Newsletter

 This is a time of reflection, looking back to 2014, looking ahead to 2015. A good time to think about where we are:

Where are we, physically? We just returned from South Africa. Back to Mazabuka. Myself and the children went down south for two and a half weeks, and Carl just came to pick us up. We had a great and relaxing time with my sister’s family (and a broken camera). We could do the necessary shopping, which was a great pleasure as everyone else was doing their Christmas shopping (made me miss the village a lot). Mostly we had to shop to set up the new school for the children, since our formal home schooling will commence in January. After my training in November, we are fired up and looking forward to starting that. Ask my poor family- I should be send on promotional tours, I’ll try and convince everyone of the benefits;) The boys are also ready to go back to crèche- Simon will start new, exciting!

Carl was waiting in Zambia, watching the clouds for the rain to come- and waiting and waiting and waiting. But it came- and man did it come. So, now we are actually waiting for the mud to subside to work in our gardens again. Despite the water it is not always an easy time for vegetable gardens- so I have some work too. Carl planted soya beans, maize and sunflower- mainly as chicken feed, since our chickens are doing well, and egg-selling a hit.

Where are we,  emotionally? Doing very well. It has been a busy but good year. We have been involved and could see things happen and change. We could also see ourselves grow, and settle. Then it is nice to go to bed at night, knowing it is not for nothing. We have also grown in our African-ness (though I have never been anything but)- I had to share this photo with you.

It’s Carl’s motorbike, his only transport since I had the car in South Africa. There are four crates strapped on the back of the bike to transport his 20 new chickens. When he was using our car to plow the other day, one of the big farmers, smilingly commented: “Are you trying to get a short-cut to your residency?” Belonging is the name of the game.

 

Where are we, spiritually? Also in this area, we are filled with gratitude. It was one of our greatest needs while in Liberia, and here it has been met. We have a church family where we can be active, and belong. But we also experience God’s presence first-hand daily in our work and surroundings. God greatly encouraged me earlier in this year, and now God has placed a vision in Carl’s heart. A big vision. It is not all clear yet, so we are going to leave you wondering. If it crystallizes Carl can write about it beginning of next month. We can see how this little piece of land we are on, can touch many lives and people- on all levels. Isn’t that exciting?

To God be the glory (or as they say in many tribes around us- to God be the groly). He is the One who holds us day by day. Is there anywhere else to be, than in His Hands??

Ps. A small testimony of how the work here reaches our own children:

This is a sketch Rashelle made after going to a conservation training with her father. This shows how God’s blanket works to slow water loss, but also how God can change our heart- creating a new creature. Carl has been doing training in the church of one of the pastors of Hope Builders Ministries Zambia- this is an open door to willing and eager people.

We pray that 2015 will be a very special year for all of us!!!!