The Shaw's

Smiles make my day

2010-10-12T00:43:00.002-05:00

Isn't it amazing how much a smile can make your day change from good to awesome?

Yesterday I was in Kabokweni with the New Hope team. We had a good afternoon preparing for the feeding, spending time with the volunteers & waiting for the kids to arrive. It was a long, hot afternoon & the kids had barely gotten there when we had to leave.

Alan Bennet is leading the team from New Hope & had been here last June with a group of guys to see come along side of our ministry. Alan, Steve Horvath, Bill Hinshaw & Jeff Mitchel spent some time working on a home for Lucy & her two daughters. Lucy was very ill with AIDS and her teenage daughters were at risk in their little shack with no protection from a drunk, abusive uncle. Their new home was a blessing. Lucy has been very ill but has recently gone back on ARV's & is doing well.

As we were ready to leave yesterday, Alan asked if we could go by to show the team the home he had worked on. As we drove up the street, Lucy was sitting on the neighbor's porch & saw us. She jumped up waving & ran towards the road with a huge smile on her face! Well, we couldn't just drive on by! Hugs were given all around & Lucy just couldn't stop smiling. She took Alan's hand & walked him to her home. A couple of the guys pitched in & carried water containers up the hill to her home too. I don't think Lucy stopped smiling the whole time we were there.

I couldn't get over the excitement Lucy had to see us. And her happiness to show off her home. It made my day complete.

A smile...what a difference it can make in your day.

New friends, new country-part 2

2010-08-14T11:59:00.000-05:00

Texans are probably some of my favorite people. Kacy's team from BACC was here for about 10 days to love on Kacy, experience Africa & get their hearts broken. I had the pleasure of helping with their team. Great bunch of people!

We did tell them at orientation that our prayer was for God to break their hearts for the things that break His. I'm not sure it's what they bargained for, but our prayers were answered. Time after time, they saw God in the people of South Africa. They experienced being the hands & feet of Christ, while seeing how heart-broken God is for his children here. And they truly showed what the Body of Christ is all about. As they ministered to the children & volunteers in each community, they brought so much hope & joy. And left with tears in their eyes. And seeking more.

On Monday, we went to Kabokweni for the feeding. I took the team on to see the new Care Center that is being built, one of the volunteers homes & to see one of the homes we built in the community for a gogo & 6 grandchildren. As we got to Khatiwe's house, Pastor Steven just broke down crying. Her home is nothing more than a small metal shed. No windows, dirt floor, one room. We wouldn't even use it to store our lawn tools in. I told him that when Khatiwe first got the house, she was so proud that she finally had a place of her own. A few weeks later, she had a snake come in her house & was then very scared to have her 2 small children there. I took a visiting team down & we circled the house & prayed over it. I told him how I believed that the snake was just satan's way of trying to steal her joy. Seeing the house & hearing the story absolutely wrecked Steven. As a father to 2 young girls, he couldn't stop crying over Khatiwe's story.

On Tuesday John took Steven & Carly to Mbonisweni. The team had been out the week before to the feeding at Pastor Sthembiso's church, but we wanted to show them a few homes & share the dreams of a safe house in Mbonisweni. As John started telling them of the riots, fires, circumcision camps & other things that we had experienced over the past year, Carly got very quiet. And upset. And mad. She had already experienced the kids & how heart-breaking, but rewarding that is. But to see the other side, the side that most people don't experience, the side that is a spiritual battle, well, let's just say she was a little mad at John for wrecking her for Africa. She already feels like God is calling her to do more here. Not sure what that looks like yet. Her souvenir was a tattoo of Africa with the quote "If I don't...who will?"

Needless to say, our time with them was too short, but long-lasting. They experienced all God had for them & are seeking more. At our debrief, after everything was talked about, Steven asked his team, "So, now that you know, you are responsible. What will you do?"
Hmmm, I think I will use that.

New friends, new country

2010-08-12T11:44:00.002-05:00

This past week I had the opportunity to go to Swaziland for the first time. A friend of mine, Kacy, had to renew her visa & since Swazi is only about 90 minutes away, we decided to go across the border for the night. I had heard how beautiful the country is & wanted to experience it myself.

Swaziland is the last remaining kingdom on the continent of Africa. The king has about 13 wives & marries from different tribes to ensure that there is no tribal wars. I would think that would create wars, not prevent them! Anyways, the drive was stunning. Mountains & views like you wouldn't believe. The first town across the border is Bulembu, which is an abandoned mining town. Asbestos was mined there & you can still see where they have cut into the mountains as well as the cable cars for transporting the asbestos. After the mining companies pulled out, the town was pretty devastated. In addition to the lack of jobs, AIDS/HIV are very high in the area. The town was left with orphans & people with no opportunities. A mission organization came in & bought the town. They now run the town as a tourist destination with all proceeds going towards orphan care. The goal is for the town to be completely self-sufficient by 2020. Care-givers & job training have been set up, homes converted to hotels, a honey plant started for jobs & a wonderful restaurant serves the tourist & brings in much needed jobs. All in all, it's a wonderful town with a future that seemed hopeless before.

And the best part of the trip was spending time with my friends Kacy & a team from her home church, Bay Area Community Church. You'll have to read the next blog for more about them!

House update

2010-08-05T07:54:00.000-05:00

I'm sure you have all been wondering how our house is coming along. We were able to get the foundation all bricked in and it looks great! The back-filling took a little time, since we were able to use the workers from the base instead of hiring outside help. But they worked on it when they didn't have other projects to do, so it was a little slow. The electric lines have been run down to the house & now we are almost ready to pour the slab. The workers have been on break for the last 2 weeks, so I'm sure it will be a few more weeks before they are able to get back on our house.

The next phase will be a bit more expensive & time-consuming. It will be the bricklaying part. But not only do we need all the brick, cement, labor & supplies for that, but we also have to have the doors & windows purchased as well so that the frames can be bricked in. It will be the expensive stage! But, it will really be the major part of the building. Please be praying for us, that God would provide all that we need in His time! Blessings!

Things are just a little different in South Africa

2010-08-02T07:39:00.003-05:00

Instead of graduation, they have Matric. Instead of Senior prom, they have Matric dance. And there sure aren't a lot of dresses to choose from! What they do have is either old looking or a little too risque, and very expensive. Most girls here have them made instead. One of our friends in the states mailed Rae 2 dresses, but do to the wonderful customs here, we weren't able to get them in time. Instead, we had our friend, Anneke, make her one. They had a great time designing & sewing it. I had the wonderful ideal of the boots! We really went with the 80's Madonna look. And it came out great, don't you think?

The after party was at the Botanical Gardens. John was the good dad & picked her up at 3am. Because here, you can't drive until you are 18...which is great when your daughter goes out to a dance! But, look real close on the ticket to the after party...caution, roaming hippos!!! See, I told you thing were just a little different here!

2010-07-31T07:20:00.002-05:00

Ndobile is a friend of mine that volunteers to take care of children in Kabokweni. I shared her story at my church a while back & in an earlier post. When I first met her last year, she had a newborn & a toddler, was living on her own in a small shack, with not much at all. It was cold & she had nothing. After sharing, a couple of wonderful people donated money & ask that she get some blankets. Well, we did better than that! We were able to use the money donated to buy her a nice queen bed with everything needed. Sheets, pillows, comforter & lots of blankets! It was fun being able to shop for her & bless her like that. But the funnest part was trying to deliver it. She lives up the side of the mountain. You can only drive up so far, and then you have to hike up this path. The day we were going to deliver it, of course there were no men around! So 5 of us girls decided that we would do it ourselves. Oh my! Five women, 2 toddlers & a baby...what a sight! I carried all the bedding, while the other women carried the mattress & box springs. Ndobile had the baby tied to her back, in the true African style, and still managed to get the bed up the mountain. We had so much fun making the bed & getting pictures & Ndobile was very appreciative!

As we were walking back down the mountain, a man was walking up. I greeted him in Siswati & he started talking to me. The girls told me he said I was beautiful & wanted to know if I had a husband. I told him yes, but thank you. I was feeling pretty good, being with all the young pretty women. But then, Ndobile said, "Auntie, I think he doesn't know that you are old." Um, well then! So much for that!

But we did have a good time & not only blessed Ndobile, but worked a few muscles that haven't been worked in a while!

Things you don't want to hear your husband say when he's in another country

2010-06-06T08:59:00.003-05:00

1. "They are taking us to jail now"
2. "My phone is almost dead"

It's really not good when #2 immediately follows #1!

