December already and I have so much to blog. So go get some hot chocolate and sit back, here goes. November was a crazy month. David had surgery on his left foot. For those of you that don't know he has psoriatic arthritis in his feet so the doctor went in to straighten his toes out. This was our first experience with the South African hospital system. Overall it has been a great experience. Before the surgery David didn't have to do any tests. No blood work, no nothing. He arrived at the hospital on the day of surgery and was then told that he would be 2nd in line for surgery. By the way they call the OR the surgical theatre here. I guess David was the star of the show that day. He went through the surgery really well and had to stay over night. By the time I got to the hospital in the morning he was already wanting to go home. After some physical therapy and an x-ray he was released. He has been on crutches ever since. He will be getting the pins out of his toes December 17th. We thank you for all of your prayers for him. We are told that he can get the other foot done in February.
As all of that was going on the kids were finishing there first year of South African school for the year. I am so proud of all three children. They have all done really well transitioning and were all rewarded for their academic achievements. During the last 2 weeks of November we had a very busy schedule. Here the teachers go out with the moms for breakfast or dinner at the end of school. I went to 3. It gave me a chance to meet moms from each of their grades. I am hoping that it will open doors for me to share the gospel with these moms. Here they also do something called Prize Giving at the end of the year. Prize Giving is when the children are brought together and are recognized for their achievements throughout the year, like an awards ceremony. Micah did not have Prize Giving this year but the girls both were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements. I had no idea what to expect so to hear both of them called up was really a treat. The next night Micah performed what they call a concert here with the whole Grade R (like kindergarten). Micah was a giraffe and man was he cute. He said a poem, danced and sang. Micah even had a speaking part. His teacher wrote a part in for him because of his American accent. One of the moms didn't know we were American and thought Micah had really practiced that accent. He was adorable and won every one's heart.
We have been on holiday since November 28th. We are told that everyone usually goes to the coast for December. Remember it is summer here now. We have decided to stay put but to go to places that we haven't been to here. Like the zoo and caves etc. We didn't bring our Christmas tree or decorations with us so we have been making our own. The kids are having a great time with this. Friends let us borrow their tree while they are in the US so that was nice. We have also been watching Christmas movies and today Emily wants to bake cookies/biscuits. She is quite the baker.
Being that this is summer we have a storm practically every day. Last weekend the lightning was so bad that it took out the front gate and the internet for the whole compound. The lightning here is vertical rather than horizontal because of all of the minerals in the ground and we are pretty high up. Every time it rains we have to unplug everything. Crazy.
The kids and I have started to visit a baby orphanage here. This orphanage has about 14 babies. They range in age from 2 1/2 to newborn. They are so sweet and my children are having a great time holding them and feeding them. We have been going for about a month and some of the babies have already been adopted. I want to take them all home.
Yesterday I was reading a devotion written by Max Lucado. In it he used the verse I have learned to be satisfied with the things I have and with everything that happens. Phil. 4:11 I have to tell you this verse hit me square between the eyes. He went on to ask this question. What if God's only gift to you were his grace to save you? Would you be content? Because from heaven's perspective grace is enough. Max asks If God did nothing more that save us from hell, could anyone complain? Having been given heavenly riches, dare we moan about earthly poverty? This put things this Christmas season in perspective for me. Just because I am a missionary doesn't mean that I don't get things out of whack. God came to earth in the form of a baby, so that He could grow up to save me and you from hell. His grace is enough and I have learned to be satisfied. I pray that this Christmas season you don't get so caught up in the shopping and parties that you miss the real meaning of Christmas. Jesus. Merry Christmas from our family to yours.
Praise/Prayer Requests:
Praise - David's surgery went well and his foot is healing
Praise - the children did well in school
Praise - We have met a lot of new friends
Prayer- for the babies at the orphanage to find good Christian homes
Prayer - for the salvation of all of these new friends.
You all have been a blessing to us this year. We can't thank you enough for your prayers. We couldn't do this if we didn't have your prayer support. Thank you and Happy New Year!
