We have updated our blog address for while we are here in The States. We will keep the African Endeavor blog open for the future.
The new address is: ACallToServe.blogspot.com
You can subscribe to updates by entering your email address in the Follow By Email form on the right.
We have just posted an update so please go there now!
July 14, 2013
April 20, 2013
One Month Later...
Although it has only been a month since our last update, it feels like six. We have so many things to report that it is difficult to decide were to start.
In case you have not already heard, on March 24 mom left this world to join Jesus in heaven. Six days after an infection took hold of her kidneys, her little body finally lost the battle. We were blessed to have had the whole week to be by her side at the hospital until she peacefully took her last breath. We had a small memorial service that seemed more like a family reunion than it did a funeral service. We knew mom would have wanted it that way. Although sad she is no longer on this earth with us, we are happy that her battle against the disease is finished.
After 54 years of marriage, we expected dad to be a mess with her passing. But he took things well. He is obviously grieving tremendously, but he too is happy that she is no longer fighting the disease.
Dad has had a rough ride as of late. He was finally released from rehab, 5 months of living in the center. He came home to a new apartment, one that is handicap accessible. He had been keeping himself busy trying to figure out where to fit things in a way he can get to them. It is easy to take for granted our ability to reach the cupboards above the kitchen counter. Being confined to his wheelchair, he is unable to use those cupboards. Regardless, he was starting to show real progress in arm strength and ability to stand on his one leg. He received a prosthetic leg and had just set appointment to work with the doctor on walking with it.
Then two weeks ago, the incision where his bypass stint was installed in his remaining foot started to bleed. We took him to the hospital where he had to go into emergency surgery to remove the bypass (he was bleeding out). This is the same thing that happened to his right leg in December. Now his left foot is not receiving blood and will eventually die off. To avoid life-threatening infections, and excruciating pain, the other leg would have to be amputated. For now, and for a range of reason, he has decided he does not want to cut off the leg. At this point, we are not sure what to do. We have seen dad suffer so much in the last six months: gall bladder surgery in Oct, surgery on his right foot in Nov, amputation in Dec, heart attack in Dec, bypass surgery on his left foot in Feb, mom passed in Mar, and then this last surgery. We ask for prayer for him. At least now he has enough stamps on his surgery card that his next one if free (a little humor needed here).
Our days are long. Jeanine leaves early to be with dad at his place all day. She runs his errands and takes him to doctor appointments and things. Mike goes directly from work to dad’s place. We eat dinner together with him and hang out until bedtime. Depending on how dad is feeling makes a big difference on his mood. It is sometimes very suffocating to be around his negativity (which he understandably suffers from).
However, we do want to report that there are some very good things and happy times while here. We are getting to know Jeanine’s brother and his family better. They are a fun bunch to be around. Her sister comes down from Maine to visit often.
We also get to hang out with her other sister in New Hampshire. It is good to be around family. We are also truly happy that we get to have this time with dad. We were grateful for the time we had with mom before she left. It has helped us realize how valuable the time is. We are cherishing each moment as much as we can.
With love,
Mike and Jeanine
In case you have not already heard, on March 24 mom left this world to join Jesus in heaven. Six days after an infection took hold of her kidneys, her little body finally lost the battle. We were blessed to have had the whole week to be by her side at the hospital until she peacefully took her last breath. We had a small memorial service that seemed more like a family reunion than it did a funeral service. We knew mom would have wanted it that way. Although sad she is no longer on this earth with us, we are happy that her battle against the disease is finished.
After 54 years of marriage, we expected dad to be a mess with her passing. But he took things well. He is obviously grieving tremendously, but he too is happy that she is no longer fighting the disease.
Dad has had a rough ride as of late. He was finally released from rehab, 5 months of living in the center. He came home to a new apartment, one that is handicap accessible. He had been keeping himself busy trying to figure out where to fit things in a way he can get to them. It is easy to take for granted our ability to reach the cupboards above the kitchen counter. Being confined to his wheelchair, he is unable to use those cupboards. Regardless, he was starting to show real progress in arm strength and ability to stand on his one leg. He received a prosthetic leg and had just set appointment to work with the doctor on walking with it.
Then two weeks ago, the incision where his bypass stint was installed in his remaining foot started to bleed. We took him to the hospital where he had to go into emergency surgery to remove the bypass (he was bleeding out). This is the same thing that happened to his right leg in December. Now his left foot is not receiving blood and will eventually die off. To avoid life-threatening infections, and excruciating pain, the other leg would have to be amputated. For now, and for a range of reason, he has decided he does not want to cut off the leg. At this point, we are not sure what to do. We have seen dad suffer so much in the last six months: gall bladder surgery in Oct, surgery on his right foot in Nov, amputation in Dec, heart attack in Dec, bypass surgery on his left foot in Feb, mom passed in Mar, and then this last surgery. We ask for prayer for him. At least now he has enough stamps on his surgery card that his next one if free (a little humor needed here).
Our days are long. Jeanine leaves early to be with dad at his place all day. She runs his errands and takes him to doctor appointments and things. Mike goes directly from work to dad’s place. We eat dinner together with him and hang out until bedtime. Depending on how dad is feeling makes a big difference on his mood. It is sometimes very suffocating to be around his negativity (which he understandably suffers from).
However, we do want to report that there are some very good things and happy times while here. We are getting to know Jeanine’s brother and his family better. They are a fun bunch to be around. Her sister comes down from Maine to visit often.
We also get to hang out with her other sister in New Hampshire. It is good to be around family. We are also truly happy that we get to have this time with dad. We were grateful for the time we had with mom before she left. It has helped us realize how valuable the time is. We are cherishing each moment as much as we can.
With love,
Mike and Jeanine
March 17, 2013
Psalms 136:26
It is amazing to think we are already well into March. The previous months since returning to the US have passed by quickly. Adjusting to life back in America has been quite an experience. Mike sometimes still forgets what side of the road to drive on. Not good. We have also been adjusting to generous levels of snowfall and Nor’easters.
We were ready to post a blog sharing that things with mom and dad have settled down a bit. It seems we were a little early on that statement. Unfortunately, last week or so has been difficult. Jeanine will share a little more detail on this below.
We are happy to announce that Mike got a job! He started work this week in the IT department of a small state college. The drive is only 1.25 hours away! (that was sarcasm if you didn't catch it)
As always, we would like to share events from our individual perspectives...
Mike:
I recall what it was like in Colorado during the first day of snow each winter. The commute time doubled and drivers would slow to a crawl, cautious to maintain control of their vehicles. In Massachusetts, drivers race along the highways through the snow as if it where dry ground. But when the sun comes out around springtime, the commute time doubles and drivers slow to a crawl. The concept of sun glare is a fearful notion, only because it is so rare.
We are grateful that I found work. There are so many people without income right now and we know how much of a blessing this is. The commute is rough. Let me put it this way, I have to change the radio station twice along the way because I travel outside of the transmit range. I shave twice a day; once before I leave for work and again when I arrive at work because the beard has started growing back again.
It is still difficult to wrap my head around the whole work thing. After the past year and half of service, I am having trouble settling into the job. I don't really feel like I fit in. I think that is mostly because my recent lifestyle has not been a focus on work, but rather service to others. I am trying hard to relate my tasks into a service role, but the responsibilities seem unimportant compared to working to alleviate poverty, feed hungry children and care for our parents. Not to mention I was with Jeanine 24X7 for over a year. I know, you are thinking, "Poor Jeanine, forced to be with Mike all that time." It was a privilege and I miss her when I am at work. Cheese.
