Their support of Heart for Africa and their mission to work alongside the people of Swaziland to bring hope and care to orphans and vulnerable children.
Specifically:
The Rotary Club of North Fulton is partnering with Heart for Africa to raise money to build a dam on the farm. Though that may not sound exciting at first glance....this dam is necessary to irrigate another 90 acres of land so that crops there can be grown year-round. This is just another exciting step towards making Project Canaan self-sustaining! We are so thankful! Read more about it in the Alpharetta Neighbor: http://alpharettaneighbor.com/stories/WATERS-OF-HOPE,180555?content_source=&category_id=1,2,6,8,9&search_filter=&event_mode=&event_ts_from=&list_type=&order_by=&order_sort=&content_class=&sub_type=stories&town_id=&page=
In addition, TOMS shoes has chosen Heart for Africa to be a giving partner in Swaziland! TOMS has a neat "one for one" program in that when you purchase a pair of their shoes, a pair will be given to a child in need. Now, many children in Swaziland will get to experience this wonderful gift! We can't wait to get over there this summer and help hand them out!!!
And last but certainly not least, UPS has donated money to secure fencing around the El Roi Baby's Home, the Long Term Volunteer Housing, and the farm manager's building. This will ensure the safety of the orphans as well as those who work tirelessly on Project Canaan!
We are so excited and thankful to be a small part of what God is doing in Swaziland.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Appliance Update!!!
While they are not the most interesting things in the world...appliances...we really do appreciate them! Especially when we think we may have to do without some of them! We originally thought we would be able to take our appliances (refrigerator, washer/dryer) saving us major $$$, then thought we hit a snag and couldn't. However, after talking with a Heart for Africa volunteer from South Africa, we learned that yes indeedy - our appliances will work - with a transformer of course! What a blessing!
Mark and I have just started a weekly class called Perspectives which teaches what the Bible has to say about missions. There is an enormous amount of reading and preparation involved, but we have been told it will be of great benefit to us. This certainly adds to our list of many things to do, but I am so thankful that we have been able to keep from feeling overwhelmed.
Please pray for us as we prepare for our move. Things are moving at warp speed now, and there is so much to do and many wise decisions to be made.
Mark and I have just started a weekly class called Perspectives which teaches what the Bible has to say about missions. There is an enormous amount of reading and preparation involved, but we have been told it will be of great benefit to us. This certainly adds to our list of many things to do, but I am so thankful that we have been able to keep from feeling overwhelmed.
Please pray for us as we prepare for our move. Things are moving at warp speed now, and there is so much to do and many wise decisions to be made.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Countdown has really begun!
The holidays are over and we are getting down to the "nitty-gritty" of moving to Africa! We are thinking through all the details that still have to be addressed before our move in June (homeschool curriculum for Cameron, health insurance, Austin's plans next year, Mark's business, what to move, etc...) And it feels like time is just flying by. We realized over the holidays that we will need to send our first "round" of belongings (beds and other furniture we can live without for 8 weeks) around the first week of April. That is only about 2 1/2 months away!!! Blow-up beds here we come.....
We had hoped to be able to take our major appliances (refrigerator, washer, dryer) with us as these are very expensive over there. However, here in the US our electricity is 110v/60 hz and in Swaziland it is 240v/50hz. Bottomline...our appliances would be destroyed. The good news is that we figured that out now - not after we got there! :)
On to more exciting news....Mark has recently been asked by Heart for Africa to help make the farm on Project Canaan profitable by stepping in as the new Director of Economic Development. Mark is thrilled with the challenge and is jumping in with both feet. Last month he toured several egg farms in Iowa and may be going to Swaziland in February to look more in depth at the profitablity of egg farming. (Mark says it's a natural since he thinks he's always been a chick magnet!) This new position truly is an answer to prayer as we have been praying for a way to become self-sustaining missionaries. As the farm becomes profitable, Mark will be able to draw a salary, no longer making us dependant on financial support from overseas! Yay! Mark is also looking into fish farming as well and potentially getting some universities involved.
