IT'S GOOD TO HAVE FRIENDS

Yes, I think we would all agree with this.  But, sometimes I forget and recently we were reminded how important this is.  Friendships that honor God are His gifts to us; to encourage, rebuke, come along side  AND watch out for us.

Watching out for us- that's how we saw God's gift of friendship in action recently.

A social worker had brought two patients by bus to a neighboring town for Kyle to pick up and bring to the Care Home.  We thought this a little odd, usually Kyle goes to the patients' homes to pick them up.  But none the less, we did it their way.

A week later the patients were wanting to go back home.  Our friend, Pastor Clement caught wind of this (his wife works at the Care Home) and quickly called Kyle.  He laid out a very stern warning, asking Kyle to, "Please send them back by bus and never travel to their area.  It's not safe!"

We were so thankful for his warning.  We would have never know that their community differed from all the other townships we travel in and out of.

Below is a picture of Kyle and Pastor Clement.  He has been a wonderful friend, language helper and culture teacher since 2007!

GOD HAS HIS REASONS

And a lot of times I don't understand.  But, it is such an incredible blessing when we gives us a glimpse of His divine plan.  Sometimes we get to see His reasons in the middle of our confusion or frustration.

Frustration.  That's what I was feeling.  Lots of it.  Calvary Care Home had set empty for several weeks.  No patient referrals.  How could we be in the middle of one of the largest AIDS pandemics and not have any patients?  I kept asking God this question over and over.

Then finally, the calls came and we got several referrals.  We were so excited.  We called to workers to come in and Kyle made arrangements to go pick people up.  But, it didn't go quite as planned.  A social worker had arrived at the bus stop with two grannies, not HIV+ and not sick.  They didn't fit our admittance criteria at all!  Kyle took a few minutes to think through the situation and then by the prodding of the Holy Spirit, told the two ladies that we could take them for two weeks.  He couldn't imagine putting them back on a bus when they were so excited to come.

When he told me about the two ladies, I was disappointed to say the least!  "They aren't even sick," I thought.  But then he proceeded to tell me their stories, to share what they had poured out to him . . . . The first lady had 7 children.  Five have died with AIDS and her remaining two are "sick".  She's preparing herself to bury all of her children in her lifetime.  Her heart hurts.
The second lady is caring for her grandchildren, but some of the older boys have gotten into trouble with the law.  The police have been out to her house and one of the grandsons was shot and killed.  She's not sure of the future. Her heart hurts.

Christ is the only healing for that type of hurt!  Our prayer for these strong ladies is that Christ would change their lives and give them the strength to continue. The grannies are really the ones holding the communities together.  I'm so glad He brought them to us!

Then on Thursday, Kyle goes out to get another patient.  He comes back and says, "She's 22 years old. Not HIV+.  And has had a sore throat for a year."

Here I was frustrated with God again.  Why can't we have HIV+ women who actually need our care?  I was practically shouting this in my heart!  It didn't feel like we were doing anything important.

But God had His reasons . . . .

After some thought, we decided to take the new young lady to the clinic here in Richards Bay (her clinic would only give her a pain medicine for her throat) and see if they would treat her.  Well, the clinic was able to convince her to take an HIV test and it came back positive (explains the year long sore throat) and we are now waiting for the results of some further tests.  But in the mean time, we will begin teaching what it means to live HIV+, talk about medications, and try to keep her immune system strong until she can get on medications.  Kyle will continue to the Bible lessons and we will pray that God grips her heart.

I should learn by now that God has His reasons for EVERY person that He brings to us!

WHEN KYLE IS GONE

Kyle just returned from a conference where he was gone 2 nights.

People often ask me if I'm afraid or worry about our safety when Kyle is gone.

I always answer, "Yes and No".

The "yes" part is because we are always on guard and always taking precautions.  The break-ins, high-jackings, murder and crimes against women are always a threat.  There is always that possibility even when you take every precaution you can think of.

BUT, the "no" part is bigger than the "yes" :)  The "no" part involves God.

Our lives are in God's hands, our safety is in God's hands.  That gives me incredible peace when home alone.  The girls and I have tea parties, watch princess movies and eat ice cream.  I sleep well and long. Precautions- yes, fears- no.

Some of you then ask, "what precautions do you take?"

At night:  one dog sleeps outside, one dog sleeps inside down the hall with the bedrooms
                our house alarm calls an armed response guard
                our doors have gates and our windows have bars
                we sleep with mace in arms reach

Below is a pic of the things at my bedside when Kyle is gone: cell phone, keys with panic button, mace gun, lg can of mace spray

GOD'S PROVISION

Story of God's provision: 

The week before Easter, we went camping for a few days here in Richards Bay (to be close to the Care Home). The trip had its complications! The first day our car battery died and our camping "neighbour" had to help us jump start it. Then it started pouring. And rained and rained and rained. Then the car battery wouldn't start again and our friendly neighbour had to give us a jump so Kyle could go buy a new battery. And more rain. 

But, things finally dried up and we camped "normally" for a couple days, enjoying the fire, smores, and pizza pies. The morning we were packing up, Abby wandered over to the neighbour that had helped us with the car and struck up a conversation. We didn't know what all that conversation entailed, but right before we left, then man came over to say our daughter is pretty good at PR and represented the Care Home. He said the bank he works for manages a donations foundation. He asked Kyle to email some info and he would see what they could do. 

Well, today R9000 come through ($1000) with a note that said, "It is small, but it is a start". They are looking at annually giving to the Care Home. 

What a blessing and how fun to watch God work through Abby and our dead car battery!

ORPHAN BOARDING SCHOOL

Our sending church's Sunday School kids from Cement City Baptist Church, gave money for school supplies to help a Christian school near by.  This school is dear to our heart as it is mostly for orphans, run by a wonderful pastor friend and greatly wants to see these children know their Saviour.

Here are a few pics from handing out the school supplies:

CARE HOME MEETING

Yesterday, all the returning workers and our family gathered at the Care Home for lunch.  We laughed, ate lunch, gave out lots of hugs, and handled some business.

One of our workers updated on us on a previous patient that had passed away in December.  It was hard knowing that we weren't there for her during her time of need AND not sure if she had put her trust in Christ before her death!

Lord willing, we will be taking patients on Monday, Feb 25th.

 Cuddling with Nonhlahla

 Thulile brought her little guy.  Natalie was SO happy!

Giving some "reminder" teaching on infection control

FULL HOUSE

To me, having a busy, full, loud house makes my heart happy.

Trails of ants eating up the dropped food tell me it was enjoyed  . . . all through the house:)
Piles of dishes to be washed shows the kitchen was well used.
And, muddy foot prints track the fun the kids were having.

This last week, we fulfilled the list above!

Thursday brought the joy of having guests for dinner.
Friday, saw a friend come over for tea with her 3 children.
Saturday was exciting with 11 kids and several adults here while a Sunday School training went on at the church.
And, Sunday was great with a staff braai at our home after church.

Now, some of you might ask how this all works since I'm still struggling with my mono?
There are several ways that God has provided:
First, I have an amazing husband who also loves having guests over and helps a ton!
Secondly, God has gifted us with a wonderful home with lots of space for children to run and adults to fellowship.
Thirdly, I am learning my limitations and when I need to sit and join in the fellowship instead of sweeping the ants or making the second round of coffee :)

Please continue to pray for my battle with mono and wisdom as to what I can tackle and what needs to be left!