To back up just a bit, John went to Mozambique with Pastor Sthembiso & some members of the church this past week for an outreach. They were working in Xiaxia with some friends of ours that have a Youth For Christ base. Sthembiso's church had been once before & were eager to go again. The trip was a short one, from Tuesday to Friday, with lots of driving over very bad roads. Not to mention the hassle of crossing the border, pulling a trailer loaded down with donations. Potholes a foot deep are common in Moz, as well as corruption. But the ministry time was well worth it.

In the town of Xiaxia, there is a bridge that you have to pass over to get into & out of the city. Getting in is no problem, but to exit the city, you have to pay a toll. Well, in their case, it was the Hotel California...you can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave!

I got a text from John that said, "Pray. Heavy fine or jail". So, I immediately called him. I thought he was already at the border of Moz & SA. Nope, just the city, and apparently without the paperwork that nobody had ever heard of. Evidently, there is a new law, that if you are transporting people, you need some paper. Or there is a heavy fine or jail. So, our call pretty much went like this: "Where are you?" "I'm in Xiaxia & they are taking us to jail NOW" "For what?" "Paperwork stuff. Mark is on his way but the guy won't wait. My phone is going dead, so you probably can't get a hold of me. Gotta go." "Turn off your phone & I'll call back in an hour."

Not a fun conversation! And then getting NO information for 3-4 hours is not fun either! But, it all worked out fine. Mark made it there before they took them to jail & impounded the vehicle, they convinced the policeman to let them go type up the papers they needed, took them to be stamped & then were on their way. And afterwards, it was easier to see God's hand in it...they were stopped 6 more times before they got out of Mozambique. If they hadn't been so close to Mark, they would not have been able to get the proper papers & probably would have been in jail...for who knows how long!

Crazy Love, crazy day

2010-05-26T11:04:00.003-05:00

I've been reading this book, Crazy Love by Francis Chan. I love to read at night, but I just can't read this one at bedtime. So, after my quiet time in the mornings, I pick it up & read a little. I usually can't even get though a whole chapter. I have to read a section & put it down. It just makes me search.

I'm on the chapter about "People of the obsessed". The section I was reading this morning was all about loving people. You know, not the way you or I love someone, but the way God loves. Hmmm. After having my clothes stolen off the line last week, I thought I was doing ok. We had found out who had taken them & I was actually heart-broken & sad for the person who did it. Hmmm, little pat on the back there.

"True love is loving a person after he has hurt you". Ok God, got it.

After teatime today, we went to the atm to withdraw money to buy the bricks for our foundation. The atm was acting weird, and a guy reached over my shoulder to push the language button. John saw & got out of the car. I pushed the cancel buttons, but it wouldn't give me back my debit card. After trying for about 15 mins., John went across to the bank while I stayed guard over the machine. If it spit my card back out, I was going to get it. Well, no luck. So, we came home & immeadiately logged on to check our account. So far, so good. Then I checked how to report a card lost or stolen. And immeadiately went back to the balance page. WHAM, R3000 withdrawn. My fingers flew over the page to report my card stolen & have it immeadiately deactivated.

So here I am, re-reading the section. And praying for God to give me His heart.

Right after that happened, we were going out to the home that we had just gotten ready for two teenage boys. We decided to do just the opposite of what satan would have us do. So, we went to the store & bought them some groceries. I snuck in a box of chocolate Oatees (cheerio's). I pray those boys were not only blessed with a home of their own today, but also a few things for them to eat.

But I'm still praying for God to give me His heart. Cause I really need it right now.

Phase 1 begins!

2010-05-18T07:09:00.002-05:00

So it doesn't look like much, but most of the footings have been dug and the river sand, building sand, rock & 30 bags of cement were delivered. Tomorrow, they will dig the footings for the bathroom & staircase and then start pouring the footings. Not too exciting to most people, but to us, it is a start & we are getting very excited! Next we will order the brick & then they will start the foundation. And so begins phase 1! More to come!

Setting down stakes

2010-03-19T10:01:00.002-05:00

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!

2010-03-17T06:35:00.002-05:00

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

2010-03-10T23:29:00.002-06:00

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!

2010-02-18T23:09:00.003-06:00

Meet Steven. He's one of our wonderful workers here at Ten Thousand homes. He's been with us for well over a year and although he's very quiet, I have had the opportunity to talk with him quite a bit lately. He helps head up the construction on the homes & care centers in the communities. This past week, we had a team in Kabokweni working on the new care center. Steven was busy digging a "poo pit" with some of the guys. It was extremely hard work! They had to dig the pit 3 meters deep and were continuously hitting rock. During one of the breaks, I was talking to him & joking about how hopefully our footing for the new home would not be into rock. He asked when we were starting on our home. I told him hopefully soon soon (very soon). He told me he was taking a month off for personal reasons. I didn't ask more, but let it go. A few days later, Michael told me that Steven had taken off because his 4yr old daughter was very ill. Steven told him he was taking her to a specialist and that she was dying. We are not really sure what it is, he just indicated something with her stomach.

I have to say that somethings just never get easier. I am so heart-sick & heart-broken. My heart cries out to God. I want to do something. Anything. It is a truly helpless feeling. I can't imagine the pain of losing a child. I can't imagine the helplessness that he must be feeling. And every time I think of it, my stomach just feels sick. Sick that it is so common here. And I just want to stomp my feet & say, "No more God!" And as I write this, we get a text from Pastor Sthembiso that one of the girls in his community just passed away. A generation is being lost here. Kids and young people who could make a difference in this world. People, individuals. Not nameless, faceless statistics. And it just makes me sick.

UPDATE
Steven was able to take his daughter to a specialist in Nelspruit & word is that she is recovering & doing well. Thank you Jesus & thank each of you for the prayers!

Blessing others & being blessed

2010-02-05T08:48:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was a special day. The Home that was built by the YWAM Orlando team was dedicated prayed over. There are still a few minor things to be done, like a door to be hung, the floor to be poured in the old room & a few more panes of glass to be put in. But with the team leaving today for Rustenburg, we wanted them to be able to bless the home & the people they have worked so hard to provide a home for.

The Orlando team did a fantastic job with the help of 2 of our favorite workers, Steven & Simbisiso. I must say, I think it is one of the prettiest homes we have built. And during the building process, the team took the time to build relationship with the ladies that live near by. The kids loved playing with everyone & would often bring them mangos.

The team decided to take up a collection to get a home warming present. They were able to get quite a few necessities as well as some special treats for the kids! After the prayer time & presenting of the gift, the gogo thanked the team& told them that before they built the home, every time it rained she would not be able to sleep. Just seeing her smile blessed the team. I think they were as blessed as the family. And that's what it's all about!

Breaking ground!

2010-01-22T06:55:00.002-06:00

Did I mentionin my last blog that there are 29 people on the YWAM Orlando team? They wouldbe tripping all over theirselves trying to build the one home, so we had them start digging the footin for the care center in Kabokweni.

My wonderful friend, Elizabeth, pictured above, and her group of volunteers feed approximately 140 kids 4-5 days a week out of her garage. Ten Thousand Homes has been in the process of getting a care center built on the donated land behind her home. There has been lots of prep work, from building a new road to erecting a water tower.

The past 2 weeks, part of the Orlando team have been digging the footing. Let me tell ya, it's some hard, back-breaking work! Some spots are nice & sandy, while others are solid rock! Here's a few pictures of them getting started. And while they are rotating out team, they all take time to play & love on the kids! More updated pictures to come!

2010-01-21T01:01:00.002-06:00

January started off with a bang at Ten Thousand Homes! A wonderful outreach team from YWAM Orlando arrived the first week with the money they had raised to build an orphan home. Knowing they were coming, we asked Elizabeth to help us locate a family in need. She connected us with a Gogo (grandmother) who is raising 3 small children & had taken in 4 more girls ranging in age from 7-15. When we went to meet her, it was obvious that this family needed help & hope. They were living in a small, 1 room house with a roof that was a mix of patched tin & plastic. The 4 girls had been staying in a wood shack beside the house, but the recent rains had knocked it over & so it was unlivable.

After making the necessary arrangements, we went to work! The team was so quick that I wasn't able to get pictures of the original wood shack. They had it torn down before I got the last load of people out there! Then came the hard work! Hauling loads of brick, sand, water & rock down the hill was only the beginning. Working under the hot African sun doesn't make it much easier, but this team has done an awesome job! Here's a few pictures of the beginning stages of the new home. I'll keep you updated as the progress continues.

Please keep our Orlando team in your prayers, as well as the family that God has called us to help.

