Young Hearts meeting. Young Hearts is a group of youth that choose to serve in Africa or have a heart for Africa. The youth on the trip, gathered every night after dinner for some sharing about their day as well as singing and laughing. It was such a powerful way to end each night there and I believe everyone left that place transformed. We had a group of Taiwanese youth that spent the week with us. A bunch of high school kids traveled over for the first time and they were absolutely amazing people. It was hard to say our goodbyes when the time came to leave and I know that Young Hearts has been ignited with a fresh fire on this specific trip. My role with Heart For Africa is to work with the youth and connect them so that we can fund raise and create possibilities for the children in Swaziland. I believe great things will be birthed from our time together there. GO YOUNG HEARTS!!! WOO HOO!
Matthias and I are decompressing. It takes a bit to re-enter our culture after being saturated with third world issues. The relationships forged and the moments that were breathed in are all jumbled up in our hearts and to make sense of most of it will take some time. I know from the last couple of trips over there, things surface when we least expect it. A certain amount of strength is required to work with these little broken vessels. There is a tenacity of heart we call upon in this experience and when we are able to fully let down in the silence of coming home, things bubble up that were held back during the time there. Not sure if that makes a lot of sense to you, but it does to me. If you have served somewhere that suffering occurs, you may know what I am talking about.
Coming home reveals a tender heart. The soil of our souls has been plowed by love and the seedlings are in a fragile state. We experienced a bit of heaven on earth and want to hold it close and savor it a little longer.
I will be posting pictures on facebook this week so stay tuned for more to come.
Thanks for loving us and caring about the work done there.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Lions, Rhino's And Giraffes, Oh My!
This weekend was not what I expected. We woke up for an early breakfast on Saturday and went through orientation for the week. I led a 'devotion' on "Being In The Moment" and then we had some of our team members play songs that got our hearts centered for the day.
Since only a smaller portion of the team was here early, we were able to go on a Safari. I have never experienced anything like it and highly recommend it to anyone traveling to Africa.
We rode out in Jeeps that were fully open, meaning any animal could walk up to us and 'get friendly' if they wanted to. This created a sense of risk as we drove on dirt roads throughout this reserve full of 'bush'. I never realized how well animals could camoflauge themselves because on Discovery or any of those shows, the animals seem to stand out a bit from the grass. Not here. We found a lion that had just killed a Wildebeast and was feasting happily on his prey. That was when we realized we had a tire leak, so we drove to a different section and waited in the Jeep as our driver changed the tire. He told us to keep watch on the 'bush' in case a lion shows up. Something seemed very wrong with this scenario - but he quickly got to work as we watched for movement in the grass. Nothing, we were good. We drove around and found a large Bull elephant who seemed to be ok with all of us driving up to take a look. We went back to the lion area and saw the same lion still working on his meal. He was fairly hidden so there wasn't an opportunity to get a good look at him, so our driver decided to go off of the road and see how close he could get. This is where my heart rate increased and a sense of fear began to creep in. He got within 15 feet of a wild, unpredictable, flesh-eating lion and we were in the front. So that meant that we would be the first to go if the lion decided to check us out. I began to think of all the people in my life and if I told them I loved them. The lion wasn't too interested in us, thankfully, and we went on our way.
We saw rhino's and giraffe and various deer as well as baby elephants with their mom's (cow's) as they are called. It was an incredible adventure and we are so glad we went.
Today, we went to an African church and experienced worship. It was so great to be connected with our brothers and sisters here and feel so welcome in their community. They sing with alot of passion and joy. We had youth from Taiwan with us and they even loved it.
Later, we ventured out to the new land that Heart For Africa was able to purchase. 2500 acres on a mountain. It was breathtaking and I look forward to seeing what the future holds as this land is developed. The plan they showed us is quite amazing and we are very excited for this project.
