The End

...is only the beginning. It's the end of our week in Swaziland, but I sense that it's just the beginning - or one step - on a lifelong journey. Where it will take us I don't know for sure. But I do know that I won't leave this trip the same, and I doubt that our students will either. Swaziland has changed us, and I only hope that we were able to have even a small impact on the lives of the people we encountered. Now the big question remains: How are we different? Each person will have their own answer to that question. For me, I hope to be a more grateful individual. I experienced what gratitude should look like, and I hope I can capture just a portion of that, and pass it on to my kids.

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Litsemba was today. What a day! We got to see our kids, gogos and pastors one last time for this huge worship gathering. What a joy it was to see their smiling faces through the dusty windows as they waved when they recognized us! Twenty-three full-size buses pulled down the dusty road to our parking area, where each child and adult received a bracelet. This bracelet meant that, at the end of the day, they would receive a hot meal and a gift bag, which included a Bible and a bar of soap. But that was the end of the day. After they exited the buses and got their bracelets, they hiked down the dusty road to the concert grounds, which will be turned into a greenhouse after today. They were treated to a great show, which included music from local artists, the Taiwanese group, artists from North Point Church in Atlanta, and our own Renovate Band. I was so proud of our youth as they lifted high the name of Jesus while leading over 3,000 orphans in worship. As I told them, this was a once in a lifetime experience. Who knows if they will ever have an opportunity like this again. But the band weren't the only ones I am proud of. All of our youth stepped up today - and all week - to bring hope and love to a country that desperately needs it. Whether that hope came in the form of a meal or some bags of beans or a smile with a 'take five' or simply holding a child on their lap, our youth were there providing it. If you are a parent reading this, your kid deserves a big hug for serving the Lord in a life-changing way this week.

Well, we head for home tomorrow. Thank you for your prayers and your support. We all appreciate you! See you soon!