Roping

Posted on January 31, 2012 by steveschwind

We’ve lived in Texas for three weeks now. I started school right away. When we drive to my school, there are cows on the other side of the road. I have to tell you that I enjoy McKinley Elementary School in Pasadena better because of the education and because of my magnificent friends. We went to a Cowboy church last Sunday and afterwards, went to a rodeo on the church grounds. Elsa and I got to rope a goat. We also saw kids barrel racing with their horses. I love the fresh air of the countryside here and the mooing of the cows. Texas is the best! My dad and I went fishing yesterday and I caught my first fish. Only two more weeks here before we fly to Africa on February 13. I miss y’all folks!

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Our Travels

Posted on January 5, 2012 by steveschwind

This is me with my Uncle Magdy in Arizona

We left California and we drove to Arizona to see my friend, Uncle Magdy. We stayed over night at a place. When we first got there, we didn’t know if it was the right place because it looked like someone was already staying there. We called Uncle Magdy to tell him and he said that we would be staying with a couple other people too.

This is my grandpa in New Mexico

The next day we left to go to New Mexico. We stayed overnight with my parents’ friends. Then we went to IHOP for breakfast to see my grandpa. We were going to spend the day with my grandpa but we had to leave early to miss the blizzard that was coming our way.

We left for Texas. After a long drive, we were in Texas and stayed there for two days. Then we were on the plane to go to Philadelphia. We were planning on leaving for New York but our flight was canceled and we were stuck in Philly.

We decided to use our time to visit the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross’ house and Independence Hall where the Constitution and Declaration of Independence were decided on.

We saw one of the original copies of the Constitution. This is how this copy of the Constitution was found. A guy bought a picture for $4 at a yard sale. When he opened the picture frame to put in another picture, he found a piece of paper tucked between the picture and the frame. He opened it up and it was one of those thingy’s, the Constitution.

Independence Hall

Then, finally, we got to get to New York and see my Gammy. We’ve been here for almost three weeks. Now we have to leave on Friday, in just two days.

This is me with my Gammy and my Auntie T

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We made it!

Posted on January 5, 2012 by steveschwind


Texas is AWESOME! The first day we got there, I rode my bike all around the huge Mercy Ship campus. I also love the cafe there. There’s a pool table there and I love playing it with my dad. I also can’t wait to start school and make new friends. At the same time, I’m scared that it will be hard to make friends.

This is my grandma in New York

Right now we’re in New York for Christmas at my grandma’s house. I’m having lots of fun but I’m sad that it hasn’t snowed yet. One of my highlights has been visiting our friends on Long Island, the place I used to live when I was little.

 These are some of the friends I visited on Long Island. They were my first friends when I moved here from Ethiopia 5 years ago.

You see that big band aid on Elsa’s eyebrow? Well, last week she fell on the sidewalk face down and had to get nine stitches.

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Six Places

Posted on December 15, 2011 by steveschwind

I’m ready for Texas.

I can’t wait until I go to Texas next week. I wonder what it will be like. I feel excited about going to Texas in our new rented van. Me and my parents and my sister sold our car yesterday. On Friday [Dec. 16], I’m leaving with my family to go to Texas. I’m excited to meet new friends there. This is our schedule: We’re going to Arizona to visit our friend Magdy, then we are going to New Mexico to visit my grandpa, and then we’ll be in Texas for two days and then we’re going to New York for a few weeks and then we’re going to Texas again and then we’re going to Africa. That’s six places!

I already know a girl on the ship. She is in my class. Anna is her name. I am going to have a lot of fun, but I will miss my friends in California.

This is me riding Slinky

I’ve been taking horseback riding lessons for one year now. This is me with my horseback riding teacher, Sydney.

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Saying good-bye to friends

Posted on December 15, 2011 by steveschwind

One of my best friends

I can’t believe we’re leaving tomorrow already! We’re driving to Texas to load our stuff on a container that will go to the Africa Mercy. I love going on road trips. But I’m also sad to leave everybody in California. It’s going to be fun visiting friends along the way to Texas. People think I’m a lucky little girl. Then we’re going to fly to New York to visit our family. After Christmas, we’ll fly back to Texas for training. After that, we’re going to fly to Africa and go on the ship. It’s going to be such a fun adventure.

Friends at our surprise going-away party

 More of my best friends

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God Provides!

Posted on December 12, 2011 by steveschwind

On behalf of our family, we thank you for giving generously towards our ministry with Mercy Ships. You have made it possible for us to serve in West Africa.

Although we have raised enough funds to travel to the Africa Mercy and serve for one year, we need an additional $2,020 in monthly pledges to continue serving long term.

Please consider giving an annual gift or a monthly pledge.

To give online, click HERE.

All donations are tax-deductible.

Our funds are processed through our sending agency, The Antioch Partners.

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Almost There

Posted on December 11, 2011 by steveschwind

We’re one step closer to joining Mercy Ships. On Thursday, December 15th we leave California, our home for the past 4.5 years, to embark on a new season of our lives. With our immunizations complete, Africa seems just around the corner.

To see how Zodi and Elsa felt about getting their shots, click here: Ready for shots!

 

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The Schwinds

Posted on October 26, 2011 by steveschwind

Steve, Lisa, Elsa, and Zodi are making preparations to leave California in December to join Mercy Ships, a medical organization that utilizes hospital ships to serve the physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual needs of the poor throughout the world. Professionals and skilled workers from over 40 nations, with a common vision to serve alongside the poor, volunteer their services by paying their own travel and living expenses.

We are excited to begin our long-term assignment onboard the world’s largest non-governmental hospital ship, the Africa Mercy in Togo, West Africa. Steve will serve as the Staff Development Manager responsible for educating, equipping and empowering Mercy Ships’ staff in personal, interpersonal, and professional development. Lisa anticipates using her skills as a dental hygienist to serve the needs of the international crew.

To see how God is working in West Africa through Mercy Ships CLICK HERE.

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Disclaimer

Posted on October 20, 2011 by steveschwind

This site is not operated by Mercy Ships or The Antioch Partners.

All views printed on this website are my own.

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Friends

Posted on October 18, 2011 by steveschwind

I can’t wait to make new friends on the Africa Mercy and go to the coffee shop there. It will be like living in a little town on water. I’ll miss all my friends here in California when I leave. They think that what I’m going to do on the ship is so cool. My teachers in California, Mr. Lira and Ms. Marshall, are very interested in Mercy Ships. My friend, who is from India says that her family might come and visit me on the ship.

I’m really excited because when I grow up, I can tell people that I lived on a ship. I wonder what it is going to be like to play with the children who just received their surgeries? I’ll be able to visit them in the hospital ward and play with them on the ship. When I get older, I want to watch the doctors perform a surgery because I want to become a surgeon some day.

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