Morning Musings

The mornings are beautiful like many other places. The other morning as I walked down the hill to meet with the ladies of Sunbury. I notices the mountains in the distance. There was a mist that filled the low places like water in a bowl. The day was warm, but there was a cool  breeze from the ocean. It was as a cool refreshment when you are parched. As the day passed and the evening came I noticed the mountains again. There was a sheer vale of mist raising from the bowl between the mountains. 

It reminded me that often that is what it is like for us as Christians. Sometimes there seem to be a veil between us and Gods plan for us, but it’s still there. We can see the path, just not as clear as we’d like to. For me it was a reminder to persevere because I know that God's plan is perfect I need only take one step at a time. 

Mary’s and Martha’s

The camps that come always wait in anticipation to get here and this weekend was no exception. We received a call early Friday morning, “is it raining there? We are here in Durban." Well yes it was, not a heavy rain, but a constant mist that wet everything. I felt so bad for them, but we do not control the weather. We have a minimum requirement of 60 campers and they couldn’t meet the minimum either yet they came. The pastor told me they discussed not coming. It had been a difficult few weeks they have had 10 deaths in their church in the past 6 weeks, but there was a feeling of God has a plan. They arrived about 4:00 Friday afternoon to a dismal afternoon at least as far as the weather. Amazingly, spirits were high.

The church, Emmanuel, is an unusual church. An Africans pastor, an Indian associate pastor, and a very mixed congregation. These groups usually stay separate, but just let me say they were “the unified body of Christ in every sense of the word.” They unpacked, met with us, and began their set up. I believe we had 48 in all. The evening consists of supper and through it all, a Praise Service.

Saturday awoke to this 😀 clear and beautiful.  

I really can’t tell you the feeling of unity I got from this group.  As I spoke with one of the cooks they brought, I made the comment that I believe that there is purpose in everything and that we were not here this weekend by accident. She told me that they had one lady that was new to the church and had decided to see what this God of theirs was all about.  She is a Muslim woman who came because of her daughter who had been abused and was counseling with one of the ladies from this church. WOW... now there is a reason to press on with camp.  I believe she accepted Christ this weekend.

I was feeling bad for the cooks because the cooks always miss out on the meetings. But not with this group they had a 3:00 am meeting to praise God for his goodness and to worship, they were all in attendance they said they were both Mary’s and Martha’s. Sitting at the feet of Jesus and serving. Again WOW.    

I was able to go to their Sunday morning service two hours and it seemed like a just moment in time. I can say God was in this place this weekend and praise Him I was able to be there too. Rain to sun, sadness to joy, Christ glorified. What a blessed weekend it was.  

A Good Day: Monkeys, Cranes, and Ellen

It was a very warm day today 88 when we rolled out of bed this morning ☹️ a bit warm for me. I decided to head to the dining hall and work on the binding for the quilt I’m doing for our project building.    

One of the great joys for me here is Ellen. She always has a smile and a song. Today when I saw her she wasn’t singing.  I stopped and told her, “one of the things I missed when I was gone was her singing.”  She giggled and went on about her cleaning. Later as I sat on the veranda of the dining hall she came out to empty her water bucket... she smiled and began singing. There is just such a peace about her voice. It made my day complete. 

  

Apparently we have a of cranes that live at the camp. They squawk back and forth like an old married couple. It’s funny to watch.

Today I finally saw my monkeys. They aren’t on the grounds like they use to be because many of the trees have been cut down and they cannot cross the electric fence.  But today they were screeching back and forth at each other in the trees beyond the fence. I’m not really sure what was going on, but they were verbal with each other.  

It’s suppose to cool down tomorrow were so glad. Should be in the upper 60’s for a few days. A refreshing change. 

Mondays are better in South Africa

I woke up this morning and all I can say is, “ I feel like a real girl “.  

It’s about 75 today with a beautiful breeze from the ocean. BEAUTIFUL. 

We’re told that Monday’s are a sacred day here at Sunbury. Campers are gone, there are no workers and peace all around us. It is indeed a day of rest and refreshment. Maybe that’s the secret of feeling like a real person again. Howard is pacing himself a few hours at a time. You know how it is when you start a new project you always start by getting things in the order that works for you. That’s what he’s been working on getting the workshop in order. 

The ladies asked me when I was starting I told them not til the Hoffman’s leave. They seem anxious, really I am too but at this point I’m not strong enough. I told them, 7:00 is too early for me right now. They were so funny Ntombifuthi said, “we can start at half past and work later or 8:00 if I’ll just come. Made me feel loved.  

Hope you each have a blessed day as well. 😊

10 Days In...

WOW 😲 it’s already been 10 days. Time is passing as it always does. I’m sorry I’ve not blogged sooner but my old body just doesn’t acclimate well when traveling. Since my last note I’ve been in bed... I don’t know maybe flu or old age but definitely not good. Yesterday was my first day up and out of the house.  

Our traveling buddies Dick and Laurel Beem arrived last Sunday evening. Their flight was 32 hours. I know sound bad but they had a 15 hour layover in Dubai and they had a sleeping room. It seems hey faired better than we did. Maybe something to consider. Laurel has picked up my slack, she did my laundry and has prepared food for us. Good friends, what a precious gift. 

Howard has been getting the lay of the land, making lists, pondering and getting adjusted I’m so glad he’s adjusting so soon. A full night sleep is still a bit away, but enough to get him up during the sun shine hours. 

Well that just took all my energy 😏 time to rest... again

We have arrived!

To use a phrase from Genesis, “ and evening passed and morning came “.  We have arrived at Sunbury, well last night. This is the  morning view from our front door.  So peaceful and beautiful.  Howard is still sleeping as I write this two days of no sleep leaves him very tired.

We will spend the next few days getting use to the time change and resting from the trip. Hopefully Monday we’ll be able to review our work with the Hoffman’s. Just one more view for you so see...