Empty Nest Syndrome or Swaziland?

Which would you choose?

So, I am starting this blog because one of my daughters graduates in June (2010) and the other one graduates the following June. I have seen how husbands and wives can grow apart while they are raising their children and then when the children are grown they no longer have a relationship and possibly seek divorce. I don't want to be that wife - I love my husband and want us to continue our relationship as we seek to do the Lord's will. I want my children to rise up and call me blessed (Proverbs 31:28). Most of all I don't want to just "Go Through the Motions"; I want to live the abundant life (John 10:10) and minister to those around me.

Which brings me to what's going on in our lives right now. My husband, Jimmy, has always had a Missions Heart and I've always prayed that God would either change my heart or his because I could never imagine taking my children overseas and living in a hut. Well, I guess God has been working on my heart and not Jimmy's because I cry at the very thought of a mission our church supports, Children's Cup. These children are living in a country where 43% of it's population is HIV-Positive. Many of these children are being orphaned due to the death of their parents as a result of this disease and lack of medication. Children's Cup goes into villages with "Care Points" which are designed to care for these children by providing Food, Medical Care, Education and above all they need hope. Hope's name is Jesus!

I shocked my husband and myself when I asked him last weekend to begin praying and asking what our part is with Children's Cup. Jimmy asked what was on my heart and I laid out what I believe God has spoken to me. After our youngest, Anastasia, graduates in June, 2011, we sell our house and become missionaries in Swaziland. I am still unsure of what capacity the Lord is asking of us, but I know He will not take us somewhere without a plan, a purpose and resources to do His will.

Children's Cup has a mission trip scheduled for April, 2010 and Jimmy and I are praying to see if this is the right time for us to go and experience this ministry to the fullest. This trip is approximately $3500 pp so we are asking God not only for confirmation but for financial and prayer support.

Please join me in praying for our family as we begin our entrance into a new phase of life.

Because He Lives,
~AngiB