Regardless I know we are blessed. I see Gods grace everyday and I look forward to what He has in store for us in the future!
And now for the star of the show…
Jeanine:
So much has happened since our last update…
Mom has been hanging in. She has good days and bad. She was doing well and getting more and more comfy at the nursing home. She had embraced it as her permanent home. She was finally requesting that we bring her clothes to the nursing home and allowing pictures to be hung on her walls. We would have nice conversations and she was responding with a slight nod or shake of her head, and even though it took a lot of effort, she would verbally answer questions that require more than that. Lately, however, she has been losing weight, eating less and sleeping more. The nursing home is doing what they can to adjust treatment, but the nature of her disease will continue to attack her at different angles. She speaks less and it seems to take more effort when she does. She has trouble holding things like her glass of milk. She is also down for the count right now with a severe stomach virus and with her being so tiny already……. We fear the disease is gearing up for another round. Please pray that dad, us and the family may be prepared for whatever comes next.
Dad has had a wild ride lately. On 25 Feb, he went in for surgery to install a bypass stint so his remaining foot could get blood flow. (This is the same procedure that didn’t work on his right leg, causing the amputation). Praise God, the surgery was successful! He will be able to keep his left foot! It was amazing to be with him after the surgery and hear him sing praises to God! Ok and then there is also nothing like watching your Dad get high after he pushing the button to self-induce pain meds. LOL He kept speaking into the button wand…”hello, hello, can you hear me?” HA, HA, HA!!! And we also found out according to Dad that Mike is extremely “huggable”. (course I already knew that). We also received the GREAT news that they are releasing Dad into my care on Friday!!! After being gone since November, he could not be more anxious to be home. He will need 1 assist (moi) from the time he gets up till he goes to bed sooo about 7am I’ll head his way & return home about 10pm. Mike will come to Dad’s after work each night & we’ll eat as a family. This will taper back some once Dad get’s his artificial leg & adjusts to living on his own again. Yes, I know it would be simpler for all if he would just move in with us, however he doesn’t want to lose his sense of self & we want to respect that. Yeah maan… it’s gonna be WILD, it’s gonna be GREAT….it’s gonna be FULL OF HIM (and yes I’m heavily counting on this one!!!).
For me, dear friends, I would ask for strength. I am blessed to be able to spend time with my parents after 34 years of being away. There is a peace & a sense of honor when I feed my mother, wheel her around on our walks or hang out with my Father while he heals. But now and again, I look around and see all of the folks there…. Old, sickly, just sitting there with drool down their chins as they sleep in their wheel chairs, and there at the end of the group is my little Mum, with Dad by her side holding hands, and it gets real, and it gets hard. I also worry that I might not be able to physically care for my Dad on my own (although I am getting some PT training starting Monday to prepare me for this). Most days it is ok, but some…….
Us:
We have continued some of our work with BEAM and Siyathemba in Africa. Mike is getting ready to send a few new databases and marketing videos. Jeanine has been working on a calendar and the curriculum for Siyathemba. Although not physically there, we still plan to serve as much as we can from abroad. We also hope to launch a new web site for African Endeavor soon.
We will keep you updated on the next new adventures in store for us. Meanwhile, we ask for your prayers over mom and that dad and family may be strong regarding her condition. Please pray for dad and his quick rehabilitation. We also ask you pray that we find a church we can participate in and worship with.
We thank you for your prayers, support and encouragement. We pray that God may bless each of you!
With love,
Mike & Jeanine
We were ready to post a blog sharing that things with mom and dad have settled down a bit. It seems we were a little early on that statement. Unfortunately, last week or so has been difficult. Jeanine will share a little more detail on this below.
We are happy to announce that Mike got a job! He started work this week in the IT department of a small state college. The drive is only 1.25 hours away! (that was sarcasm if you didn't catch it)
As always, we would like to share events from our individual perspectives...
Mike:
I recall what it was like in Colorado during the first day of snow each winter. The commute time doubled and drivers would slow to a crawl, cautious to maintain control of their vehicles. In Massachusetts, drivers race along the highways through the snow as if it where dry ground. But when the sun comes out around springtime, the commute time doubles and drivers slow to a crawl. The concept of sun glare is a fearful notion, only because it is so rare.
We are grateful that I found work. There are so many people without income right now and we know how much of a blessing this is. The commute is rough. Let me put it this way, I have to change the radio station twice along the way because I travel outside of the transmit range. I shave twice a day; once before I leave for work and again when I arrive at work because the beard has started growing back again.
It is still difficult to wrap my head around the whole work thing. After the past year and half of service, I am having trouble settling into the job. I don't really feel like I fit in. I think that is mostly because my recent lifestyle has not been a focus on work, but rather service to others. I am trying hard to relate my tasks into a service role, but the responsibilities seem unimportant compared to working to alleviate poverty, feed hungry children and care for our parents. Not to mention I was with Jeanine 24X7 for over a year. I know, you are thinking, "Poor Jeanine, forced to be with Mike all that time." It was a privilege and I miss her when I am at work. Cheese.
Regardless I know we are blessed. I see Gods grace everyday and I look forward to what He has in store for us in the future!
And now for the star of the show…
Jeanine:
So much has happened since our last update…
Mom has been hanging in. She has good days and bad. She was doing well and getting more and more comfy at the nursing home. She had embraced it as her permanent home. She was finally requesting that we bring her clothes to the nursing home and allowing pictures to be hung on her walls. We would have nice conversations and she was responding with a slight nod or shake of her head, and even though it took a lot of effort, she would verbally answer questions that require more than that. Lately, however, she has been losing weight, eating less and sleeping more. The nursing home is doing what they can to adjust treatment, but the nature of her disease will continue to attack her at different angles. She speaks less and it seems to take more effort when she does. She has trouble holding things like her glass of milk. She is also down for the count right now with a severe stomach virus and with her being so tiny already……. We fear the disease is gearing up for another round. Please pray that dad, us and the family may be prepared for whatever comes next.
Dad has had a wild ride lately. On 25 Feb, he went in for surgery to install a bypass stint so his remaining foot could get blood flow. (This is the same procedure that didn’t work on his right leg, causing the amputation). Praise God, the surgery was successful! He will be able to keep his left foot! It was amazing to be with him after the surgery and hear him sing praises to God! Ok and then there is also nothing like watching your Dad get high after he pushing the button to self-induce pain meds. LOL He kept speaking into the button wand…”hello, hello, can you hear me?” HA, HA, HA!!! And we also found out according to Dad that Mike is extremely “huggable”. (course I already knew that). We also received the GREAT news that they are releasing Dad into my care on Friday!!! After being gone since November, he could not be more anxious to be home. He will need 1 assist (moi) from the time he gets up till he goes to bed sooo about 7am I’ll head his way & return home about 10pm. Mike will come to Dad’s after work each night & we’ll eat as a family. This will taper back some once Dad get’s his artificial leg & adjusts to living on his own again. Yes, I know it would be simpler for all if he would just move in with us, however he doesn’t want to lose his sense of self & we want to respect that. Yeah maan… it’s gonna be WILD, it’s gonna be GREAT….it’s gonna be FULL OF HIM (and yes I’m heavily counting on this one!!!).
