“I am packing like I am never coming back!” This is a statement Landon made while packing for the states. After he finished the gap year world race, he flew back to Eswatini in June. We all knew his stay was temporary and he was clearly ready for the next steps in life. His time in Eswatini is over. He had spent his four years of high school here, went on the race for nine months and was ready to embrace what was next. He is now adjusting to the American culture after being away for five years. He is living with Greg’s mom and working in Alabaster. He continues to seek God as He shows him His plan…little by little.
His statement caught us by surprise and as we have thought about it more and more, we are reminded that change is inevitable. It also makes us want to live every day to the fullest. Even though this past year has held lots of change for us, we were so thankful the boys were able to return for a while. Lane was able to come to Eswatini in May, during his summer break from Auburn and serve as an intern in the media department. Landon was able to help us with leading teams and also assisted the team managers. Many days we were all going in different directions. It was great to all be under the same roof again, but we knew it was for a short time.
Before the boys flew to the states together at the beginning of August, we were able to spend a few days in Johannesburg to celebrate their 19th birthday.
We choose to trust God’s plan as we continue to serve in Eswatini and Landon and Lane pursue their own paths. Greg continues to manage the operations side of the ministry and I have been busy with budgets and preparing for the end of AIM’s fiscal year at the end of the month.
As we close on the fiscal year, it is a reminder that due to you, our amazing supporters, we have reached 100% of our fundraising goal for 2019. Some of you have been donors and prayer warriors since day one. Others have jumped in when others needed to jump out and it has been neat to watch as God uses each of you in this ministry. We want to say THANK YOU for your generosity, no matter how you have partnered with us. We continue to seek God’s direction and serve him to our fullest potential.
We hope to see some of you soon, as we will be coming home for Christmas! This is the first time we have been home since we moved to Eswatini in 2014 and we are super excited to spend a few weeks in the states.
Landon’s words reminded us that our stay on this earth is temporary. John 14:3 tells us, “I go to prepare a place for you.” One day we are leaving this world and never coming back!
May God bless you all,
Greg and Michelle Mullins
I can certainly understand your feelings of coming to a new phase in the life of your family. When your family left for Swaziland, a part of me left with you. I am beyond overjoyed that Landon is here with me and Lane comes home from Auburn occasionally for the weekend. I pray for all of you daily. I am looking forward to your visit at Christmas time. Love to y’all!
We look forward to seeing you guys soon. I haven’t seen Landon yet but hope we see him too. If you need anything we are here. Super proud of you all
Praying for y’all! So thankful in what has God use your family to impact Swaziland!