HALF WAY THROUGH FULROUGH

How is it going?  Yup, get asked that a lot!  Problem is, it's such a hard question to answer.  Our schedule is crazy and we never feel settled as a family, always on the go, always with new people, always feeling tired.
BUT
there are so many incredible positives crammed in between the chaos.  Like- surprise visits from family,   new experiences for the girls (Clair's store, trick-or-treating), connecting with people that have been praying for us the last two years, challenging people about missions, and apple fritters!

For me personally, furlough is a challenge;  I struggle feeling comfortable at church meetings and talking all day long wears out my jaw (from the surgery).  My heart continually breaks as I watch the girls thoroughly enjoy family and know that they will miss them SO much when we head back.  I worry about our previous patients and staff and wonder how difficult it will be to get back up running.
BUT
what an opportunity to rest in our Lord, enjoy every moment and let Him fill me with His peace.  His joy is so complete and it is only when my heart is divided and struggling can I really understand that.
SO
I praise God that furlough isn't perfect and take joy in the moments He gives :)

Putting up the Christmas tree with Papa

The first snow flakes- yes, she was out in her pjs and socks :)

OPEN HOUSE

We decided to try something new.  Because we couldn't get to every church this furlough, we organized an open house at my old high school.  Twice throughout the time, Kyle showed our power point presentation and the rest of the time we were able to visit with whoever stopped by.  It was great fun catching up and chatting with so many different people.  Granted- very exhausting and my jaw/neck was sore afterwards, but definitely worth it! 

THE 20 HOUR PLANE RIDE :(

Do we have enough luggage?

She slept . . . kind of

Emily slept well!

Because of the hurricane, it was a little challenging getting out of South Africa.  Every step of the way we were delayed which pushed our long flight to 20+ hours.  Yuck!  But, thankfully, we made it in and the girls got to go trick-or-treating that night :)

NEW BABY

So, excited . . . just days before we left for furlough Thulile delivered a healthy baby boy.  Thulile is a dear friend who we've know since our first year in South Africa.  Her and her husband were our biggest language helpers and now Thulile is a worker at Calvary Care Home.  Can't wait to see the little guy when we get back

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 :)