For me, dear friends, I would ask for strength. I am blessed to be able to spend time with my parents after 34 years of being away. There is a peace & a sense of honor when I feed my mother, wheel her around on our walks or hang out with my Father while he heals. But now and again, I look around and see all of the folks there…. Old, sickly, just sitting there with drool down their chins as they sleep in their wheel chairs, and there at the end of the group is my little Mum, with Dad by her side holding hands, and it gets real, and it gets hard. I also worry that I might not be able to physically care for my Dad on my own (although I am getting some PT training starting Monday to prepare me for this). Most days it is ok, but some…….
Us:
We have continued some of our work with BEAM and Siyathemba in Africa. Mike is getting ready to send a few new databases and marketing videos. Jeanine has been working on a calendar and the curriculum for Siyathemba. Although not physically there, we still plan to serve as much as we can from abroad. We also hope to launch a new web site for African Endeavor soon.
We will keep you updated on the next new adventures in store for us. Meanwhile, we ask for your prayers over mom and that dad and family may be strong regarding her condition. Please pray for dad and his quick rehabilitation. We also ask you pray that we find a church we can participate in and worship with.
We thank you for your prayers, support and encouragement. We pray that God may bless each of you!
With love,
Mike & Jeanine
Bird watching with mom
A view from our backyard
A day in New England
How Jeanine takes care of the staff at the nursing home
January 17, 2013
And A New Year Begins
I sit in the little house that God has provided for us here in Massachusetts watching the snow gently fall outside our window and the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies fill the rooms. Ah, small town New England in winter. While it is cold (ya well it IS January) there is a beauty to this part of the country I think I was too young to appreciate when I lived here last. And while we have seen more gray skies than blue since we arrived, I love the scenery that surrounds us. It is peaceful and serene on this little street that we have been blessed to call home for now, and it is a peace that I desperately need.
Mom is doing well. She listens to our conversations and occasionally forces herself to sit up and reply or respond or correct us when our ‘information is slightly off’, lol. She can hold her milk to drink out of a straw, but we must still have to feed her. All and all considering the disease they say she is doing very well. She could possibly continue on like this for quite a while. My father was doing well. He adjusted to having his right leg removed (just below his knee) had gotten to the point of being able to use the bathroom alone & with minimal help can get in and out of his wheel chair. We also just got the news that he qualified for and is getting a handicap unit within the complex he is currently living in. The list for those units is usually very long, but his will be ready the first week in February…praise God! But now his left leg has started to pain him something awful, and sores are appearing on it, just like the right leg. He goes back to the hospital on Friday morning to have it looked at. We are praying we caught this leg early enough so he does not need more surgery. For now, he is handling the news with a “one day at a time” attitude which in itself is a miracle.
I know that God is with us, He has shown His presence in everything. For although we are having a hard time finding work, we are able to spend a lot of time with my folks, running errands for my Dad and getting to know our way around the area. It also allows us to come back to Colorado on 22 Jan for a week to see Nikki & Ryan one more time before they move to Cambodia on 3 Feb. (Praise God for CHEAP unadvertised airfares!).
Other than being unemployed, we are enjoying all the quirks of living in a little house that was built in 1888 (seriously it was!!!). We no longer jump when the pipes ping & the floors creak at 2am and we are quite happy wearing our long johns & hoodies in the house because oil heat is wicked expensive *grins*. We love running in to Dunkin Donuts for a coffee and seeing a pack of retirees hanging out in the corner loudly discussing everything from , “this wicked nasty weathah” or their beloved Patriots. And the fact that once again we have the accents… ok so the reality is MIKE has the accent, it seems I am falling back into old pronunciations *grins*.
We thank you all for all of your prayers & support. We ask that you continue praying for my parents. And we pray that you all have a blessed & amazing 2013, we know we will.
".....knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. " James 1:3-4
In His Name,
Mike & Jeanine
Mom is doing well. She listens to our conversations and occasionally forces herself to sit up and reply or respond or correct us when our ‘information is slightly off’, lol. She can hold her milk to drink out of a straw, but we must still have to feed her. All and all considering the disease they say she is doing very well. She could possibly continue on like this for quite a while. My father was doing well. He adjusted to having his right leg removed (just below his knee) had gotten to the point of being able to use the bathroom alone & with minimal help can get in and out of his wheel chair. We also just got the news that he qualified for and is getting a handicap unit within the complex he is currently living in. The list for those units is usually very long, but his will be ready the first week in February…praise God! But now his left leg has started to pain him something awful, and sores are appearing on it, just like the right leg. He goes back to the hospital on Friday morning to have it looked at. We are praying we caught this leg early enough so he does not need more surgery. For now, he is handling the news with a “one day at a time” attitude which in itself is a miracle.
I know that God is with us, He has shown His presence in everything. For although we are having a hard time finding work, we are able to spend a lot of time with my folks, running errands for my Dad and getting to know our way around the area. It also allows us to come back to Colorado on 22 Jan for a week to see Nikki & Ryan one more time before they move to Cambodia on 3 Feb. (Praise God for CHEAP unadvertised airfares!).
Other than being unemployed, we are enjoying all the quirks of living in a little house that was built in 1888 (seriously it was!!!). We no longer jump when the pipes ping & the floors creak at 2am and we are quite happy wearing our long johns & hoodies in the house because oil heat is wicked expensive *grins*. We love running in to Dunkin Donuts for a coffee and seeing a pack of retirees hanging out in the corner loudly discussing everything from , “this wicked nasty weathah” or their beloved Patriots. And the fact that once again we have the accents… ok so the reality is MIKE has the accent, it seems I am falling back into old pronunciations *grins*.
We thank you all for all of your prayers & support. We ask that you continue praying for my parents. And we pray that you all have a blessed & amazing 2013, we know we will.
".....knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. " James 1:3-4
In His Name,
Mike & Jeanine
Our New Guard Dog, Wilbur
The view from our front window
Piping hot cookies by the kitchen window
December 26, 2012
Baby Its Cold Outside
We made it safely to New England where we find ourselves longing for the 90 degree weather in South Africa. We had forgotten how bitter the winters in NE can be. It was certainly a shock to have such an extreme weather change overnight.
Us:
Upon our arrival, we were greeted by family and housed by them for a few days in Maine. Last weekend we headed south to Massachusetts, the place we now call home. We are temporarily staying at dad’s house while he is in rehab. He has a tiny home with a small single bed in the bedroom. Our suitcases take up the remaining space in the bedroom, so we have an inflatable mattress we put in the living room floor, which despite its lack of furniture, also has little space. Since the apartment is government housing for seniors, we technically are only allowed to visit for a few weeks. We are therefore searching for a place to live nearby. There are some apartments, but most of the landlords require their tenants have jobs. Go figure. The job market seems to be closed for the season so that is a slow process. The car hunt continues as well. Craiglist has become a good friend, but with limited internet, we spend little time together. It seems like everything is slow going or on hold for the holidays at this point. So we are trying to make the most of the time we have to spend with mom & dad and each other. Although we feel a little discouraged about our progress this far, we know things will work out soon.
