The big 4-0

After a few hectic months, in which we rarely had time as family alone, we finally got to celebrate Carl's big birthday. We did so just with the 5 of us in a quiet corner.

We pray that there are still many fruitful years ahead of Carl. Years of Godly wisdom, health and joy. We are endlessly thankful for the time He has already blessed us together.

Tractor

So, Carl was finally able to get the tractor over the border. She is now here, and I'm not sure who's most excited.

Newsletter August 2015

The last few months of our lives, we have been doing many new things. One of those ‘new things’ has been actively going around telling people about our work, with the goal of fundraising. Sounds like such a simple thing, but it does not come all that naturally, to be honest. One of the hardest parts, is being introduced: “We would like to introduce you to our missionary Carl/Ilne Paalman.”

It honestly does not fill me with the joy, maybe it should. Because every time I hear my name in the same sentence as the word missionary, it is meant as a compliment, but all I hear, is RESPONSIBILITY.

The Lord has trusted us with His Good news, and all the good works He planned for us (Eph 2:10). But my question is: is that more true for the person sitting in the bush in Zambia, than for the teacher in a public school, or the mom in the line at the supermarket? So, I’d like to propose a theory that we are all missionaries, and that the only difference is our mission field.

At least then, I can share my responsibility with you.

So, myself (Ilne) and our oldest daughter took on the flight to America. I was thinking of all those long ago hero’s of the faith who got on boats with no return ticket. And I took off my hat.

We were constantly aware of God’s leading. In the first place I got to stay in my mom’s house. Now as I mentioned last time, I have been struggling more with this pregnancy. And it was such relief to let my mom worry, and me just lay there. Nice and selfless, won’t you say. But no truly, it really did me well to just relax. It took my almost a week, to just feel strong again, and I thank the Lord for that week. Sorry, to all the people who had to listen to me babble in that week.

                                          My father organized several speaking engagements.

Rashelle came back, with every intention of returning to the ‘promised land’ as soon as possible. She had a great time with her cousins. She came back with lots of stories of fireworks, and big supermarkets to tell her brothers.  It was also great to meet my youngest niece, a sweet little soul of nine months.

                                                                    Tea party with cousins and grandma

                                                                    Tea party with cousins and grandma

God graced the efforts, through many generous people, and it is now possible to start the project in all seriousness. As I’m writing, Carl is on the border waiting for a tractor to arrive from South Africa. It’s happening in true African style- he has been waiting for four days. Meanwhile he has invested in a toothbrush, because he left with nothing, since it was suppose to be a quick trip. I guess some donkeys do hit their heads more than once.

Seriously though, thank you so much for all the people who have contributed in the last month. It is exciting to see things starting to happen. And as things progress, we hope you get more excited with us.

Here is some of the progress:

I’m keeping the pictures big enough to see. So, one of our first implements has been a ‘sheller’- to remove the kernels from the cob. The sheller is run from our little two wheel tractor’s diesel engine. Carl estimated that they did about 1000bags. People pay in maize, and in this way we are saving up the ‘payment’ for the use of people’s land in the coming rainy season.

 The walls of the maize storage has also been finished. This enables us to store people’s maize safely for a few cents per month, so that they don’t lose their crop, and also we can store our own supply for the program.

All in an effort to help our community farm more effectively. The big push will come November, when our rains arrive. God willing.

And as I’ve mentioned, Carl is awaiting the tractor that will also be used in that effort.

Meanwhile, we also had our first guests for the year. Some friends looking to relocate to Zambia visited just before I left for two days, and it was such fun to have them here. Trying to tell them as many stories as possible, to convince them what a great place this is. I never took a picture L, so you”ll have to wait to see their faces, plus I need their permission before introducing them.

Then Carl came down to South Africa to come get me, Rashelle and my father. We celebrated my grandfather’s 90th birthday, what an honour. I saw some family I haven’t seen for more than a decade (there is the only resemblance between myself and those missionaries from long-long ago). And it was good.

We drove up and then had some more friends come out for the European summer- escaping tropical weather by coming to Africa, there’s irony for you. Again, the children had a ball. They were seriously considering hiding in the luggage. We met the two girls while working at Goeie Hoop, and they were curious to see how things run here.

 To be honest, there’s not so much touristy things to do around here. But we tried to take them to the few things available. Gave us a days rest too.

So, if you plan to come see us, expected to be dazzled by dust and cows. And we might even throw in some chores for you to do.

Anyway, we loved it.

There you go, you’ve just about caught up with our lives. I’m in the home run of this pregnancy, and still do need some prayers. I’m doing well, but need to be doing superwell, to make sure that the gynae is willing to do my c/section here. So, will you please pray with us. We have 6/7 weeks to go. I decided to postpone my nursing exam, since me stress tolerance at the moment is about zero.

This afternoon I was called to our front door. There was a little two year old girl with a cloth wrapped around her hand. Turns out there’s not much left of her thumb.  Not one single tear. It’s a tough world, in desperate need of a Father’s love. And it is needed just as much in the grocery store and schools all around the world, as it is in the bush in Zambia. So, you go, missionary…

Blessings,