A FEW FRUSTRATIONS
It’s been “one of those weeks” in Africa…our phone isn’t working, my bank card isn’t working, I still haven’t found a house to rent out in the rural area, I still don’t have a car, so I can’t go look for a place to rent. A large storm this week brought about an inch of muddy water into our current house and uprooted a large tree in our yard which broke down the fence that separates my yard from my neighbor’s and has given his two roosters free reign to come and crow right outside my window at all hours. The social worker for Ellie’s adoption tells me to “call tomorrow,” and then when tomorrow comes, she says it again!
My “hardships” are nothing compared to what many missionaries face in other African countries, or what most of my Swazi neighbors face every day…they are just a bunch of little things that seem to shine a spot light on my current lack of patience and slowness to “give thanks in all circumstances.” As always, everything has an upside…
THE UP-SIDE OF THINGS
Ellie and I are getting pretty good at using the public mini-buses that race all over Swaziland. Ellie loves being so close to so many people, and makes sure everyone gets a wave and a smile. For so many people here, these buses are their only means of transportation. It’s been good for me to get a better taste of the restrictions being without a car can place on your life. I’ve learned that having an extremely cute baby, and passing out candy on the bus is good way to insure that someone will be willing to help you when you’re not sure what bus to get on next!
Many thanks to those of you who have contributed to the purchase of a new car. I’ve found one I am planning to purchase (once the bank card problems get figured out) that is exactly what I was looking for…newer, good gas mileage, high clearance for rough roads, and a good price. If you would still like to contribute to the cost of a car, please let me know.
The tree uprooted in this weeks storm fell into my neighbor’s yard, just feet from their home (we share a duplex). If I’d already had a new car (which was my plan), it would have probably been damaged by the fallen tree. The water in my
house stopped just short of some goodies from the U.S that were not yet unpacked. God knew that they were things I could definitely live without, but a few little “luxuries from home” that can mean a lot.
The social worker for Ellie’s case, Gugu, is retiring in March. There’s a chance our case will get passed to someone who will decide to make our case more of a priority. Pray that happens!
So that’s the scoop on some of the mundane details and frustrations of life in Swaziland. It’s a battle to keep my focus on what’s really important: Jesus. I’m in a Bible study here with other missionary women on the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10. The phrase, “Martha was distracted by all of the details,” stood out to me this week. Taking care of details isn’t bad. But when the “doing” of life gets in the way of focusing on Jesus…that’s when our lives need some adjusting. I’m sure I need a bit of that!
OTHER NEWS
We celebrated Ellie’s 1st birthday on January 18th with family and friends in Iowa. She’s mobile and busy, and I’m afraid walking is imminent!
There are some exciting ministry opportunities in the works here. Pastor Walter, the pastor we are partnering with in the rural area,
has many dreams for what he’d like to see accomplished in his area, from free schooling, to hospice care, to church plants. We are praying as to what AIM’s role could be in helping some of his visions become reality. More details will be coming soon on some projects we’ll be starting.
Pray wisdom and discernment for our staff. It is impossible for us to meet all the needs we see and all of those we are asked to meet in this country where 46% of the population are HIV positive, and where there are over 700,000 AIDS orphans. We desperately need wisdom and discernment to know what role God desires us to play in each situation. Pray that we would always respond in compassion, and that the love of Christ would be evident in all we do. Pray for a continued good relationship with Pastor Walter and the rural community of Engculwini.
Thanks for your encouragement, prayers and support!
Julie & Ellie
