We have been busy….

and being busy has felt really good.  Sometimes when we are idle, we can begin to feel homesick!!  Rob was able to pick up some friends who were here visiting from North Carolina (Robert, Ginger, Meagan & Lindsey).  They had asked if they could bring anything over for us.  Rob asked for a few tape measures, saw blades, and power strips, and I asked if they could throw a few bags of chocolate chips in their suitcases.  Much to our surprise they brought us everything we had asked for and more.  As you can see in the picture below we received 16 pounds of chocolate chips.  We have already made chocolate chip cookies a few times, our first bag is getting low.

Thank-you so much for spending time with us!!  We have known Robert since our Malawi trip in 2013.  This time we had the privilege of meeting Ginger and their two awesome daughters – Meagan and Lindsey.  Meagan is also part of the 6 week interns too!!  Robert and Ginger also celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary with us, and with so many youth, it doesn’t take much to have a full-out dance party.

Happy Anniversary Robert & Ginger – and many more years together!!

After taking all of the pictures off of our phones, I realized there are a few things I forgot to post.  We made it back to Door of Hope and spent the day together as a family installing some shelving.  This shelving had been laying in pieces for a long time.  We were able to put them together and also install them in a shed so they can be used.

Each of us had our own individual job to do, but we all worked together as a team.  Below are the shelving units assembled and the storage area organized.  Now they can see what they have and they have plenty of room to grow!!

The last weekend in May Rob and I were asked to help with a high school retreat called, Encounter.  There were about 30 high school girls that spent Friday – Sunday here at Camp Eden.  The guys packed up and went to the Vaal Dam.  We went for walks, horseback riding, devotions, master chef cook-off, and shared our hearts with each other.  These girls in the picture below were the ones I spent more of my time with.  I had a great time, and it was a great to start working with youth here in South Africa.

Rob also had a great weekend.  Following the retreat weekend with these guys, Rob now goes to their high school every Friday to meet with some of the guys that were interested in digging deeper into what God has for their lives.  He is looking forward to journeying with these young men, and helping them discover their full potential in Christ.

This past Saturday we took all of the trainees (the year-long trainees and 6-week interns) to Extension 23 and gave them their first clue for their very own Amazing Race.  I can’t disclose all of the details (in case we have others joining us in the future) but it was a great team building exercise.  We have so enjoyed watching all of these kids get to know each other better.

The race ended at David and Liz’s house for chili and rice.  I offered to bring chocolate chip cookies (since we had 16 pounds of chocolate chips).  Hannah and Whitney cooked in our kitchen all afternoon (after arriving from Iowa) because I didn’t want them sleeping until it was bedtime.  The cookies were awesome and although we had over 75 cookies it didn’t take long for 40 people to devour them!!

We took Siyabonga and Thobile with us as well.  Besides going to school, I don’t think they make it off the farm very often.  We love having them around and enjoy our time with them so much.

I have spent the past two days sitting in on the 6-week intern training.  We have learned a lot and my brain is on overload.  Rob and I have the privilege of doing devotions with the 6-week interns every morning.  Most of these young adults have been here less than a week, and I think we are going to have a blast together!!

Lastly, as I post this – Rob and John are in route to Cameroon.  They have a 5 hour flight to Nairobi, Kenya and another 5 hour flight to Douala, Cameroon.  They will be there until Monday, the 22nd.  Rob is excited to see what our Grace teams have accomplished while they have been there.  He will also take part in the same 2-day training I just did with the 6-week interns.  I am excited to hear about Cameroon, but obviously we will miss him greatly.  The boys and I are praying for safe travels – and a busy week so our time apart doesn’t seem so LONG.  We are bummed that he won’t be with us for Father’s day, but we snuck a card and a few snacks in his suitcase!!

Thank you for all of the continued prayers and support.  May we continue to be grateful each day for God’s grace and mercy and not forget the price He paid for each of us on the cross.

Hugs for South Africa.