We spent the afternoon in the local market and had a lot of fun mingling with the people that live here. Tomorrow we set off to work in the children's homes and do what we came here for. It is going to be an awesome week and our team is 141 strong. A lot will be accomplished in the homes this week and we are ready to serve. We are mostly excited because we get to see our sponsor child, Elizabeth!!! To actually spend the week with her is a dream come true for me. I am so glad to share who she is with Matthias and hopefully one day, Grace and Ben as well.
Matthias has the African bug. I had no idea how he would respond to this environment and now he is already sad that we will be leaving in a week. I don't blame him. If I could send for my other two children, I would do it in a heartbeat. This place feels like home to me, it did the first time I came and that has not changed. Don't worry, we are coming back to Oregon however I do believe that my future and the lives of my children will include summers in Swaziland.
Blessings to all and we are so glad to share our journey with you.
Stay tuned...
Since only a smaller portion of the team was here early, we were able to go on a Safari. I have never experienced anything like it and highly recommend it to anyone traveling to Africa.
We rode out in Jeeps that were fully open, meaning any animal could walk up to us and 'get friendly' if they wanted to. This created a sense of risk as we drove on dirt roads throughout this reserve full of 'bush'. I never realized how well animals could camoflauge themselves because on Discovery or any of those shows, the animals seem to stand out a bit from the grass. Not here. We found a lion that had just killed a Wildebeast and was feasting happily on his prey. That was when we realized we had a tire leak, so we drove to a different section and waited in the Jeep as our driver changed the tire. He told us to keep watch on the 'bush' in case a lion shows up. Something seemed very wrong with this scenario - but he quickly got to work as we watched for movement in the grass. Nothing, we were good. We drove around and found a large Bull elephant who seemed to be ok with all of us driving up to take a look. We went back to the lion area and saw the same lion still working on his meal. He was fairly hidden so there wasn't an opportunity to get a good look at him, so our driver decided to go off of the road and see how close he could get. This is where my heart rate increased and a sense of fear began to creep in. He got within 15 feet of a wild, unpredictable, flesh-eating lion and we were in the front. So that meant that we would be the first to go if the lion decided to check us out. I began to think of all the people in my life and if I told them I loved them. The lion wasn't too interested in us, thankfully, and we went on our way.
We saw rhino's and giraffe and various deer as well as baby elephants with their mom's (cow's) as they are called. It was an incredible adventure and we are so glad we went.
Today, we went to an African church and experienced worship. It was so great to be connected with our brothers and sisters here and feel so welcome in their community. They sing with alot of passion and joy. We had youth from Taiwan with us and they even loved it.
Later, we ventured out to the new land that Heart For Africa was able to purchase. 2500 acres on a mountain. It was breathtaking and I look forward to seeing what the future holds as this land is developed. The plan they showed us is quite amazing and we are very excited for this project.
We spent the afternoon in the local market and had a lot of fun mingling with the people that live here. Tomorrow we set off to work in the children's homes and do what we came here for. It is going to be an awesome week and our team is 141 strong. A lot will be accomplished in the homes this week and we are ready to serve. We are mostly excited because we get to see our sponsor child, Elizabeth!!! To actually spend the week with her is a dream come true for me. I am so glad to share who she is with Matthias and hopefully one day, Grace and Ben as well.
Matthias has the African bug. I had no idea how he would respond to this environment and now he is already sad that we will be leaving in a week. I don't blame him. If I could send for my other two children, I would do it in a heartbeat. This place feels like home to me, it did the first time I came and that has not changed. Don't worry, we are coming back to Oregon however I do believe that my future and the lives of my children will include summers in Swaziland.
Blessings to all and we are so glad to share our journey with you.
Stay tuned...
Friday, July 17, 2009
Touchdown Johannesburg - South Africa
After many hours of flying across the globe we have landed and made it into Swaziland tonight. We are 9 hours ahead and our body clocks are totally messed up. We know it's 2pm at home and here in Africa it is 11pm. Sleep awaits me, so this will be short.
