Dirt Roads Are Bumpy

It'sTuesday night, and we are finishing our first stint with the Myers and headed to Mbabane (the capital city) to stay with the Allen’s in the morning. We arrived in Tshaneni (cha-nay-knee) on Saturday night and attended Vuvulane Baptist Church on Sunday morning. For those who are Swazi veterans, this is the church where Simphiwe and Douglas serve. This was Katy’s first church service in Swaziland, and she definitely enjoyed it. It was full of amazing singing, adorable Swazi kids and was held at a wonderful homestead.

Most of Monday was a planning day while Mr. Wayne got his bakkie fixed before heading to Mananga College. This is prep high school for privileged Swazi students. We spoke at a Christian club meeting with about 40 boarding students. We introduced them to silly bands, which were received well :), and shared about how to live a life worthy of the calling we’ve received (from Ephesians 4).

This morning Hunter spoke in Mafucula for a Theological Education by Extension class for pastors and church leaders in the area. She shared about Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch, and then afterward we enjoyed discussion and refreshments. Tonight we went to a new area called Macethuka. (Enjoy pronouncing these on your own and don’t forget the “c” is a click!) Katy taught the adults about David while Mrs. Barbara and Hunter shared a lesson with 40 kids.

The last two nights have been on both ends of the spectrum as we spent last night at a prestigious high school and tonight in a forgotten sugar cane camp. We are looking forward to returning to some of these places next week, for now please be praying for the National Youth Leaders Retreat this weekend. We are so excited to be a part of it in Manzini. Also please pray for our travel tomorrow and as we pick up the summer missionaries. We hope you are enjoying the warm almost June sun…it’s chilly here. :)

In Him,

Hunter and Katy

*Spelling courtesy of Wayne Myers. :)*

Sawubona!

weird beef. no movies. nacho cheese in the rubber eggs and a congealed spice cake.

Well...we're here! After 17 hours on a plane we are officially in South Africa and ready to drive to Swaziland in the morning! The flight was long and our feet are swollen but who really needs shoes that fit? We were glad to have one another on the plane and enjoy numerous naps and lots of laughs.

In the morning we are driving to Mbabane, Swaziland where we will begin our stay with the Allen family and prepare for the Youth Leaders Retreat. We will also have the opportunity to be a part of the orientation for six summer missionaries who will be teaching True Love Waits in the rural communities. Hunter will school us in basic vocabulary (SiSwati) and I will be a part of the training as we both learn about the Swazi culture. We are so incredibly excited to be here and look forward updating you again soon! As for now...stay away from all cheese products on flights.

In Him,
Katy

1 Thessalonians 5:24

"The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it."
-1 Thessalonians 5:24

Since I was young, my dad has always instilled in me the importance of sharing stories of God's faithfulness in answering our prayers. So often we ask for people to pray for something specific, but how often do we follow up with testimonies of how God has answered these requests? Unfortunately, not very often. Before Katy and I board our plane bound for Johannesburg, we wanted to stop and share with you some of the ways our Father has answered prayers.

First, we are sitting at the airport, tickets in hand- which means He has provided financially. Over the last week alone, over $2500 has been given to us to make this trip possible. Thank you to everyone who has given financially, whether you bought a t-shirt or gave directly to the church. Thank you for showing us what it looks like to selflessly serve.

Secondly, the amount of people who are praying for us is such an encouragement. We hope to update this blog regularly so you can know how to more specifically pray each week.

Thirdly, His faithfulness is evident in the way every small detail has come together: from us meeting in Hyde County two summers ago to our ministry schedule for the next five weeks.

Lastly, we know our God is faithful to provide because neither of us had to pay an overage fee for our overweight baggage. Also, upon approaching the ticket counter, I was asked if I had changed my last name or missed my flight...not the most encouraging words to hear. :P Obviously everything worked out, and we are good to go.

We should arrive in South Africa tomorrow around 4:00 SA time (6 hours ahead of NC and 8 hours ahead of Colorado). Please pray for a safe and uneventful flight. We will meet up with Mr. Wayne and Mrs. Barbara Myers in the Jo'burg airport and then travel to Swaziland on Saturday. We are both excited to see what God has in store over the next five weeks in Swaziland, Africa.

In Him,
Hunter

Prep and pack and prep and pack!

We are officially leaving for Swaziland in 3 days! Our story for now is prepping and packing and more prepping and packing. We are so excited to share what is going on in Africa as the adventure unfolds! Thank you for following, encouraging and praying for us as we go. We are so thankful for you:)