Goodbye Zulu Friends - Until Next Year.

Sawubona!!

It is late. Very late. The sound of Zulu voices is ringing in all our ears. Our dear friends Sabelo, Mcopseni and Manzini joined us tonight for dinner and devotions after our Friday night Bible Study. Adding their voices, along with Mercy and Isaiah and Zomusa's to our singing was an incredible blessing for our last night here in Zulu land. Honestly, words cannot describe the awesome wonder of our experience here these past two weeks. Watching God move in and through these amazing people, hearing God speak to us each in a unique and special way, feeling God's presence around us in every beautiful smile we've seen, warm embrace we've shared and gorgeous day we've been here.

Today was nearly a perfect end - if there can be such a thing to an experience such as this. We awoke late and enjoyed a rather lazy morning. Katie and Cathy prepared another delicious breakfast for us as we prepared for our last day. The docs headed to one of the local government hospitals to visit with the doctors here who have supported our trips. The rest of us sorted the remaining meds to leave for Mercy and the people here - and for our next trip (April 2009!!!!). We all headed to the Indian Ocean around noon for one last chance to soak up some African sun. The water was perfect (no sharks!) and we all played some volleyball and soccer and strolled the shore. We headed home early afternoon to finish sorting the remaining meds and prepare for Bible study and dinner. Rev Rob led another great devotion for us all on the Beatitudes - a wonderful reminder of how God calls us to live and what blessings we receive if we live that way. We finished the night with a delicious dinner and very moving devotions. We laughed and sang and prayed. And even had a bit of a dance party in the living room!

There is no way to describe how this trip has touched each one of us. We will be hard pressed to put into words all that we have seen and learned and shared here. And while we have missed you all a great deal, we are saddened to be leaving this place and unsure of how to process all that God has shown us.

Thank you, all, for your prayers and your support. We know that God has been moving powerfully here, holding us in His hands, and we know that your prayers have been heard. Please continue to pray as we board our plane tomorrow for the long journey home. Pray for safety, pray for peace, pray for continued joy amidst the saddness of leaving. Pray for team unity and encouragement to each other. Pray for those we are leaving behind here.

And, a gentle reminder - we should be arriving in Detroit on Sunday. There should be no customs as we SHOULD do that at Dulles. We look forward to seeing you there to greet us :)

God bless you. We love you. And we will see you all soon!!

The Medical Outreach Team

The Last Days

Thursday, April 24, 2008
Sawubona! nGiyanibingelela nonke egameni lenkosi yethu uJesu Cristu. Siyabonga kikulu. (Hello! We greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We thank you very much. ) Today was another marvelous day. We were reminded by Sharon ’s morning devotion that God’s mercies are new every morning. He loves us and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. We can first be reconciled to our Creator, but also through Christ we now can be reconciled one to another. And we were challenged about our own hearts, reminded that God forgives us in just the way we are willing and able to forgive others. Today was our last of the 5 clinics. We went back to Empembeni (the roads were only slightly less awful than yesterday) to find 75 people waiting for us at 8am. We saw 130 adults in the morning then 80 kids from the ACM school across the road. The pediatricians again enjoyed ending on a young note. God impressed upon our hearts again how wonderful these kids are, and how blessed we are with plenty in the States. Most of the kids complained of headaches and stomach aches. We know they all carry worms as a daily burden, but as we asked we learned how most went without lunch and many eat just one meal a day. Yet they were all so very happy to see us, to sing with us, to laugh with us, and to smile for us (and to wait all day to see us). We were reminded again that unless we become like such little children we will never enter God’s kingdom. We all came home tired yet refreshed. God has continued to do wonderful things among our team. Over the last 11 evening devotions we have heard a piece of each person’s life story through special verses and life tokens. We know the enemy prowls about seeking to destroy. We have heard about pain and suffering. And we have heard each person’s story of redemption, of how God has called each one by name and the healing and renewal that came when we chose to follow the voice of our shepherd. God is indeed our good shepherd, calling us each by name. He knows us and loves us and holds us in the palm of his hand. We know that he will be faithful to complete the good work he has begun in us. We have become quite a family in just these past two weeks. It has also been a joy to watch the team fall in love with KwaZulu- Natal and our Zulu brothers and sisters. We have heard just a small piece of Mercy and Isaiah’s story, times when they have “walked through the valley of the shadow of death” and how God has sustained them and blessed this incredible ministry. Now we can join with Sharon and call them Babawathu and Mamawathu (our father and our mother). And the ACM kids - the teenagers who have grown up in their ministry, who attend their schools and after school programs and vacation Bible schools and churches, the kids they have fed and clothed and loved and labored for - they started as our interpreters last week and now we can call them friends. Our hearts will ache for them as we go. We now know what it means for them to have jobs, to get food, to have a hope and a future. The last child we treated lost her mother to HIV/AIDS this past year, has HIV herself, and we gave medicines knowing she will die soon, too soon. We know we are powerless to stop this. But she has been taken in by one of the ACM staff and while she is still with us we know she will be loved with the same incredible love our Father has shown unto us. Our hearts and minds are turning to home. Please continue to pray for us as we do for you! There have been many tears of joy and I know there are more to come. Love to all!