We had an incredible flight and met up with part of the team in NY. 50 people arrived today and another 100 are coming in on various flights tonight. They will join us tomorrow. I have not experienced such a large group but when you break it all down into smaller numbers, it works.
We will be going on a Wild Game adventure tomorrow and are excited to see some other parts of this beautiful country as well as the "Big Five" as they are known for down here. That would be the lion, giraffe, rhino, zebra and elephant. Something like that, anyway - we are looking forward to it.
You will have to forgive me as my brain is quite rummy and my eyes want to cross as I type!
We have great access to the internet and will be posting things each day so come back if you are curious and see what we have going on while we are here!
Our bus was having mechanical issues on the drive from South Africa into Swaziland and it was great to sit on the side of the road and observe life. Cows crossing the road, people waiting for a taxi, children carrying water jugs and playing in their yards of dirt. We saw a woman carrying her large bag of oranges on her head with little to no effort, it was so natural. We saw Impala's and monkeys hanging around the highway we were on and the team kept a positive attitude through the now 7 hour bus ride to where we are staying.
All is well, we are thrilled to be a part of this team and to see what unfolds as the days progress.
Thanks for checking in on our travels and we look forward to some great stories and moments we will share along the way!
We had an incredible flight and met up with part of the team in NY. 50 people arrived today and another 100 are coming in on various flights tonight. They will join us tomorrow. I have not experienced such a large group but when you break it all down into smaller numbers, it works.
We will be going on a Wild Game adventure tomorrow and are excited to see some other parts of this beautiful country as well as the "Big Five" as they are known for down here. That would be the lion, giraffe, rhino, zebra and elephant. Something like that, anyway - we are looking forward to it.
You will have to forgive me as my brain is quite rummy and my eyes want to cross as I type!
We have great access to the internet and will be posting things each day so come back if you are curious and see what we have going on while we are here!
Our bus was having mechanical issues on the drive from South Africa into Swaziland and it was great to sit on the side of the road and observe life. Cows crossing the road, people waiting for a taxi, children carrying water jugs and playing in their yards of dirt. We saw a woman carrying her large bag of oranges on her head with little to no effort, it was so natural. We saw Impala's and monkeys hanging around the highway we were on and the team kept a positive attitude through the now 7 hour bus ride to where we are staying.
All is well, we are thrilled to be a part of this team and to see what unfolds as the days progress.
Thanks for checking in on our travels and we look forward to some great stories and moments we will share along the way!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Getting Stuff Ready
I wish there was a great little 'ditty' I could sing to you about flying across the ocean - but there isn't. I will refrain from any forms of improvisation at this point although I must admit I am biting my lip right now!
Today is a crazy day of last minute preparation. There are always things to check off the list in the final stretch. We leave in 72 hours and I think my son hopes that I will handle his list as well.
Maybe if he mows my lawn, I will consider.
This is the part where I begin to lose sleep and gear up for hours and hours of 'sitting in a chair - in the sky' and hoping sleep visits me. I am considering drugs this time, which doesn't sound very adventurous but does bring a smile to my face when I recall all the sleep positions I attempted on my last trips to Africa. I don't know why they build planes with immovable arm rests. Seems like such a minor expense and I wish Boeing would get their act together. It would be really cool if airplanes had a suggestion box as you leave the aircraft. "Ladies and gentleman, we thank you for flying ___ airlines and hope you come again. As you leave the aircraft, feel free to drop your suggestions in our 'happy flyer' box so we can know how best to serve you in your flight needs." This would be a great addition and I am sure more people would be willing to fly more 'frequently' with this kind of customer service.
At this point, it's evident that I am becoming sleep deprived. That is when sarcasm usually surfaces for me.
