Monday, April 27, 2009

Arrival in South Africa





After what seemed like an endless 24 hours of flying and waiting we were greeted by Brian & Lois & Liam! A grandparents heart is satisfied best when in the presence of a grandchild.

Our greeting team at The Pines consisted of the dozen or so children who were not napping. It was great to renew friendships with the children and housemothers. The older girls wanted to welcome us by singing for us. As we made our way to the activity room we discovered that they had quickly changed from play clothes to their best dresses to perform! That singing consisted of 20 minutes of a variety of songs in a variety of languages. What a treat--our eyes teared up as we reflected on the lives of these children and the wonderful work that God has done in their lives. They sang songs of praise to God and Jesus Christ for saving them. Wow. They looked so beautiful!

Today is national holiday named Freedom Day to celebrate the end of Apartheid. Since there is no school we are taking a group of children to the hospital to hand out tracts and witness to patients. The children are experts at this--more tomorrow.

Liam and Drake are the object of our attention quite often. This place is a grandparents dream. You can literally go outside and make a child's day anytime by playing with them or just talking to them. Tomorrow school starts again and it's back to life as norma--whatever that is.

Thanks for your promise of prayers--it means a lot to us and to Louis and Amber, Brian and Lois.

3 comments:

Pastor and Jeanie said...

Great to hear you made it safe and sound. And what a welcome - Wow! Praise the Lord!! We'll continue to pray for all of you...
Pastor & Jeanie

Unknown said...

Give Bri & Lo a big hug for us and Louis & Amber too! We love keeping up with you guys, so whatever you write, we'll read! :)
Our love and prayers,
The Pitcher gang

BrandyLynn said...

Sounds like a beautiful welcome, indeed! Praying that the hospital visit reaches at least one hurting, and longing soul for the Lord. I'm sure we could all learn a thing or two from the children who are so excited to share the Lord's goodness with the lost around them.

Thank you for updating us! Enjoyed seeing all the young ladies in their dresses. Tell them each how pretty they are!

Blessings, and Prayers-