Definition: good feeling in the soul, produced by the Holy Spirit, as he causes us to see the beauty of Christ in the word and in the world.
Tuesday: Mathew, our team leader Parker and I were given the opportunity to go to a different carepoint. It was about an hour and a half away, located on a big mountain. There were close to 70 kids there, and all the same age and height. I asked Mathew if he could start playing his guitar to see how the kids would react… and it was amazing. He would start walking around playing some random chords, and ALL of the kids would follow him smiling and laughing. For some reason, the hour I was there, brought me so much joy and happiness, it just fueled my passion to become a long term missionary. These kids were so exited to hear him play, and hear us sing, but I think they brought more joy to us then we did to them. I have fallen in love with this beautiful country. I love the kids here so much…I don’t want to leave.
Wednesday: This week our team is cooking for the squad, and also staying at the carepoint that is located on our base. The carepoint here is freaking amazing, the kids absolutely love us. One of the kids here I would consider my own haha. He always asks for me when I’m not there… “Where is China?” Or “Where is China boy?” I will never forget how his face lights up every time I see him, and I will never forget how excited I get when I see him. Anyways, we hang out with the kids here till about 2-3 pm, then we head back to base to start cooking dinner.
Thursday: Today we spent our day digging a hole for trash fires… and it also happened to be the hottest day of our time here. We finished the hole in like 2 hours, so it was pretty quick. AND THEN our compound ran out of drinking water, so we had to improvise on our drinking water. So Ford and me ended up drinking the water the kids drank, and then drank some rainwater. So we lived up to the saying “Hydrate or Die-Drate”.
Friday: Logistics day
Saturday: So our original plan today was to go eat breakfast at the restaurant down the street, but we encountered a problem with the Kumbis (taxi). We got there at 8:40, and around 9 some police showed up to set up there speeding camera tools. We ended up waiting at this station for 2 hours and 45 min. At this point the plans changed and all but three of us left… So we ended up just going to savemore to get some snacks. It was a good time.
Yes! Your posts give me joy! Every time I get a notification that you have a new blog I get so excited! I love hearing about the adventures and all that God is doing. Keep sharing and looking for that joy wherever God has you.
Parker, you bring me JOY!! I am so grateful that God has you in Eswatini and that you love it so much! It’s hard to believe you all will be leaving there soon. I know that will make you sad. Continue finding all the joy you can there and spreading joy to those you meet. “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again, rejoice.” Philippians 4:4. I love you and am so proud of you!
10-4 Parker
Love hearing your passion for serving in Swazi! Following God’s leading in our lives is beautiful and joyfilled and you’re living it! Well done! Julie (Kate’s mom)
Love hearing about your days in Swazi. Choose joy even as you grieve your goodbyes. See you soonish. Love you.
Parker, you are the coolest and you are the best friend to me. I can’t wait to see you again and when I do I will run up to you like the little boy.
Oh so beautiful…. you and your heart for the Lord and your heart for Swazi!! To God be the glory, Parker, where ever He may lead!