I am counting the hours down to our departure, enjoying the running around that goes with third world preparation - this is part of the journey. I have friends that are visiting Ghana and doing work with helping people have clean water. It's a noble cause and part of me would love to see what their work is like. So many people around the globe are doing what they can, with what they have, to make a difference. It doesn't take flying across the ocean to serve. There are many on American soil that have great need for support and encouragement and sometimes, intervention. I hope that whatever it is that makes your heart pound harder, you find a way to engage it powerfully. Here's a few lines from a song that speaks truth.
It's called "Waiting On The World To Change."
"Now we see everything that's going wrong
With the world and those who lead it
We just feel like we don't have the means
To rise above and beat it."
Many of us are waiting on the world to change - however I strongly believe the world is waiting on us. Ghandi said, "Be the change you want to see in the world." The world could be right out your back door or a flight across the oceans blue. Whatever it is, stop waiting. "Evil triumphs when good people do nothing." What good can you create today? I digress.
I am wondering how many sleep positions it will take for Matthias to find that one special fetal pose that gets him good rest. My guess is it won't take much at all. A couple of movies, some food in the belly, water and bathroom run and he is set. I will raise my Ambien in his honor.
Today is a crazy day of last minute preparation. There are always things to check off the list in the final stretch. We leave in 72 hours and I think my son hopes that I will handle his list as well.
Maybe if he mows my lawn, I will consider.
This is the part where I begin to lose sleep and gear up for hours and hours of 'sitting in a chair - in the sky' and hoping sleep visits me. I am considering drugs this time, which doesn't sound very adventurous but does bring a smile to my face when I recall all the sleep positions I attempted on my last trips to Africa. I don't know why they build planes with immovable arm rests. Seems like such a minor expense and I wish Boeing would get their act together. It would be really cool if airplanes had a suggestion box as you leave the aircraft. "Ladies and gentleman, we thank you for flying ___ airlines and hope you come again. As you leave the aircraft, feel free to drop your suggestions in our 'happy flyer' box so we can know how best to serve you in your flight needs." This would be a great addition and I am sure more people would be willing to fly more 'frequently' with this kind of customer service.
At this point, it's evident that I am becoming sleep deprived. That is when sarcasm usually surfaces for me.
I am counting the hours down to our departure, enjoying the running around that goes with third world preparation - this is part of the journey. I have friends that are visiting Ghana and doing work with helping people have clean water. It's a noble cause and part of me would love to see what their work is like. So many people around the globe are doing what they can, with what they have, to make a difference. It doesn't take flying across the ocean to serve. There are many on American soil that have great need for support and encouragement and sometimes, intervention. I hope that whatever it is that makes your heart pound harder, you find a way to engage it powerfully. Here's a few lines from a song that speaks truth.
It's called "Waiting On The World To Change."
"Now we see everything that's going wrong
With the world and those who lead it
We just feel like we don't have the means
To rise above and beat it."
Many of us are waiting on the world to change - however I strongly believe the world is waiting on us. Ghandi said, "Be the change you want to see in the world." The world could be right out your back door or a flight across the oceans blue. Whatever it is, stop waiting. "Evil triumphs when good people do nothing." What good can you create today? I digress.
I am wondering how many sleep positions it will take for Matthias to find that one special fetal pose that gets him good rest. My guess is it won't take much at all. A couple of movies, some food in the belly, water and bathroom run and he is set. I will raise my Ambien in his honor.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Thoughts
There is something stirring inside of me as I get closer to boarding the airplane. It's hard to explain but if you've ever had that tug in your heart of wanting to go home, that's how I would describe it. I remember leaving Swaziland after my first visit there. I was traveling with my nephew Ivan and it was our first time doing something so grand. Going to Africa has such glamorous appeal in so many ways. It's exotic and strange and rugged and dangerous and beautiful. People have varying ideas of what Africa is like - to me, it felt like home.
