Definition of TIA: This is Africa.
This is a phrase that my squad has made up while we are here in The Kingdom of Eswatini (Swaziland). Anything that goes wrong around the base we all just say aloud the phrase “TIA”, and somehow it makes the situation better. For example when we all were showering and the water just decided to stop working… “TIA”, and all was better. OR when the power decides to turn off without a cloud in the sky for 15 hours… TIA! Anyways I just wanted to write a blog about our travels and our first couple of days in Swaziland.
It all started with a total of 78 hours of travel. Whether that be plane, train, or walking, we somehow managed to all make it together. Although there was this one time I was supposed to be leading 2 teams off a train, but I ended up falling asleep and we missed our stop by 2. BUT all was good and we made it back to where we were supposed to go haha. The travel itself wasn’t that bad actually… I can only think of a couple funny incidents about our travels. 1) All of the guys shared the back row of the bus that took 13 hours to get to DC. Not much sleep took place. BUT I did learn that Ford is terrible at telling stories. 2) Once we arrived to Swaziland, our trailer’s tire totally came off and we were stuck on top of a beautiful mountain road. We ended up staying up there for a couple hours, but we all shared stories, and took turns sleeping on the pile of backpacks.
NOW some stories of our days in Swaziland. First of all I just want to say how beautiful this country is, its so cool to see Gods finest creation first hand. Every morning we are awakened by the crowing rooster that Ford now wants to strangle, and always talks in detail on how he wants to every time he hears it. As much as I would like to say that we are reminded that the rooster was made in Gods image, we truthfully cannot stand by that statement… Jk the rooster isn’t that bad, but it really is a bother. Besides the annoying rooster, God has been moving in my life and the lives of my teammates. For example, God told Ford that he should take a month fast from his music. He had to say a precious goodbye to Mumford and Sons and hello to Romans.
We have spent the past coupe days absorbing all the new norms of the culture, and learning about Swaziland and the people who live here. We have also spent a great amount of time trying to learn the language! Its really fun to see the locals laugh as we try to say “HI” or “How are you”, but after the laughter they always try and help us learn. The people of Swaziland are very sweet and welcoming. I can’t wait to learn more about this culture, and learn life long lessons from the people who live here.
Hearing the Lord is something I have always struggles with, I never know if it is just me talking to myself or if its something/someone else. I have been working and growing in this for a while but never really had a moment in my life where it happened. But at training camp I finally understood that hearing the Lord isn’t a audible voice for me, but it is more of a feeling and calling. Knowing this, I spent a lot of time the past few days in the word, and in communication with God. And he told me to go on a 2 month breakfast fast so I can spend more time in the word. This will be very hard for me, but im excited to see how it ends up. Please pray for me as I walk through this! Thank you! I will be posting around this time every Monday. Thank you for reading.
God bless
Thank you so much for sharing your adventures and your heart with us. I will be praying for you that you have ears to hear God speaking to you and deeply feel his Presence leading you in the months ahead. Cock-a-doodle-doo! HaHa!
Love the post Parker! The rooster is God’s reminder that He has a plan for you each day! Proud of the team. Prayers for all.
ParkerA
You as well seem to have a great sense of humor that makes your writing fun to read! Thanks so much for such a detailed summary of your journey so far. I love how God is teaching you how to hear him, I struggle with that as well. Keep chasing after him and his will for you Parker! God bless your journey and adventures!
So proud of you and your team, Parker. And so thankful for all God is teaching you! I love that – TIA 🙂 Thank you for sharing such a great post with us!
10-4 Parker.
(Hey, your train story reminds me of our little detours in the Gorge!!)
Wow!! So super proud of you and this incredible team!! LOVE THE POST!! Praying for all of you daily and knowing that God is doing an unbelievable work!! Q
Thank you so much for sharing your adventure this far! I love your sense of humor and can tell you have a sweet heart for the Lord. I’ll be praying for you as you fast each morning and look forward to reading your updates!!
Blessing!
Parker, don’t let the rooster get your goat! Haha. Such a terrific post. Thanks for coming us a view of what you are doing and seeing. We are all the better for it.
Thanks for your post, Parker. I enjoyed reading about the travel adventures and how you’re listening for God’s voice.
Awesome Brother! Glad you guys made it safely! TIA is so True! Enjoy the time without connection, wfi etc. It can be some of hte most precious with the Lord and your squadmates!
I am happy you are doing well. I am praying for you and your group as you continue this journey. I am so proud of all of you guys. Love you!!!!
“TIA” … the inside letters that will live forever! There are only three of them but, they will be connected to millions of tiny moments! They will forever bring a smile to your face… I am so glad you have these wonderful friends and people around you! Speaking of… I am so glad Joy got to meet you for coffee before you all left!
Coffee is one of her favorite things… and I am sure combined with your sense of humor… you two hit it off! She was so happy when she came home and told me of meeting you and what a beautiful voice you have!
This is only the beginning of your journey… how much more the Lord has in store! As you open your ears/eyes to the rooster… open your mouth wide…. (metaphorically) to all that He has… He is so willing to fill it… with so many blessings!
I look forward to more …W
Thanks, Parker, for this post and for giving us an idea of what life looks like for the team there in Swazi. Continued prayers for you all.
Parker… so excited that you got to experience Swazi (it will always be Swazi to me, lol)! Thank you for sharing this and what God has on your heart!
I have a heart for Swazi and hope to visit someday!
Thank you for the post; loved hearing about the people of Swaziland & of your listening to God & your obedience- so encouraging! – Hebrews 5:7-9 blew me away about Jesus learning obedience through His suffering-so beautiful our Savior! I have a group of friends praying for you all – I think of you all a lot, KC mom