Youth Camp

2009-12-29T23:20:00.003-06:00

We had the pleasure of hosting a youth camp with Pastor Sthembiso on our campus the week before Christmas. There were over 80 teens/young adults here. It was amazing! John, Rae & I all had the opportunity to speak.

John spoke on Ephesians 5 to the young men in the camp. He talked about the role of husbands & what that means. God's word transcends cultures. Women are to respect their husbands. And husbands are to love their wives like Jesus loves the church. The role of men in any society is crucial. And for most of the young men in SA, there isn't a role model. So many of them have grown up without a father figure. But God has specific instructions on how to do this. It was a very open discussion with John challenging them with God's truth. Once you know the truth, you are responsible for it. Of course, mentoring is the key. John, Pastor Sthembiso & Stanley are meeting weekly with the young men to discuss what is going on in their lives & what God's word says.

Rae spoke on "A Generation of Change". God put this on her heart a year or so ago. It doesn't matter what your age is, you can make a difference. She spoke to the young women about making a change in their communities & in the world. She then asked them to write down ways that they could make a difference. Afterwards, they shared. One young lady shared that if they were always holding on to the past, they couldn't grasp hold of the future. Rae did a wonderful job & God used her in a special way.

I taught on the Motivational gifts. We talked a lot about what ministry is & isn't. It's not about what you do on Sunday mornings or only at church. It's about life & everyone you come in contact with. Then we talked about the different kinds of gifts, looked at the motivational gifts & did a survey to see what each persons gifts were. I asked the group to please be interactive & ask lots of questions. And they did! It was an awesome experience. There is nothing like God using you in a way that brings change & transformation to others!

I think the camp was a great experience not only for the youth, but for our family as well. We are so blessed to have this amazing relationship with Pastor Sthembiso. And to be able to live this life that God has called us to. Thank you to all of you who make that happen!

Katiwhe

2009-12-26T23:31:00.002-06:00

This is my friend, Katiwhe. She is one of the amazing young women who serves the children in the community of Kabokweni. When I first met her back in March, she was not doing so well. She was depressed & had talked of taking her own life & her 2 childrens as well. Her life seemed hopeless & sad. She is 20 years old, has a 6 yr old & 18 month old. She lived with her father & step-mother. Her step-mother would withhold food from her & accuse her of stealing food if she ate. She was nursing her baby, looke liked she was nothing but skin & bones & had no way out. This amazing young lady volunteers 5 days a week to cook & serve over 100 kids who have even less.

Recently, she was able to get a "home" of her own. Her father worked out a deal with a neighbor & fixed up this tiny shack for her. It is tiny. One room, no window, dirt floor. It has a bed, a light bulb & extension cord & a little shelve on cinder blocks for her hot plate & tea kettle. Yet, when she told me about it, her face lit up! She walked me to her place & with pride, showed me her new home. The change in her has been amazing! She is happy & has dreams for the future. Some day, she would like to have her own little cafe. She dreams of being able to provide for her girls. Although Ten Thousand Homes did not provide her home, it just goes to show what a difference a home brings to those who don't have one. It brings a place of security & hope.

Christmas

2009-12-26T09:47:00.003-06:00

So, for the first time EVER, we weren't with family & friends at Christmas. We decided to just take it easy, hang out at the pool, throw some cream-cheese stuffed, bacon wrapped jalapenos on the grill and relax...Not too bad! Then we spent the evening Skyping the kids, grandkids & parents, watched a few episodes of "The Office" and relaxed some more. Overall, not bad at all!

2009-12-10T23:29:00.001-06:00

Ticket from South Africa to Texas: Expensive
Walking your daughter down the aisle & dancing at her wedding: Priceless!

Good works vs God's work

2009-10-21T07:14:00.003-05:00

One of the things God has been speaking to me about lately is doing God's work vs good work. Being a missionary, there is plenty of good work to do. God wasn't telling me to stop doing what I was doing, but to make sure that I'm doing His work. So, after meditating & praying about it, what I really got out of all this is that it is up to me to make sure I am doing what God wants me to do. That didn't mean in my case to sit & pray about every activity that I'm doing, but to see God in all that is going on. Let's face it, it's easy to get into the task mode. You know which one I mean. Oh, it's Monday...that means we go to Kabokweni, feed kids, play with them, maybe help do the dishes, etc., etc. Task mode! Good work! But God was saying, "Are your eyes open to me being there?" So, instead, it's a heart attitude. God, can I show your love to a child today by holding him? Does my eyes meet those of the little girl I hand a plate to to show her value in your eyes? Am I speaking encouraging words & life into the ladies who are volunteering? Does anyone see you through me today?

I detest...

2009-09-20T01:10:00.000-05:00

Doing dishes!

I know, almost everyone does. Not on the favorite list of anyone I know. But I have to say, it's even more of a pain living in South Africa. First, there is no automatic dishwasher! Oh no! I haven't seen one since we've been here. I'm pretty sure they have them in this country somewhere, but I can't say I've looked. I'm too afraid I would find one & want it really bad! But I regress! So hand washing it is! Added to that, we have one small (and I do mean small!) sink in our kitchen. With no hot water. And there is no Dawn Ultra dish soap here either! So, here are the steps to washing dishes.

First, make sure everything is scraped & dumped out. Then, plug the sink with the plug that doesn't quite fit by using the scrubby pad under the plug. Then, 2 empty water jugs from the bathtub faucet with hot water. Use 1 jug to fill the sink while pouring in a quarter bottle of dish soap. Then, start with glasses & cups. Use one of the cups to pour rinse water into from the 2nd jug. Rinse each glass & cup with the rinse water, pouring the rinse water back into the first cup as you go. Next, it's on to plates & bowls. Repeat the process of rinsing. Usually, it's time to change the water after this. So, back to the bathtub! Next it's time for the pots & pans. No non-stick here! No siree! Well, one non-stick, very small frying pan, but other than that, nope! So, scrub away! Rinse & repeat. Last, time for silverware. Wash a hand full, stick it in the glass, pour water over & put in the drying rack. Finally! Dishes done. Whew!

And yes, I do realize that I have a 15 yr. old. Unfortunately, she inherited her uncle's gag reflex in regards to washing dishes. But I make up for that with her having bathroom duty! I'm so mean, but hey!

So, I dream. Not of an automatic dishwasher. Oh no. I dream of a nice, big, double sink with hot running water! Sometimes, you have to dream for attainable goals, not necessarily the big dreams!

Home is more than a house...

2009-07-30T23:42:00.001-05:00

It's times like now that bring this inot focus. Many of you may have read about the home that the Orlando team built last month. If not, go to www.tenthousand.blogspot.com The home was built for a single mom with 2 children. Often, the neice is there as well when her mother is not doing well with her illness.

Last night, we recieved the news that the mom had passed away. Now, the 15 yr. old boy will be the head of the household, with a young sister to take care of. The immeadiate needs seem overwhelming enough. Money to release the body to the funeral home, cost of a funeral, paying to keep the electricity on, no food in the house. And then to thnk of the long term needs; well, it seems a little daunting to me, I can only imagine how a 15 yr. old boy feels.

Last night, Ryan asked if there was anyone to stay with the children until the grandfather arrived. When we found out there wasn't, Ryan & Mongolisa packed a bag, grabbed some food & headed out. Two selfless guys, doing what neede to be done.

Our job now is to make sure these children don't fall through the cracks. How can we help make sure they are taken care of & not taken advantage of? How do we ensure that their needs are met so the boy doesn't have to quit school & get a job to support his sister? How do we help make sure the sister isn't raped or abused? Thankfully,we are working with a wonderful pastor in the community. Pastor Stembiso & his wife have the heart of God & the faith of Abraham. Our prayer is we can come along side of them & see the children grow up taken care of & knowing the love of the Father.

It's about...

2009-07-06T07:50:00.002-05:00

Sometimes, it seems all about the task. You know, potatoes to be peeled, food to be served, homes to be built, etc. There is so much that needs to be done.

But ultimately, it's about this. The children.

Hope for a community

2009-07-04T23:13:00.003-05:00

For the last 2 weeks, we have had the privilege to host a short term team from the YWAM Orlando base. This group of 6 men & 6 women raised the money to build a home and dedicated 2 weeks here to accomplish that task. We are blessed to be working with an amazing pastor in the community & he found a family that had a great need. The family lived in this small shack. The mother, who is on her death bed, had 2 children & an aunt had come to live with them with her child to help out.

