First of all, Happy New Year! Even though it’s a week and a half into ’07, this is the first post of the new year, so there’s the sentiment. Hope all of you had a great time ringing it in. We were invited over to the house of a lady that heads up one of our minstries after our 10:30pm church service. I didn’t know this, but apparently being American means that you love turkey. At least, that’s what she told us before she brought out the huge bird, along with all of the trimmings, that we ate until almost two in the morning. Absolutely crazy, but fun.
After that, Christina and I boarded a plane and headed to Durban for some much needed R&R. After some time lying on the beach, shopping at the mall that houses the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall, watching dolphin shows and sliding down body flumes, it was time to head back to Jeffreys Bay.
And so here we are. The whole team is back (finally!) and we ease back into some sort of schedule tomorrow morning. Although I’ve enjoyed the break, I think it’ll be nice to get this next semester going. We’ve planned some really cool things for the next four months, and I’m excited to see what the Lord will do with all of it. I feel like all of the students are into life here in J-Bay, and so the learning curve that deals with obstacles (cultural, language, getting settled) will be lessened, while the learning curve for those God-things will spike, which is cool to think about. We’ll definitely be keeping you updated on what those specific God-things look like, but know that, as always, we covet your prayers to see the work of Lord in the lives of these students. Christina and I feel like we need to “turn up the heat” a little bit, if you will, but know we need to be careful not to overstep our bounds and allow the Spirit to work in His own timing.
Finally, we were both amazed at the amount of people that thought enough of us to send us Christmas cards and packages this year. To everyone who mailed us anything Christmas-y, thank you so much. We’ve got all of the cards on our door, and all of the gifts are being put to good use (especially the perishable food ones!). We can’t tell you how much we appreciate the amount of extra effort it takes to send something to us overseas. Even though we are far away from all of you, we feel so loved. Thanks so much.
I just want to encourage you and tell you that I will be praying for you both! I just came across your blog while googling J Bay because i am hoping to travel to J Bay in June to volunteer in a day care for 4 months…I am getting so excited and reading about your time there and the way that God is using you is so encouraging! Right now I have given it all to God and I am praying for Him to povide all of the financial support needed. This just reminded me of how BIG God is and how involved He is in every detail! Thank you!
Cubby, thanks for your calls! I really appreciate you taking the time to reach out and… sorry I keep missing you. Say hello to your wife. Blessings to you both.