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.