Wed Word; Abnormal

It’s time for another Wednesday Word.

Abnormal:  “wide load”

That abnormal truck is driving in my lane!

You and Me Time

When I picked up the kids from school yesterday one of the girls asked if we could have “you and me time”. The last few weeks she has started to use that phrase as we both enjoy one of one time with each other. She is 10 years old and is almost like a little sister; she brings out the silly side of me. Who could resist such a cute request so Mpho and I have “you and me time” now. It normally consists of jumping on the trampoline or chasing each other or painting nails or tickling. But yesterday it needed to include homework since summer is over.

As I was cooking dinner for the 12 kids and preparing a few extra dinners to go in the freezer, Mpho needed to do homework but insisted on doing it with me since we were having “you and me time”. So I was cooking up a storm and trying to do homework. It was way to close to motherhood for me. But dinner didn’t burn, some extra meals went in the freezer for the week and the homework got done. I was exhausted by the end and was thankful that I’m not always mom but thankful for the moments I can be for this little guys.

Newness

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease; great is his faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:22-23

As we start this New Year, I’m reminded of God’s heart for newness. He desires and offers newness to His children every day. He wants to continually make us into a new creation. He desires newness for the lost and hurting world. It gives reason to hope and dream.

I’m so thankful that His mercies are new each day, that is reason to leap for joy. God’s in the business of newness and I love that characteristic of His!

I heart Giraffes

I got my surprise package today! This was in it…

but wait did you see this…

Ag, I love it! Thanks Kim and Gabe for my fun journal and package. It made my day week

Pictures…Finally

I’m finally making time and have good enough internet to post some pictures of the family in Uganda. Mom this is just for you…enjoy! We missed you dearly on Christmas, you will have to join us for an African Christmas one year

Christmas in Uganda

I get the privilege of spending Christmas with Brooke and her family in Uganda this year. It’s my first African Christmas and it’s been 5 years since Brooke and I have celebrated the holiday together. We miss our mom and the rest of our family but we are having a blast and enjoying our time together and the holiday.  Landon is so cute and a fun age, I’m sure there will be some pictures posted soon! Happy Christmas week. Hope you are enjoying the celebration of the birth of Christ!

Summer Time

It’s official summer is here! Yesterday was the last day of school for the Child Haven kids. I got the privilege to pick them up from school. They had an end of school and Christmas party. So needless to say they were so excited and on a bit of a sugar buzz. But the 5 minute drive home was fun being excited for summer.

We went over to some friends for a pool party and braai (South African barbeque). So the kids had a great last day of school and start to summer. Tonight we are going to a special Christmas carols by candlelight at one of the malls. Let the fun begin!

AIDS Day

• One in Four South Africans are HIV+
• It is expected that there will be 3.1million Orphans by 2010 and 5.7million by 2014
• Approximately 1500 people are infected with HIV daily in South Africa
• Every Minute a South African dies of AIDS

But this isn’t just stats or numbers. These are people, families, friends…people I run into each day.  It’s dreams, vision, hope, potential that is buried with this disease.

It’s a vast, overwhelming and devastating pandemic that is swiping this nation I love. I have seen the fear it has left in its wake. Death has almost lost its string because it’s so prevalent and a daily occurrence.

Yet there is hope. God is the healer and restorer of nations.

As people have a life changing encounter with their Creator, I trust, pray and believe we will see behavioral change that will cause the tides of this pandemic to shift.

Give Thanks

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. 1  Chronicles 16:34

I have much to be thankful for…my family, health, friends, work that I love, and I could keep going on and on.

The Lord is truly so good just because He is a good, loving God and that is reason to give thanks.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Kid Sitting

I get the privilege of house/kid sitting for the week. Child Haven’s house mom is on a well deserved holiday. The first 24 hours have been great.  We truly have amazing kids that are a blast most of the time.

Yesterday we got to celebrate a birthday, lay on the grass and make shapes out of the clouds, and had a four hour dress rehearsal for the dance production on Sunday.  I’ll hold thumbs that the next few days will be as smooth and fun!

And how can you not love these adorable kiddos?