Setting down stakes

Setting down stakes is a term we often use to imply that we are here for the long term. Well, after being here for a little over a year, we are starting to set our own stakes down. We plotted out where our new home will be. I have to admit that it looks pretty small to me at this point, but everyone says it does at first. Still, it's pretty exciting. And a little oerwhelming. We will be building in the true African fashion. Step by step! We should be able to start digging the footings with in the next week. So, check back for regular progress or you can keep up with the building on our special website at http://mysite.verizon.net/resut3in/theshawsinafrica/

Deep in the heart of Texas!

Or maybe this should be titled: Texas is deep in my heart!
Either way, I am excited about going to Texas in 3 weeks. Yep, just 3 more weeks! I haven't been since we landed in South Africa almost 15 months ago. I can't wait to see how much my grandkids have grown, to hug my daughters & son-in-laws, to see my parents, sister, neices & nephew, hang out with great friends, go to my church, hear some awesome worship music, eat LOTS of mexican food, shop at the new Target and...well, you get the ideal! And, I get to fly Virgin for part of my flights. I'm pretty stoked about that!

I'll miss John & Rae of course. And all the people I do ministry & life with, both on base & in the communities. But I'll be back. I'm only spending 4 1/2 weeks in Texas. But hopefully, the blue bonnets will be in bloom, spring will be full-force, I can spend some time at the lake, catch up with friends, share a little bit about what has been going on in my life & get a little re-charged.

To all my wonderful friends who have made this possible, thank you so much! I can't express what your generosity means to me. This trip means alot to me. Thank you!

When cliches aren't just cliches

Every Wednesday, I have tea with the ladies that volunteer in Kabokweni to feed & care for the children in the community. This past Wednesday, we all shared something we were grateful for. As we went around the room, it was so wonderful to hear everyone's heart. When we got to Lucinda, I just wanted to cry tears of joy.

Last year, TTH built a home for Lucinda & her two teen girls. They had been living in a shack that was very unsafe. Lucinda was very ill & not expected to make it. There were many days during construction that she could not come out of her shack to talk to us. But, over the last few months, Lucinda has not only improved, she has started volunteering at the care center to help the children there. She still has some rough days, but when able, she works in the garden or helping prepare food for the feedings.

Yesterday as we were sharing, she said the one thing she was most grateful for was that she was alive. How many times have we been asked what we are grateful for & our pat answer is, "Well, I guess I'm just grateful to be alive"? It really struck me when she said that, how much we take things for granted. Like being alive to see our kids grow up. Or to be able to have a roof over our heads or doors that lock to keep our girls safe.

Cliches really do have merit sometimes!