Pastor organized a group of young adults to help in any way they could. Before the team arrived, they began gathering water in any container they could find & hauling it to the construction site. Throughout the entire 2 weeks, these young people were there to do whatever needed done, for nothing more than the reward of helping someone in need. If there was mortar to be mixed, they mixed it; if there were blocks to be unloaded, the jumped in; if there was a need for scaffolding, they made it. All with a joyful heart.

The Orlando team was determined to finish the home in the short time span they were here. After 10 days of working their tails off, the home is 99% finished with only a few small things to be done. The amazing thing to me in all this tho was every time I was out there, I saw this team engaging relationally with the kids from the home, the young adults that helped & anyone from the community that came by. The Orlando team not only accomplished the task that theyhad set out for, they also engaged people from this community in relationships. Everyone in the community & here at Ten Thousand homes will be sad to see them leave. They not only brought hope to this family, they brought Hope to a community.

And so what do you do?

2009-07-02T13:52:00.002-05:00

Today when I went to Kabokweni, Elizabeth asked me to go with her to check on some children. She was told about them from the home based care workers & wanted to see for herself. After driving half way up the mountain on what were called roads, we finally parked the truck & hiked the rest of the way. Thankfully, it wasn't too bad. When we first got to the house, my initial thought was that it wasn't too bad. The house was small, but looked like a nice little log-cabin type. When we went inside tho, it was quite obvious how hard things were. The home was maybe 10 x10, with a small area partitioned off. The floors were dirt & the only thing inside was a small shelf with oil & salt on it and a very thin mattress. The walls were covered in blue plastic. You could see 2 inch gaps all throughout the house.

The lady who lived there had a 6 yr. old, 2 yr. old & a 2 month old. The baby had recently been in the hospital. The mother told us that the husband had left while she was pregnant & she had delivered the baby in the home by herself. There was no food in the house or any blankets.

I have to say, it was pretty heart-wrenching to see this. And to not be able to do anything, well, it makes you feel so helpless. At the very least, I know the two older children will be able to eat at least 3 times a week. But for the rest of the time? And the mother with the newborn? And how will they stay warm on these nights when the temp is dropping into the 30's? How will I sleep tonight knowing they are struggling with no hope?

Mornings...

2009-06-23T23:31:00.002-05:00

Yes, I'm a morning person. I routinely wake up between 5 to 5:30, even without the alarm. Some people think this is insane, but I love it. There's nothing like the quiet of the morning. It's still dark and things are still & peaceful. Slowly, the last few stars begin to fade. The birds start to rouse, chirping & flying about. It seems like if you sit still and listen, you can hear God's soft whisper. Right before your eyes, the horizon turns the most beautiful shade of indigo, slowly softening to a soft pink. A new day has arrived.

What is in store for this day? What does God want for me today? God, how can I show your face to others today? Or better yet your heart? Can I give someone an encouraging word? Will my arms wrap around a child who has no parents? What if I just help peel potatoes & chop onions? Will someone feel your love from that?

All I know is that if I first seek my God in the still quiet of the mornings, I'm better equipped to show His love the rest of the day. When I see His beauty as the day breaks, I'm better able to reflect His beauty the rest of the day.

There but by the grace of God...

2009-05-04T10:59:00.002-05:00

As they drove farther into the bush, Lauren explained to the team that the floods that had hit Mozambique the year before had really hurt the people here. There was very little food, no medical care & jobs were scarce. Lauren works for Youth For Christ and had taken the group into the village she helps in. Instead of the normal pap, she serves the chilfdren a much thinner porridge style mealie meal. That way it goes farther. Still, the children are hungry. Lauren often uses her meager funds to supplement the porridge with veggies. It's all she can do.

When the team arrived, the children all came around. The team had brought bubbles and balloons for the children. Their eyes got big as they blew bubbles. They didn't even careabout blowing up the balloons, as long as they could hold them.

There were many little girls, around 5-8 yrs. old, who cared younger siblings tied to there backs. This children would take care of their baby brother or sister all day. One girl, about 5 yrs. old, wore her little pink chiffon dress. It was ripped, had missing buttons and not veryclean. But she was so proud of her little dress. Another boy, about 8,came in his little 3 peice suit. He wanted to make a good impression on the visitors.

As pooras this community was, these children had one thing that was amazing. Their smiles. They were such a happy group of kids. The joy and happiness was beyond understanding. But it was there. And so was God.

As related by John after his trip to Mozambique

Bandula

2009-04-28T23:42:00.002-05:00

When the team from my home church was here about a month ago, they went to the village of Kabokweni. Elizabeth is the lady there who started a drop-in feeding program after seeing so many children in her area going hungry. She now feeds about 150 children 5 days a week. The team was able to spend a few days at her center, helping with the feeding program & doing a short VBS for the kids. The children loved it!

The last day the team spent with Elizabeth, she took them to the home of one child who needed help. Since his mother died, he had been living with his grandparents. The house was on the side of the mountain & 2 huge boulders had crashed through the 2 rooms. They were using what ever they could find to keep the rain & cold out, but it wasn't helping much. They told Elizabeth that they had no food & he hadn't eaten in a few days. The grandparents asked Elizabeth to take him in. Elizabeth told them she would pray & talk to her husband. The team was able to donate some food for the family to at least hold them over.

Bandula is still living with his grandparents, but spends every day with Elizabeth. He is able to have 3 meals a day there & take some of the burden off his grandparents. As I spent the day at Elizabeth's on Monday, he was attached to me & wouldn't let me out of his sight. Every chance he got, he would drag me to a chair & tell me, "Sit down". Then he would proceed to climb in my lap & just hold me. There were many kisses & he would turn my head if he wanted me to look at something.

It struck me how much this child just needs attention & love. His need for food is being taken care of, but what about the love of a mother? Can you imagine your child, at 5 years old, having no one to hold him or kiss him or tuck him in at night? I can't solve many problems, but I can hold a child. I can love on him & show him what God's love is like, even if we don't speak the same language. It somehow makes it all worth while.

My"Master" is back!

2009-04-20T02:01:00.002-05:00

Over the last 2 weeks, several of the workers here on the property have been asking, "When will your master be back". Well, I wanted to tell them that I wasn't really sure when Jesus was coming again, but was looking forward to that day! I was pretty sure that that wasn't what they were asking though. In the African culture, my husband is called my master. Hhhmmm, takes a little getting used to!

Of course, on the other side, I am called Madam or Madam Carla quite a bit, so that is nice. I'm just wondering if they would ask John where his "Madam" is. Well, guess that sounds like the woman who runs a cat house! Oh well! When in Rome....

It cost how much?

2009-04-08T00:17:00.002-05:00

Before John left for outreach on Monday, he went to the mall to pick up a few things he needed to take with him. (Side note - yes, they have malls in South Africa!) I asked him to pick me up a silverware holder while he was there. You know, the little plastic tray thingy that you put your forks, spoons & knives in to keep your drawer organized. So, he comes back with this plastic one & says, "That thing cost
R99! That's outrageous!" So, that's about $10. Of course, being female, I would have found something else that was cheaper but would have served the same purpose. But, good hubby that he is, wife told him to get a silverware holder, and he got a silverware holder!

Later that afternoon, he decided to take the truck to the mechanic before he left because it was making a noise & he wanted to make sure it was ok while he was gone. The guys drives it around the parking lot & then pulls it into the bay. He starts taking the wheel off, fiddles with something, puts the wheel back on & drives it out. He tells John the brakes were fine, it was just a little peice of metal that was bent the wrong way. He's good to go & no charge. John tries to give him a little money to go buy a pint, but the guy says no, just come back when you need work. As John starts up the truck, the guy tells him to wait; he hears something. So, he climbs under the truck & then tells John there is a couple of holes in the exhaust pipe. They don't fix that there, but sends him 3 doors down to have it taken care of.

John drives down to the next shop & the guy waves him onto the ramp & proceeds to raise the truck, with him in it, up about 6 ft. in the air! He puts a metal sleeve over the holes & welds them on. After lowering John & the truck, he tells John it will be 50 bucks. John ask if that's American or Rand. Well, rand of course! So about $5 to have the truck fixed.

So, he spends $10 for a plastic silverware holder & $5 to have 2 things fixed on the truck. Makes lots of sense, huh? Good thing theyused metal to fix the exhaust instead of plastic. If it was plastic, we wouldn't have been able to afford it!

Oh the joy!

2009-04-04T12:37:00.003-05:00

The team from our home church, New Hope, in Wylie, Texas was here for the past 10 days. It was so good to see them, including my best friend! What a blessing they were. They were able to spend sometime in the communities we work in & also to bless the staff here at Ten Thousand Homes. We had lots of late nights, hanging out on the patio talking & just catching up. It was so much fun, but over so fast.

