YWAM BAS

Our application are in! we have completed and sent in phase 1 of our preparations for me to attend the Birth Attendant School with Youth with a Mission Perth, AU. Now we wait to hear if I am accepted. Bruce also had to apply to be on staff with the base. Once we hear the news we then will move forward with visas.

The other night Bruce and I were discussing how last year this time we were going to meetings and preparing to go to South Africa the following April. That trip came and went really fast and we were thinking about our preparations for next June and how if April came so fast.. June is not far behind. all that to say its coming really fast!

We are really excited at this point. I know we will go through a range of emotions. but even through the nervousness we've both stated what an amazing adventure this will be for our family and even with all the things we could be nervous about.. its only 1 year.. and we can do 1 year. :)
we will keep you posted!

Missing South Africa.. the fresh air mixed with wood smoke, the dirt, the smiles, the huts and the avocados!!
Trying to walk through life here with a bit of my heart in another place. Everyone who has been to Africa has said to me that you leave changed and you leave part of yourself there. I now completely understand that statement. Life here is good and now that its warm being outside a good portion of the day is helpful. Its truly an interesting feeling.. one that is hard to put into words. Its like I'm going through the motions here of this life that I am very accustomed to... yet I feel so different.. everything feels new and strange.

I'll miss Africa... until we meet again....

-H

We are home! What an amazing trip! looking forward to sharing more about our time with the Zulu people of South Africa! :)

Saturday, April 23

We are leaving. What joy, and what sorrow. Last night we talked together about how we can possibly explain this to you all. We've tried, in our own ways, to express some of what we've seen and felt through our e-mails. But they simply don't do it justice. There are thousands of pictures in our cameras waiting to be developed and shown to you that will help tell the story of our experience here. But they won't completely convey it all to you either. So bear with us as we return :) This has been a life-changing time and we thank God for it. We also thank God for you. For all your prayers and your support and your encouragement. We ask that you please continue to lift us up in prayer. We have a long journey home - four take-offs and landings - and little ones who must sit still for a very long time! We have airports to traverse, and customs to clear. And we have much processing to do about all we have done here. We rest easy knowing that God goes before us and with us, and that you all are praying for our safe return.

We hope to arrive at the Detroit airport at 1:45 p.m. on Easter Sunday (God willing ;)), and in Greensboro, NC airport at 6:00 p.m. We will try to let you know as soon as we can if those times change. But please plan to be there to pick us up :) We're anxious to see you!

Until then, we remain in the joy and the hope and the promise of the risen Christ.

He is risen!! He is risen indeed. Amen.

Friday, April 22

Dear Family and Friends,

You are all greatly missed and we look forward to being home with you in 2 days. We will leave here missing our Zulu friends and praying for them, their health and the ACM ministry.

What a way to end our service here in South Africa starting with services at 7 am and Rev Rob preaching twice today, services not ending until 8pm, taking only short breaks and time for meals together. We spent the day alternating between organizing what supplies we will be leaving behind for ACM to be provided to those in need and for next year’s team, packing for our travel home and worshiping with the people of Grace Evangelical Church. The people of GEC and Gubethuka gathered starting last night for fellowship and will continue through Sunday for the Easter holiday glorifying our risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

We had the unique experience to meet with the community and provide additional education today in break out sessions. Dr. Amy and Dr. Andy, with the help of our friend Talent, educated young and old in proper oral care and the importance of oral hygiene. Dr. Andy also helped to lead a special break out session with Rev. Rob and Bruce for the men of the community sharing in fellowship, answering much-desired questions and counseling. Dr. Cathy shared with the women much needed guidance and information pertinent to their health care. The people of the community seemed to enjoy this time so much so that other portions of what had planned were cancelled. This is just a testament to how valuable the information that many of us at home get on a daily basis is, this may be the only chance that some of them get to ask questions candidly to a physician and get straight answers. The rest of the team; Sarah N., Sarah R., Heather, Barb, Kristie (the craft queen), Amy, Anna and Megan, during this time enjoyed singing, dancing and crafts with the children of ACM. The joy in their actions, voices and faces is uplifting and inspiring, even the littlest ones that sing “sahamba sahamba” marching in place know what it is to praise our Lord.

Anna and Megan also spent some time dying eggs with the team children and put on an egg hunt between their bouts of running and swinging and playing with their new South African friends.

We were blessed to partake in a traditional Zulu meal prepare by the ladies of ACM, as a send off and holiday celebration, topped off by Italian Easter bread and cup cakes in honor of Bruce’s birthday (I know, an international buffet).

We praise God for a successful trip in that we have shared the love of Christ with many here and amongst our team. God has provided the time energy, rest, strength, supplies needed, safe travel in country, and wonderful people of ACM that gave up their time and committed to translating and traveling with us throughout these two weeks. I believe also that we have each learned something about our selves, our God and one another that I hope will fill our days with growth, praise and building of relationships.

Please pray for our friends here, for our health and safe travel home as we are continuing to pray for all of you back home.

Much love and many blessings in the name of Jesus Christ,

Megan.