Passion For Serving In Swaziland

Hey y'all, I am hoping to go to Africa! This summer I will be traveling alone to serve with The Luke Commission in Swaziland, Africa from June 29- July 31. As some of you may know, Africa has been a dream of mine since 7th grade Social Studies with Mrs. Hatcher. 

However, it wasn't until about two years ago that it seemed possible. The last two years have been filled with research and filling out applications, but God always seemed to be saying, "Not yet." 

Over a year ago, God told me to start researching again. I asked a family friend if they knew of any organizations and that's when I met Katie Beth, whose family serves with The Luke Commission in Swaziland, Africa. We sat down to have dinner and just clicked. A one-hour dinner, turned into a two and half hour conversation about all that TLC has done, intends to do and how I could serve with them if chosen for this summer. Immediately, I knew that this is where God wanted me to be. 

I had my trip planned for last summer but it seemed that God was still saying no. Very dissapointed in this, I was angry and questionable as to why He would lead my to this great ministry opportunity but then not provide in many ways. However, God's reasoning in his "no" was bigger than I ever would have imagined. Someone very close to me lost a loved one a couple days before I was scheduled to fly out so God's "no" gave me the ability to be with him in such a tough time. It was so humbling to be able to see the goodness in God's "no" and just to be reminded that He has perfect timing for everything. I would not have been able to serve in the same capacity as I can now if I would have had to travel to Africa just a few days after this incident. 

For the last 11 years, The Luke Commission (TLC) has provided comprehensive mobile hospital outreaches to rural Swaziland, southern Africa, for those who have limited or no access to medical care. TLC offers medical consultation, eye services, HIV/AIDS and TB testing, counseling, medical male circumcisions, and follow-up treatment. General medical and eye care is provided at no charge to the patients at each outreach, as well as minor surgeries, medications, mobility devices for the disabled, clothes or shoes for orphans and the most vulnerable. 

My role will be to do whatever is in the best interest of the needs of the people TLC serves. I look forward to coming back and making a full report to you on everything that I observed and participated in while there. I'm grateful for this opportunity to see what God is doing in Swaziland. 

I would appreciate any donations to my trip as the cost covers my roundtrip flight and room and board, but I'm also asking for prayers as I dive into serving with TLC in Swaziland, Africa. 

Blessings, Stella