When they got here, it was like Christmas! They brought us all kinds of goodies that friends & family had sent. We got plastic bowls, Starbucks coffee, candy, magazines, razors, Tylenol, taco seasoning, Pace picante sauce, pinto beans, etc. And my daughter sent me a digital key chain with pictures of her & the grandkids! There was so much stuff, I still haven't found a place for everything!

That was all a huge blessing & couldn't have asked for more. But, the day they left, one of our staff came out with an envelope with our name on it. Inside was a receipt that said "to be delivered". No description of what it was. Well, John & Rae went to the store the next day to see. When they showed the lady the slip, she said, "You don't know what you bought?" After John explained how someone else bought it for us before returning to the states, she said,"Oh, a surprise! Then I can not tell you. But the truck will follow you. You can go home now." So, they followed John home & much to our surprise, there was a brand new fridge! We were so excited & blessed!

They went above and beyond blessing us this past week & the fridge was even more than we could have imagined. So, to our New Hope family, thank you for all the blessings. Each one is very special to us!

No wolverine sighting yet, but...

2009-04-04T12:20:00.002-05:00

Every time I talk to my grandson, he ask me if I've seen a wolverine yet. Not quite sure why he thinks I will see one, but then again, he's 6. The first 2 months of being in South Africa, I had really seen very little wild life. Some really cool birds, lots of lizards and that was about it. Until this past week. So, first I saw a mongoose. Mongooses (mongeese?) are great to have around as they kill snakes. Supposedly there are quite a few on the property, but I had never seen one until last week. Cute, curious little things. A lot like ferrets. My thought though is, if there are lots of mongoose, does that mean there are lots of snakes? Or are the snakes gone because there are a lot of mongoose? Hhhmmm....

Then, yesterday morning, I was out walking Gracie right around sunrise. As we stood staring out into the newly cleared field behind our house, I saw what looked like a big deer. I'm guessing it was an impala, although I thought impalas were smaller than that. It saw us & hopped off between the rocks.

So, the wildlife is really starting to show itself. I could have done without the next thing. I was standing at the patio door talking to Rae & suddenly saw a HUGE snake slither from the side of our house to the rocks beside our patio. It looked to be about 3-4 feet long & was a blackish silver color. I went to get some help. Stanley, one of our African DTS students, came over with a jug of gasoline & a lighter. I showed him where the snake went in the crack & he threw the gas in & lit it on fire. By that time, there was quite a crowd. Trust me, I was standing as far away as I could! I was thinking, hmmm,roasted snake! But NO! The snake comes slithering out & goes down a little farther to the big rock pile. Well, I had to leave after that, but apparently they kept trying to kill it since there is a lot of burned rocks! So far I haven't seen it again & will be just fine if I don't!

A Day at the AIDS Hospice

2009-03-22T11:04:00.002-05:00

When I first walked in the room, all I could see was a bald head & huge eyes. His covers were wrapped up to far, I couldn't see anything else. Come to find out, there wasn't a whole lot more to see. He stood about 6 ft., but was nothing but skin & bones. I've seen pictures of holocaust survivors, but never had I seen anything like this in person.

His name is Vincent. I'm assuming he has HIV/AIDS since I was at the AIDS hospice. He spoke very little, but would get up & walk outside about every 2 hours. After sitting for a while, he would make his way back to his bed. Once there, he would huddle under the covers, like he was freezing.

To my surprise, that afternoon his parents came to pick him up. His mom & dad looked about 40-45 yrs. old. I was shocked when the nurse introduced them as his parents. You see, I thought he was about 50-60 yrs. old, or older. I was also shocked they were taking him home. But it seems like he had improved & with his medicines, he could go home. At least for now. If he started on ARV's soon enough, there's a good chance he can live for many years to come. It could be that he had a bad case of TB and the meds will help clear that up & he can gain weight & strength again.

But I don't know his story. I only know that I will be praying for him.

Who knew?

2009-03-06T12:46:00.002-06:00

I got a care package from a friend the other day. The first one since we have been in South Africa. She had asked me recently what it was that I wanted/needed. I told her how expensive just about anything plastic is here. So, she sent me some ziplock bags (all sizes!) and some Gladware bowls! Wow, who knew plastics could make me so happy!

She also put in some candy (yes!) and a People magazine. Awesomeness!

Ok, don't tell my husband how easy it is to make me that happy; we have an anniversay coming up & I'm hoping for a little more than Ziplock bags from him!

Culture Shock?

2009-02-24T06:35:00.002-06:00

Culture shock refers to the anxiety and feelings (of surprise, disorientation, uncertainty, confusion, etc.) felt when people have to operate within a different and unknown cultural or social environment, such as a foreign country. It grows out of the difficulties in assimilating the new culture, causing difficulty in knowing what is appropriate and what is not.

Phases of culture shock

Honeymoon Phase - During this period the differences between the old and new culture are seen in a romantic light, wonderful and new. For example, in moving to a new country, an individual might love the new foods, the pace of the life, the people's habits, the buildings and so on.

Negotiation Phase - After some time (usually weeks), differences between the old and new culture become apparent and may create anxiety. One may long for food the way it is prepared in one's native country, may find the pace of life too fast or slow, may find the people's habits annoying, disgusting, and irritating etc. This phase is often marked by mood swings caused by minor issues or without apparent reason. Depression is not uncommon.

Adjustment Phase - Again, after some time (usually 6 - 12 months), one grows accustomed to the new culture and develops routines. One knows what to expect in most situations and the host country no longer feels all that new. One becomes concerned with basic living again, and things become more "normal".

Hmmm,so I found it interesting that it not only says a new culture, but also a social environment. After almost 4 weeks here, I find myself struggling. Miss my grandkids, can't get my schedule down, miss Mexican food, feeling overwhelmed, not feeling like I'm doing a good job at anything, etc., etc.

I wasn't thinking it was culture shock, but thought I would look up the definition anyways. I'm enjoying the culturehere for the most part, although we do spend a great majority of our time around other Americans. The food is ok & I will get used to that; although I don't think I will ever get used to noMexican food! It just seems like I haven't found my comfortable place yet. You know, the place where you can just go & be you. To me, that doesn't have anything to do with anyone else. Just a private thing, but seems it's a little lost right now.

Ok, ready for the Adjustment Phase!

Oh the wonders of technology!

2009-02-22T22:46:00.003-06:00

Last night I was able to talk to my 6 yr. old grandson for the first time since we moved to South Africa. Thanks to the wonderful modern invention of Skype, we were able to call for 2 cents a minute! Doesn't get much better than that! I wish they had Skype so we could do video, but for now, it was awesome!

Trying to explain to a 6 yr. old where Africa is, that it's summer here, that no, Mimi has not seen a wolverine, all that, was so fun! He was wound up & a little silly, but oh how wonderful it was! Unfortunately, Elaena can't really talk much yet at 15 months, but we did get to hear her babble some.

Now, if I could just figure out a way to wrap them in my arms long distance and give them Mimi kisses, I'd be doing great!

Water is Life!

2009-02-22T08:00:00.002-06:00

Being a missionary can mean learning many different things. One of the things we have learned is the importance of water. For the last 3 weeks, we have had water for maybe a total of 5 days. I think it's resolved, for now, but it really makes you think of the many places in the world that don't have the luxury of running water. I mean, yes, we had one faucet with water (although not drinkable) and were able to buy drinking water in town. We were able to dip water from the pool to flush the toilets and make do, but I wonder about the places that don't have that.

How many babies & children's deaths are related to contaminated drinking water? How many lives could be saved if there was only a clean, reliable water source available? It breaks my heart to think of being a mother & having to watch your child waste away from lack of water. How sad is that?

To us, it was just an inconvenience to go without water. To many, it's a matter of life or death.

Living La Vida Loco (otherwise known as living the crazy mission life)!

2009-02-15T05:27:00.002-06:00

Learning to live the missionary life can be challenging. You kinda know going in the there are cost, sacrifices, adventures, new cultures & languages to learn, etc. You learn how nice it is to have a shower & clean drinking water, how hard it is to not have a car, how gut wrenching it is to miss your family, how sad it is when someone dies & your not there to comfort your friend. And you learn to rely on God. Physically, emotionally, spiritually.

I have been really struggling lately with some things. One of the things we had to do to move to SA was give up my dog, Jeter. It was hard, really, really hard. We were unable to find a home for him & ended up taking him to the Doberman Rescue of North Texas. It is a wonderful organization & the people there are great. But it was like ripping a piece of my heart out. One of the hardest things I've done.

