Musings from Graceland

IN JUST SEVEN DAYS

In just seven days from now, we'll be on our way to Africa via Paris. I can't believe how fast the time has gone by. I am so excited. By the time we leave, I'm going to be unbearable to be around I'll be so crazy with joy.

I wanted to give you an update on some of the specifics concerning the trip. I spent several hours today shopping for needed things and meeting with a friend who has generously given bags and bags of items that will be going to the orphans, missionaries, and others.

We've now received almost all the items that we need for the trip. The last few things include:

*Dvds of various genres and shows (used are fine) for an Adventures in Missions staffer in Manzini.

*White Jiffy frosting mix for Dudley Donaldson, the Bible teacher we'll be staying with.

*Laptop computer for a house dad at an orphan home up in the mountains outside of Mbabane.

*Space vacuum storage bags to help us fit in all the donated clothes plus our bedding and towels.

And yes, we are definitely still accepting financial donations. We still don't have all the money we need to cover our on-the-ground expenses such as van rental and food. If anyone would like to make a donation, you can send us a check (let me know if you need our address), give it to us in person, or make a donation via PayPal. Here's the post with our PayPal link:

http://elysasmusingsfromgraceland.blogspot.com/2012/01/by-popular-demand.html


Okay, so that's an update on our upcoming trip. Now for a look back at last year's trip:

28-September-10

Ate nice breakfast in open air pavilion at guest house with the Bheveni Team.

They took us to the Avis Rental which was right in the same building as the car-fix-it place where they needed to get trailer tail lights fixed. We said our goodbyes after much laughter over the sketchy bathrooms (with Kelly!) and the tiny size of the car with our big amount of luggage.

Jim had to really concentrate but did great with driving on the "wrong" side of the road.

Went thru gorgeous scenery as we passed thru Jeppe's Reef and Pigg's Peak and Huwane area on way to Manzini.

Rained a bit on us in Mbabane and Matsapha area.

Arrived around 2:20 at Inge and Dudley Donaldson's house on outskirts of Manzini. They live in a beautiful location.

Nice, home-cooked meal and good conversation. Also got to call home and talked to my mom and [the two little girls], as well as getting some computer time.

Also, talked briefly with Di Hampson [with The Moriah Centre] who we will see tomorrow and Josiah Matsebula [one of the former youth from my days living in Africa] that we will see Friday.

Tomorrow, I'll post more info about our upcoming trip as well as transcribe another installment from last year's trip journal.

Thanks again for all of you who are showing us support through prayers, donations, encouraging words, and just sharing in our excitement.