The 2008 Medical Outreach Team

P.S. Some of us wanted to be sure to mention that our flight is still scheduled to arrive in Detroit around 10am, Sunday April 27

The Monday Report

Sawbona from eSikhawini!!

After two days of heavy rain, God blessed us with some sunshine and many bumpy roads. This morning we had a wonderful breakfast of French toast and bacon (cooked by Jamie, Sharon, and Cathy). Soon after breakfast we met our first challenges of the day; showering and driving. With no water pressure, sponge baths were the only option, along with brushing teeth in the kitchen sink. Next, we assisted our fearless drivers (Andy, Rev. Rob, and Sharon) in getting the vans out of the soggy parking area and onto the muddy roads of eSikhawini. We then loaded up the vans and headed to Richard’s Bay and the Indian Ocean .

The weather has been incredibly stormy the past few days and we drove through intermittent rain showers. The winds were blowing pretty strongly but we were able to enjoy an hour of sunshine at the beach. Norberta, Danette and Kate took a long walk along the ocean’s shore. Amita, Prasanth and Brian were playing keep away from the waves that were crashing into the shore because of the storms. Brian actually got caught! Susan, Brooke, Allie and Jill were looking for sea shells and writing messages in the sand. Sharon enjoyed some quite time watching the waves. Kristi, Jamie, Cathy, Sarah, RevRob, Angie, Andy, and Hilda took a walk along the pier trying to avoid the sea spray and watching the crabs enjoy the sun.

We then headed to the mall in Richard’s Bay – a nearby resort town. Part of the team enjoyed some delicious South African pizza (some with fresh avocado, some with spinach and black olive), others enjoyed some sandwiches and burgers. We visited a Christian book store owned by a friend of the Mafus and visited some other stores to pick up a Zulu/English dictionary for the Mafu’s home. We were a little late getting home due to “rush hour” traffic and a beautiful double rainbow we saw from the parking lot. Amita found a fresh almond tree and found out it’s difficult to break the shell to get to the almond. She’s just too strong!!!

We are now home after a wonderful devotion time and a hilarious and touching poetry “slam”. We are all healthy and pray that we continue to stay healthy so we can finish the work we are here to do. We have a clinic tomorrow and will be leaving here at 6:30 a.m. Mercy expects to see 250 people at the gate when we arrive! We have our final clinic on Thursday and are excited to see more of our new Zulu friends.

Thank you for praying for us and sending us good thoughts. We miss you and will see you all soon!

Amita (and Katie and Sarah) for the team J

The Sunday Report

We greet you in the name of Jesus Christ!!

It began to rain yesterday keeping us in the house and away from Richard’s Bay after church, however we were granted some much needed rest and relaxation, as of the members of the team have come down with a couple of bugs. Nothing serious but we could use prayer for healing to get us through the week The rain continued on and off through the night and in to this morning, although some of us prayed for the rain to cease we can not be too upset that it did not; as we were informed last week we are in the midst of the worst drought for this region in 60 years.

