30 July 2012

A Place to Place Things

Since I'm not really using any of my nooks around the interwebs to blog but want to share my trip to Swaziland with some friends, I thought I'd use this little site to write a few updates during my adventure.

For now, just the basics! I'm leaving from Chicago on August 8, will spend August 9 in Zurich and arrive in Johannesburg, SA on August 10. From Johannesburg, I'll head down (by car) to Mbabane, Swaziland and get there mid-afternoon or so.

I'll leave from Swazi the afternoon of August 22 and fly out of Johannesburg to NYC and then arrive in Chicago around lunch time on August 23.

Swaziland is six hours ahead of EST. So...if it's 3pm EST, it's 9pm in Swaziland.

I should have internet occasionally and hope to post updates along the way. By the way...it is FREE for me to receive text messages the entire time I'm away. I may not be able to respond to them (I'll be able to iMessage with iPhone users when I have internet) but don't let that stop you from sending me amusing notes and encouragement if you so desire. It's always a great surprise to hear from someone when you're not expecting it.

A few things I'll be doing...I am SO excited!:
  • Building/painting stuff - getting some homes ready for future teams
  • Counseling women and teens who have been abused
  • Help with group homes and life building skills
  • Food delivery to remote villages
  • Medical & hospital visits
A few things to pray for:
  • That I'll be able to prepare my heart and mind for the trip in the days ahead.
  • That I'll be aware of opportunities to reveal Christ's love all along the way - from cabs in Chicago to plane rides to customs agents to my friends and everyone I'll engage with.
  • That I'll remain as healthy and safe as God wants. I've only been sick on two overseas trips (not counting the whole mono in Moscow incident in 2010) and even in sickness I was given grace and mercy beyond anything I could imagine...though it would be nice to be healthy the entire time. I'm 98% sure all my immunizations are up to date... :)
  • No monkey attacks. Ok. I lied. I totally want to see a monkey attack. Maybe pray that I'll survive if a monkey attacks instead. Or that it will be a happy monkey.
I can't believe this is the third time I'll be in Africa in just four short years. What a tremendous gift. I pray I steward it well.

Love,
Anne
Posted by at

12 comments:

  1. ~ melissa ~July 30, 2012 at 6:07 PM

    May God go before you, traveling mercies go with and blessings follow right behind. I'll be in Zimbabwe from 8/15-8/30... :-) Prayer for you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Crystal RenaudJuly 31, 2012 at 11:02 AM

    If you see any of the pieces of my heart that I've left on the soil in Africa, don't pick them up or bring them home to me, but do say hello. xo

    ReplyDelete
  3. Beverly LinebargerJuly 31, 2012 at 12:48 PM

    Thanks for thinking of me (Anne's Mom). You know it is a mother's privilege to be concerned about her daughter far off in Africa. My mother had the same concerns when I was in Venezuela for 2 years. I guess the shoe is on the other foot now. We will be praying for your safety and health. Just don't let the monkeys attack you:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anne JacksonJuly 31, 2012 at 1:01 PM

      I love you, mom. No promises about monkeys though.

      Delete
  4. Nate ColeJuly 31, 2012 at 4:28 PM

    I'll be praying for a safe and fruitful trip--and some sweet footage of a monkey attack. ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anne JacksonJuly 31, 2012 at 4:36 PM

      Yes! In Uganda we had to set traps in our lodge because the monkeys knew how to open the patio doors. Here's to more monkey traps!

      Delete
  5. Gail HyattAugust 2, 2012 at 1:42 AM

    Thanks for setting up this site.

    You will be in our prayers. We'll be looking forward to the updates.

    Don't forget to look at your feet and say, "I am here. God is with me. Now what are you asking of me, Lord?"

    Love you, Gail

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anne JacksonAugust 7, 2012 at 10:41 AM

      Thank you so much, Gail. I love you guys a ton. I will always ask that when I look at my feet. I think you've brianwashed me. :)

      Delete
  6. UnknownAugust 2, 2012 at 11:04 PM

    What a great opportunity! Enjoy and take pics if you can.

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)