From South Carolina to South Africa

"The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in . . . . Psalm 121:8"

This is the first spring in SC in 13 years.  It was lovely to watch the azaleas bud and blossom along our drive before we left for South Africa on April 17.

 

Granddaddy Tony finished building Isaiah's trundle bed just before we left shortly after we learned that he is to be a big brother before the end of the year!

My mother got settled into Shepherd's Care for these 5 weeks and we had a sweet time of fellowship with Mrs. Lewis, GFA's former director's wife, the afternoon before our departure.

The Washers' and Wrights' children, in the foreground, are Kristie Elmer's brother's and cousin's children.  A few days before our departure, we enjoyed an evening of Massaman Curry and fellowship with Jim, Jenna, David and September and the kids! Kristie and David grew up in Africa and Jenna in South America.

On our arrival in Cape Town,  the baby Rain Spider, 3 1/2 inches from extremity to extremity, welcomed us home.  Sue Knipe said they never saw one in the house the whole year I was away!

Our first day back, ended with good food and fellowship with Bill and Sue and the children in their new home, just one block from our home!

The next day, Pastor Kevin and Sister Lydia Simpson came to bring Noah and Sarah to meet us.

We posed feeling much like grandparents for these two much-prayed for babies of our "spiritual children," Kevin and Lydia.  

Due to illness, it was a few days before the Elmers were able to stop in on a walk to greet us and have tea and muffins with us.  While Meg wasn't ready to pose for Uncle Tony, the photographer, her younger sister,  Michelle, felt a bit braver.  Daniel and Kristie look forward to being inducted into the "3 daughters' club" in July.  These sisters will be little mommy's helpers for sure. We continue to thank God everyday for how He orchestrated for the Elmers and Knipes to co-labour with us.

Family, Friends--New and Renewed!

"A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17

Tony's brother, Jerry, and his wife, Karen, spent a day with us in March. It was good to see them both.

My newest friend, Rita, and I had coffee at Cracker Barrel.  We met shortly after a severe family crisis. I believe God brought our paths together for eternal good.

 

During Bible Conference at Bob Jones University, Anne Cleland (left) and her parents, Robin and Carol, from Toronto, Canada, stayed in our home for 6 days.  We thank the Lord for guest quarters we can share with others whom He brings our way.

Duane Rush and his wife, Sally, (in foreground) were also in town for Bible Conference.They joined us for food and fellowship on Sunday evening along with veteran missionaries to Korea, Doug and Barbara Threlfall (behind Duane, on the left).   We've known and loved both of these couples for over 30 years.  Also sharing our table that evening was Bro. Homer Chinn (at the back of the table). Homer  joined our sending church several furloughs ago.  He helped us unload our moving van last August.

Former missionaries, Steve and Donna Bixby, recently invited us for a meal in their home. We enjoyed the good conversation and good food with these nearby neighbours and friends.

On March 30, I took Tony to Charlotte, NC, to fly to New York for a week of ministry at two of oursupporting churches.  During his 9 days away, I filled some of the long days with preparations for another ladies' tea.

The 10 ladies joined me and Mama for the event. Mary Beth and Shushila kindly posed for this photo.

Rita, my newest friend, had opportunity to share with Linda and Mary about her recent loss of  a daughter and 2 granddaughters in an accident in Florida in January.

Judy, "Grandma Jo", Mama, Linda and Tammy all had opportunity to get to know one another better through the testimonies shared.  God so enriched my life with dear believing friends like these women.

Our youngest daughter, Emily, and another teacher held a teaching English workshop for local teachers in Banlung, Cambodia. Her husband, Ethan, continues to make good progress on the gospel dvd in the Brao tongue. They are praying about staying longer to produce a second dvd in another tribal language.

These dear twins are the son, Noah, and daughter, Sarah, of Pastor Kevin and Sis.Lydia Simpson.  We look forward to meeting these babies soon!!  Pray for us as we travel to South Africa on Wednesday, 17 April.

Tony will have the privilege of dedicating the twins (and their parents!) to the Lord on Sunday, 21 April.