The great need for medical attention among the Zulu people was revealed today, despite the pouring rain, soaking wet Zulu men, women and children were waiting in line for the clinic to open early this morning. Adjustments were made – quick wake up calls and breakfast, tee-shirts and skirts turned into sweatshirts, pants, hats and blankets, the patient waiting room moved inside, coffee and tea provided, and layout adjustments were made to the clinic. There was not one complaint made about the rain (you may be thinking but they don’t know Zulu…you’re right we don’t but you could tell by their faces, excitement and gratitude were shown). Every once in a while we would look up and our eyes caught what it was like outside…pouring rain, a lot of mud and no cars but people continued to come. The people visiting the clinic all walked but who knows how far. Our team went right to work with muc h joy and excitement to serve the neighborhood. Things ran smoothly - patients were seen, meds were given, eye exams completed, and prayer was provided. The prayer team got the chance to pray with many of the clinic visitors, to get to know their desires, large and small. Many simply asked for better health and blessing upon their family, others are in need of jobs, are mourning the loss of their loved ones and yet they are peaceful, gracious and smile with joy beyond our understanding.

Medications that we think of as “staples” – Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Cold and Cough syrup, Multi-Vitamins, and candy - these patients have never had before. There are clinics in the townships for the ill but they are not guaranteed the standard of care in which we are accustom to or would expect in the US . The professional clinics are too expensive for patients to attend so they go to the free clinics where they have a better chance of being diagnosed but there is not greater opportunity to obtain medications. The government has provided buildings for clinics in rural areas but the launch of the facilities are hindered secondary to political issues amongst the government and the traditional people. It is a crazy cycle. Fortunately God’s ways are higher then ours and He continues to send missionaries (Us) into areas like Gubethuka.

Last evening, the team had the unexpected privilege to attend church with and later welcome into the Mafu’s home the Zulu Induna and family (one rank below the tribal chief) he continues to give us his welcoming and blessings to serve the people later this week and for future mission trips. So for us the political strife has enhanced the heart felt desire to serve the people with the utmost respect, care, and love and provide the most excellent medications. Last night Rev. Rob taught that we (as individuals or a team) are apart of something bigger. It’s bigger than just 21 of us, (roll the credits…
Brian, Jamie, Allie, Prasanth, Brooke, Cathy, Amita, Katie, Danette, Kate, Kristie, Susan, Sharon, Sarah, Hilda, Norberta, Jill, Andy, Rev Rob, Megan, Angela, and a special thanks to the Mafus and our ACM staff translators); it is helping Grace Evangelical Church, ACM (Africa Christian Ministries), the local community, the country of South Africa, and the World. Most of all; it is a part of God’s plan to show love and to draw people nearer to Him. We are fulfilling a purpose.

The team together rocked Grace Evangelical Church refreshed by the Michigan like weather (awe a taste of home). We miss you all and are praying for you.

Luggage Buddies,
Angela and Megan.

The Sunday Report - April 20, 2008

Greeting in the Name of Our Lord and Savior,

What an awesome day of praise and worship. Since the team was scheduled to lead Sunday School at the two churches, after dinner last night Kate went over the lesson which was to be based on the Parable of the Mustard Seed. The mustard seed is representation of our faith. With God’s continued love and cultivation we can grow into a huge tree of faith. This tree offers us protection, shelter and hope. To demonstrate the story we had props that allowed the children to experience the story in its fullness. We thank Angela as she was our mustard seed and grew into a large tree….being that she is 6’3” she was an amazing as the large tree. The children watched in awe as Angela grew from a ball on the floor to a large tree…she even taped a felt tree to her chest. The children then colored birds to place on the tree, which they loved….way to go Jaime, Cathy, Megan, Sarah, Dr. Tice, Rev Rob and Angela for all your hard work to make sure that we were prepared for the children. Sarah and Dr Tice taught the same lesson at the Esikhawini Church and they did an equally wonderful job.

We then had worship at both churches filled with awesome singing by the church members and choir….it was singing, acapella at times that could out do any American Idol …we also had praise and worship, more singing, praying and testimonies from individual church members thanking GOD for all that he has done………everyone rejoiced. The goodness of GOD is universal and no matter the language, heartfelt praise is a sweet sweet aroma to our Lord and Savior. Rev Rob then preached a uplifting message on God’s love. His text was I John 4: 7-12. God first and foremost gave his Son, Jesus Christ so that we could be reconciled to himself. Secondly, his love continually allows him to forgive our sins and lastly, we are to continu e to spread God’s love by loving one another. Service then ended with us singing and fellowshipping with one another African style. We start with Baba and Mama Mafu and shake hands with each and every person in attendance. It is beautiful to connect with brothers and sisters of Christ.

