Megan sounded strong as we talked with her during the wee hours Monday morning.  She tells stories of incredible challenges relationally and culturally and yet finds - on rare occasion - something oddly familiar to tell us about (like Pillsbury baking mixes!)  The reality of the end of their trip drawing near and of saying good-bye to their Swazi loved ones and teammates is setting in.  Here is an exerpt from a family message that will give you a feel for Megan's comfortability where she is ...

March 28, 2008
"Last night after I wrote you I headed out to the open area of our homestead with two chairs, my ipod and journal. God met me amazingly. As I listened to Enter the Worship Circle I watched lightening all around me light up the clouds and sky. SO beautiful! Lightening here is unlike what I have ever seen. It goes for hours and it is constantly lit up in some part of the sky. I just was so overwhelmed and I know this sounds stupid but it hit me that I am in Africa! Ahhh!! We as a team talk about how we have these moments throughout our time here where the reality of where we are hits us. And as I sat in plastic outdoor chairs in a poop covered dirt area with goats sneezing and dogs chasing each other… I found the calm of the night so soothing. Yes I know sad to say that is a calm scenario but it was just so relaxing. I journaled for a bit but got tired of bugs all over my headlamp so I headed to bed.

This morning has been beautiful. I finally slept well after this whole sunburn thing. I am still quite pink seeing we don't get out of the sun much. : ) But I am taking care of it by lathering with lotion and making sure I put sunscreen on daily. For breakfast we have oatmeal everyday and well after I got sick with it a while back I have not had much of an appetite for it so I have been buying yogurt and granola. Mmmm… Everyone made fun of me and was like wow you really are from Oregon. (Except Allie my west coast buddy) and now today over half the team wanted to eat it so hey I started a trend! :) They have awesome granola here—this morning we opened the new bag I picked out which was tropical cluster. It has banana chips, dried mango and papaya in it... Mmmm… so good. You all would love it!"

So - a couple of fill in points ... the sunburn Megan mentions ... the team has to leave Swaziland every 30 days to renew their visas.  This particular time they took a trip to the Indian Ocean.  More specifically - to St. Lucia (yes, there's one in the Carribean, too!).  She said it was incredible!  Also - Megan has been dubbed the 'hippy' of the group because she's from Oregon and likes granola and vegtables.  It seems many of the team are from the southern states.  She jokes that they all want to eat things fried.  Celebrating differences ...

Megan will be home in just over 2 weeks and we will be celebrating her return.  Please pray for the teams continued ministry, protection, and growth during their final days in Africa - and for their preparations to re-engage in their home environments. 

Thank you for following Megan's journey.  We are blessed by your faithful partnership with her.

Beth & Randy