March 16 – The Home Stretch
Our final push to tie up those pesky loose ends while cleaning and organizing the cabinetry. All that remained was the arrival and installation of counter tops and a special surprise.
To all you back in the States, I thank you for your prayers and support. This trip has been amazing! I could write a small novel with all that I want to say, but will resist for your sake. South Africa is beautiful, wide open plains surrounded by an army of large mountains. The camp is nestled in the midst of some of those mountains and surrounded by the greenest grass. The work on the kitchen has been going great! We have most everything built and are waiting on counter tops. There have been countless side projects as well and they all are complete. We have been working long days, all of us, and God continues to bless us with energy and health which has been astounding. Nick and Isabel have been incredibly hospitable, opening their home and sharing the joy of their 3 wonderful little girls.
Their oldest Abby (2 years old), is just the cutest little girl and her running around talking in Afrikaans lightens our work day. She is nothing but smiles and laughs. Right now she is chopping play dough onto the floor in front of me. God is great!
- ERIC TURNER
When I found out I was coming on this trip, I was wondering how I could help to remodel a kitchen. I knew I could hold the babies, and cook and clean, but I had no idea that I could learn how to use a router, install drawer guides, assemble drawer boxes and make something come out “square”. Honestly, I have been so blessed by PK’s willingness to teach me and have been thrilled by all that I have been able to do here. I hope Niklaas and Isabel will be blessed by our work.
Today, we had a wonderful experience in a near-by township, which is home to about ten thousand Sotho people. I was struck by their poverty, and was near tears several times during our time there. We played Hume style games with all the children, served them cakes and juice we had made. My favorite moment was when I sat on the grass with a small group of the youngest children and made beaded bracelets with them. We could not understand each other’s words, but we communicated just the same. Their smiles and hugs warmed my mother’s heart and reminded me of my sweet grandbabies at home. My time there ended with a tight hug from the pastor’s wife, Maria and the words “I love you”. What an amazing thing that even though we had never met, it was our common relationship with Jesus that bound us together.
The Lord made this trip possible for me. (I found out I was going three days before we left) I praise Him for this gift. I will not be the same person when I get home. I have found out that with His help, I can do things I thought I couldn’t do, and I have seen Him in the faces of His people here in South Africa, and the amazing work that He is doing in this beautiful place.
- EUGENIE LILLEY
Our God is so amazing. We all took a ride into the township today. Everyone had a part in serving or playing with the kids of Rosendal and Pastor John. The older kids were split up into four large teams; I counted at least 25-30 per team. They enjoyed playing Kajabi Kan Kan, fight or flight, and Belly Bumper Soccer. The younger children made bead bracelets. It was an awesome hands on experience for them. I really enjoyed the Kulenyane dancing some of the kids performed for us before we left the township. Keep us all in your prayers. Love ya-
- ROSA COMPEAN