As we walked back from church, drizzles of rain covered our path…..we had plans to go to the beach today but nature’s will is stronger than ours….we had a thunder storm with plenty of rain….it offered us a wonderful evening of fellowship and rest as we had nothing better to do than stay inside. Cathy, Jaime, Andy, Angela, Kate, Jill, Prasanth and Sarah all played a mean game of hearts and speed solitaire. Brooke, Allie, Norberts, Kristi, Brian, Susan, Danette and Katie all took a siesta……aka as a Sunday afternoon nap……….while Megan, Prasanth, Hilda made dinner- spaghetti, green beans and garlic bread. Megan made a vegetarian spaghetti sauce that was yummy and ran the kitchen like a true chef. Another excellent meal that dashes all hope of any of us losing wei ght on this trip. For dessert, Katie made brownies.mmmmJ We thank Angela, Jaime and Andy for after dinner clean-up. Image cleaning up after 24 people it is a full time job.

The end of the day filled with God’s blessings. To finish the night Kate and Rev Rob shared their verses and life tokens. Kate thanking God for the blessings of her two daughters and how important it is for us all to continue to be good stewards over the earth God has given us. Rev Rob talking about his journey to be “called” to a lifetime of ministry as a pastor. His ministry focus has been on love and how we are to continually share the good news of the kingdom of heaven. That as God’s ambassadors we should strive to become more like Jesus. We thank God for his laboring as a shepherd over God’s people for 40+ years

So, we end the night here as we have an adult/ Family Clinic tomorrow, the last in Esikhawini. We prayed for those that will come to be seen, for our physical strength and that God will heal. We are sure it will be a wonderful day. We just must remember it is his work we do and not our own. Touching lives and being touched.

Many blessings, Norberta and Hilda with the teamJ

The Saturday Report – Day 9 April 19

Saubona -

Sianibingelela nonke egameni lenkosi yethu Jesu Cristu(we greet you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ)

Today was a good day. It was the first morning we didn’t have the scheduled power outage between 7-8 am and we must say the coffee drinkers were praising God! (Andy still doesn’t understand the coffee thing. It remains a consistent 80s by day and it hovers around 80 in the guys’ room at night. Who needs a hot cup of coffee?!) A good start to the day was a very good thing because today was also our second clinic, the one just for the roughly 600 kids who participate in the ACM youth ministry. We set out at 7:30 with four vans and a truck to pick up as many kids as we could. We passed twenty kids already at the gate to the church as we headed out. Abou t 70 kids were waiting at one of the schools and they all erupted in cheers and “Hallo!” as we arrived. Brooke’s van won the “most kids” contest as she squeezed 18 inside. Andy took second with 17. The ride back was a lot of fun with kids singing, yelling, and hanging out of all the windows. The vans went out several more times to bring the kids in. Considering the ministry works with approximately 600 local children, we did a pretty good job to see 178 today. They serenaded us with several Zulu songs before the clinic started. What a joy to see the impact of this ministry. As we watched Isaiah hugging kids and Mercy laughing wi th them, we realized again what a critical ministry they have in this area. With so many dying from AIDS, Baba and Mama Mafu are the only parents some of these kids will ever know. And through this ministry they are first loved as dear children, then given the hope of a future. Over the past five years, several team members have seen the teens grow into small group leaders and through ACM support even attend college. The Mafus tell us that many adults are hearing about Jesus for the first time because the children bring their stories and their songs and their infectious laughter back to the homes! (We discovered that a semester of college here costs 700 Rand – or about $100 – so one year costs less than $200! Now that we’v e met the teens in the ACM ministry, many of us felt our hearts burning with a desire to help!)

Overall the clinic went very well. Things went better here at the church compared to the controlled chaos of the mountain top. Cathy helped keep the pharmacy running smoothly. Sarah, Jill, and Megan already had a good system in place. Rev Rob, Allie, and Brian continued work with the glasses, and commented on how there were way fewer cataract patients today!!! Brian continues to improve his excellent Zulu, I’m sure he will be filling in as a translator before long! Kate prayed and “played” triage nurse (drawing faces on their fingers as the kids waited. Angela prayed, played, and handed out meds. Katie, Susan, Amita, and Kristi irrigated ears and debrided toes, doing an excellent job as usual. Norberta was in charge of the ever popular deworming/Vitamin station. (We noticed that very few kids mentioned worms as a complaint, but I guess if you live with them your whole life it isn’t something you necessary complain about to the “winter doctors”.)