This will definitely be a busy 5 months for us...in addition to our move in June, Austin will be graduating high school, ,Cameron will be "graduating" from elementary school (5th grade) and of course much golf and lacrosse! We know it will be hectic much of the time, but are so excited to see what doors God opens next.
We had hoped to be able to take our major appliances (refrigerator, washer, dryer) with us as these are very expensive over there. However, here in the US our electricity is 110v/60 hz and in Swaziland it is 240v/50hz. Bottomline...our appliances would be destroyed. The good news is that we figured that out now - not after we got there! :)
On to more exciting news....Mark has recently been asked by Heart for Africa to help make the farm on Project Canaan profitable by stepping in as the new Director of Economic Development. Mark is thrilled with the challenge and is jumping in with both feet. Last month he toured several egg farms in Iowa and may be going to Swaziland in February to look more in depth at the profitablity of egg farming. (Mark says it's a natural since he thinks he's always been a chick magnet!) This new position truly is an answer to prayer as we have been praying for a way to become self-sustaining missionaries. As the farm becomes profitable, Mark will be able to draw a salary, no longer making us dependant on financial support from overseas! Yay! Mark is also looking into fish farming as well and potentially getting some universities involved.
This will definitely be a busy 5 months for us...in addition to our move in June, Austin will be graduating high school, ,Cameron will be "graduating" from elementary school (5th grade) and of course much golf and lacrosse! We know it will be hectic much of the time, but are so excited to see what doors God opens next.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Our Children...Their Response
I'm often asked, "What about the kids?" We have three terrific kids: Austin (17), Bailey (15), and Cameron (11). They truly are 3 of my favorite people to be around. And God has been preparing them for this move as well...
Years ago when our youngest, Cameron, was about 5 years old, we started taking Spring Break trips to Grayton Beach with Lighthouse Family Ministries. This organization ministers to families that have children with cancer. During a week long trip to the beach our family serves alongside another family that has a child with cancer. We strive to make this the best family vacation the family has ever had: cleaning their rooms, serving their meals, playing with their children, washing their clothing, and giving the parents much needed alone time! It's also an opportunity for our kids to serve others first and themselves last. A chance for our children to see a child in desperate need of a friend, and try to do something about it. It's a great experience all the way around, and our kids have always BEGGED to go back. Literally! I've always wanted my kids to enjoy serving the Lord, and this was more than I could ever have imagined! We served with Lighthouse for three more years - and our children not only flourished with the experience, they loved every minute of it! What an incredible blessing!
Yet, I still had at the back of my mind that I wanted my children to experience an overseas mission trip when Cameron was old enough. I had always dreamed of taking them to Africa, but I didn't really think that would become a reality.
Then, when our son, Austin, was a sophomore in high school we decided to take a family mission trip and as it happens, Heart for Africa was offering trips to Swaziland for our high school students through our church. That sounded like a great opportunity and we signed up as a family and went in the summer of 2010. Once again Mark and I watched as our children served the children we met there. Giving so much of themselves expecting nothing in return. For the older kids, they could see the joy and fullfillment of being filled with a Godly purpose.
As parents we see God's fingerprints all over the hearts of our children. They have hearts full of compassion and purpose. And I believe, their moving to Africa will be an extension of their joy of service. I know there will be quite a transistion, but I am ever thankful their hearts and attitudes are in the right place.
Bailey will be attending a British international school in Mbabane, the capital city (about 45 minutes from our house). The school is year-round and she will have to repeat a little of her sophomore year beginning in September then start her junior year in January 2013. In addition, she will have the pleasure of attending an additional year (13th grade). She is thrilled! (Ok, so that was sarcastic!)
Cameron will be going into 6th grade and will be homeschooled. Though I hear she'll have a hard teacher she's not too worried. She has a heart for babies and small children, so she is excited about having more time at the babies' home!
Austin is graduating from Alpharetta High School this year, but we are still waiting to see what the Lord has planned for him. Right now we are waiting to see if he will do mission work for a year or go straight to college.
