We’re working on getting back into the swing of things after a few much-needed weeks off around the holidays. Ellie had her first day back at pre-school today (she’s been on summer break since Thanksgiving). I managed to get ellie to school early, visit the gym, and AND make it to 9am staff mtg on time…a series of small miracles all before lunch! 🙂 Tonight I’m hoping I can find some place where I can see a little bit of the innauguration.
Ellie and I had a good Christmas and New Years here, celebrating with our missionary friends and Swazi staff. We missed being with family, but we are looking forward to a trip to the US, Lord willing, this July-Sept!
January 7-12 we had a little vacation in White River, South Africa. We got to stay at a great missionary guest house there, and see the sights near by– Blyde’s River Canyon and pot holes, some beautiful scenery, cool shopping areas and cafes, a morning at an elephant sancutary, and internet so fast it almost makes me cry just thinking about it! 🙂 I have a great video of me getting kissed by an elephant, but I’ve been waiting for it to upload for about 30 min now w/out success, so I think I’m giving up for now! Here are a couple pics:
We also got to ride one of these big guys. Ellie was a little apprehensive at first, but was loving it by the end. She keeps telling people about it and her hand motions are hilarious.
Ellie on Christmas morning…we stuck candles in our pancakes and sang happy b-day to Jesus. The flowers are from our yard…there are some advantages to a tropical Christmas (but I still prefer snow!)
It’s been hard jumping back into work…
There has been a big mix-up with a shipping bill for bags we sent to the US before Christmas. We were quoted a price w/in our budget by the company here, but when the US branch of the company sent the bill to AIM in GA, it was more than 3x the amount previously quoted. It’s really put us in a bind financially, and right now we’re kind of “on pause” waiting for the bill to be adjusted. Pray that this issue would resolve quickly. It’s already held us up a few weeks.
Towards the end of last year I became aware of some issues w/ the Timbali women: situations where people weren’t being totally honest, ways that people were manipulating our “systems” to work in their favor and take away opportunity from others, etc. I know that I don’t have a clue what it’s like to live in poverty, and there are probably many things that seem justified to someone who is struggling to meet the needs of their family, but at the same time I know it is not an excuse to be deceptive or cheat others. I’m going to have to start enforcing some consequences with the women, which I really HATE, but I know God isn’t a God who wants us just to remain where were at…he pushes on to greater refinement and to look more like Him.
I’m starting to see some of God’s purpose in the “holding pattern” we are in due to the whole shipping mix-up might be to bring to light things we need to work on, issues that need to be dealt with, etc. So, please pray that the shipping bill issue would be taken care of quickly and completely, and also that we would learn whatever it is God has for us in the waiting. I’m confident God is going to work it all out.
That’s all for our first blog in ’09! Thanks for checking in and for joining us in prayer!.
I am working with “the company” to get it resolved but there is a lot of incompetence on their side slowing it all down. I keep getting passed around but I think I am getting somewhere now.
Keep praying.
Hey…Good to hear from you. I’ll be praying for you. Pray for us. Things are pretty tight at the ministry right now, but God is in control.
Thanks for the update Julie & Ellie! We love you and pray God’s hand will be evident and His authority and love will penetrate the bag situation and the situation with the ladies! You are doing wonderful things! 🙂
Great to read your update. Would love to see the kissed by an elephant video someday. 🙂 I am very impressed with all you accomplished today before 9 am. Can’t wait to hopefully see you this summer and have the girls play together. Love, Julie
I miss you! You are great! My heart aches for what’s going on with the women. The Lord does use ALL of it! Praying for you. Thanks for fresh pics of Ellie’s sweet face! And thanks for the good laugh about crying over missing high speed internet. I feel you. I’ll think of you next time I download something, would that make you feel better?
Hi Julie,
My name is Pam and my husband and I sponsor a little girl in Mbabane Swaziland threw World Vision. We have only received 1 letter from her this past year 2008. We are wondering how she is doing and if there is anyway you could locate her just to send us a picture of you and her so we know she is truly being provided for. I have sent gifts over the last year once a quarter and we have not had any letters or pictures to see how she is doing. We live in Omaha, Ne. and I’m trying to reach a gal by the name of Amanda Lee Larsen and not having any luck. This would be a true blessing for us is you can help in any way.
God Bless and we’ll keep in touch, Pam
Her name is Welile, I don’t know if you are able to contact WV with this info. I am not sending her last name for now I don’t know if I should for now. God Bless…