Mom & Dad:
On our way from Maine last weekend, we received a call from the hospital that dad had suffered a heart attack. With anxiety we made the three hour drive quickly and found him recovering well in the hospital. He fortunately was doing well and was in high spirits. The attack delayed the amputation surgery, so he had to endure a few more days of pain in his leg. Nevertheless, he went under the knife on Wednesday to remove his right leg. He is now back in the nursing home with mom (the home doubles as a rehabilitation and physical therapy center) where he will work to regain his strength. He is in uncomfortable pain from the amputation while the doctors are working to find the right medication to ease the suffering. It will probably still be at least another month before he will be able to come home. We are hoping at that point a handicap apartment at the government housing will become available.
Mom seems to be doing better since our visit in September. She is more vocal and has a stronger grip. She is happy to have us visit and seems very comfortable in the nursing home. Although bound to the wheelchair, she loves going for walks/rides up and down the halls of the home.
We are pressing on in faith. We know God will provide. We cannot express our gratitude for each of you. Your prayers and support are so encouraging to us and we deeply thank you.
God bless,
Mike & Jeanine
Us:
Upon our arrival, we were greeted by family and housed by them for a few days in Maine. Last weekend we headed south to Massachusetts, the place we now call home. We are temporarily staying at dad’s house while he is in rehab. He has a tiny home with a small single bed in the bedroom. Our suitcases take up the remaining space in the bedroom, so we have an inflatable mattress we put in the living room floor, which despite its lack of furniture, also has little space. Since the apartment is government housing for seniors, we technically are only allowed to visit for a few weeks. We are therefore searching for a place to live nearby. There are some apartments, but most of the landlords require their tenants have jobs. Go figure. The job market seems to be closed for the season so that is a slow process. The car hunt continues as well. Craiglist has become a good friend, but with limited internet, we spend little time together. It seems like everything is slow going or on hold for the holidays at this point. So we are trying to make the most of the time we have to spend with mom & dad and each other. Although we feel a little discouraged about our progress this far, we know things will work out soon.
Mom & Dad:
On our way from Maine last weekend, we received a call from the hospital that dad had suffered a heart attack. With anxiety we made the three hour drive quickly and found him recovering well in the hospital. He fortunately was doing well and was in high spirits. The attack delayed the amputation surgery, so he had to endure a few more days of pain in his leg. Nevertheless, he went under the knife on Wednesday to remove his right leg. He is now back in the nursing home with mom (the home doubles as a rehabilitation and physical therapy center) where he will work to regain his strength. He is in uncomfortable pain from the amputation while the doctors are working to find the right medication to ease the suffering. It will probably still be at least another month before he will be able to come home. We are hoping at that point a handicap apartment at the government housing will become available.
Mom seems to be doing better since our visit in September. She is more vocal and has a stronger grip. She is happy to have us visit and seems very comfortable in the nursing home. Although bound to the wheelchair, she loves going for walks/rides up and down the halls of the home.
We are pressing on in faith. We know God will provide. We cannot express our gratitude for each of you. Your prayers and support are so encouraging to us and we deeply thank you.
God bless,
Mike & Jeanine
Arriving at Logan Airport
Hanging with mom & dad at the hospital
Winchendon, MA (aka Toy Town)
Jeanine with the Winchendon town statue
Mike...
December 12, 2012
Leavin On a Jet Plane
We once again find ourselves facing the unknown, willing to go where the Lord leads us. We spent the day packing up our lives into six luggage bags and closing out our beloved home in South Africa. In a few hours we will be leaving this beautiful country heading to New England to embark on our new adventure.
These few weeks have been so jammed pack with activity that we have had little time to reflect on the past year and prepare for the next. The last four days alone have been so physically and emotionally draining that we are actually looking forward to rest on the airplanes.
We spent the weekend with the kids and staff of Siyathemba Nokeng. We had the fortunate privilege to attend the graduation of the kids. They proudly displayed their artwork they worked so hard on with Jeanine. They sang songs and stood tall in front of the crowd.
On Tuesday we were with BEAM Africa during their year-end party. Over 200 kids were in attendance being blessed with gifts, food and cupcakes. At the end, they sang songs for us knowing it would be the last time they saw us. They lined up to individually give us hugs and say goodbye. It was impossible to hold back the tears.
Throughout the previous year, we often spoke about how difficult it would be leave South Africa and our treasured friends here. We dreaded the day we would have to say goodbye. We always thought it would be a long time from now. But we have come to that day. So with long hugs and sweet tears, we depart from our friends in this magnificent country.
To be continued...
God bless,
Mike & Jeanine
These few weeks have been so jammed pack with activity that we have had little time to reflect on the past year and prepare for the next. The last four days alone have been so physically and emotionally draining that we are actually looking forward to rest on the airplanes.
We spent the weekend with the kids and staff of Siyathemba Nokeng. We had the fortunate privilege to attend the graduation of the kids. They proudly displayed their artwork they worked so hard on with Jeanine. They sang songs and stood tall in front of the crowd.
On Tuesday we were with BEAM Africa during their year-end party. Over 200 kids were in attendance being blessed with gifts, food and cupcakes. At the end, they sang songs for us knowing it would be the last time they saw us. They lined up to individually give us hugs and say goodbye. It was impossible to hold back the tears.
Throughout the previous year, we often spoke about how difficult it would be leave South Africa and our treasured friends here. We dreaded the day we would have to say goodbye. We always thought it would be a long time from now. But we have come to that day. So with long hugs and sweet tears, we depart from our friends in this magnificent country.
To be continued...
God bless,
Mike & Jeanine
November 24, 2012
Ant Attacks, Greetings and Farewells
We just finished an amazing visit with family and friends in
Colorado, Arizona and Massachusetts. After our exceptionally long travelling
over the United States, the Atlantic Ocean and much of the African continent in
enclosed metal tubes with wings that flapped violently in the consistent
turbulence, we have made it back to our South African home! We felt a
comforting sense of rest while we unpacked our suitcases in our little flat
behind BEAM house. It felt normal to be here. It felt like home.
During the evening of our return, Courage the dog made her
way over before long and assumed her important role of holding down the carpet
after nearly licking our faces raw. All four of the other dogs stopped by for a
visit as well. Cerdito our guinea pig has added a little weight, but is still
energetic as ever. He still is sure to remind us that he wants a lettuce snack
whenever we open the fridge.
The landscape has endured many changes in our absence. The
plants are all in full bloom covering the green terrain with brilliant colors
of purple, pink, yellow and orange flowers. The view is magnificent.
We quickly discovered the spiders were very busy in our
absence. After multiple victorious battles over them and significantly reducing
their population, they have been determined to replenish their ranks. Beyond
vigorous egg laying and hatching of their own kind, they have also been
recruiting. It seems these sneaky arachnids have enlisted the aid of thousands
of sinister ants. These menacing insects created a super-city under our front
porch, waiting for the perfect time to strike. Just after dusk when they knew
our sight would be limited, they began their invasion. We heard their bugle
sound the charge and thousands came crawling across the porch with intentions
to enter our home. Many carried eggs in attempt to hatch within our home giving
them a more tactical advantage. Others bore their teeth anxious to tear at our
flesh. After depleting our single can of bug spray, they kept coming. They
crawled over the carcasses of their fallen comrades, determined to be the
victors. Jeanine took the front lines with her mighty broom, sweeping
vigorously at the insistent ants. Mike scrambled back and forth from the
kitchen sink and the porch carrying a bucket of water, confident the insects
could not swim. Courage paced anxiously at the door afraid for her life while
Cerdito cheered us on from his caged fortress. The battled raged deep into the
night, neither side willing to forfeit. Then, as the sweat slid down our
foreheads past our cheeks, exhausted from the steady sweeping and heated by the
steam from the rivers of water dumped onto the battlefield, the insects began
their retreat. Although enervated by the battle, we cheered and screamed our
shout of victory, warning the ants to never again return. The morning daylight
revealed the devastating casualty count. War is not pretty, except for hungry
birds willing to feed on ant cadavers.
