I started my journey to Swaziland having no idea what God had in store for me.  But, I knew it would surpass all my understanding and I would never be the same.  This entire experience has humbled me from the beginning when God first tugged at my heart.  This is an opportunity I never imagined I would ever have, but because God loves me through my friendships  . . . man did He make a way. 

The people here are so accepting and loving.  I’ve never felt so loved and accepted completely and unconditionally.  At this point my prayer is that I can bring this unconditional love and acceptance home, with all the love in my heart.

Danielle (or my Swazi, Jabulile, which means joyful)

It is so hard for me to express all the emotions I have experienced in these few days.  I feel so much love from the women in Swaziland, you can feel the love they have for the Lord.  Yesterday I was given the opportunity to serve along side a caregiver.  I assisted, Shorty, the caregiver in wound cleaning to an elderly man named John.  He has a leg wound that is badly infected.  He lost all his toes in his right foot, looked like ½ his right foot was amputated.  I felt so much love and compassion for John.  He was so greatful for our prayers and visit; he had such a warm spirit.  I see poverty, but I also see  the  love they have for the Lord.   Today, I was given my Swazi name, Thoko which stands for happiness. 

Thank you for the opportunity through your donations, making it possible for me to be the feet and hands of Jesus. Continue to pray for our team and the purpose God has for us here.

Angie Reyes

Greetings from Swaziland!  Three consecutive flights with no break does a number on equilibrium, sleep patterns, time and space.  But here we are adjusted and having an amazing experience.  We have met some wonderful people, dedicated servants and caregivers.  Our team has already had opportunities to participate in serving alongside some of the local caregivers.  The country side is beautiful with rolling hills, trees and fields of corn.  We see people who are joyful in life and accomplishing great things for God.  I am thrilled to be here and part of this diverse team of Project Glory pilgrims.

Blessings - Henry Pauls (Sipho—my Swazi name which means gift)

Sanibonani from Swaziland! We are at the end of day two… Which is an interesting feeling in that, as we discussed as a team tonight, each day feels like an all encompassing experience that leaves us exhausted (feeling like we’ve been here longer), energized (feeling blessed for the time we’ve been given), and excited (wishing we could stay even longer). I, personally, have been astonished by the amount of information I have consumed in just the past couple of days. I have learned so much about this community, these caregivers, and, through the aforementioned, about Christ; and we still have 6 days to go! Tonight, we discussed as a team what we hoped to accomplish in the remainder of our time here. For me, it would be that I continue to learn, as much as I can, about what God is doing here in Swaziland and what my role in His plan would be. I would ask that friends and family continue to pray for our team, as well as for the caregivers and community members that we are encountering. They truly serve others the way Christ served others, and we can only hope to bring back their zest for that commission.

In Him - Lauren Annin (Tibusiso – my Swazi name)   

Sanibonani Swaziland
In just a week a group of men and women from Fresno will be traveling again to Swaziland to serve with the caregivers from Shiselweni Home-Based Care.  We will be helping to assemble and deliver wheelchairs from Free Wheelchair Mission.  We will be taking over bras and caps that have been collected by many of our friends and family members in Fresno.  These aren't really needs, but rather just offered as gifts that will bless the SHBC caregivers.  What is needed is adult diapers, and our friends have also helped us gather up many packages of these for us to take.  We will also be making jewelry with the artisans (and caregivers) from The Bambanani Project.  We'll be bringing home many of their pieces to sell here in the US, helping them with a sustainable income.

We will try to post a few entries and pictures on this blog from teammembers while we're gone.  We'll appreciate your prayers for effective work and relationship building.  Check in throughtout July for updates.  Sala Kahle for now!!