Last week, I sent an email to the lady there asking how he was doing. She emailed back that he had just now started to eat & was really, really having a hard time. It was so heart-breaking. I can't hardly type this without crying. We knew this was part of our cost to follow where God had called us. But man.

Anyways, I got mad at God. I mean, come on. I paid the price He asked of me. Why wasn't He making this right? Not like He can't. He is God. So I struggled with that a while. I finally had to ask God's forgiveness. He does know what He's doing, even if I don't. The next morning during worship, I felt a sweetness. Just that knowing that even if God didn't love him like I do, He loves me enough to make sure Jeter is taken care of. I still don't know how it will work out, just like most things in my life, but I do know that God is in control & that He loves me enough to want only the good for me. And my dog.

Things I've learned in South Africa

2009-02-12T13:35:00.002-06:00

1. Ants are just a fact of life here. There's no getting around it!

2. There are whites who are Afrikaan & there are whites who are English, who were actually born here & may even go back several generations, but they still consider theirselves English.

3. AIDS does not have to be a death sentence now. With ARV's and treatment of opportune infections, it is possible to live up to 60 years with the virus.

4. Summer is the rainy season.

5. The grass seems to grow about 2 inches a day here in the summer.

6. There are tons of games you can play with kids that require nothing!

7. Sleeping without the tv on is possible!

8. The white kids think Texas is filled with cowboys.

9. My tongue just won't roll to pronounce some of the Afrikaan words.

10. You need to buy your jeans a size smaller if you hang them to dry becaue they don't shrink up & then you walk around all day hitching them up!

More to come later...

Kids are Kids

2009-02-07T04:57:00.002-06:00

On Thursday, our team went to Kbakweni to work in the community. We help out with the feeding program & then play with the kids. We also wash their school uniforms, but with all the rain, we didn't this week. The kids there were a little shy at first, but then they opened up & started playing games with us. We had a great time & to see their smiling faces is a joy.

This weekend, we are serving at a retreat for the SALT church. SALT is an Afrikaan church that some of the team attends. We were asked to run the kids program at the retreat for about 13 kids. They too were a little shy, but openend up & we played games & did crafts. It has been fun! They wanted to know about the cowboys in Texas, not the team, but real cowboys! They tried to teach me the name of one of their schools, but I just can't roll my "r's" like that! In their very british, clipped accent, they asked me if we don't have "r's" in the states? Well, yes, but I've tried to roll my r's all my life & still can't!

It really struck me that there are definitely differences in the kids, yet, they are still just kids. They want to laugh, learn, pleay & be loved. That's what they all want & need. Our job is to help them do that & know they are loved, not just by us, but by their Father in heaven.

Endings = Beginnings

2009-01-07T10:07:00.002-06:00

So for the last 2 years, the goal has been to get to Africa. Good goal. Long, hard road. I'm all about goals. Love them. Love deadlines. The thing that is maybe a little different with this is that we realize that this isn't the end, it's the beginning. We look at it as an accomplishment, which it is, but really, it's just another step. Not like we get to sit back and enjoy what we have accomplished. Nope, right into the new phase of our lives! Not a bad thing, just saying.

So, it's really just a matter of wrapping our minds around the fact that this isn't the end, it's the beginning! Maybe I'll find some new goals!

More Changes...

2009-01-05T19:23:00.002-06:00

So of course, changes can hurt, but there are also blessings in the change.

First, we will have the awesome privelge of serving God full-time by working with HIV/AIDS orphans & vulnerable children. To b able to show God's love by holding a child, playing games with them & speak encouragement to teens.

Second, the new family/community we will be in. We already have many friends in the community we will be serving in and are looking forward to meeting the rest. One girl reached out to me on facebook already & I am looking forward to meeting her & having a wonderful friendship.

And,on top of all that, we get to live in a wonderful country with beautiful scenery & animals all around us!

So, change isn't all bad!

Change

2009-01-04T15:30:00.002-06:00

The message this morning at church was about change. One of the things Keith said was change can hurt. Well, yeah!

I looked around, and the thought hit me right between the eyes that I only have 3 more Sundays at New Hope. Man. This has been our 1 and only church home. Our family. The place we have learned to follow God. The people who have loved us & helped us walk out this crazy new life as christians. Ok, the crazy people who are supporting us in this wild adventure! But 3 more Sundays?

Yeah,change hurts. But theother point is, if you aren't going through change, your not really following God. So, off we go to follow God!

Farewell 2008...Hello 2009

2009-01-01T10:50:00.002-06:00

Every year has it's great days, ordinary days & the rough days. But through it all, it's life as we know it. The rough days make you appreciate the good & all God does & the good days make life a little sweeter. "In all things, give thanks."

So much to be thankful for. The outstretched arms of a granddaughter, the hug of a child, the words of encouragement from a parent. All this and more.

So much to turn over to God. The news of a tumor growing, the death of a grandparent.

And then, just life. Having coffee with your best friend, crying on someones shoulder or having them cry on yours, cuddling with your dog, starting homeschooling with your youngest.

Life is good. Even when it's rough. I wouldn't trade these days for anything.
May you enjoy each of your days this new year!

On being a tenacious doberman...

2008-12-31T06:19:00.002-06:00

So my pastor has told me for years that he thinks of me as a tenacious bulldog (I took the liberty to change it to doberman because of my own dogs!). Although I have wondered at times how to take that, he has assured me he means it in the best possible way. Thanks Keith! His point is, I think, that I go after things full force & don't let up. Good when you're following God; maybe not quite so much when you are just being stubborn!

I'm hoping that this is one of those times that it helps to be so determined. We have bought our one way tickets to South Africa and submitted all our paperwork to the embassy for our 3 year visa. Of course, things can't just flow oh so smoothly! Got a call from the embassy that: 1) We need the police clearence instead of the background clearence, 2) we need chest x-rays to clear us of TB instead of the skin test, & 3) they don't have our application form with all the paperwork we sent in! Yea! Off to a great start! Amazing they don't have the application form, since that's what my phone numer is on to call me, but I ain't about to argue with the man that has the next 3 years of my life in his hands! I may be tenacious, but I ain't dumb!

Some very dear friends of ours are going through similar things, but on a much bigger scale. They have being going through an international adoption for the last 2 YEARS! Every step of the way, there seems to be a roadblock; yet they know what God told them, so they keep walking forward. Sometimes you have to jump the hurdle, knock it over or find a route around it. They are my heroes and I pray that their journey ends with their girls arriving in the states soon!

So to all you tenacious dobermans (or bulldogs) out there, go for it!

Doing what we know...even when it doesn't make sense

2008-12-11T09:11:00.002-06:00

So, it's been a while since I updated. Ups & downs along the way. No luck yet on selling the house. Actually, even worse than that. Found out there is a leak under the foundation. No money to fix it, can't sell it like that, etc., etc.

So, after much prayer and a word from God, we are doing the only thing we know. Keep walking forward & rely completely on God. We are working on getting everything together for our visas, reserving airline tickets and making plans to move the first week of January.

Not sure how this will play out with the house. But although it's scary and nerve wracking, there is no better place to be than totally dependent on God. When I remember that I'm just Carla & He's God, it sure helps.

Waiting on God to move...

2008-11-21T15:36:00.002-06:00

Yes, I mean that both ways. We are waiting on God to move. And, we are waiting on God, to move.

We are down to the wire and just waiting for our house to sell. So, God has to move in this, so we can move. Is there anything harder than waiting?

Please keep the sell of our house in your prayers. We need a contract now!

Living a minimalist life!

2008-11-12T20:37:00.002-06:00

Sure hope that is spelled right!

So, we are down to just the 2 bedroom suits, TVs and a couch. Well, a microwave and dryer too! But seriously, I just have mine and John's closet to go through and Rae's clothes. Then, we need to weed down even further to what will fit in the suitcases and plastic tubs. In the mean time, we are using plastic forks, paper plates and my one good Caphalon iron skillet! If we can't cook it in that or the microwave, too bad!

It's actually pretty darn nice! But could someone please tell me why the house still gets messy? Seriously?????

Happy Anniversary!

2008-11-06T08:45:00.002-06:00

Just a big shout out to my parents on their special day! They have been married 31 years, I think! They forget how long too, so don't get on to me ;)

I am thankful that my mom made the decision to marry my dad with all the baggage 3 kids entails, especially since we were pretty much hellions! Good thing she didn't really know what she was getting into!