Anyway….
We were received well at the BEAM Africa center. The staff
was excited to see us and many of the kids gave us hugs tight enough to get the
last little bit of toothpaste out of its tube. The Siyathemba kids were out of
control with excitement. They were in the middle of eating their breakfast when
we arrived, so they all dropped their spoons and came running to give us hugs.
Our clothes were covered with oatmeal from their hands and faces pressed into
us.
There are so many activities scheduled for this month. With
the holidays coming, we have little time to prepare for all the upcoming
events, and eventual holiday closure of the centers in mid-December.
We have come to learn that after the centers close for the
season our ministry will be significantly changing. Matthew 25 and Isaiah 58
have inspired our work and it continues to be our motivation. We have been
called to continue serving, but instead return home to care for our own. God is
now taking us from South Africa to New England to care for Jeanine’s parents.
Mom is in a nursing home with much need of spiritual uplifting and aid. She is
both physically and spiritually suffering. Dad just underwent surgery in
attempt heal his infected leg avoiding amputation. If unsuccessful, he may very
soon be bound to a wheelchair, unable to care for himself any longer. Plagued
by multiple illnesses, including the possibility of cancer (to be determined in
a few days), his body is shutting down.
We are truly saddened that we will be leaving this beautiful
country and our family here, however we are determined to follow God’s plan for
us (no matter how crazy it sounds at times). We will maintain communication via
this blog and sincerely hope you continue to follow our adventures. We also
still have plenty of work to finish in Africa and plan to share these events
very soon.
Until then, we thank you for all your prayers and support.
We pray the Lord will bless you for all of your selfless blessing to us.
With love,
Mike and Jeanine
Little Courage being brave
The view from our window
Mama duck had three baby chicks - she is protecting them here
September 6, 2012
Ending the 3rd Trimester
There has been so much progress in our ministry these last few weeks that we are completely energized. For a long time our work seemed to make little to no impact with the people and groups we have been working with. However recently we have seen the benefits of our labor and our relationship building. We are integral parts of the ministries we participate in and, more importantly, they are essential to our lives as well.
We are quickly approaching the day we depart from South Africa to return to the United States for a brief visit. While there we will be visiting family and friends. We hope to have time to meet with as many of our faithful supporters as we can. Our excitement is explosive!
We do have to some needs while we are in the US. We will spend most of our time in Colorado and would like to borrow a vehicle while there. We also hope to visit family in Massachusetts and need help with funds and a vehicle while on the East Coast. We are grateful of any help with these items.
Now a brief account from us individually:
Mike:
I am not exactly sure how it happened, but we somehow now have a guinea pig as a pet. His name is Cerdito, which is little pig in Spanish. I know Spanish in Africa is strange, but Portuguese is close and is the primary language in Mozambique. I built a nice cage for him with scrap-wood and chicken wire. An upside down wooden craft box serves as a cozy house within the cage. He is a talkative fellow, especially when he wants something. His home is in view of the refrigerator. He has figured out that food is kept in there so whenever we open the door he stands on top of his house and screams constantly until we give him a little piece of lettuce to munch on. His favorite thing to do is crawl underneath the newspaper in his cage and toss his food dish over. He likes this best right after Jeanine has finished cleaning the cage.
I am not exactly sure how it happened, but we somehow now have a dog as a pet also. Well, part time at least. She finds her way over to our flat every night and curls up at our feet or on Jeanine’s lap. Her name is Courage and she is completely void of any. If there is a bump in the night, she is the first one to hide. Little Courage has more energy than the energizer bunny. She has two speeds, stopped and full sprint. She runs so fast that her front legs actually come off the ground. Dog wheelies.
We are both excited to visit the US! I cannot wait to see family and friends. I am also very anxious to fill my belly with Qdobas, Chick-fil-a, pumpkin brew, and Kirkland Trail Mix.!
Jeanine:
The time is 5:30am. (Yes I STILL get up that early) Morning has arrived and the birds start their morning song. We begin with the group of cranes that take to the sky, their cries similar to the US seagull only lower; the “whiner” bird who sounds just like a 2yr old whining (waaah, waaaah, waaaah); the “couple birds” (this one is great)..the male calls out with a little 2-tone whistle, similar to calling a dog and then waits for a single toned reply of the female. (It is quite something when they call back and forth.) There are lots of doves, a male & female kingfisher and leeetle tiny finches with amazingly vibrant colors like red/black; blue/yellow; yellow/green/black. And there are the peacocks who make the morning totally complete with their exotic cries from the distance. AND of course, our neighborhood rooster who unfortunately is a tad confused most times. He crows at 5pm; 10:35pm….the other morning I got up with the dog at 2am… you got it, he was crowing then too. *sigh* all in all it is an amazing sound to wake up to each day. So with this beautiful chorus filling the air, the sky gradually lightens and after an hour or so the sun bursts over the horizon sending sunbeams thru all of the branches surrounding our little home…
And you know I realized then, that as excited as I am to come to the US for a visit, I will very much miss my African mornings…
Cerdito dressed up for a party
Courage (commonly mistaken as a goat)
Our agenda/calendar has been added to the blog, or you can click here
August 7, 2012
and Justice for all...
We say goodbye to July and the cold weather
it brought. Hesitantly we welcome August. The climate is warming but the wind
has increased. The dry grass and suffocating dust is now being sprayed every
which way by the excessive wind. We fight to endure a few more weeks of such
weather; we will be rewarded by the warmth of spring.
We are sad to say that the friendly noises
of various guests in BEAM house have now come to a halt. The numerous teams
that have visited during mission trips have all moved on. We were very used to
having visitors and thoroughly enjoyed their presence (and help with our
ministry tasks). Our most recent visitors were an amazing couple from
Cornerstone, Justin (Justice) and Ginny Irvin. Besides their willingness to
serve where ever and however, they also brought a lot of grub. They came
stocked with four crates of food parcels packages by Kids Against Hunger. Most
of the food has been distributed through BEAM Africa to a township in Maubane.
Justin and Ginny were here to participate. Also, thanks to Justin, construction
on the Siyathemba fence has continued since the tragic injury from The Pig
Incident. We cannot express our gratitude of the amazing Irvins. We ask that
you keep them in their prayers as they returned home to some discouraging and
expensive house problems.
