And so we're on our way. To get you up to speed, here's exactly where we are in the process:
Our families obviously know of our Swaziland plans -- parents, siblings, extended family, etc. It's been received amazingly well. Granted, it won't be the easiest thing for any of us, but Skype, email and airplanes will help to bridge the gap while we're away.
And of course, the kiddies know -- to be honest, they probably knew before we even realized what was ahead of us! They're really excited, although it's a difficult thing for them to wrap their little brains around. Here's what they've said about our moving to Swaziland:
Avery: "I'm excited about looking at sharks close-up and to do something like on 'Bindi, the Jungle Girl.' I'll play some dodgeball, too. I'll finally be a missionary!" Iliea: "I'm excited to go banana picking because bananas grow on trees. I can't wait to meet some African kids." Ellie: "I want to go to Africa to see some elephants and giraffes. I'll feed some African babies when we're there." Since the beginning of February, we've been in the midst of the application process with Children's Cup. We're getting there! We just have the forms left to get ready (passport approval, medical and insurance clearance, etc.) and we'll be that much closer.
We're in the midst of spring break, so tomorrow is "Passport Day" for the Prince kiddies.
Family pictures were taken this last week -- a huge thanks to photog Megan Merricks for her work! These images will be used for our magnets and cards with our information, and a way for you to stay in touch, connect, pray for us and support our journey. A huge thanks also goes out to Megan Schomburg, design extraordinaire. What would we do without our Megans?
We're headed to Baton Rouge for All Access 2010 (April 27th-May 2nd) -- six days of incredible connection and meeting new people through Children's Cup and Healing Place Church. During those days, we'll wrap up the application process and officially start the support-raising, although we've begun a little already. In fact, I just checked our email and am completely blown away to find out that a high school friend (whom I haven't seen in 22 years), has just sent in her paperwork to partner with us monthly at an amazing level. And, six others have partnered with us incredibly through the Children's Cup website. Oh my goodness... we are so thankful. God is so good, and we are humbled that so many believe in our family and this journey.
Lastly, a huge update -- Stephen informed LeJeune Steel (his employer) just yesterday of 'Operation Swaziland'. I knew it was coming, but didn't know when he would do it. I thought I was prepared for it, but when I got the email from him that read 'the eagle has landed' (that's always code for "something big"!), I got a huge lump in my throat and thought I was going to lose my breakfast. And, in talking with Steph about it later, he felt the same way. All of a sudden, the proverbial rug was pulled out. I thought it would feel exhilarating, but it honestly felt terrible. Were we making the right decision -- the right choice? Was God really in the center of this?
But then I was reminded by a very dear friend of this: "You know, of course, that these feelings of uneasiness don't come from God, but from the Enemy. Take these thoughts captive, my friend. God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of wisdom, might, and self-control. Don't let Satan steal your joy!"
Isn't that beautiful? I had been reminded, once again, that fear indeed is the antithesis of faith. This process won't be easy, but we'll do it one day at a time -- always taking fearful thoughts captive. Our joy will not be stolen! "Faith activates God. Fear activates the enemy." -Joel Osteen