Just about every time we talk about our upcoming move, we are asked the question, “What do the boys think about moving to Swaziland?” God has not only called us as parents, he has called our family, including our 13 year-old twins. As many of you know, our teenagers usually answer questions with one word answers or, “I don’t know”. (We cannot speak for the rest of you, but we have heard this is normal for boys.) If we really want to know something, we feel like an interrogation takes place and at times, it is exhausting. We decided to type up a few questions and have them write out their answers. If they can do this for teachers, they can do this for us.
Below are the results (exactly as they answered):
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Landon: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Phil 4:13
Lane: “I will be your God throughout your lifetime until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. Isaiah 46:4
How many times have you been to Swaziland?
Landon: Twice (2012 and 2013)
Lane: Once (2012)
Do you view this move as a way to serve God?
Landon: Yes
Lane: I guess
Are you looking forward to anything specific?
Landon: Getting to see the kids and exploring the nature of Africa.
Lane: Magnum bars-death by chocolate
What do you think you will miss the most?
Both: Friends and family
Are you anxious or afraid of anything concerning moving to Africa?
Landon: No, I am pretty excited.
Lane: SNAKES
How would you describe a care point?
Landon: A piece of land with a building and a fire for cooking were kids come to learn about Jesus and eat
Lane: A plot of land where kids come to eat and learn about Jesus (and play soccer)
How would you describe the lives of the kids that come to the care point?
Landon: Kind of sad because they have no food. They have to walk really far for water, they don’t have great shoes and school is really far away. They have to walk everywhere. It would be nice if they had bikes or something to use.
Lane: Poor, bad, hard
You may “sense” that one child is more excited about this move than the other. It seems at this point, they are seeing what they will “miss” in the next few years. They both are involved in the band at TMS and next year would be “marching band”. Their friends are excited about high school and the new experiences this next chapter will bring. The boys will be homeschooled in Swaziland and we are uncertain about most things. However, we are certain that God has called our family and He will provide for all of us. The unknown is scary, but we know our identity is in Christ! God has a plan for Landon and Lane and we are excited to see how God uses them for His glory.
It is exactly one month until we arrive in Swaziland! Please pray for our family as we wrap up all the details in preparation to move to another continent. Pray for the boys as they leave comfort and head into the unknown. We are humbled that God has placed this calling on our family. Thanks for coming along with us!
Greg and Michelle
Greg & Michelle,.
You two have two amazing young men for sons!! As I worked as a sub and had a chance to be around them this school year and the last, I’ll tell you what I noticed… First was a Landon, that has always been very mature for his age and confident in his walk! Lane on the other hand, as for last year was a little unsure of his role (my opinion) however, this year was a completely different Lane and he had now caught his brother in maturity and his “own” step!! (Again my opinion) The point I’m working towards is this, after knowing them both through years past, and to have had this additional perspective over the last two years, I am confident in a couple of things! One, if either or both were unsure of the families calling, they would have certainly let one of you know! And two, and to echo your words…God is going to work something amazing in their lives, and I too can’t wait to see what that is!!!
Love and Blessings to you all!!
Andy G.
Greg & Michelle,.
You two have two amazing young men for sons!! As I worked as a sub and had a chance to be around them this school year and the last, I’ll tell you what I noticed… First was a Landon, that has always been very mature for his age and confident in his walk! Lane on the other hand, as for last year was a little unsure of his role (my opinion) however, this year was a completely different Lane and he had now caught his brother in maturity and his “own” step!! (Again my opinion) The point I’m working towards is this, after knowing them both through years past, and to have had this additional perspective over the last two years, I am confident in a couple of things! One, if either or both were unsure of the families calling, they would have certainly let one of you know! And two, and to echo your words…God is going to work something amazing in their lives, and I too can’t wait to see what that is!!!
Love and Blessings to you all!!
Andy G.