So, I almost forgot... Before we talked with Ian and Janine Maxwell, I wanted to get a feel for what the children thought about moving to Swaziland. Very casually I asked them what they thought about our moving there. Interestingly enough they weren't shocked or surprised by the question (which kind of shocked and surprised me!). They just said that would be great! And, I could tell that from their reaction, it really would be.
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| Our First Lighthouse Retreat |
Years ago when our youngest, Cameron, was about 5 years old, we started taking Spring Break trips to Grayton Beach with Lighthouse Family Ministries. This organization ministers to families that have children with cancer. During a week long trip to the beach our family serves alongside another family that has a child with cancer. We strive to make this the best family vacation the family has ever had: cleaning their rooms, serving their meals, playing with their children, washing their clothing, and giving the parents much needed alone time! It's also an opportunity for our kids to serve others first and themselves last. A chance for our children to see a child in desperate need of a friend, and try to do something about it. It's a great experience all the way around, and our kids have always BEGGED to go back. Literally! I've always wanted my kids to enjoy serving the Lord, and this was more than I could ever have imagined! We served with Lighthouse for three more years - and our children not only flourished with the experience, they loved every minute of it! What an incredible blessing!
Yet, I still had at the back of my mind that I wanted my children to experience an overseas mission trip when Cameron was old enough. I had always dreamed of taking them to Africa, but I didn't really think that would become a reality.
Then, when our son, Austin, was a sophomore in high school we decided to take a family mission trip and as it happens, Heart for Africa was offering trips to Swaziland for our high school students through our church. That sounded like a great opportunity and we signed up as a family and went in the summer of 2010. Once again Mark and I watched as our children served the children we met there. Giving so much of themselves expecting nothing in return. For the older kids, they could see the joy and fullfillment of being filled with a Godly purpose.
As parents we see God's fingerprints all over the hearts of our children. They have hearts full of compassion and purpose. And I believe, their moving to Africa will be an extension of their joy of service. I know there will be quite a transistion, but I am ever thankful their hearts and attitudes are in the right place.
Bailey will be attending a British international school in Mbabane, the capital city (about 45 minutes from our house). The school is year-round and she will have to repeat a little of her sophomore year beginning in September then start her junior year in January 2013. In addition, she will have the pleasure of attending an additional year (13th grade). She is thrilled! (Ok, so that was sarcastic!)
Cameron will be going into 6th grade and will be homeschooled. Though I hear she'll have a hard teacher she's not too worried. She has a heart for babies and small children, so she is excited about having more time at the babies' home!
So, I almost forgot... Before we talked with Ian and Janine Maxwell, I wanted to get a feel for what the children thought about moving to Swaziland. Very casually I asked them what they thought about our moving there. Interestingly enough they weren't shocked or surprised by the question (which kind of shocked and surprised me!). They just said that would be great! And, I could tell that from their reaction, it really would be.
Friday, December 23, 2011
The Realization...Part 2
So, we came to the realization on a Saturday night in late August (2011) that our moving to Swaziland was where we were being led...urgently! However, those that don't know me can't fully appreciated what a leap this was for me. Let me give you an example...about 9 years ago we found a much nicer house in a much nicer neighborhood in a cul-de-sac for a great deal and decided to move. To add to its allure, it was only 5 miles from our then current house. Yet, I backed out on the deal twice because I was so resistant to the change that would incur. I would have to find a new grocery store, new schools for the kids (though better), new post office. Honestly, everything about the move was better. It just seemed like way too much change! In the end, I agreed to move and I'm ever so thankful I did.
However, the thought of moving 8000 miles away to Swaziland, with complete change in every arena possible, filled me with no such dread. I was truly filled with God's peace. The peace that passes all understanding. I was actually excited with anticipation. But, we didn't know what, how, when......
