It’s been rainy, cloudy, and misty a few days this week. The fake Autumn weather in our summer made me miss some of my favorites American goodies; like caramel apples, pretty fall leaves, and of course coffee-mate pumpkin spice.

One of the things I absolutely love and overindulge in when I’m in the U.S. is flavored coffee creamer. I did have one Pumpkin Spice in the American stash so I busted it out this week and have been loving it! Although it isn’t the same without Kim we shared many, many cups of Pumpkin Spice coffee while I was home last Fall. But I’m so enjoying a taste of Autumn.

South African English has a flavor all of its own. I have picked up quiet a few different words since living here. Thought a fun way to share a glimpse into cross cultural life would be to pass on a few South African words/phrases. So I’ll occasionally do Wednesday word. Hope you enjoy!

Hold Thumbs:  which is similar to the phrase “cross your fingers” in the States

Example, “Hold thumbs for the Springboks to play well this weekend.”

Not like this…

Like this…

My passport is expiring in a few months so I went to the U.S. consulate today to pick up my new one. A few things caught me off guard and reminded me that I was at the US consulate and things were more “Americanized”.

• C-span was showing on the TV
• All the people working there were so friendly and asked what I needed help with (Customer service is normally somewhat lacking or just different here)
• There was a water fountain…a very rare sighting
• And the toilet flushed all by its self…yep even in Africa the American toilet is an automatic flusher. It totally surprised me and then made me laugh when I was weeing

It is really the little things that make a culture unique. I would have never defined American culture by the things I saw or experienced but it did stand out and put that extra touch to make the consulate feel more American.

One of our young girls opened her heart and shared past hurt and abuse with Amy, the house mom, and me this week. It was heart breaking to hear her describe things she shouldn’t even be able to imagine. We asked questions and listened to her story unfold a little more. It gave us deeper insight into her and some of her behaviors.

We prayed over her and asked God to heal and restore her heart and life. When we were finished praying we asked her to listen to God and see what He was saying.  It was astonishing the truths she heard and received from the Lord. Amy and I were blown away at God’s faithfulness and all we could do was rejoice in the miracle that was taking place. God is busy turning broken children into His miracles, and I’m so honored and privileged to be able to see that and be apart of it. He is truly the God who performs miracles! (Ps 77:14)

for God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable. Romans 11:29

God doesn’t want His plan, purpose or call on my life to be altered or changed. As far as He is concerned it is irreversible and it is only by His forgiveness, mercy and grace that it is so. There have been many times I have blown it and unfortunately there will be more.

But God is so gracious; He picks me up, reminds me of that special call and anointing, places my feet back on the path and walks side by side with me as we continue to move forward and accomplish the vision and call He has placed deep within my heart…and yet it is even deeper within His. He desires to see me fulfill my call more than I do.  What an unbelievably great God!

Happiness is finding a “new” imported item on the grocery store shelf for only R12 (about $1.60)

Our Spring weather has brought rain and humidity. So I have let my hair curl a lot recently. Yesterday it was dry so I went for the straighten look. One of the little girls at the orphanage asked why I put on different hair. Many of the Africans wear wigs to change up the hair styles so she thought I literally put on new hair. I’m blessed to have natural different hair to “put on” and change up the style. It’s such a joy to see life through kids lens.

Anything worthwhile requires something of us; an investment of time, effort, or resources. Sometimes it’s hard to invest in people we can’t control their responses, change comes slowly, and we aren’t guaranteed any return. But people are the sweetest kind of investment with the greatest potential. Tammy Bicket

People are the greatest investment. Yes there is risk and you might not ever see the return on your investment. But there is limitless potential in people. I am thankful that so many people have chosen to invest in me. And I choose today to open my eyes to those around me, see where and what I can invest and to give generously.

Landon sends a little hello from Uganda!

Kids say the funnest things, working with 13 children there is consistent entertainment. This week a classic quote was said so I have to share.

Amy (the house mom) and I took the 13 to the park to celebrate the first day of the “spring break” holiday. One of the 4 year olds and I were walking to the toilet, and we came across some dog poop. She looked at me very intently and asked “who wipes dog’s bums?” Very classic!