Hey everyone!

Wow I can’t believe I’m saying this, but our team leaves in ONE WEEK. We are currently in Manzini, Eswatini. And I can officially say I’ve seen some African lions! (Grandma, Grandpa, Oney, Pat & girls, Mom & Dad don’t worry I made it out alive) We’ve been able to go on two safaris since being in Swazi and we’ve seen a huge range of animals from elephants to giraffes to warthogs. Can’t wait to show you pictures! Also, we’ve been serving at a carepoint here where about 450 kids come to get food after school. It has been so fun getting to know the kids and I can’t even begin to think about that goodbye coming up. The goodbye is so bittersweet. I’m so excited to be home with the holidays coming up and to see many friends and family, but it will definitely be hard leaving this place and these people. Especially, my team! Goodbyes are hard, but as a very wise friend of mine in Jeffrey’s Bay said “Another goodbye opens the door for another hello.” This makes the goodbye a little easier and brings me excitement as I start to look towards the future.

As you’ve seen, I’ve done a poor job at keeping you all updated on my trip. I’m so sorry, but I’m looking forward to some awesome conversations with you all when I see you next! I will continue to update my blog during my travel time/arriving home, so if you’d like, keep checking back here! But for now, I’m going to soak in these last moments in Swazi and I will see many of you very soon.

I love you all so much and thank you for your thoughts and prayers!

Lilly