Our pediatric doctors Sharon, Brooke, and Andy, were finally in their element and thoroughly enjoyed the day of all kids, no adults! Hilda, Danette, Jamie, Prasanth did an excellent job with medicine on a smaller scale. On a bittersweet note, so many kids did evoke a little homesickness in many of us.

While most kids were pretty healthy other than the typical case of worms, a couple kids really broke our hearts. Jamie saw one with huge swollen lymph nodes in his neck and severe ringworm of the scalp. Apparently he’s had it quite a while and the kids tease him a lot. We had a pediatric grand rounds, gathering everyone to help sort it out. With Sharon ’s guidance, our best guess was fungal, with tuberculosis and lymphoma being possibilities as well. Lacking blood tests and means to do a biopsy, we did the best we could, giving a long course of an antif ungal, an antibiotic, and pain meds. He ended up coming back later asking for traditional healing marks – open slashes over the enlarged nodes – to “let out the evil vapors”. He said he hoped the marks would make the kids stop teasing him L. What a great opportunity for the power of prayer, a kid that probably only God can heal, and we prayed God would heal him. Another child had a severe whole body rash that again puzzled the crew (Jamie’s patient again). Lots of impetigo, some ear infections, headach es, allergies, and a few with asthma. It was a good day and we think we were able to help most of the kids. We were all mightily impressed with how well-behaved 178 kids can be. NO parents to chaperone, but they all sat quietly and listened attentively. None of us could imagine this ever happening back home, even with ADD meds!

We are looking forward to tomorrow. We are scheduled to lead Sunday School at the two churches. Then a trip to the Indian Ocean for fun, relaxation, and some swimming for the very brave. We remain incredibly well-fed. Norberta and Hilda are wonderful cooks! Last night Hilda baked endless loaves of banana bread. Prasanth added delicious brownies. Andy has gladly traded his night to cook for an extra turn at the dishes!

We have three clinics remaining so we continue to request your prayers. The team is really coming together. It’s a real blessing to see how God is at work in each of our lives.

Siyabonga kakulu (thank you very much) for all your support.
Sala hathle (stay well).

Jamie and Andy for the team.

The Friday Report – Day 8 April 18

Saubonna -

A day truly God’s gift – warm and sunny with soft breezes that helped ease us into a day of counting and packaging medications for the upcoming clinics. After yesterday’s detailed personalized report, today’s recounting of our continuing adventure in faith and trust will be general in application. We were up a bit later, and breakfasted at an individual pace. Sharon gathered us for an extended morning devotional focused on the consistent Biblical theme of God’s love – each of us was assigned verses out of a hat that we then read as a way through a Biblical journey highlighting various ways and circumstances God’s love is present in our lives – and through our lives. We then prayed our way into the day of sorting.

Sort, count, pack. Sort, count, pack. Until 2 for lunch. Then the same routine until 5:30 – with counting by some out in the delightful sun and shade of the Church yard – the rest to the sound of Prashan’s music, interspersed with some great music from Amita – who knew their hearts and ear for songs of faith. Norberta, Hilda, Sharon , and Mercy did a major shopping run. A good day of accomplishment – all meds fully counted!

Bible Study at 6 – focused by Rev Rob (translated by our Zulu friend Gungu) on God – God’s mercy, grace, and forgiveness – as Sharon pointed out – mercy, not getting what we deserve, grace, getting what we don’t deserve, and forgiveness, forgiving and forgetting, and giving us ever new ways in which to praise and please God.

We prayed with and for each other. Mercy closed and we walked home under a starlit nearly full moon sky. Hilda and Norberta spread a meal of choices that more than satisfied.

Devotions with songs new and old led by Andy, and a look into Brian’s heart through his gift of guitar and song writing and singing. Life Bible verses and life tokens shared by Hilda and Susan that moved us by the depth of their individual faith journeys – capped a very good day with a further deepened awareness of God’s presence and graceful loving work among us.

Encouraged to sleep early by the 6:30 breakfast call, we look forward to the clinic tomorrow focused on the children in the ACM program.

Thank you for your constant upholding of us in prayer. How good our God has been.Faithfully for the Team – In His Name - Rev. Rob and the Team

uNkulunkulu muhle! (God is SO good!)

