The last week has been full in the very best way, and as I sat down to think about what I wanted to share with you this week, I realized just how grateful I am for the people God has placed around us, both here in Eswatini and all of you who make it possible for us to be here.
Last Sunday, Preston and I packed up and drove to Durban, South Africa. He had meetings with a client on Monday, and later that day my Spiritual Life team from Project Canaan joined us for the DRIVE Conference, hosted by the Irresistible Church Network of Africa. Our team included Allen, our team leader, our pastor, and our two counselors, and it was such a gift to step away from our normal routines at Project Canaan and spend a few days together.
The theme of this year's conference was soul care, which honestly could not have been more timely. So much of what our team does every day involves pouring into other people. We walk alongside children as they process hard things, answer big questions, grow in their faith, and learn more about who God created them to be. It was good to be reminded that in order to continue pouring out, we also need to make space to be filled up.
There was something especially sweet and full-circle about DRIVE for me. Before moving to Eswatini and working for Heart for Africa, I spent several years working at North Point Community Church, where I had the opportunity to help host DRIVE Conference. Sitting at DRIVE in Africa years later, this time with my husband beside me and my Spiritual Life team there with us, was one of those moments when two very different parts of my life collided in the best possible way. I found myself looking around and thinking about how faithfully God has woven together so many pieces of my story.
We learned a lot, but we also laughed a lot. We ate some wonderful meals, went bowling, spent time together outside of the office, and stayed near the beach. The weather definitely did not cooperate with our beach plans, but we made the most of it! More than anything, I loved watching our team relax and simply enjoy being together without the responsibilities of everyday life waiting right outside the door.
The photo may be low quality but the people are not! Grateful for these amazing people!
There was something especially sweet and full-circle about DRIVE for me. Before moving to Eswatini, I spent several years working at North Point Community Church, where I had the opportunity to help host DRIVE Conference. Sitting at DRIVE in Africa years later, this time with my husband beside me and my Spiritual Life team there with us, was one of those moments when two very different parts of my life collided in the best possible way. I found myself looking around and thinking about how faithfully God has woven together so many pieces of my story.
We learned a lot, but we also laughed a lot. We ate some wonderful meals, went bowling, spent time together outside of the office, and stayed near the beach. The weather definitely did not cooperate with our beach plans, but we made the most of it! More than anything, I loved watching our team relax and simply enjoy being together without the responsibilities of everyday life waiting right outside the door.
I want you to know that your generosity helped make those few days possible for our team. When you give, you aren't only investing in the children we serve. You're also helping us invest in the people who faithfully show up every day to love, counsel, disciple, encourage, and care for them. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to step away, learn together, laugh together, rest, and return home filled up and ready to continue pouring out.
After the conference, Preston and I stayed in Durban for a couple of extra days. We had time to relax, have fun together, eat some good food, and simply enjoy being husband and wife away from our normal schedules and responsibilities. It was really good for both of us and for our marriage, and by Sunday we were happy to make the drive home.
And apparently Project Canaan was ready for us. :)
The kids began their three-week school break today, and from the moment I arrived this morning, I don't think I've had a minute to myself. We've already had a bike race, a running race, aerobics classes, crocheting, puzzle making, older kids tutoring and reading with younger kids, and our Grade 8 students beginning internships in different departments around the farm. There are kids everywhere, and I have a feeling these next three weeks are going to be busy, loud, fun, and very full.
After spending last week thinking about soul care and the importance of allowing ourselves to be filled up, there is something almost funny about coming home and immediately being surrounded by children ready for us to pour back out again. But I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm grateful for the rest, I'm grateful for our team, I'm grateful for the time with Preston, and I'm really grateful to be back home doing the work God has called us to do.
And I'm grateful for you. Your prayers, encouragement, and generosity allow us to live this life and invest deeply in the people God has placed in front of us. Thank you for continuing to walk alongside us.
One quick note before I go. I discovered that the link in my last email to become a monthly ministry partner wasn't working. I'm so sorry about that! If you tried to sign up and couldn't, or if you were considering joining our monthly support team, I've fixed the link and included the correct button below. We'd be incredibly grateful to have you partner with us.