Interestingly Ian and Janine Maxwell, the founders of Heart for Africa were in our small group on Monday nights. Mark scheduled a meeting with Ian for the following Tuesday and told him we were interested in moving to Swaziland to work with Heart for Africa. After picking him up off the floor...he asked Mark if he would be interested in teaching carpentry to orphan boys. Well, carpentry just happens to be a passion of Mark's. He was thrilled! By Wednesday, 5 days after "the realization", we had a place to live, a school for Bailey (our 10th grader), and work for Mark. The girls and I would be helping in the El Roi Baby's Home! WOW! That's all we could think! We moved forward with what we knew to do, and God supplied everything we needed! But the story doesn't end there....
However, the thought of moving 8000 miles away to Swaziland, with complete change in every arena possible, filled me with no such dread. I was truly filled with God's peace. The peace that passes all understanding. I was actually excited with anticipation. But, we didn't know what, how, when......
Interestingly Ian and Janine Maxwell, the founders of Heart for Africa were in our small group on Monday nights. Mark scheduled a meeting with Ian for the following Tuesday and told him we were interested in moving to Swaziland to work with Heart for Africa. After picking him up off the floor...he asked Mark if he would be interested in teaching carpentry to orphan boys. Well, carpentry just happens to be a passion of Mark's. He was thrilled! By Wednesday, 5 days after "the realization", we had a place to live, a school for Bailey (our 10th grader), and work for Mark. The girls and I would be helping in the El Roi Baby's Home! WOW! That's all we could think! We moved forward with what we knew to do, and God supplied everything we needed! But the story doesn't end there....
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
The big decision...
Wow! We're moving to Swaziland. Looking back now, Mark and I can see that this decision has been in process for many years...probably 10 or more. What seemed like random events in the past, now piece together into a huge arrow pointing to Africa.
Two summers ago our family took a mission trip to Swaziland with Heart for Africa. Mark had been on several mission trips (Dominican Republic, Indonesia, China), and we had gone on Spring Break trips with Lighthouse Family Retreat. But, we've always wanted to take our children on a mission trip to Africa. And, Cameron was finally old enough, Austin hadn't yet graduated high school and we had money in savings for just such a trip. So, July 2010, we boarded an 18 hour flight to Swaziland! What an unbelievable experience! We saw things, felt things, and did things we never thought we would. We were overwhelmed with both the poverty and the joy, the dire circumstances and the compassion. Yet, when we returned the last thing on our mind was moving.
The following fall we decided to put our house on the market. We felt it was the prudent thing to do considering the economy and the state of the real estate market. We had quite a few "lookers" that fall, but no offers. In January, a friend asked if I'd be interested in reading through the Bible in 90 days with her. Sounded like a good challenge so I took her up on it. About 8 months later....I was just starting the New Testament! Yet, as I read through the gospels: Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John, I was overwhelmed with the thought that I wasn't doing enough for orphans and vulnerable children. Every parable Jesus taught, every word he said always led me back to the question, "what am I doing specifically for orphans and vulnerable children?". I felt there was more that we as a family should be doing with the resources that God had given us - yet I didn't know exactly what I/we should be doing. Finally after talking with Mark one night, trying to explain to him that there was more we should be doing for poor, starving children, I told him I thought we should move to Swaziland. In that moment, I knew that was exactly the answer I was looking for! And Mark's answer...he was extremely excited at the prospects of serving the children of Swaziland. In actuality it really wasn't a decision - it was more of a realization.
Two summers ago our family took a mission trip to Swaziland with Heart for Africa. Mark had been on several mission trips (Dominican Republic, Indonesia, China), and we had gone on Spring Break trips with Lighthouse Family Retreat. But, we've always wanted to take our children on a mission trip to Africa. And, Cameron was finally old enough, Austin hadn't yet graduated high school and we had money in savings for just such a trip. So, July 2010, we boarded an 18 hour flight to Swaziland! What an unbelievable experience! We saw things, felt things, and did things we never thought we would. We were overwhelmed with both the poverty and the joy, the dire circumstances and the compassion. Yet, when we returned the last thing on our mind was moving.
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