We are excited about many upcoming events
over the next couple months. We have some meetings scheduled in August that
will ignite some new processes in South Africa and possibly Lesotho (a
neighboring country). We might be visiting Lesotho for a few days as well. Our
friends at Siyathemba are working on a new church structure and have begun new
relationships with potential volunteers. Our partners at BEAM Africa are
aggressively continuing Life Skills courses and have begun new relationships
with a ministry in a township north of their current center. Also some close
friends of ours are expecting their first child in September and we could not
be more excited for them. Last but not least, in mid-September we will be on
home-assignment for a month. We are coming back to the US! Most of our time
will be in Colorado but are hoping to afford a trip to MA and possibly AZ. As
we iron out more details we will post our agenda.
We have much to look forward to and are
very excited about all of it. We are beginning to see the effects of our
efforts here and are thrilled about it all. We know that none of it would be
possible without the faithful support and prayers of our friends and family. We
thank you so much for everything you do!
God bless each of you!
Mike & Jeanine
July 5, 2012
Chilly July
This past Sunday we had the
honor of attending church at Siyathemba Nokeng, a ministry we have been working
with. Although we have been serving there multiple days a week for a few months
now, we had never attended a church service. We now admit that we have missed
out. The service was abounding with worship music (vocals only because there
were no instruments) with full participation of the entire congregation. Songs
broke into dance then into praise and prayer. Although the words were in Zulu
and Sesotho, we still knew what was being sung. It was an amazing experience to
witness the energy and authenticity of the culture.
The construction of our flat
in the back of the property is complete! We moved out of BEAM House last week
and have settled into our little home. It is a comfortable place with lots of
windows and high ceilings. The one space heater does not quite warm the whole
house during these cold winter months so hoodies and jackets have become our
permanent attire.
Here are some comments from
our individual perspectives:
Mike:
The last few weeks have been
crazy with preparation to move and preparation for multiple teams that have
come from the US. The last two weeks BEAM has hosted 21 Campus Crusade
students. The day after they leave a World Race team comes in. We have been
helping with the preparations for their accommodations. Meanwhile, Jeanine and
I have been busy working on various projects. She is still teaching the little
ones at Siyathemba Nokeng. My responsibilities there have included the removal
of some humungous pigs from the property. The swines have become a major
nuisance that feed on anything they can find. I am afraid they might start
eating the vehicles or jungle gym equipment. They reproduce more than rabbits
and faster than white blood cells. They are beginning to be the majority of the
population. I was tasked with their removal, but I am sad to say I have failed
at my job. My strategy, although well though out and promising, proved to be
inadequate. My efforts of pig extraction resulted in an escapade now famously
known as "The Pig Incident". I
sustained injuries including a fractured collarbone and a broken ego. I was
documenting the removal process and therefore have "The Pig Incident" on video. You can see it on YouTube.
I remember some things from
our short-term trip here in 2010 that were still true when we got here in
November of 2011. The spiritual realm in this country is physically noticeable.
I don’t know if it is because of all the different cultures and beliefs. There
are witch doctors in the townships, parents cover their children with bead
strings to inherit ancestral attributes, and bonfires are lit to worship false
gods. Our spiritual battles here feel like physical battles. Many times we feel
exhausted from the warfare, as do our allies. We know the war is already won,
but the battles are still fought. It was not until recent weeks that we have
felt as though we are winning our battles. We feel more and more encouraged and
the power of the Holy Spirit is evident. We also know that your prayers for us
are another weapon in our crusades. We want to thank you and ask that you keep
fighting the fight with us.
Jeanine:
As the sun begins to set, creating a soft glow over the
entire sky that will eventually turn to one of the magnificent South African
sunsets that are the norm here; I sit in front of our little flat with
Mike. Our own little flat…our
home. After 3 previous residences,
after all of our illnesses; one spider bite and a broken collar bone; after
spiritual attacks and bouts of homesickness… we are at peace and we have a
home. And it is amazing!
Three days ago I was driving down the dirt road that takes
me to the crèche that I teach at twice a week and I was filled with an amazing
sense of joy. As the dust
billowed out behind the Landy I watched my surroundings in awe. I thought…”Lord, I am in Africa… I LIVE
in Africa….YOU have brought me to Africa.” My thoughts were suddenly filled with all of the
people I have come to know and adore these past 8 months. Images coming and going and the feeling
of love and excitement filling my heart in ways I had not felt in a long
time. It was like God was
saying….”you done good, you passed the entrance exam, NOW let us begin”. And I am ready.
8 months… YIKES!
Can you believe we have been here that long? Time has flown by, friendships created and nurtured,
children loved on and blessed by, lessons learned (some repeatedly) and through
it all an attachment to a new country that amazes me. A love for a place and a people that I never thought would
be this intense, a sense of comfort in the lifestyle....you know? This feels right. One thing I have really learned was
to let go of my pre-conceived notions of what serving in another country would
look like. Yes, we have had plenty of opportunity
to serve: in Rayton; teaching the kids, building fences, painting & fixing
up the centre….in Nellmapius; feeding the kids & playing with them, admin
& computer help at the centre, things we would expect. BUT South Africa is a place where you
CANNOT live WITH the people you serve they say,
……………………or can’t you?
We have had multiple teams come and go within BEAM House (the large
lodge on the plot we live on).
Young people coming to serve who sometimes just want someone from their
home country to talk to; OR our plot mates who need transportation or help when
ill; OR our new found friends who are waiting to hear if they can adopt a child
or dealing with the anniversary of the death of a parent. God has shown us in this place we
serve EVERYONE. It may look
different than the “typical” mission field, but in a place where darkness is a
presence that is actually felt every day?
It is still a mission field. And a glorious one at that!!! One that we cannot wait to share with
all of you. Hopefully this is
something we will be able to do this spring (ok so YOUR fall *grins*).
We ask for your continued support and prayers. But most of all, we ask for your
prayers for those who live in the townships and squatter’s camps. Winter is upon us now and homes do NOT
come with furnaces or fireplaces for the most part. In the townships and camps, most people live in metal shacks
and get their warmth from a hot plate of by lighting a cookfire outside of
their shack. When you are talking
lows of 25-30 at night…that is pretty danged cold L. A lot
of the children spend this time of year (and it has already begun) with colds,
flu and ear infections. So, please
pray for these people. For warmth,
for work, for understanding that Jesus loves them where they are.
Much love!!!
MmeJ
A South African Sunrise from our home
How Mike fixes things
Pastor Lawrence speaking to visitors in Phumzile Park
BEAM Kids at and event with a corporate sponsor
Siyathemba Nokeng (River of Hope) Church
April 30, 2012
Six Months In, ?? To Go
It is bizarre to think that we have been here for six months
already. Bizarre because the memory of getting on the plane at DIA half a year
ago is so vivid and fresh that it really seems to have been experienced only a
few days ago. But when we think of all of our experiences since that flight, it
seems as if we have been here for a full year. During our first month here, we
figured the six-month milestone would come quick and that we would have
accomplished so much. We are happy to report that we were correct on both
accounts. We have accomplishments to report, but it seems as if we have only
begun. Our ministry is still at such infancy that we know there to so much more
work to do- and we could not be more excited about it. Sometimes we step back
and see the path still ahead, and we admit it seems overwhelming. But then we
take a step on that path. It plants deep and our step is strong. The next step
is difficult, but we make it. Then another. With each step, our feet feel
heavier. Our legs grow tired and our bodies weary. But then we look behind and
see the steps we have taken. We have come so far, and God was with us during
each step, sometimes carrying us so we could move forward. It energizes us to
take another step, renewed in strength and determination. Focused on our goal,
we keep going.
