UNTIL I RETURN . . . .

It ranks with the same difficulty as closing the Care Home- stopping my discipleship teaching with Wendy.  Even if it is only for a few months, I will miss her dearly.  We've walked through the Story of Hope teaching every Friday while Abby is in youth group; tackling tough Biblical issues, crying over struggles we are facing and unpacking the Bible's incredible story of redemption.  She has also helped me understand so many part to Zulu culture.  It has helped Kyle and I both be more effective in the Care Home ministry as we more correctly understand Zulu worldview.    I can't wait to get back at start our meetings again!

STILL MAKING FUNNY MISTAKES!

In celebration of our first year of work at the Care Home, we planned a braai for the staff (their choice) on Friday.  Because this was the day we took patient home and closed down for our furlough, it seemed fitting to celebrate the past year and have of time prayer and worship . . . followed by food!

The time of prayer, thanksgiving, short testimonials, gift giving all went well.  The women tried to teach Abby and me a Zulu dance (that didn't go so well).  Lots of laughing by all!

Then came the food . . . .

Most of the time when we have a braai it has more of an Africaans flavor.  This was my first time hosting a braai with all Zulu women.  

First- I had bought a bunch of rolls to put the boerewors in (standard at all the braais I've been to)- NOT ONE SINGLE lady took a roll.

Second- I put out forks and knives for the meal.  Thuli looked at me and said, "Oh, I guess we eat with a fork instead of a spoon"  (said in a very disappointed voice).  All the ladies laughed at this.  I instantly thought back to all the Zulu celebrations I've been at and YES, I was only given a spoon :)

Third- nobody used the tomato sauce- I was told this ruins the meat!

It was still a wonderful day, I'll tuck away the experience and try to do better next time :)

A TIME TO BE SILLY

With furlough right around the corner (we leave in less than 2 weeks), there needs to be some moments of silliness!  It always seems overwhelming to keep up with the home schooling, maintain our normal responsibilities all while trying to organize for furlough this side AND states side.

The girls especially need some silly time.  It's hard for them, saying goodbye to pets, knowing they are missing fun church activities and hoping friends don't forget them.  There's a big struggle between being excited to see family back in America and wishing it didn't mean missing out here.

So, we try to be silly :)

"FIRSTS" AT THE CARE HOME

"Firsts" - sometimes exciting, sometimes hard, sometimes they elicit of sigh of relief.

Last week was a "first" at Calvary Care Home.  A patient that we admitted on Thursday, died Saturday morning.  The workers and I know that the Care Home is a hospice facility,  we know that our job is to show God's love and compassion to dying people, but the first death was hard on everyone.  Up until this point, God has brought us respite patients, or people that have wanted to be transferred to the hospital, only to die there.  This death was our first.

After appropriate care was taken, paperwork was done and families were notified, we took a few minute to chat about the morning and how giving good care ALL the way to the end honors God.  Kyle then led a time of prayer with the workers and other patient.

We continue to pray that God would use even the hard times in the Home to spread His Word and show how much we need a Savior.  Some of our workers are HIV+ and seeing death is a harsh reminder of their terminal diagnosis.  May God work in their lives also!

On a side note, we have Cassie Hill with us right now, an newly appointed missionary to our ministry doing a survey trip.  God allowed her to see the whole spectrum of our ministry as she stepped in along side our workers to help with the care of the deceased patient.  What a blessing it will be to have her with us as soon as she raises all of her support.