This is huge because there is a lot to say and a lot of pictures that I want to put up.

First off back on Tuesday, Ben and I climbed the highest point of Swaziland (or at least as far as we could see). We talked about this earlier in the semester but never had an opportunity to do it, and it was something that we really wanted to do before we left. So early Tuesday we took a koombie to the area we chose to start off on, close to where we do bible study. It was a pretty cloudy day and never got any better, but up and up we went. Until we met 2 makes (the Swazi word for mother/middle age woman, and sounds like ma-gays) who were picking grass to make baskets to sell at the market. We were able to find out that they've been doing it for over 10 years climbing about an hour and half to get a certain type of grass. So that was kind of cool. Then we kept on climbing, always stopping every once in a while to admire the view. We saw some cool caves that we went in, found bones and cat prints. So we assumed that a wild cat must live around that area. When we finally got to the top we stopped and prayed for the country, something that was really cool being able to see all the way from Manzini to Mbabane and farther. Then as we were coming down we found out that making your own way down is a lot harder than coming up. Almost falling a few times we eventually made it down into a thick thicket, that would have been nice to have a machete with, but whatev's. Then we got down to a small soccer field where as soon as the kids there saw us coming out of the bushes, they took off running and screaming. It was kind of funny. Eventually one of the older ones came back and we asked him why they all ran off. He said that they thought we were cannibals (and pointed at me when he said it) it was pretty hilarious. He took us down to the road so we could catch a ride back. It was good time.

Ben and I about to start

Overlooking Swaziland

Wednesday was probably the last time I hand out sandwiches in Africa. So Ben and I went around to the 12 or 14 of the people we see and gave them sandwiches and said goodbye to them. Then it was time for our last bible study. It was pretty awesome, but kind of tough saying goodbye to the guys that don't show up on Friday for youth group. We took pictures with each of them that I gave the guys on Friday to hand out to the rest of them. So I think that was a pretty good farewell present to them.

Bible Study Group

Thursday was an amazing day. After praying about this for basically the whole semester, I told Gogo Abna at SACRO that I want to support Sandziso, who is one of my favorite guys there, I wanted to support his brother Zolani too, but did not know if I could do both, so God answered that in that Melissa wanted the same thing but chose Zolani, so we both told Gogo Abna on Thursday that it was official that we wanted to sponsor them to go to school, and any extra funds to go to their house to give them food.

Both of their parents have died from AIDS, and both are currently infected with HIV but I pray everyday that God will take that away. They live with their Gogo and 2 other siblings; their sister who is under 14 is a prostitute, who uses her body to get food, which is just horrible. Their other sibling is 2.

Sandziso, Zolane and their Gogo

So after telling Gogo Abna she pulled Sandziso and Zolani in to tell them. It was hilarious seeing them come in; they looked like they had gotten into trouble as soon as they got into the office. She spoke in SiSwati to them, and asked them if they were in trouble. They didn't know what to say to that. It was really funny to watch their little faces confused. Then she asked if they wanted to go to school. They still didn't understand what was going on so she asked again and they both raised their hands slowly. She then asked if they wanted to go next year. Finally she told them that Melissa and I were going to send them to school. It was awesome to see their faces just brighten up like that. Sandziso got up on a bench and gave me a big hug. So then we told them that we wanted to get them some clothes before we left. So we took them out to get some shoes and some warm clothes, then out to KFC for lunch, which they loved, and got them ice cream as a final treat. We took them back, with them proudly wearing their new shoes and coats. It was funny seeing them going around showing them off to all their buddies. Then Gogo Abna took us to their house so that the Gogo could thank us personally. So we drove up there and met the family. And as soon as their gogo heard that we were sending them to school next year she started crying and the other women around started up a Swazi hymn. It was really neat.

Taking Sandziso Shopping

Sandziso in his new coat

Trying On Shoes

Friday was one of the hardest days being here. We had to say goodbye to all the SACRO kids. We started off by cooking all morning for the kids. One of the biggest meals that most of them have ever had. So while we did that the kids watched some movies. Then it was lunchtime, where they had chicken, rice, gravy, coleslaw, salad, potato salad, jello and pudding, and cookies. Most of the money came from supporters that answered Michelle's request when she asked for support for the center. It was really neat. Also an amazing thing happened. Carrie was told by God to pay for all of her students at her school's fees that couldn't pay. Which when she added up over $4000. It was crazy but God provided. And she raised over $5000, so all of the rest of the kids at SACRO that weren't supported yet, are now going to go to school next year because of the extra funds. After lunch we showed a slide show of our time at SACRO that the kids loved. They love seeing themselves on the projector. Then it was time for our farewells. Michelle, Michael and I all told the kids that we love them and loved being with them and that we'll be praying for them. Then we gave some gifts to the Gogo's and Sicle, a college student who permantley volunteers there. Then the Gogo's were saying goodbye and had Sandziso come up and give me a hug and at that point I broke down, and held on to the kid for the rest of the time there, both of us crying. It was really emotional. Then we walked out for the last time, which was tough.

Handing out food for the lunch

Sandziso and I

So that was my week. We said goodbye to the youth on Friday nite that won't show up on Sunday.

Saturday we picked up local school kids to come to our house and play games with.

Today was our last Sunday School. So we had cakes that we baked for them and showed them Extreme Days, which they really liked.

Thank you everyone for your prayers. You have no idea what it means to me. I guess I really be able to express my thanks in heaven when you get to see the results of the work that God appointed me to do, and that you supported me in.

I don't know when I'll blog again. This week is used as getting ready for leaving, packing and cleaning and any last minute projects etc.

Friday we drive down to South Africa for our debrief. One day in Krueger Game Park and the rest at a backpackers lodge. Then we are on the plane on the 15th.

There are a few of us who are going to Paris for a few days on our way home. So I will return to the states on the 21st where I'll spend a few days in Seattle and Portland before heading home on the 26th. Which I am so looking forward to.

Right Before Leaving the Center