Tomorrow marks the end of a seven week visit to the US.
I always imagined missionaries laying poolside and sipping tropical drinks on their furloughs, earning some much needed rest from their non-stop, ministry-filled lives.
Obviously, those missionaries have better sense then to venture home in December!
Although we've had some moments of rest (including an awesome three night stay in Napa Valley), we've been surprised at how busy our time here has been. Here are some highlights:
Preaching at University Covenant Church (UCC) in Davis, where we were able to share about some of the challenges we've faced as well as the hope that keeps us committed to our calling in Swaziland.
If you'd like to hear the message, click here.
UCC also hosted an evening reception, which drew almost 100 people who came to hear about what our day-to-day life is like there.
UCC also hosted an evening reception, which drew almost 100 people who came to hear about what our day-to-day life is like there.
Training at UC Davis. Tommy spent several days at UCD learning new skills, including how to artificially inseminate sows and process carcasses into different cuts of meat. (It's REALLY unfortunate we don't have pictures of this one!)
Visiting churches like Escalon Presbyterian Chruch, Christ Lutheran Church Fortuna, Antioch Church on the Rock, and members of the missions committee from Hydesville Community Church. These churches offered us opportunities to share about out time, and we were so encouraged by people's love for New Life Homes. We're glad you agree with us that God is really at work!
Connecting with folks at Bidwell Presbyterian Church in Chico. Each year they organize an alternative gift fair which allows people to support organizations, including New Life Homes. People purchased everything from pigs to school uniforms, all to be sent as a financial donation to New Life Homes. It is an incredibly well-organized event which raises approximately $30,000 for local and international ministries.
Spending time with family, friends, and supporters. For the first time in two years, we spent Thanksgiving and Christmas with family! One of the sweetest joys was spending time with nieces and nephews who have grown so much in the time we've been away!
We head back to Swaziland tomorrow. We will certainly cherish the special times we had with family and friends. Thank you for blessing us with your love, availability, wisdom, hospitality, support, and care. As much as we've loved being "home" we are also eager to get "home" to Swaziland as well.
