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!

GETTING BACK INTO THE SWING

       It is great to be back in South Africa.  We made it back just in time for the last of the mangos on our tree, hot sticky weather and the start of avo season!  More importantly, it is great to reconnect with friends, be back at Calvary Baptist Church and work towards reopening Calvary Care Home.  It always seems a bit overwhelming; the cleaning, paperwork, restocking and praying that God will send us patients.  This next week, I have a few appointments set up to reintroduce the Care Home and the ministry.  One is with the local Hospice nurse manager and the other with the head ARV clinic nurse.  I'm praying that God would give me favor in their eyes and that they would understand the work we are trying to do.
     The girls are enjoying reconnecting with friends.  The week after we got back, we hosted the Field Council meeting at our home.  This was a wonderful time to see the other missionaries and touch base with how their ministries are going.

                                              All the missionary kids at the meeting

       Another fun part for the girls was jumping back into their rhythmic gymnastic classes.  We had left for the states before the annual prize giving, so the girls were very excited to get their trophies and medals from the last year!

        Emily received a trophy for winner of the Level 1 under 9 group with a few medals added on to that.  Abby received a trophy for winner of the Level 3 under 11 group and a trophy for Best Level 3 Gymnast (and a few more medals).  They did great!

FLYING

Flying is always an adventure . . . especially with kids.  But this trip back to South Africa went pretty well.  We boarded in Washington D.C Wednesday evening.  Stopped some time in the middle of the night in Dakar or refuel.  Landed in Jo'burg in the afternoon (South African time).  Then hoped on the last flight to Durban.  Wonderful co-workers met us at the airport and we were finally all tucked into bed by 1am.

 Emily finally figured out a comfy spot!

 Natalie did better than expected!

Abby enjoys the freedom of "ordering" from the flight attendants :)

PACKING

Packing- my LEAST favorite thing to do.  Maybe ever!

So very glad that Kyle is quite good at it and has incredible patients while I think and rethink about what needs to go in the suitcase.

This trip's packing has been a little challenging.  2+ years of school curriculum takes up quite a bit of space, especially when Abby's next couple of years are heavy with supplemental reading (I could only get a few on Kindle).  We also have a few of those "last minute" items that are still coming in the mail.  A few more school books, my bathing suit, etc.  I do hope they make it here!

But, unpacking is always fun and handing out goodies that we brought back is a favorite for the girls.

FAMILY

One of the most blessed parts of furlough is family!

Hearing their stories from the past couple years you've missed, telling OLD stories that still include you and watching your children deepen their understanding of family.

This furlough, family time was a little more bitter-sweet than the last.  Probably because my kids are getting older and I feel bad for the relationships and memories that they miss out on.  Maybe partly because my Grandmothers are getting older.  There's a little bit of disappointment that I won't be around to welcome new nieces/nephews into the world this next year.

But, all these "frustrations" warm my heart in a way . . . . I LOVE the fact that I have a big, loving family who work hard while we're home to make memories for my children.  LOVE the fact that the family is expanding and new little personalities will be met on the next furlough.  And, LOVE the stories that we will take back with us and retell over the next couple years!

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 :)