SECONDARY MINISTRY

Do you ever fall into something that you never expected doing . . . and find yourself loving it?

After evaluating 2011, Kyle and I realized that we had hosted people in our home over 14 different times that year.  From one person staying for one night, to families, to large groups, to people staying several months.

And absolutely loved it.  Loved planning large meals, trips to the game park (elephant attacks), ministry opportunities and most of all, hearing over and over again how God is working in and through people.

Our kids love having people through the home.  It has really helped them stay connected to American culture and gives a very clear purpose to their ministry here in South Africa.

This year has already had a busy start.  Patty was living with us through the middle of Feb.  Then came two guys ministering in the schools for a week, then a college team of 18; 5 of them stayed in our home, but we organized much of their time up here and many days had the whole team camped out here :)

Who is next?  My in-laws arrive tomorrow, 3 students come in June/July, and I just got a phone message from my brother that they might be over July-ish.

Anybody else want to come?  Church missions trips, family missions trips . . . . .

FEELING BETTER?

I wish I had a dime for every question I got about my health these days.  But, the outpouring of concern has been an incredible encouragement!

YES- I am feeling better.  Incredibly better.  It has taken weeks of rest and resisting the urge to clean the house, to come right, but I think I am there.

Having to slow down has had many other benefits.
- My time with the Lord has been very sweet!  I've never had something so completely stop me in my tracks and never realized how hard it would be to lay the future in God's hands.  When would we start back up the Care Home?  When would I be able to play in the yard with the kids?  God continued to show me through His Word that His timing is perfect- He had this in His control- He wanted me to take joy in Him.
- My time with the children was very intentional.  Ever have those moments where you are only half listening to your kids?  Things had gotten so busy in our lives that I fear I was having  A LOT of those moments.  Not having much energy with mono meant that the interaction I did have with the kids needed to count.  We had great conversations and played wonderful games while I rested on the couch.

I can honestly say that God had it planned for my good.
Abby and I even got the chance for a Mother-Daughter date.