Can it Really Be May Already???

May - wow - if I were going home this year, I'd be leaving in less than 2 months - I guess that's why I'm staying longer than a year - can't imagine leaving so soon. I'm really beginning to build solid relationships with some of the youth. I really enjoy being with them - there are some that I'm sure are going to make a difference here in South Africa - if only because they are chosing to work hard and to be people of integrity. The more of those we have, the better the community.

This morning in church, Ian spoke about the Kingdom of God and how in the Lord's Prayer, Jesus prays that God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven. He talked about how for God's will to be done on earth, then we must reveal the kingdom by how we live - loving God first and loving each other. It was very afirming because I have tried to convey to the youth that being a Christian is not about rules and regulations, its about 2 things - loving God first and loving others. My prayer is that this message sinks in with the youth - only 2 things to remember.

Okay, so since I haven't posted in about a month, guess I should do an update on things...hummm since the baptismal service....well, I went home for 3 weeks - that was wonderful! It was so nice to be back with my folks and my family and my friends. I felt like I dropped back into my old life again - almost a twilight zone feeling - my room was the same, I slept in my bed - I had clothes there - my mess was there - I sat in the same chair downstairs with my Talli sharing the ottoman with me - just like home! Even more, the golf association I played with the past 2 years had started its season, so I got to play golf with my good friends Donna and Wanda and I went to Maryland and visited Becky, the Stuckers, and went to Heritage - just like always. Talli went with me to Maryland and played with Sam, I played golf with Gayle, Henry, and Bill - just like old times - was great! I also got to see cousin Amy on the way up and great friend Kathy and her family on the way back. I also had great times visiting with friends at the mission board and catching up on all the Virginia Baptist news.

Mom asked me what was the biggest most surprising change that had occurred while I've been gone for home. Actually, the biggest change was not really surprising. My nephew, Harry, has changed from a boy into a young man - he's taller than me now - his voice has changed - it was strange to see so many changes in him in just 9 months. Of course I wasn't surprised because Dad and Mom are good at keeping me updated on the goings on at home, but wow! Harry and Kendall are great people and I am thrilled to be their aunt - we went to Cici's to celebrate Harry's 15th birthday while I was home.

Another one of the highlights of my trip was going to Danville to see family. We had a big dinner at my aunt's house and lots of cousins and aunts and uncles were there - it was very special especially since I missed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter with them - something that I haven't missed before. My Aunt Nancy even let Talli come - I am grateful for that! Didn't want to board her while I was at home. I am very blessed to be a part of a family that enjoys being together and who all share the joy of faith in Jesus.

Since I've been back, well, I've gotten back into the old routine mostly. We did have a neat service on Monday, April 28th - a public holiday here in South Africa. Cheryl had been planning it since before the end of last year. She wanted to have a service of Thanksgiving to God for all the things God has done for the ministries of Troyeville, Berea, and Belleview Baptist churches, including Door of Hope and Touch Life Centre. Our church at Troyeville was packed - there was a lot of singing, reports of God's blessings, and praises to God for his great love for us. Russell organized a combined choir from all three churches - it was great to see the wide variety of folks there - from South Africa, Nigeria, the Congo, the US, the UK, Zimbabwe, etc. All God's children gathered to give praise. I have a video of the song items - wanted to capture examples of African worship - what wonderful memories!

Guess that's all for now. I've already started letting the youth know about camp in December - hoping they will start saving their money now. Of course, I know that most don't really have money to save, but wanted to get them thinking about it. If you're reading this - think about sponsoring the youth for camp in December - its a great time for them to get away from the city - have some fun - experience some great worship, and hear more about how much God loves them. It will probably cost about R600 -R700 per student which is a little less than $100 each. If you want to contribute, send it to the Virginia Baptist Mission Board marked as a donation for the Troyeville Baptist Youth Camp.

Its getting colder here - in the 50's today, rainy and windy. The church was cold! Don't know how I'm going to handle it when it gets down into the 30's. I think I've mentioned this several times before, but here it is again - there is no indoor heat here! Yesterday, Amber and I went shopping and bought space heaters for the flat. We've got a big radiator type in the lounge and right now, its actually quite comfortable - thanks God!