The Sweerin's

  Greetings from Zambia! We have been in Zambia for almost 2 weeks and we are getting settled in. It is a bit strange to be in November and not putting on coats, hats, gloves, etc before heading out the door. The kids said it feels like we walked into summer. It has rained some and more rain forecasted in the near future, so we are praying the crops and garden produce will grow well with this beneficial rain.  We were able to get a direct flight from Chicago to Ethiopia, and then Ethiopia to Lusaka, Zambia. It was long flight but all did very well considering the circumstance. The airline had us scattered throughout the plane, but thankfully they had a section of 6 seats available for us all. It was a very full flight to Ethiopia so it was a miracle that we were able to be all together. We made it through the Ethiopian airport smoothly, but no one mentioned to us that our gate number was changed. We were sitting at our gate but no one seemed to be boarding which we thought w...

Hello everyone, We want to update you on how things are going with our Zambia planning. Back in July we were able to send a lot of our belongings, school curriculum, and solar panel equipment. We are excited to share that all of our items have arrived and will be picked up by our friends this week, and taken back to the mission of love property. We also wanted to inform everyone that we have purchased our plane tickets for November 18th. We are so thankful for our family, friends, and church body as you have supported us financially, shared many encouraging words with us, and have continually prayed for our family. Thank you. Several people have asked about how to support us financially. We know it has been a bit complicated, but now we are excited to share that our church has set up an online giving option on the church website.  If you are interested in giving this way follow these steps below:  Click on this link below and it will take you to the church website  ht...

     As the Summer warmth begins to fade, and Fall has come. The cooler temperatures, harvest, and now the changing colors of  foliage all speak of Our Creator and His amazing ways. This season of preparation has been quite busy for us, but we wanted  to let our friends and family know how our planning process has been going in regards to Zambia. We truly wouldn't be taking this step of faith if we didn't have the encouragement and support of so many people, so we want to thank you all.       We've had a great summer enjoying the Bible conferences, going for lots of walks, spending time with family, neighbors, and friends, and working on the Zambia School Project.  In July, we had the privilege of sharing with some old friends about our heart for Zambia and it was...

W ell a few things have changed since we last updated you all. Covid-19 is making a mark on our world, and it has caused us all to step back and slowdown in many ways.  Whether this virus is as deadly as the media portrays or not; everyone is greatly affected by it. Many of our governmental and medical authorities have worked diligently to help find ways to flatten the curve, and many of us are trying to adhere to those policies as best as we can.  As many of you know, we were planning to return to Zambia at the Mission of Love Community Orphanage. We began the fundraising process and shortly after, Covid-19 made its presence. Even though our plans have been delayed and borders remain closed; we are still actively working on preparing our hearts, and Melanie continues to set time aside to work on the school project for the community school. Through it all, we can be confident our God is faithful and we need to trust Him.  A couple months prior t...