In just three days, we'll celebrate our two year anniversary of our departure for Swaziland on our very first mission trip. And, in just three days, the team from River Valley Church, Global Team Swaziland 2010, will meet at the airport at 11:30am to begin their journey... on their very own mission trip to Swaziland.
There are five people returning this year -- two couples (we love you, Raymonds and Bomgrens -- look out for that return trip!!), and one fantastic Missions Pastor, Justin Mack. Otherwise, everyone else is on their maiden voyage, about to be rocked by the tiny little country that our family will soon call home.
I'm feeling so many mixed emotions. If I consider our own butterflies, it's almost as if we're leaving on the trip, too. Just knowing that this beautiful RVC team is about to do life with the missionaries of Children's Cup, our soon-to-be family, makes my heart skip a beat. And although we won't be there (yet!), we're honored to be stateside, awaiting their return. We'll be ready and willing to help them process while they reacclimate, adjust, and attempt to come to grips after the trip is over -- and to help them cope and figure out what life will look like after leaving pieces of their hearts in Swaziland.
We'll have the opportunity to meet the team at the airport this Sunday morning, just before noon, to wish them well and send them off to Swaziland with tons of prayers and love. I can't wait to look into their eyes before their trip, and then see them after their return -- and how they'll look completely different and changed. I look at pictures of us before our first visit to Africa, and it's like I don't even recognize the people we were. So much has happened in our hearts since our first trip, and I'm just so thankful we said 'yes'... that we followed the stirring He placed within our hearts.
A huge thank you to our Global Team Swaziland teams of 2008 and 2009... for the amazing memories, the brokenness, and the beauty of Africa that we were able to share together. And, to the team of 2010, leaving in just a little over 72 hours -- you are so very loved. Soak it all in, and don't try to "fix Africa" or figure everything out while you're there. Just be willing to listen to God with your minds and hearts, and to be open to what He wants to do in you and through you while you're in Swaziland. Make sure you hug the staff at Emafini (they are amazing!), love on those CarePoint kiddies, cooks, teachers and volunteers as much as you can, squeeze the Children's Cup and HPC staff for us, and absorb every ounce of those lions roaring and hunting in the middle of the night while on your safari. :)
"Seeing is different than being told." -African Proverb
This Prince Family loves you sooo very much, and we are so incredibly proud of you.