As we loaded up to leave our hotel in Ezulweni - Swaziland, my heart got tighter and tighter. It felt like something was squeezing it. I could feel a shortness of breath, my throat closed up and the tears began to surface. Like grieving the loss of a loved one in their death, I felt a loss that I find hard to put into words. All I know is that as I hugged my new African friends, I didn't want to let them go. Something inside me wanted to run back inside and drop my luggage and stay - to drive my stake in the ground and say, "This is where I belong." Of course I didn't do that. I had a husband and 3 children waiting for my return. That would throw a wrench in their plans for sure!
I loaded my things onto the bus and with a heavy heart, nestled into my seat with my traveling buddies and drove away. I remember how hot my tears were as they streamed down my cheeks. I know I wasn't the only one feeling the breaking of my heart. Others were too. Most of us had our ipods on and of course every song that played, intensified the feelings. The lyrics speaking out my heart's longing to be a part of something so much bigger.
I was forever changed on that trip. The Jacqui that returned would never be the same again. Never.
As I prepare to return to that beautiful land, I wonder what it holds. Will it be even harder to leave this time? Will it be different now that I know what I am getting myself into? Will Matthias cry? Will his heart be torn apart and put back together different than it was before? When will I go back? What is my purpose in being there? Who am I to even begin to make a difference in a land with so much need?
I don't have any answers but I do know I am on a path. Something so much greater is going on - greater than I can fathom and as I press into the journey, more is revealed. I am not always the most patient person and want to know the 'big picture'. Yet if I did know, would I want to walk that path? I don't think most of us would because that path could include things we don't find desirable. For now, the journey is full of wonder and discovery and for that, I am grateful.
We leave exactly one week from today. Thank you for tracking with us as we go.
To be continued...
As we loaded up to leave our hotel in Ezulweni - Swaziland, my heart got tighter and tighter. It felt like something was squeezing it. I could feel a shortness of breath, my throat closed up and the tears began to surface. Like grieving the loss of a loved one in their death, I felt a loss that I find hard to put into words. All I know is that as I hugged my new African friends, I didn't want to let them go. Something inside me wanted to run back inside and drop my luggage and stay - to drive my stake in the ground and say, "This is where I belong." Of course I didn't do that. I had a husband and 3 children waiting for my return. That would throw a wrench in their plans for sure!
I loaded my things onto the bus and with a heavy heart, nestled into my seat with my traveling buddies and drove away. I remember how hot my tears were as they streamed down my cheeks. I know I wasn't the only one feeling the breaking of my heart. Others were too. Most of us had our ipods on and of course every song that played, intensified the feelings. The lyrics speaking out my heart's longing to be a part of something so much bigger.
I was forever changed on that trip. The Jacqui that returned would never be the same again. Never.
As I prepare to return to that beautiful land, I wonder what it holds. Will it be even harder to leave this time? Will it be different now that I know what I am getting myself into? Will Matthias cry? Will his heart be torn apart and put back together different than it was before? When will I go back? What is my purpose in being there? Who am I to even begin to make a difference in a land with so much need?
I don't have any answers but I do know I am on a path. Something so much greater is going on - greater than I can fathom and as I press into the journey, more is revealed. I am not always the most patient person and want to know the 'big picture'. Yet if I did know, would I want to walk that path? I don't think most of us would because that path could include things we don't find desirable. For now, the journey is full of wonder and discovery and for that, I am grateful.
We leave exactly one week from today. Thank you for tracking with us as we go.
To be continued...
Friday, July 3, 2009
The Adventure Begins
It's been an interesting road we have traveled this year. Matthias and I have been planning our trip since last fall and we are very excited to be in the home stretch for our departure to Swaziland, Africa. As the clock winds down - there is much to do. Get the necessary shots, exchange money, make sure we have our converters/adapters, take along gifts and supplies for the children's homes, charge our ipods and pack enough Immodium to share with friends. But most of all, there's the matter of preparing our hearts for what lies ahead.
