I asked one of my squad mates, Doug, how PVT was for him.
He said, “I truly can’t think of a better week in my life.”
And I couldn’t agree more.
The excitement began on Friday, March 8, the day before driving to Manzini, where PVT would be held. As soon as ministry was done that day, it was go time.
Saturday, March 9
We spent all of Saturday morning packing and cleaning the base, and we pulled out around 2:00. Once pulling up to the hostel in Manzini, we set up our tents and ate the best meal we’ve had in a while. It was right then that we knew we were going to eat good this week. Most of the squad left to watch Dune 2 at a local theater, but I stayed back with a few because my motto as of a few weeks ago is “a quiet base is a happy base.” While the squad was gone, Lianne and I got to talk with Louisa, this lady who works for AIM and flew down here to be a part of PVT. She asked what my parent’s names were so I said Mike and Cherie and she said, “you’re PV!” Turns out her and her husband had actually met my parents yesterday and had spent a lot of time with them before heading to our hostel. Well I’m crying because I couldn’t even fathom the fact that I was looking at someone who had just seen my parents and physically talked to them.
Sunday, March 10.
The day we’ll see our parents. I remember waking up in my tent thinking “this is going to be the best day of my life.” We heard they wouldn’t be getting to the hostel until after noon, so we sat around alllllllll morning, just waiting for word that they’re here. I was so excited I couldn’t even eat lunch. All of a sudden, we heard that the first van pulled up, and we all ran down. The parents in the first van got out, and watching those reunions was the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen. The second van pulled up and I still didn’t see my parents through the windows. Well it made a u-turn and I recognized these sunglasses I saw through the window. I started crying as I said “I see my dad.” Once they got out, I ran to my mom first, gave her the tightest hug and told her happy birthday. And when I got to hug both of them at the same time, all felt right in the world. We spent the next couple of hours telling story after story. And then we had team time with all of our parents! We shared funny stories, let them ask us any questions, and even performed our Waka Waka dance from the debrief talent show.
Monday, March 11
We brought our parents to see our home base in Nsoko! It was about a 3 hour drive and we used every minute to tell more stories. We even saw a wild giraffe on the side of the road. I think my parents were shocked when we first pulled up. They had seen pictures of our house, room, and bathroom, but you don’t really get the full picture unless you see it for real. They also got to meet my leader, Grace! Watching my parents meet the girl who’s taken care of me for six months was so surreal. We had a worship session in our kitchen/dining area and it was packed and hot. But so so powerful.
Tuesday, March 12
First day of ministry with my parents! We brought them to a care point in Manzini where they got to have a taste of the ministry we’ve been doing in Swazi. It was SO sweet to watch my parents interact with these kids. It was a reminder of how special this ministry is, since I’ve been getting used to it. Mom was able to spend some time and pour into the care point coordinators while Dad spent time racing the kids. We also got to do a house visit as a family! We delivered corn meal, sugar, cooking oil, rice, beans, and soap. I’ve had a lot of expertise in house visits so I was able to lead the whole thing, and that was such a beautiful experience for me to do that with my parents.
Wednesday, March 13
We got word that a cyclone was nearby, so we spent the morning picking up all of our tents. The conference room was packed with all of the soaking wet tarps since it had poured the night before. After getting our lives together, we left for our second and final day at the care point. With no house visit, we got more time with the kids. One of my squad mates brought a guitar and we were able to sing songs with the kids and have a dance party. Since we were there for meal time, I even got to serve food to the kids with my parents. And my heart was so so full.
Thursday, March 14
We were supposed to go on a safari today, but because of the cyclone, it got cancelled. But we still go to each lunch on the property! There were actually lots of animals on the side of the road once we got closer to the park, so it was like a mini safari. The building we ate lunch in was absolutely beautiful and we had this traditional African buffet in front of us. Kind of felt like I was at the Animal Kingdom Lodge in Disney World. Bill jumped in our van while riding back to the hostel and my parents had a blast listening to all the stories he had to share. Specifically the ones about me splitting my pants during a handstand competition, the black eye I got while playing soccer in Guatemala, and when I had seen him after throwing up in my shower in Guatemala. Nothing like humbling moments in front of Bill. We had our final session tonight and Mom and Dad both wrote me letters. Lots and lots of tears, but all out of joy. Watching all of my squad mates have this moment with their parents was so beautiful.
Friday, March 15
Had to say goodbye again. But a less painful goodbye because it’s for a much shorter amount of time. As I watched them drive away, I was filled with joy and motivation to finish this thing strong. PVT week will always be one of the most powerful weeks of my life. For sure one I’ll never forget, and one that I’ll randomly remember one day and tear up about. I can’t wait to do life with my parents again.