We have so much to talk about since our last entry, but for
the sake of your time and avoiding writing a feature that could be published
into a full-length novel, we will only summarize some of our favorite events
(We are considering launching a full website where we can tell more stories).
At the end of March, a fellow missionary couple from the UK
invited us on fact-finding mission to Tanzania. Together with a small team of
South Africans, we spent a week visiting various villages in Northern Tanzania,
along Lake Victoria. For six days we drove for three or more hours per day
going 80mph on rough dirt roads in the back of a Land Cruiser on fold down
seats that intentionally allowed us to fully feel the impact of each pebble and
stone in the road. The seats were
intended to fit two people per bench, but we managed to defy physics and double
that. Fully knowing what a sardine feels like, we endured the bumps and 90
degree weather traveling from village to village to learn about a process they
have launched to enable their communities to thrive with the resources
available to them. Despite the extreme poverty and limited resources, these
villages have found ways to improve the community, their health, their food
supply and quality of life- all from biblical teaching. Our purpose there was
to learn this process and figure ways to implement it in South Africa. Now we
are faced with the challenge of executing this process in an environment
significantly different from Tanzania. It is like comparing an apple to and
orange. However, we know God will show us the steps (and carry us through the
difficult ones). There is so much more to tell about Tanzania and our
experiences there. We plan to share some of the stories another time.
Jeanine continues to teach the kids at the day care in
Rayton. The kids have adopted her as a mother and have given her the name of
“mum-J”. She teaches two days a week. Each morning, without fail, the kids ask
if mum-J is coming that day. As we pull up to the center, they come running
outside to greet their favorite teacher. Beyond the academics and bible
lessons, she helps with the feeding and cleaning of the older kids. During
their naptime, she helps with the babies. Mike keeps busy with repairs and
construction projects around the center. He will sometimes hold the babies and
bounce them on his knees, even though the diapers are not as snug as Pampers (that
is all we will say about that). We recently realized how acclimated we have
become to living here. The other day we were at the center while a baby was
crawling around outside and found a peach pit. Although it was covered with
grass and very little fruit remained, the child proceeded to eat it. A visiting
lady we were standing with cringed at the sight while we both shrugged and thought
at least the baby is getting some vitamins (and there was not bugs on it). We
realize that sounds appalling, but we have adapted a new phrase: “That’s
Africa”. Some things here have to be taken lightly or it just becomes too much.
We have been fortunate to be involved in some events with
BEAM Africa this last month. A local church hosted a potjie (poy-key), which is
a local tradition of cooking various stews and dishes in cast-iron pots over
hot coals. They brought a number of jumping castles for the little kids while
the older ones played in a soccer tournament. The church fed over 200 kids and
distributed winter blankets to each. A few days later, a local business adopted
BEAM and held an Easter party for the kids. They hid eggs and candy in the field
for the children to find. They even brought the Easter Bunny- actually it was just
the costume. But they did not have a person tall enough to fit into the costume
so Mike was nominated to volunteer to be “Bunny”. Despite the inability to see
through the little peepholes and the added layer of fur in the 70 degree sun,
Mike had the kids running through the fields and hopping alongside.
We did have some obstacles to overcome this last month. We
had an unfortunate circumstance with our vehicle, specifically the tires. We
were getting ready to head out one morning and found two tires as flat as
play-dough squashed by a steamroller. Due to the condition of the tread, or
lack of, the garage would not fix them. We were forced to buy new ones. There
are some things that are more expensive here than in the US: Internet, fuel,
furniture, bed sheets, WD-40, but to top them all: tires. It costs us a month’s
salary to purchase tires for our aging Land Rover. We are praying that God will
provide a way to replenish our account from the unexpected costs.
We have many projects planned for May and will be certain to
keep you informed of our progress. We will also soon post our individual
accounts from our own perspective of previous events. Until then, may God bless
you and we thank you for all that you do.
God bless,
Mike & Jeanine
Jeanine with some ladies in Tanzania
Mike with our guide, Job
A marketplace in Tanzania
Jeanine handing out birthday cake in Rayton
Some of Jeanine's kids in Rayton
Mike suiting up as Bunny
The Easter party
March 5, 2012
Starting Month Five!
Greetings!
First of all, we would like
to apologize for not posting an update for a while. It is a good indication
that we have had some busy weeks. Our days have been filled with caring for and
playing with children, working on construction projects, meeting and working
with various organizations, painting walls (and roofs), searching for Dr Pepper
in grocery stores (at times successfully), fellowship over a tasty braai (BBQ), and an occasional university
rugby game. That is a very small nutshell that narrowly contains the events of
this past month. Regardless, our schedule is no excuse for slacking on the
updates to our family and friends.
To continue summarizing our
month: we have met with a number of different groups the past few weeks. We
have an opportunity to be involved in curriculum development for a life skills
training program that will assist folks in finding work. We will be teaching life
skills classes for children that will educate them on non-academic skills and
spiritual needs. Jeanine will be teaching academic classes for 2-4 year olds a
few days a week. Mike has been working on web sites for a couple ministries we
are partnering with. We have begun communication with a few more groups from
neighboring townships that we hope to start working with towards some of their
needs. The Lord has been blessing us with more and more opportunities to serve
and be involved with so many groups. We do request prayer that we can be a
blessing to these ministries and that our time be plentiful so we may offer
attention to each.
As always, we love to share
our personal thoughts and stories. Here are our individual accounts:
Mike:
I am happy to report that
while we have been living in BEAM House (a sort of lodge), our encounters with
annoying and/or ferocious animals, other than a ridiculous amount of domestic
canines, has dramatically declined. The goats that once roamed these hectors
have been donated to a neighbor and are now confined to a different property.
They did manage to eat the berries from the tree prior to their leaving therefore
the atrocious flying bats have departed as well, searching for food elsewhere. Earl
remains on the original property where we can only hear his call and not his
insistent window tapping. So with the animals gone and vegetation growing as it
should, we are now able to enjoy an evening sitting on the porch free from
beastly nuisances. At least that was true for a while. I would gladly accept
annoying goats or freaky bats instead of the next creature that plagued our
happy little home. What kind of monster can bring such dismay you ask? I speak
of spiders. All kinds of spiders: arachnids that spin a web strong enough to mold
a patio chair to the ground; spiders big enough to wear a seatbelt while riding
shotgun in the Land Rover; some can jump far enough to clear the Grand Canyon;
others hearty enough to consume a leopard. In this month alone, I have counted
over 32 different species. Each of them attack with a force greater than a
underground storm drain after a rain dumping enough water to fill Lake Erie. They
have no mercy and have one goal in mind: destroy. These multi-legged beasts
rule this home and are trying to drive us out. Little did they realize,
however, we have the advantage. We can squish them with a flip-flop. Their precious endoskeletons are no match for our five toed feet. So they try to trick
us. They wait for us under the toilet or dangle from a web in front of us when
brushing our teeth. They climb across the ceilings trying to find the best
angle for attack. But their tricks will not work. We will be victorious. We
have begun recruiting allies. See the recruiting video on YouTube for more.
