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!.
