Monday, August 15th

Good morning! It's Monday here in Swaziland and it has been pouring rain since yesterday (even thunder and lightning). I got up early to go over my story, the Golden Rule, and at 7AM it was decided to cancel Vacation Bible School for the day. The road to Lomngeletjane is not paved and it is a 40 minute ride “over and about”. It is too dangerous to travel until the rain stops. OK, now a day to regroup and relax after three very busy days. Time to “blog”!!!! I am missing all of you and love you all. We will go out this afternoon to find some lunch and go back to the airport for the 4^th time. Supposedly, Aileen's bag will be flown in today from Johannesburg at 1:45. We'll see. It is very cold today and with no heat, we are bundled with all our layers!!!

Love, Rosemary

Our first three days have been full of eye-opening and heartwarming experiences. We worshiped with a wonderful spirited Methodist congregation in Lomngeletjane Sunday morning. Their beautiful voices singing hymns in SiSwati could be heard in heaven I'm sure. The children are so beautiful and take care of one another in such a loving way. We enjoyed every minute of the two hour service. The countryside around where we are staying is very scenic and the countryside very poor. I am humbled by how much we have and how much we take for granted. Everyone has been so nice to us. I feel lifted up by your prayers – Blessings, Jane

Perseverance-This word is how I would describe our first days here. Excitement, long haul flight, lost baggage, new environment, bumpy roads, tiredness and jet lag, unfamiliar territory, a true VIM experience. We're enjoying an unexpected rest (thank you God) with a rainy spring day. The road to Lomngeletjane would have been too difficult for us to navigate in the storm. The team has had several wonderful experiences: enjoying the Swazi cultural village, shopping at Ngwenya Glass, worshiping at Lomngeletjane (seeing a couple of familiar faces) and meeting the children of Sandra Lee Centre. For those of you who know Chris McLain's story of Nomile, we met her yesterday, along with 27 of her mates at Sandra Lee Centre. We read to them, made chocolate chip cookies, and gave many hugs. Robin and her staff were very gracious to allow us time to spend with the children. (Please keep those prayers coming this way, thanks!) - Love and miss you all, Becky (ps. I have an awesome team!!!)

Barbara's photo contribution @ Sandra Lee Centre (Becky Chris, Jane (hidden) Rosemary, Aileen, Barb, Vickie)

What an awesome experience we are having. The Lord is definitely with us each day we're here. We have had some challenges and prayed and with the grace of God we are still moving forward. Please continue keeping our team in your daily prayers

Blessing in the lord.

Vickie

Hey guys, just want you to know everything is fine with me. You can get an idea what's happening from the other “bloggers”. It's quite an experience and I'm enjoying it. Keep reading the blog for more about what your mom is doing!!!! Love to all, Mom (Barbara)

Hi, I am excited to be here! I enjoyed the music at church. The children were so well behaved and responded “to the spirit” of the music. A beautiful country.

Blessings,

Aileen