Christmas in NC began with a Christmas luncheon for the Saints Alive at my mother's church which was enjoyed on December 16.
The next day, Tony and 3 of the men from Eindhoven Baptiste Kerk joined Pastor Kevin and his men and a few other volunteers for a day of general maintenance on the building that Immanuel Baptiste Kerk erected in 2001-2004. The Oostenberg Bybel Instituut has been blessed to meet for classes in this indigenous church's building. They worked too hard to remember pictures!
When Daniel and Kristie Elmer arrived to Cape Town on December 19, they testified of a number of miracles God worked to bring them to the Cape to serve with us in church planting and in the Bible institute. Our people had been praying for them to travel safely overland from Zambia to Cape Town. June snatched up Meg to welcome her on Christmas Day at the service.
The people of Eindhoven Baptiste Kerk enjoyed having Victory Baptist Church join us for the Christmas Day service. Tony preached from Luke 2:1-7 on Christ's birth demonstrating God's sovereignty, faithfulness and greatness. We are praying for a number of lost visitors who heard the gospel again that morning.
The Eric Grahams hosted the Elmers, the Blantons, and Tony at their Christmas dinner after the morning services. Below Eric and Jeff Blanton fellowship while awaiting dessert!
On Christmas Eve, we gathered in North Carolina for a Christmas meal. Shayne and Clare who traveled down from Alexandria, Virginia for the day.
Ethan and Emily arrived the EARLY in the morning the day before Christmas even, traveling up from South Carolina after work. We were happy they could stay until Christmas morning.
After dinner, I snapped a good picture of my brother and his daughter, Amber,
and also a good one of Mama!
These flowers arrived from Tony with the following message: "I love you, miss you and think of you constantly. The roses are to say I love you and the Calla lilies are to remind you of South Africa where both of our hearts lie." It was a sweet surprise and made me cry.
Tony hosted the adults of the church for a holiday braai at our home on the 27th. Joan and June initiated Christie to playing dominos, Cape Flats' style (ie. shouting and slamming the tiles on the table top!)
The Elmers are getting well-acquainted with our people. Daniel and Clive enjoyed fellowship while braaiing the chicken. Tony is so appreciative of the meals Christie Elmer prepares for them. 
Meg and Michelle enjoyed wheelbarrow rides from "Papa" the day he and Daniel did the garden work in preparation for the braai.
The week after Thanksgiving, I was able to entertain Rob, Amy and the children, when Rob's job sent him to NC,
as well as my niece's family. After dinner, Amber shared the story, AROUND THE WORLD IN MY RED BALLOON, with Jake and Noelle, our grandchildren, and her own children, Jace and Ava. 
This past week, I gave my mother's room a make-over, painting the ceiling, walls and woodwork!! Over the beds are photos of my brother and me when we were 3 and 2!
On Saturday, Mama and her friend, Elizabeth, helped me with setting up for tea, while we waited for our widow friends to arrive.
There were nine of us who enjoyed muffins, quiche, banana bread and melk tert along with rooibos tea! I shared with the ladies the stories of 4 young women in South Africa and challenged them to be involved in mentoring younger women around them. Below is a frequent visitor, Mrs. Ruth Evans, who has been a faithful mentor to me for many, many years!
After many practice sessions, the Sunday school children of Eindhoven Baptiste Kerk gave their program on Sunday morning, 12 December. The Lord brought a few visitors and the gospel was presented in the program, its music and the message that Tony preached.
Here the angels appeared to the shepherds with the good news of Christ's birth!
The children faithfully prepared and sang well, according to Tony. How I missed being there!
That same Sunday, I taught Mrs. Mindy Jones' Graceful Ladies' Sunday School class at Victory Baptist Church, one of our supporting churches where my mother is a member.
The ladies were very attentive to the lesson from Psalm 63 and made me feel very welcome.
