simply grateful

So sorry it has been so long since our last post.  Since arriving in Africa our internet access has been very limited. (And probably will be for quite a while).  After spending 5 days in South Africa we drove 5 hours up to Botswana where I (David) am being mentored by a Church planter while we wait for a ruling on our work permits for Namibia.   Everything has gone well so far.  Here are a few pics to show you our life here in Botswana. (I believe if you click on them you can view them in a larger format) A picture of our house: A picture of our car (with trailer) as we left South Africa to head to Botswana: Heather is home schooling the Kids: The kids are adjusting well to their new surroundings: Thanks for your continued prayers!

“I love you.”  “You’re fired.”  “Will you marry me?”  “I want a divorce.”  Isn’t it funny how sometimes just a few words can be heavy with impact?  This morning during my devotional time with God I came across one of those phrases that packed a powerful punch.  The beginning of Psalm 97:10 says, “You who love the Lord, hate evil!”   BAM!  Hate evil... ok, wait, back up just one second.  The first thing is this is directed at those who love the Lord.  Is that me?  (Is that you?)  Do I really love the Lord?  Really?  What evidence is there to show it?  I attend church.  I serve on a committee.  I volunteer at the soup kitchen.  What about internally?  Is my heart bent on Him?  On His glory?  Do I desire time with Him?  To know Him more?  What evidence, that only you know, is there that you love the Lord? Hate evil...  Oh, how we hate evil and how we are more than willing...

I thought it might be a good time to post a general information update...we leave Sunday for Johannesburg, South Africa for a week of training. We are still waiting on visas to Namibia...please keep praying.  This is apparently not unusual for it to take so long to get a work permit for Namibia.  We wish we were going straight there, but we trust God and are excited to see how this all pans out.  It may take another few months for us to get a visa into the country. In the meantime, we will be going to Lobatse, Botswana...probably next weekend?  We will have the opportunity to be mentored by some seasoned workers there in a rural setting similar to ours.  David knows this couple and thinks very highly of them.  I cannot wait to meet them.  We will also be reunited with our dear Botswanan brother, Jack, who was in our wedding. We are doing well and we know a large part of this is because of all the prayers for us.  We are sooo grateful!  ...

Since we have been delayed, we have been enjoying one more autumn. I have always wanted to go apple picking...and we were able to do that a few weeks ago. It was so fun!  Our sweet sunshine girl!  Karissa can't stand the sun in her eyes...so no smile from her.  She is always quick to stop and smell the flowers  busy little helpers  Such a cutie!  Makes me laugh to see him walking with the basket on his head.  Sassy little 2 year old  He loves trying to figure out mechanical things...I don't even know what this old contraption is. :)  Thankfully, I have one who loves having her picture taken.  us :) This captured what life is really usually like...the blur just adds to the reality. Precious Father, help me to savor each season as the gift that it is from you!   "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity..."  Ephesians 5:15-16a

I woke up early this morning remembering sweet friends who are now on distant shores.  I love this description in Romans 10:15 and reminds me of many of our new friends who are getting adjusted to new ways and languages.  Please intercede for them with me!

Our current casa MAIL time! Immunization time **PlAy TiMe** (This is her "yard sale" :)) face time 

The seasons are changing. The coolness in the morning seems to add a bounce to my step as I walk the children to their school. After weeks…months actually…of feeling like the pace of life and my never-ending to do list were daily exceeding my ability or even desire to meet...I am so grateful for a change in pace. I am also grateful for all that we are having the opportunity to learn as a family. Each week, the children study a country that one of their classmates will be going to soon. They are learning so much about beauty and fun things in other cultures. They are also learning the usual prek/kindergarten language and phonics and number sense kinds of things. Karissa is learning a ton of new little finger plays that she loves to sing. It is so fun to see them thriving in this new environment and it encourages my heart as a mama about the next round of changes. David and I have been learning so much as well. The saying they use around here is that we are trying to drink out of a fi...