And, a big thank you to both of them for showing us what a loving marriage and family could be, even with all the trials and tribulations.

So, although I doubt they read this, just wanted to thank them and wish them many more years together.

Romans 13:1

2008-11-05T08:40:00.002-06:00

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

Ok, elections are over. So,regardless of who you wanted to win, now is the time that we as christians unite in prayer for the leader of our country.

Would love to hear the christian talk shows talk about this! Ha, like that will happen!

Election Day!

2008-11-04T11:48:00.002-06:00

Today is election day in the good ole U.S.of A. Can't say I'm overly excited; although it will be a historical election with either the first black president or first female vice president.

I've voted in every presidential election since I turned 18. But this year, I just can't get overly excited. Still voted, but just not excited. Maybe I'm just tired of the endless ads and bs.

Guess I can be excited that it's almost over!

God does answer prayers

2008-11-01T09:55:00.003-05:00

Tday is a special day. It is my granddaughter's first birthday! She is an answer to prayer. You see, when we first decided to move to SA for full-time mission work, my greatest fear was that my daughter would get pregnant right before we left and I wouldn't be here when the babywas born. When I told my daughter Carmen this, she told me they weren't trying, but they weren't NOT trying either. I started getting excited and she reminded me that with her first, it took almost a year to get pregnant. Well, I reminded her that God could do anything! So, I started praying.

A little more than a month later, she was pregnant! Thank you God! And of course, I was hoping for a girl (she deserved one!). Either would befine, but I really wanted a girl! She not only had the most precious girl I have ever seen, but I was also there when she was born.

The next morning, as I was thanking God, it hit me that we would be moving before she could really remember me. I just started crying and God gently reminded me that He has answered my prayers for her to be here. So I prayed that He would create a special bond between us that would last. A spiritual and emotional bond that would be life-long.

I already see that happening! Every time she see Mimi, she smiles and jusmps to me or comes crawling. She cuddles up to me and is just the most precious thing in the world. God is so good! So I thank Him today for this very special child He has brought into our lives. And I thank Him for answering my prayers. I know it will be so hard to leave her when we move, but I have faith that God will continue to strengthen our relationship even when I am half a world away.

More unusual things about me...

2008-10-29T09:05:00.002-05:00

Of course, after I posted for my tag blog, I thought of so many more unusual things! Guess I don't do well in the moment. So,here are a few more interesting (or not!) things about me.

1. I read the obits every day. I critique them and love to find the really unusual ones and read them to others. My kids think I'm morbid and my hubby says I better write my own before I die so he doesn't have to. But seriously, it is so cool to see what people write. My fave was one about a guy who said he was the only boy with 3 older sisters who made him go to the store and buy cigs and tampons for them. It prepared him for life. It was so humorous and you could see the guy was loved and quite a character. Nothing like a good obit!

2. My favorite movie of all times is "It's a Wonderful Life". Love it! Must watch it every year, at least once! My kids all hate it because I have made them watch it with me. Now, they refuse. But what a great story! If we all knew the impact we made, wouldn't we try to be better people? Even the little things make a difference. And seriously folks, isn't it a wonderful life?

3. My dream job growing up was to be a model. Ha! Like that would ever happen! Once I was grown, my next dream job was to be a flight attendent. I even tried to apply at Southwest once. Got my headshots done, application all filled out, reference letters, the whole bit. Drove to Love field and right before I turned in, there was an announcement on the radio that Southwest had a hiring freeze for the first time in it's history. Bummer! Then, years later, my husband had just finished a year of barber school so we could work together. One of my customers told me she had worked for Southwest for years. I told her of my dream years earlier. She said she had a card that she could recommend someone & it would get you to the 3rd interview, which is just before the hiring. She was willing to give me one and recommend me. Bummer again! Just couldn't after all we had been through to get hubby through schol so we could work together. Oh well, God knew what He was doing!

So, there ya go! A few more things about me!

Ten Thousand Homes Web Launch

2008-10-23T09:17:00.002-05:00

Hey guys! Wanted to share with you what our organization is doing to spread awareness about the AIDS crisis and how you can be a part of change. Below is an email from our director of communications regarding the new website launch and ways you can make an impact. Please take a moment to read and if you are interested, please contact TTH. Also, please click on the link to Dave Henry's website at the side of my page. His latest blog is about the time he has spent is SA and it is very powerful and insightful! Blessings!

Hi Friends,
We want to introduce a new way for anyone to engage with the Orphan Crisis in Africa... COMING SOON...A NEW WEBSITE!!! On DEC. 12 people from all over North America will be helping to launch our website & a new logo in their very own homes. You can be one of those people! It's another way for you and your friends to get engage with the orphan crisis in Africa.
Want to Help? Here's how!
-Host a Ten Thousand Homes party in your home, apartment, dorm room, gathering place or place of worship on Dec. 12 & help launch the new website! (www.tenthousandhomes.org)
-By Donating $100 we will send you a Home Kit complete with 10 t-shirts, 10 stickers, plenty of brochures, & other surprises
-Invite at least 10 friends & encourage them to donate toward Ten Thousand Homes
-Check out the website and give us your feed back
What better place to capture what Ten Thousand Homes is about .... bringing people into your home to share the story of those who have no home!
By hosting a Ten Thousand Homes Web Launch Party you are not only engaging with advocacy, but also with action!
If you're interested and need more details, please contact email David at davidhenry@tenthousandhomes.org
Thanks for joining us,
Ten Thousand Homes

I'm so proud of myself!

2008-10-22T11:45:00.001-05:00

I learned how to post links to my friends blogs! Please check them out when you get a chance. Each of these friends have a unique perspective on the world around them and I enjoy reading what is going on in their lives!

I've been tagged!

2008-10-22T06:40:00.003-05:00

I've been tagged by my friend Jen! The rules are you have to list 7 unusual things about yourself and then tag 7 people. Not sure if I know 7 with blogs to tag, but here goes!

1. I was a tomboy growing up. Loved hanging with the guys, playing football, climbing trees, all that stuff.

2. Failed only 2 classes in school - home ec (sewing) and p.e. Yep, gym class! Refused to play softball because the coach wouldn't make the girls play right, so I didn't dress out all semester and failed. Thought my daddy was going to blow a gasket!

3. I make a mean coconut pie!

4. I love football! One of the few things about fall I really like.

5. I'm a cold weather wimp! Below 70 is cold to me and I can't stand it! Also don't like air conditioning! Could completely live without it!

6. I love to read. I read on average 2-3 books a week. Anything fiction, I like. Romance, mystery, classics, historical romance, doesn't matter. It can't be to small. I like getting to know the characters and it needs a good plot. Character development is very important and if I find an author I like, I will read all their books!

7. Hmmm, last one. Not sure what to say on this one. Besides, can't tell you all my secrets! ;)

Ok, now who to tag. Let's see if I can make this work!

Sherri, Zac & Anneke, Brett, and Rae. That's all for now!

Moving is Hard Work!!!

2008-10-12T06:38:00.002-05:00

Moving is always hard work. But moving to a whole nother continent is even more than you can imaging. Wow! Seems like we spent the first hhalf of this season building up our relationships, both here and with the team we will be joining. And of course there was just the whole emotional aspect of it. Wrapping your mind around all the things you need to lay down can be overwhelming at times. It hasn't been unusual for me to just start crying as I think about either someone I am leaving here or just how things will be changing. And through all that, we have been raising our support base so that we can be full-time missionaries. All that while trying to work a full-time job and then just normal life. Whew!

I just thought that was the hard part! Since I have quit my job about a month ago, things have been really hectic. Now the reality of all the physical preparations is in full swing and I am so tired! I have spent 4 weeks of non-stop cleaning the house to get it ready to sell, sorting through all our stuff to have a huge garage sale, trying to condense our possessions to fit into 6 suitcases and 3 plastic totes and tyring to maintain all our relationships with family, friends and financial partners.

There's something to be said for doing things like this in your youth instead of waiting until you are not quite so young like we are. Seems like the roots are a whole lot deeper the older you get and it is a lot more work to dig them out! I can imagine how Abraham felt! Lord, I'm too old for this!!! Not words that come out of my mouth very often, but sure have been thinking them lately!

Relationships and the Shack

2008-10-07T07:22:00.002-05:00

During worship Sunday, I really felt like I was more focused on all I needed to do for the move than on my relationship with God. I know I'm supposed to be focusing on Him, but sometimes, life is just overwhelming and I lose focus. Ever done that?

So, my first reaction was, "But God, I have so much going on, How am I going to do that?" and then there was the guilt thing too. After a few moments of just being quiet, I really felt some peace. And then I was reminded of The Shack. Wonderful book! If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it.

