More Wondrous Than I Could Have Imagined

Today, I finally was able to call my family. It was sooooooooooo good to hear their voices. The phone lines here have been down all week. I didn't tell Stan about the car that I was in today breaking down while we were out of the city in an area where children had gathered around our vehicle. Amazingly, if I had been at home, I would have panicked, but here, it was just, Okay let's pray. And, of course, we're all back here at the base, or I wouldn't be posting.

We started our day with extra sleep that I knew Josie-Tatum needed. Then, she and I spent time just visiting the classrooms and the friends that she has made here. We were able to spend extra time with the three children from one family, all being sponsored by our mission team for school, Faith, Solomon,and Shandukani. It was such a blessing to know how much their lives will change because of the love of God's family around the world. Every one of you who have given to us, look at those photos and the one of Adi at the top of yesterday's post and KNOW that God has used your faithfulness to make a difference in the life of a child.

In the afternoon, we went to a feeding program, where the mission here takes food to orphans and "vulnerable" children, as they are called here in South Africa. It was humbling to remember how blessed we are in the US, to see these children so thankful for one chicken leg and pap (something like grits.) They were excited to see all of the Makoor (white people). When we took their photos, they all wanted to see themselves, and would laugh when they saw their photos on our digital cameras.

Tonight was such a blessing, too. We had an old-fashioned sing-along. Brad asked me to play the piano. There was no light there, so he brought out a head-lamp thingy, which attached to my head with a light on the forehead. Can you see me wearing one of those at Youmans' Chapel? It felt like a scene straight out of Little Women, with all of the British accents, and the formal old hymns many of them were requesting. Even the older men were marching around the room while we sang, "Onward Christian Soldiers." I sat on a piano bench covered in leopard print with furniture, much of it handmade, all in the African theme. I can hardly believe sometimes that I am in Africa.

Thank you all for your prayers, but I have a bit prayer request now. REALLY!

Please visit Build the Nations at their website www.buildthenations.org . I am absolutley moved when I am here. The Palmers, Brad and Hazel, are the most sold-out-for-Jesus people I've ever met and sat with. Their testimony is unbelievable, except I know Jesus!!! One day our children will be reading about them in history books, I believe. They are so determined to bring the love of Jesus to Africa, to make a difference for the people here.

And, begin to pray today and everyday for the home we hope to build here. The needs are so great that Brad sometimes can't sleep at night, and he has to stay focused on what he can do, not what he can't do. But, we can help!!! We can find the funds to build a home here, for the orphans who cannot go to school, who don't know Jesus to find the love of Jesus. Everyone here is so loving, it's almost like home. (I sure do miss my husband, children, parents, and sister, though.) If you're walking, someone says, "Can I help you?" Don't let them know you need laundry done, or someone will be asking to do it for you. It's just amazing to see the servant's hearts here.

There is much more I will be telling you when I arrive home. I will try to post more, perhaps on Sunday.

But, Josie-Tatum wants to put a picture on her blog. So visit there, too!

Love, prayers, and thanks to all of our prayer warriors!
Robbie