I don't know if it really is possible to 'prepare ones heart' for the experience of suffering. Matthias and I have had numerous conversations about what 'suffering' looks like, he has seen videos on YouTube and heard the stories of children that have been orphaned. Websters' Dictionary defines suffering as - To submit to or be forced to endure; pain. How does one submit to pain? It's really not something we talk about in our country. Who would want to be forced or submitted to pain in our own reality? It's something that most of us would run from. However, in Africa and Swaziland especially, there is nowhere to run. Life is what it is. You take the good and the bad, most of it bad and you make the best of it. How do I explain pain to my son? He is 17 and has had a fairly comfortable life. He has experienced the pain of loss and disappointment, but not to the degree that these people live in day to day. Death and disease is their world. The life expectancy is 29 in Swaziland due to the high level of AIDS/HIV impact. When Matthias read that, he gasped. He literally took that in and pondered what that meant. Soon, this will be a reality for his heart. It will be something that he touches and feels in the most raw and tangible way any human can. When he holds a child that has been orphaned by AIDS, he will feel suffering. He will know what it's like to look into their eyes and see the pain in their soul. The numbness that exists in a 6 or 8 or 9 year olds eyes - is life-altering. He will never be the same.
So how do I help my son prepare to have his heart messed with? I can't. The only thing I can do is be with him in the journey. We each have our own road to travel and for now, we get to share a part of that road together. An unforgettable experience that will forever alter who he is as a human being. And for that I am grateful. Grateful to be with him to process through the things that will shape who he is as a man as well as a person who has influence and the ability to make a difference on this planet.
I started this blog as a way to communicate and update our friends and family along the way. I hope you will check in from time to time and see the pictures and hear the stories. I will blog as frequently as I can. Not all stories are heartbreaking and sad. There are beautiful stories that inspire the heart and make us laugh. So stay tuned and see what unfolds as we make our way across the Atlantic to a far-away land.
Thank you for your support and love and prayers. We anticipate amazing things on the journey and look forward to sharing them all with you.
Until next time, Godspeed.
I don't know if it really is possible to 'prepare ones heart' for the experience of suffering. Matthias and I have had numerous conversations about what 'suffering' looks like, he has seen videos on YouTube and heard the stories of children that have been orphaned. Websters' Dictionary defines suffering as - To submit to or be forced to endure; pain. How does one submit to pain? It's really not something we talk about in our country. Who would want to be forced or submitted to pain in our own reality? It's something that most of us would run from. However, in Africa and Swaziland especially, there is nowhere to run. Life is what it is. You take the good and the bad, most of it bad and you make the best of it. How do I explain pain to my son? He is 17 and has had a fairly comfortable life. He has experienced the pain of loss and disappointment, but not to the degree that these people live in day to day. Death and disease is their world. The life expectancy is 29 in Swaziland due to the high level of AIDS/HIV impact. When Matthias read that, he gasped. He literally took that in and pondered what that meant. Soon, this will be a reality for his heart. It will be something that he touches and feels in the most raw and tangible way any human can. When he holds a child that has been orphaned by AIDS, he will feel suffering. He will know what it's like to look into their eyes and see the pain in their soul. The numbness that exists in a 6 or 8 or 9 year olds eyes - is life-altering. He will never be the same.
So how do I help my son prepare to have his heart messed with? I can't. The only thing I can do is be with him in the journey. We each have our own road to travel and for now, we get to share a part of that road together. An unforgettable experience that will forever alter who he is as a human being. And for that I am grateful. Grateful to be with him to process through the things that will shape who he is as a man as well as a person who has influence and the ability to make a difference on this planet.
I started this blog as a way to communicate and update our friends and family along the way. I hope you will check in from time to time and see the pictures and hear the stories. I will blog as frequently as I can. Not all stories are heartbreaking and sad. There are beautiful stories that inspire the heart and make us laugh. So stay tuned and see what unfolds as we make our way across the Atlantic to a far-away land.
Thank you for your support and love and prayers. We anticipate amazing things on the journey and look forward to sharing them all with you.
Until next time, Godspeed.
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