The Beginning of a New Chapter

One of the first things people ask when we tell them we are going to Swaziland is "how did you find this opportunity?" We have always had a desire to volunteer for a year, but the timing never worked out for us. Now, we see God's plan and timing for us as he opens doors left and right as we head to Swaziland. The perfect timing (God's timing) is right now. We have spent time in awe and are having fun looking at the last four years and seeing how God has shaped us for our time in Swaziland.

For the last five years Andy has been working as a superintendent for a residental builder. He gained so many skills during his time as a superindent. Unfortanetly, Andy was let go in October due to the poor economy. We are so grateful for his experience with that company. Andy is now working as an inspector for home insurance companies. Both of these jobs have taught him things that will be key in his role as on-site coordinator. Andy's big focus while in Swaziland will be organizing and planning the construction of a new church.

After we were married Amy became a manager at Williams-Sonoma. She worked as a manager for 2 years, but remained part time until a few months ago. While there Amy learned numerous things regarding health and cooking. Amy decided to go back to school in January of '08 to obtain her masters in counseling. Her dream was to work in a children's hospital; working with kids and families. While Amy was a full time student she was "bitten" by the play therapy bug. Amy currently is working on her internship as a play therapist/counselor in a hospital setting working with parents and children. She is learning things by the minute that will apply to her time in Swaziland. We have been told that Amy will be instrumental in starting Child Development Centers (CDC) while we are in Swaziland. There was recent funding given to the CDC's in Africa to train the workers in play therapy. How awesome is God's timing that we will be there next year when this, amongst many of things, will be the focus!

On Sunday we had the priviledge to share our journey thus far with our current church; Lantana Community Fellowship. It was a special time for us. It made our journey feel real and very close! The people at Lantana have been our family. We were moved by the response of our church family. So many kind words and gestures were given to us! Thank you Lantana family for your love, prayers, and support. During this bittersweet time we feel the "bitter" the most about leaving this community we have grown to love.