From high atop the mountain of Ingwavuma , we greet you in the name of the Lord, your friends, Brooke and Susan (buddies)…
As we drove up the mountain and enjoyed the amazing beauty of God’s creation, we saw many people walking, but to where we were uncertain.
We arrived at the clinic where many were already awaiting our clinic, their once yearly visit to the medical team. We quickly unpacked and set up our clinic in an empty concrete building with an earthen foundation. Prayers and introductions were made by Sharon with Mercy translating in Zulu to those who had waited hours already for our arrival. Laughs went round the Zulu crowd as Susan introduced herself. We were all perplexed and thought maybe it was her blonde hair that was such a big hit, but learned quickly that her name sounds like the Zulu word for “passing gas.”
Clinic began, with a line up of beautiful Zulu people, many with warm smiles, others showing pain and despair. Our ACM helpers called them in by name and they were greeted by our nursing team of kind-hearted Katie (who is not the charge nurse), soft-spoken and loving Amita (who was at one point speaking her native language, not realizing she was with Zulus and Americans only), charismatic Kristi (with a world of knowledge from past mission trips and contagious laugh, helped keep us going), and Swedish Susan Mary (who wanted to open an ICU bed and couldn’t keep out of the docs rooms to assist them in any way possible). Our nursing team reached out with a warm touch and welcoming “Sawubona!” while checking blood pressures and triaging our visitors. Outside their partitioned off rooms made of white sheets with only a cot, medical supplies, and a chair, doctors awaited the first patients who were accompanied by an ACM translator. Compassionate Kate (who is changing the world one person at a time), our director of operations, would gently escort the patients one by one to the “best” doctors. At that moment, our busy and exhausting yet fulfilling day began!
After the doctors’ evaluation, the patients were then directed either to the eyeglass factory or to the pharmacy. The vision team was run by radiant Reverend Robertson (our umfundisi and baba) and assisted by brawny Brian (with his many talents), and fantastic and fabulous Allie. It was amazing to experience that first patient who was given the gift of sight. Allie’s smile was as precious as the patients, and she received many kisses from our Zulu friends. Brian has amazed us by his already nearly native Zulu tongue. In the pharmacy all patients received vitamins and mebendazole, as well as their prescribed medications. Pharmacy support staff consisted of creative Cathy (who exudes love and peace), our fearless leader, stupendous Sarah (without whom we would not have made it on the first airplane), amazing Megan (who will be starting a physical therapy clinic on next year’s trip), and awesome Angela (who is requesting more dietary consults). What a joy it was to see God’s fulfillment of our mission when we received Zulu hugs and many thanks.
Before exiting our clinic, each patient received prayer by our prayer team of generous Jill (our Safari tour guide) and no nonsense Norberta (the Queen of Hush). Thanks to the two of them, they helped keep organization and order throughout the clinic.
The doctors were a consulting team of different specialties. In the pediatric corner, were Andy, Brooke, and Prasanth. Enjoyable Andy (the jokester and team minstral who most enjoys naps and eating) initially got stuck with the DO’s. Breath-taking Brooke (who has been driving Zulu-style: a manual van on the LEFT side of the road) and peppy Prasanth (who keeps the group grinning) attempted OMT on their adult patients while God answered Brooke’s prayers for guidance in caring for the adult Zulu population. From the OB/GYN department, gentle Jamie (who can shop like a rock star and get things done), caring Cathy, and our delightful Danette (nurse midwife extraordinaire), were ready to deliver any Zulu baby at any moment’s time.&n bsp; Humble Hilda, our family practice physician, was able to easily manage all patients of any age or medical problem (THANK YOU, Hilda!). Of course, super-hero Sharon (our lead doctor, who began this clinic many years ago) has amazing skills in all aspects of the Zulu culture. Without Sharon and Mercy, this clinic would not exist for the Zulu people of the mountain. It is so refreshing and inspiring to see them work together with God and as dearest friends to serve these incredible people!
As the sun went down, lanterns and pen lights came out, not to mention the bats that only our medical team feared, but brought tears of laughter to the Zulus, as they saw our frantic state as we were not prepared for a bat bite! Through the windows, you could see the children playing soccer with peels of laughter, even as they hadn’t and perhaps wouldn’t eat dinner that night, not to mention their long walk home.
After our final patient was cared for and prayed for, we reflected upon our ability to communicate without knowing the same language, as radiant smiles and a soft touch are universal. Only God could provide such an expression of love!
Exiting Ingwavuma Medical Clinic, most of us silent, only then realized the mountain we were driving down was the same mountain our friends had been climbing up all day to see us. We pray that we may return to serve God and his people again next year, or even sooner, as He wills.
Siakuthanda, siabonga! (We LOVE you, we thank you!)
Brooke, Susan, and the team!!!

