Newsletter May 2019

I saw this picture as I was preparing to write to let you know what we are up to. We have recently been confronted again by Christians who see the medical science as an enemy to our faith. It is a hard thing, because we live by faith, and not always by what we see (2 Cor 5:7); but that doesn’t mean that everything physical is evil. God created the world, so amazingly complex and yet everything works together so well. The study of the human body just highlights His creative miracles. This picture was about God creating trees and our bodies to work as a unit- to give life to both. I am busy with a study about different plants that we can use to treat patients when medication is not available (part of keeping my license current). I find it fascinating how much God placed around us, in all different forms. May our hearts beat with thankfulness.

Part of this miracle is how God created us in His image, and how He placed in each of us this same Creativity. So, here is some of the creativity around us:

Carl started his hydroponics project. The vegetables just have too many things holding it back: lots of disease, lots of effort that goes into weeding, lots of costs to water, not to mention the back ache. So, in an effort to make these efforts more productive- we will try out Aquaponics. Some of the village ladies are raising fish in their hand-dug dams. Because of the soil kind, the water keeps flowing away through big cracks, and they spend a lot of money on fuel for the pumps to replace the water. Carl has made them an offer to move their fish to our lined dam, and then this ‘fertilized’ water can be circulated into the vegetable stands. Let’s see how it goes.

Carl’s toilet roll seedlings

Tim used the pieces from our game cupboard to build a chameleon.

Rashelle made some bracelets to sell for the market when we celebrate the Dutch King’s birthday the 28^th of April.

Every moment the boys are not in school, they spend with our Zambian neighbours. This is some of the Zambian boys' creativity on display.

Our landlord is building, partly to make some extra space for us. The rock work of the Zambian builders, I just love.

And then lastly, we were trying to be creative to celebrate the most merciful feast on the Christian calender- Easter. He is not hanging on the Cross anymore. He has risen, He has risen indeed!!!! And for this Spiritual life, our hearts beat with thankfulness.

Request: We have a personal request. We really have the desire to visit Ilne's family. This doesn't fit in our day-to-day budget. So, we've saved up a bit, and would ask if there are people who feel the urge to contribute towards a break away, then we would very much appreciate it, if not, please don't do it.

Till we see you again;)