Hi Everyone!!!!

I hope this post finds everyone well! I am so sorry that I have not been able to update since I arrived in Africa. Communication is very difficult for us right now. I spent the first week of my trip in Gainseville, GA where we had training camp. I would venture to say that training camp is more rustic than Africa. :) We spent that week sitting through sessions, working on children's programs, and doing team builders. It was so much fun as we were preparing for the 9 months that lay ahead of us. Our first week in Africa we spent in Pretoria, South Africa, at a mission base called Alabanza. We basically live in a farm house there, and there's nothing around us walking distance, nor is it safe for us to try and walk anywhere. During our time there, we do ministry through the streets, squatter camps, feedings, and more. Our days are long and busy, but I wouldn't change anything about it. We start our day early with breakfast, quiet time and a session. The sessions are almost like being in an intense church service every morning. I love it :). We then have lunch and head out in smaller teams into different ministries. At night, we have more quiet time, one on one discipleship, dinner, and praise and worship.  Oh and you can't forget the house chores. I love to mop. :) Anyway, after a week at Alabanza, my whole team loaded up the vans and we headed on out to Swaziland, which is where I am writing this from. Swaziland has the highest AIDS percentage in the world. There is so much pain everywhere we look, that many times, we end up leaving in tears. Our days here follow the same kind of schedule as we did at Alabanza, but our ministries our different, and to me, it seems much more intense. The squatter camp was the first place where I went for ministry and it was really hard for me as I saw the little houses made out of mud and sticks and the kids running around with hardly any clothes on, but they were some of the most amazing kids I have ever seen. I also spent a day of ministry at the hospital here where I was never sure if the people there were taking their last breath or not. It was so awesome to just sit there with them, talking with them, and holding their hands. This is just a glimpse of some of the things I have been experiencing here. I wish I could go more in depth, but unfortunately, the Swazi's are protective of how much time we spend on the internet. :) All in all, God is completely wrecking me and everything I have ever known, but He puts me back together little by little, so I gradually begin to look a little more like Him. I absolutely love it here and I know this is where God has called me to be at this time in my life. I can't thank you guys enough for the prayerful and financial support you have given me. I love that I have you guys as my companions on this trip. At this point, I need $1,200 (PRAISE THE LORD!) to finish all payments for this trip. Donations and pledges may be made, n this website where it says "support me", or it may be mailed into: Adventures In Missions, 6000 Wellspring Trail, Gainesville GA, 30506.
    Everything is going so well here, but there are some things that need to be lifted in prayer. There have been many people who have been sick on my team. However last night, one of our teamates had to be taken into the hospital because she was in an extreme amount of pain. We do not know what is going on exactly yet, but prayer would definitely be appreciated.
    Our team will be leaving Swaziland on Monday, and we will head back to Alabanza. I have every Friday off and I should be able to use the internet each week then. I will keep you guys updated the best I can. Once again, thank you so much for your support. I love you all!

In His Grace and Mercy,

Elisa

or Nomvula ( my Swazi name)