first off, i want to sincerely thank you all for your prayers. God is still absolutely at work, even here in the mountains of Swaziland. i think the whole squad is a little worn out, and we don’t want to burn out before Asia, so in about two weeks we’ll head back to South Africa for a few days. we’re going to be staying in a cheap hostal for two nights near the airport before our flight to Thailand, where we’ll have debrief. as much as i love Swazi, we are welcoming the blessing. so continue to pray, we have two weeks left in this beautiful country and are pressing in to see all that God has for us while we’re here. for now, here are a few of pictures!
OH. also, we may or may not have hiked up the mountain below, and found an undiscovered cave with cave paintings and broken pottery. we’re thinking about calling national geographic, haha. seriously awesome. pictures soon.
view from the road we live on…
our house 🙂 you can see the hammock tree in the back left.
inside our house… PTL for BEDS!
me and one of the cuties
at the care point
shy…
Again, thanks for the prayers. I have more to say and more pictures that I’ll post when we have internet!!!!
Steph,
We all really sense your team’s weariness. We will continue to pray for your ministry time in Swaziland, followed by some brief decompression time. The Lord also reminded me this this week about “rest,” particularly resting in the Lord (I’ll let you know if that works out – LOL). We love being a part of the spiritual journey you are in. Your entire team is constantly in our thoughts and prayers. By the way, how is Kirstin doing? Thanks also for the beautiful photos.
Love in our Saviour,
The Miller clan
P.S. Our boys would like one of those round houses to hang out with their friends in the back yard!
Great pics as usual, Steph. And it was great talking with you this morning… even though you freaked me out with the phone ringing so early and jolting us out of a sound sleep 🙂 Nevertheless, call any time. I will get the word out about your request for photography opportunities in the summer and also for “nanny” jobs, until you are employed in a FT job or ministry. “Rest” seems to be the operative word. Pace yourself as you prepare for the last three months. “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!†-Psalm 46:10
Love you
Dad
Steph,
You guys seem tired. By debriefing, I assume a little R&R and praying about and discussing where you’ve been and what you did. Cast your burdens apon him as what you’ve seen and done, you can carry into the next ministry experience and it WILL tire you to carry it. You’ve seen a lot of pain, poverty and deplorable conditions. Give it to him, I know this sounds too simple and we have all been taught to do it, but when you’re out there on the field you tend to forget (at least I do!)and carry it like it’s your mission! I remember a movie from years ago about the first catholic missions to South America and a guy actually dragged a heavy net filled with rocks all over the place. I remember thinking ‘How stupid’…..but we can sometimes tend to do that with some of the painful experiences out on the field. I actually sometimes cup my hands and throw it up to God and say “Here you take it. I cannot carry it anymore!” I’m so glad that scripture tells me to do that!! His word has an answer for EVERYTHING!!! Our prayers are with you always! YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!!
Love, SueMac
We begin our trip home today from Peru. We had a great conference in Cajamarca with 29 churches represented. I do not know how you have held up, after 2weeks I am give out. May the LORD continue to bless the racers…
Dear Stephanie,
I talk to my high school students about your mission trip and show them pictures sometimes. I hope that will increase their burden for the lost and the poor all over our world. We live in such luxury and don’t even realize it.We have been protected from the real poverty in this world and need this trip that you are on to open our eyes and speak to our hearts. Thank you for putting yourself on the front line so that we can all be changed.
Great pictures and I,too, would like one of those houses! In Christ’s Love, Maureen Crist
Dear Stephanie, we’ve just read your blog and looked at the photos, so amazing that God has put you and the team just where He wants you. Rest in Him and gain strength by His power and might. He knows all about your spent strength and He will give you what you need to finish the race. Trust Him to carry you through in His precious arms. Love, Peg
Dear Stephanie,
I can see the weariness on your face in the photo of you with that cutie; but praise God, you are still smiling! I’m happy that you have beds again, and pray the Lord will grant you the sleep you need to restore your strength each day. I ask God every day to protect you from disease, illness, pestilence, creatures, and any evil influence. I trust that God is providing just what you need in your backpack. I pray the Lord will super bless it, and it will be like Mary Poppins’ bag — there was no end to what she was able to pull out of that bag! Your house is interesting — certainly a step up from tentsville. Probably influenced the phrase, “hanging a-ROUND the house!” At least you won’t find any cockroaches in the CORNERS! (HA! HA! Couldn’t resist that one)
All kidding aside, please remember that you are an inspiration to me and so many others back here who read your blogs regularly. I love your photos, your sense of humor, and your honesty, and above all your willingness and courage to go way beyond the slightest hint of a comfort zone to serve the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and body. When I read your descriptions of the extreme poverty and high percentage of disease that surround you, especially in Mozambique and now Swazi, Psalm 23:4 came to my mind: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.” The psalmist is not referring to those places, but it sure seems like the valley of the shadow of death to me. And our merciful God has shown His love and light to the people in these places through you and your team because you love Him enough to say “Here am I — send me!” Surely goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life, and you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
May God continue to bless you and protect you.
With love,
Angela