Anyways, in the book, their grace before the meal is just the 4 of them talking. And I realized, that's what God wants from me. And what I need from Him. Yep, the morning quiet time is good, but ultimately, it's about an on-going dialogue with God. If I just had 30 mins. every morning with my hubby, I sure wouldn't feel like I had much of a relationship with him. Same with God.

So, what it was that got me on Sunday morning was that I was missing that on-going, all day conversation with God. I've just been too caught up in the things going on around me and need to remember that God is right here with me all day long.

Obedience

2008-09-25T09:08:00.002-05:00

So I have to admit, I wasn't the most obedient kid. I know, you are all really surprised ;) I was always very agreeable, just did what I wanted when I was away from my parents and figured what they didn't know, wouldn't hurt them (or me). I just never really understood why they would give me stupid rules (my opinion,of course!) and what the big deal was when I wasn't hurting anyone or myself.

It really wasn't so much a question of not behaving. I grew up very independent and when my dad got remarried when I was a teenage, things changed. I couldn't understand why the rules had changed and was not happy about it at all.

So, in my walk with God, obedience has been a struggle at times. It has taken some time and understanding of who God is that has helped me to walk this out. When I look back and see how He has made things so much better for me, I have learned I can trust Him. It hasn't always been easy, and I am not perfect at it, but I know God has the best for me. It makes it a whole lot easier when I don't understand why He has asked me to do something. I can look back and see how He has come through before. And, I can remember how bad I have screwed up before I let Him into my life!

My boy

2008-09-24T09:33:00.002-05:00

So, today I take my boy to meet with his potential new owner. Yes, it may be an answered prayer, but I am just about sick to my stomache. I have been praying for wisdom and discernment all night. I really hope she is the one for him and vice-versa. I need for him to go to a good, loving home. Still, heart-breaking.

In the big picture, it's one more time of saying, "Yes Lord". Whatever He has called me to do, whatever He has called me to lay down. I want to be obedient. I want what He has for me. But something really, really hurt. I know, God will give me more than I can ever give up, but right now, the hurt is real and front and center.

I forgot.....

2008-09-20T21:47:00.001-05:00

Football!!! Especially my Dallas Cowboys! Wow, how could I forget that?

These are a few of my favorite things...

2008-09-18T16:43:00.002-05:00

Other than family, friends and relationship, here are a few of my favorite things that I'm sure I will miss!

1. Dr. Pepper
2. Mexican food (well, at least Tex-mex)
3. Summers in Texas (Yes, I love the TX heat!)
4. The sound of loqust in the summer heat
5. Lightning bugs(do they have lightning bugs in SA? IDK)
6. Half-Price Bookstore
7. My Tv shows like Grey's Anatomy, House, Dexter, My Name is Earl, etc.
8. My electric blanket
9. Starbucks
10. Calling my friends when ever I want

I'm sure there will be more and somethings probably won't mean that much once I get there, but as I was driving home the other night, I heard loqust and just started thinking about some of the small things we take for granted!

What am I going to do?

2008-09-16T16:06:00.002-05:00

So last week I was reading the weekly update from our ministry in SA. They shared about a little baby whose parents died 5 days after he was born. Probably AIDS/HIV related, which means he will more than likely have health problems also. He is currently staying with a neighbor woman who has kids of her own and she is sick too.

My heart just broke. Who will love him? Who will hold him and rock him? Who will see that he gets the meds he needs? Will he know he is loved? Will he know God has a plan for him? What do you do?

So, what in the world am I going to do when we are living there and see him face to face? Or the hundreds and thousands like him? What do you do? God give me strength and continue to break my heart like yours is broken.

(BTW, if you are not getting weekly updates from Ten Thousand Homes and would like to, email me & I will have youput on the email list. May your heart be broken too!)

I want to live like there's no tomorrow

2008-09-10T08:18:00.003-05:00

September 10th. Hard day. Lost my brother 6 years ago today. Massive heart attack at 42 yrs. old.

Man, life is hard sometimes. As hard as it is, I really do enjoy it. Yet there are some days that you just think, wow. You know that song that goes, "..I want to live like there's no tomorrow, I want to dance like there's no one around..." Well, I think sometimes, when you have experienced a sudden death, you realize that there are no guarentees. We aren't promised tomorrow. So what do you do with today? That's how I want to live. Don't always, but man, to do that,to think, "Today is what I have to make a difference."

No fear of what others may think of me, no fears of messing up, no fears of looking like an idiot or of people thinking I'm nuts (theyall ready do, so hey!). Just to follow my Lord and let him direct my steps. Just making a difference with what I have in front of me, right here, right now.

So if you knew, I only have today, or this week, or 3 months, what would you do?

Read any good books lately?

2008-09-07T08:48:00.001-05:00

I read alot. I mean,really, alot! Like average of 3-4 books a week. Mostly fiction, stuff I can just escape into. Love a good story,

Pictures from Previous Trips

2008-09-03T13:24:00.003-05:00

So I won't write too much this time, thought I might try to post some pics from previous trips. Tell me what you think!

Another week gone by!

2008-08-29T21:15:00.002-05:00

So after posting my last blog, I clicked over to see how it looked. Wow, was it long! Ok, so obviously it needs to be shorter, or no one will ever read these! I'll try, but it's like talking; once I get started, it's hard to stop.

Few ups and downs this week. First, I have been emailing with a guy who was very interested in my male doberman. He seemed to be a good fit. Policeman, has 2 dobe females (one who looks just like Gracie!), used to do Search and Rescue with his male who passed last year. He wanted to meet him this weekend. Then, yesterday, he sent an email that his wife was going back into the hospital and after some thought, decided he didn't have the time for him. Heartbreaking. Have to believe that God will find him a good home.

Also this week, my sister has not sounded good at all. She said she was very weak and couldn't catch her breathe. We were very worried that she had pneumonia. Well, today, she had her blood work done and everything is good. Blood oxygen levels are normal and they think it is just side effects of chemo. So, she is clear to start her next round of chemo next week. Praying that it goes well and for complete healing of her tumor.

Don't remember if I mentioned in my last post, but I have put in my 2 week notice. Exciting because it means we are closer to the move. Yet it has been sad as I have been saying "Bye" to some of my customers. Some of them I have been doing for about 13 years. That's hard. Someone asked if I would miss doing hair. I don't think so, but I will miss a lot of my customers, many of whom have become friends over the years.

Ok, short as I can get it!
Blessings!!!!!!

Preparations

2008-08-24T13:51:00.000-05:00

There is so much more to preparing to move half way around the world than you can imagine! Of course, you have to weed through all of your "stuff", decide what to sell, what to chunk, what to pass on, and what to take. Since we aren't shipping, that leaves us with only 2 suitcases a piece and maybe a tote each. Little hard to condense your life to that! Especially when you consider the things you have to take, like home school material and computer things and then you have to decide which clothes to take (since the seasons are different, that's harder!), and then see if there is any room left to bring things that you might need right away or things that are just hard to get in a different country! Whoo, makes you tired just thinking about it!

Of course, there are things that you just have to take, haha! Like my good Caphalon iron skillet! Can't leave home without that. And wondering how many books and movies we can take since we won't have TV. Got to have pictures too so you can cry over everyone you are leaving behind! Wow, it's getting harder and harder to decide!

Really though, this is the easy part. Last week, I had what I call my week of mourning. Sure I will have more, but this was the hardest and longest so far. I am looking for a home for my male dog and I would just look at him and start crying. Didn't help that he was being even moreloving last week. Think he may be realizong something is going on, since I am cleaning out the house and everything is out of whack. Or he was just being very sensitive to my mood. Any ways, it is heart breaking to know I have to find him a home and praying somebody will love him and appreciate him as much as I do.

And then there is the whole grandkid thing. My grandson starts kindergarten Monday, which thankfully I will be here for that. But my granddaughter has just gotten to the point where she recognizes me and when she sees me, gets all excited and comes right to me. Thinking about missing her first birthday and Christmas is gut-wrenching. Praying she will start walking before I leave so I don't miss that.

Then comes the thoughts of family and friends. Yeah, it's hard stuff. I know God is faithful and He will bless us, but right now, it really hurts. The blessings are coming and I keep saying "Yes, Lord. But I really need to cryright now."

I am so thankful that God gave us emotions and that He made us in His image. I know He feels my hurt and is comforting me. I am realizing that this is a process and that I need to go through this instead of stuffing it down or not dealing with it.

So, that's where I'm at for now!