TIA, 'this is Africa' is a common phrase we use here in Africa meaning, we are no longer in America living by our rules and customs.  We are now in Africa and we do things the way the Africans do it.  This is something I was challenged alot with last year.  We must live with an 'expect the unexpected' mindset and go with the flow no matter what we are asked to do or where we go, we must adapt and serve in whatever way possible.  This is something we've really had to live by this time around.  James and I arrived Thursday morning having had little to no sleep the night before and very jet lagged.  We were originally moved into the orphanage where we were planning to spend the next two months.  We were given a bed to share in the baby room which was shared with the three littlest ones so it was quite cramped as the five of us shared a small room.  Shortly after arriving we found out that there were complaints of how many people were staying in the house so we decided it be best to move.  We were so blessed that same night my friend Ryan offered for us to stay in the flat he's living in with our good friends, a couple named Grace and Blessing from Zimbabwe and their baby More Blessing.  They have been so great to us allowing us to live with them.  Its a tight fit but we have no complaints and I am very greatful.  Ryan, James and I are sharing a room and the family from Zim share the other room.  Its been a great time of fellowship together as we make and eat dinner together every night and spend our evenings together and end the night in prayer as a family.  I have been so blessed to see the work of the Body of Believers.  Here we are people from all areas of the world with backrounds from every end of the spectrum but when we are together with our hearts and faith in common we have a bond that runs deep.  Its so beautiful when you meet a fellow believer for the first time and your hearts just connect.  Last night we had a guest spend the night, her name is Hazel and her son Prince.  Grace met Hazel in the delivery room when they both gave birth to their baby boys.  Hazel is also from Zimbabwe and was so thrilled to meet people from her home country and Christians as well.  So last night we all gathered around our tiny living room table eating African style and chatting.  I love the hospitality of Africans how they have so little but they give whatever they can.  We clearly didn't have much room for anyone else but Blessing chose to sleep on the living room floor so that Hazel could sleepover. 

 

   So things here in Jeffreys Bay are going well, we have faced many challenges but God is good and we have been blessed throughout them.  The majority of my day is spent at the orphanage which I am really loving.  The kids and Nelly have become like family to me.  We currently have 12 children ranging from Hope who is 8 months old up to Linda who is 14.  God has really just been laying on my heart to have a servants heart and serve Him and others in the little things.  My days normally consist of doing preschool activities for Michelle, Blessing and Lady, our toddlers, helping with endless amounts of laundry, cleaning, dishes, packing and spending time with the kiddos.  The kids are really doing great and I have seen so much growth in them since last year, physically and emotionally.  I am so impressed by the way Nelly raises them and know I can learn alot from her.  She teaches the children that rather than fighting they must work out their problems so they have meetings where the whole family comes together and discusses different issues that has come up in the week and how they can deal with it.  Its so cute seeing the little kids being like, "Lady you've been wearing my shoes when I asked you not to."  Simple little things like that but they choose to work through it, its adorable!  They also begin their mornings with devotions together and pray together every night, I love to see that.  All the kids are so happy and it is my prayer that they can continue to live with Nelly and grow up in this atmosphere where they are loved and cared for and raised to know Christ.  Please continue to pray for each one of them they come from such horrible pasts yet Christ has blessed them with this opportunity to be free from that.  Pray that they would be able to stay there and continue to heal from their past and come to know the Lord.  Here are the kids names and ages so you know who you are praying for. 

 

Linda 14

Tessa 11

Kelly (around 10)

Thandi 10

Ronaldo 9

Colas 7

Renee 7

Lady 4

Michelle 3

Blessing 2

Angel 2

Hope 8 months

 

Thanks for all of your prayers and support.  God bless.  -Sama