Dear friends,

My time in the U.S. has flown by, and I have plans to return to Swaziland, Africa this Monday, January 14.  My time here was filled with good friends and good food!  I was delighted to have had the opportunity to visit with many of you during my vacation, and I only wish I had more time to spend with those of you I missed.

Christmas - It was great to spend Christmas at home with my parents.  The day was filled with plenty of sweets and plenty of gifts that will come in handy when I return to Africa.  (Gifts that will come in handy in Africa include things like flashlights to wear on my head, skirts that fall well below my knees, and a 4 month supply of Heinz Tomato Ketchup packets - thanks Tim and Jeanne!)  I'm sure my teammates in Africa will enjoy borrowing some of my new Christmas gifts, and I'll enjoy borrowing theirs as well.  (Swazi team - I'll be willing to trade ketchup packets for baby wipes and/or shower time). 

The New Year - I had the opportunity to begin 2008 in Buffalo with some good friends, and a certain boyfriend. ;) I was also glad to spend some time with my college roommates.  (even though I've acquired 15 new roommates in Africa, these gals will always be my first and my favorites).  I also enjoyed visiting my church and having the opportunity to share some of my experiences from Africa with the KAC youth group.  It was such a blessing to see all of the teens that I spent time with over the past few years and to be reminded of God's faithfulness to each one of them.  It was a joy for me to reconnect with and to encourage them as they seek to love God and love others... in their hometowns as well as overseas!

As for now, I'm packing up my bags and brushing up on my SiSwati (this is the native language in Swaziland).  (speaking of brushing... for those of you who may be concerned, I'll be returning to Swaziland with approximately 4 spare toothbrushes - compliments of Dr. J. Edward Movic).  The goat poop won't outsmart me this time!

Stay posted for some returning to Africa prayer requests!

Each of you is a blessing to me - thank you for being part of my journey. . .

With love,

Katie Movic