Team Greeting (Monday)

Sawubona!

Today was another beautiful, yet exhausting day under the warm South African sun. We worked hard all day packing and sorting medicines to prepare for our first clinic tomorrow! We’ll be trekking nearly three hours up a mountain to Inguavuma to care for the sick and tired, who faithfully await our arrival.

Our group spent the greater part of today tirelessly counting more Ibuprofen, vitamins, etc. then you could shake a stick at…and we’ve only just begun! However, all our diligence paid off as we enjoyed an inspiring Bible study and fabulous meal. Reverend Robertson led Bible study in the eSikhawini church, where we partook in traditional Zulu hymns and took prayer requests from all members of our group. Then off to a fantastic dinner prepared by Hilda, Norberta, Angela, and Bob (a visitor from the states).

Some fun aspects of our day included: Prasanth getting reamed out by a house full of early risers for making Folgers coffee as opposed to Starbucks and Sarah and Sharon blowing the electricity in the middle of cooking dinner. Never a dull moment in the Mafu’s home!

I’d like to ask all of you to keep us in your prayers this evening. Tomorrow will be trying physically, emotionally, and spiritually as we serve the weak and weary. The least and last of Inguavuma are the first and foremost in God’s heart. Also, I just wanted to remind you all that we will be at the game park Tuesday and Wednesday night, so your next message won’t arrive until Thursday. So no panic attacks…

Until our next email…Siakuthanda! (We Love You!)

All my love,
Allie & The Team

Team Greeting (Sunday)

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Hello to all family, friends and supporters!

What a day! Our first full day in South Africa started with Sunday service with the Mafu’s at both Empembeni and eSikhawini. The African singing and music was filled with spirit and quite inspirational. We were all touched by a special prayer offered for Sharon Tice’s father and mother…..they truly consider her a member of their family.

In the afternoon we began the process of counting/sorting medications to be used in the clinics which will start on Tuesday. Mercy and her daughter prepared a filling meal to end our day. We listened to the Mafu’s story of how their ministry came to be along with a cultural overview of this area, including the daily challenges they face in serving their people in the name of Jesus. Their personal sacrifice is amazing to see and experience!

Everyone is healthy, although recovering from jet lag. Prasanth happened to see some cut ‘puppies’ out the van window riding from church this morning……only to be told they were goats!!! We are all learning about the wildlife here!

Tomorrow starts our first full day of the work of the mission…. Lots of medication sorting and preparing to treat the many people we expect to see at our first clinic.

Please continue to pray for us as we do for you!

Love to all!

Danette & Cathy & and the Team

They've Made It to eSikhawini!

Sawubona!!

We are here! Safe and sound. God was at work in a HUGE way today. Well – I guess it’s the past two days at this point!

At present, everyone is safely at home in the Mafus house. We are lying (some of us sleeping) in our beds after having eaten a delicious meal of lasagna, salad and chocolate chip cookies. EVERY bag made it here safely. EVERY person made it here in good spirits and good health. We know that every step of our safe journey was because of the grace and faithfulness of God, and we thank you for keeping us in your prayers.

I’m off to bed. We will definitely write more tomorrow after church with our new Zulu friends and an afternoon/evening of packing meds.

We love you – we miss you – we are praying for you – and we thank you for praying for us.

In Him,
Sarah (for the team)

This is the Day!

Hello!

Or, as they say in Zulu - sawubona! This is the day that the Lord has made. And I am rejoicing and very glad to be in it. Because today I fly to South Africa. Hard to believe it's finally here. So many packing days. So many meds. So many hours planning and preparing. But, we are about to take off. And so I ask for your prayers. Prayers for safe travel during the next two days. Prayers for the arrival of all of our bags - intact!! Prayers for team unity among the 21 of us only just now starting to get to know each other. Prayers for those we leave behind who are anxious about our leaving. Prayers for joy as we serve our brothers and sisters in South Africa.

I hope to be able to e-mail by Saturday evening to let you know we are there safe and sound. But if I can't, don't worry. Sometimes there's just no power over there :) We'll be in touch as often as we can.

Thank you, again, for your support of this trip. We are excited to see what God has in store for us all!

In Him,
Sarah