Admittedly, I do have quite
an imagination and exaggerate at times, but not in all things. I would not be
exaggerating if I said that I continue to fall in love with this country more
and more. Beyond the beauty of the landscapes, the uniqueness of the plants and
trees, the powerful and awestruck thunderstorms, the peculiarly magnificent
wildlife, the people here have penetrated my heart. I would also not be
exaggerating if I said that in spite of the crime, the poverty and spiritual
confusion, deep inside most people is a pure heart. I have learned so much from
the folks here and I am humbled by their acceptance. Recently I was speaking
with a man whom pastors a church in a nearby township. We visited a few members
of his church in their homes. In some
neighborhoods we had to abandon the vehicle and hike because the roads were too
small to fit a car or were too cluttered with debris and muddy ruts caused by
flooding rain. The homes were metal shacks about 15 by 8 feet, hardly enough to
fit a bed and possibly a couch or a table. Some had electricity; none had
plumbing. Bricks stacked on top held the metal roofs in place while areas of the walls began
to rust from the relentless rain. The shacks, only tall enough to stand
upright, collected the summer heat and magnified its intensity inside the metal
ovens. This pastor also lives in a shack. His church is a tent. He does not
always have the means to feed his family. He has been mugged 3 times since he
came to the area. One day we spoke
of Jeremiah 29:11. He admitted he is prosperous, abundantly, as the Lord
promised. This man is one of many that I have met that trusts the Lord and
knows He blesses them each day.
Apart from the daily lessons
in life, I am excited about the work we are doing. We continue to meet new
people and find opportunities to serve. Many of the kids at BEAM have gotten
used to us being there a few days a week and started opening up to us more. The
culture here is to address an adult as “uncle” and “aunt” as a sign of respect.
Therefore I am Uncle Mike, at least to the older kids. It is also customary to
title an old man as papa, which I unfortunately have been addressed as such.
Maybe my beard is too gray.
I am excited about the
upcoming month. There are many events scheduled. I will be sure to update you
as they happen. Meanwhile, I have some prayer requests. We continue to search
for a church here. Our prayer is that we may find one we may consider to be a
home away from home. We also request prayer that our time be plentiful with the
various ministries we have been working with and that our hands be blessed to
help. Lastly, we request prayer for our family and supporters as they sacrifice
so much to be a part of our work here. We pray for blessings among them.
Jeanine:
Hi all! I am about to take you on a journey, so
close your eyes. Ok, no,
wait, you won’t be able to read what I’m saying if you do that so DON’T close
your eyes *sigh*
Anyway, here we go…
Driving down a
two-lane road, it is peaceful and beautiful. The road curves this way and that allowing you to view the
beautiful rolling hills that are South Africa. Rounding the corner in the road you are suddenly faced with
a much different, far less serene scene… The first thing you notice are the hundreds of Toyota vans that fill the
street, most are white with yellow pin stripping, some are red a few blue, but
all are honking their horns in their attempt to attract passengers. They weave their way in and out of
traffic stopping wherever they want, and then there are lines on either side of
the street filling up with clients. (Taxis here are used more as busses, you
pay a fee and as do the others who are crammed inside, all heading the same
direction). It is a mad rush
of sound and color….
Yes, I said color. Vibrant colors are all around. The people dress in such magnificently colored clothes. Ruby reds, turquoise, magenta, vibrant golds and yellows. There are deep majestic greens and intense blues. It is amazing to see them all as they
wait in long lines for taxis, work their way in between the cars to cross the
street or set up shop on the side of the road for the day...
So many little set ups. Signs advertising chickens, fruit and veggies, kitchen
utensils, and clothing, (the clothing is usually laid out nicely on the ground
so that people can come and look thru) and let’s not forget tires. There are the men and women who walk up
and down the lanes of traffic selling the daily newspaper and there are the
enterprising young men who have managed to confiscate a road crew vest &
shovel and tell you he will fill the potholes for a small donation (lol). In the afternoons the
roadsides also attract those with mini grills who cook sandwiches and meats to
sell to those driving home from work and the local witch doctor that sets up
shop (unfortunately he has quite
a following as well as a host of witchdoctors in training and women who serve
him, but that is a story for another time).
Welcome to Mamelodi. It is the biggest township in So Africa hosting thousands of
people. These people represent
every nation in So Africa; some from neighboring countries as well. It was formed during the time of
apartheid as one of the places where blacks were moved, basically to clear out
the other, more choice areas for white inhabitants. The blacks were told to pack up and then were transported to
Mamelodi according to their tribe. In sorting them by tribe, they would not get used
to working together, learning each other’s languages and more importantly join
together to defend themselves. A horrible beginning for what is an amazing township today.
Today it is filled with everything from roadside sellers to
small stores, gas stations and schools. Its residents live in a variety of homes from small cement houses about 15’x10’ to maybe double that size; and small metal shacks. They live in areas where they have
paved roads and some where the dirt roads are so small you cannot drive
them. But all in all, no matter
where you go, you are welcomed in with open arms and offered a seat, even if it
is on their bed for lack of chairs. In other words, the people of Mamelodi live and laugh and love.
It is an amazing change of view in which I type this
description today. I
remember during my trips here in 2009 and 2010, I looked at this township and
its people with “oh how terrible” eyes. Eyes that I’m sure every visitor has looked thru. Yet, the longer I stay, the longer I
live here in their country I see their life different. I see Mamelodi and its people with
Different Eyes. It is a life; it
is THEIR life and a life they live every day, their normal life. A life that doesn’t have the “I have to
have those shoes” or “I must go to that concert”, a life that for the most part
doesn’t even miss these feelings because they are not even available to them. A life that is heaped in poverty, yes; simple, yes; yet they
laugh…they live… they love and they are some of the happiest and giving people
I have ever met. We have a friend,
Pastor Z (short for Ezekiel). He
lives in Mamelodi with his wife Agnes and 2 children. They, too, live in one of the shacks and he told Mike knows
he is prosperous. He also feels
that by living in the middle of, and like the people he serves, it helps him to
truly be one of them. They trust
him. It is simple, it is
Christlike and it is AMAZING! Now, each day as we drive thru Mamelodi, I no longer just see poverty and
“oh how sad”… I see life, I see beauty, I see Jesus.
Thank you Lord for my Different Eyes…
Jeanine painting the entrance to the creche (day care center).
Mike actually does work (sometimes).
Jeanine's classroom.
The construction continues... (our upcoming home)
Blessing for her meal (video).
January 9, 2012
Hello 2012!
We would like to apologize for not posting during Christmas
and New Years. We have limited internet usage and saved what we had left to use
for Skyping with family for Christmas.
It is strange to think we have been in South Africa for over
2 months now. Looking back it has seemed more like 6 months. Maybe it is
because the previous month has been unusual. The holidays here are celebrated
differently. By mid-December, most businesses shut down for about 30 days so
folks can spend time with family and friends for Christmas and the New Year
celebration. This prevented us from spending much time working in our ministry,
mostly because the groups we have been working with have been closed for the
holidays. So we have spent the last few weeks doing yard work and hanging out
with a World Race team that was here for the month. Some local friends blessed
us with a day safari trip with them. We finally got wheels and were able to get
out and about a little. And, oh yea, we have had three different residences
this month.
We are now in our semi-permanent residence at BEAM house, a
lodge type building, used to house different groups that come through (such as
Campus for Crusade and World Race). One of the rooms in the back is large
enough that we made it into a studio apartment. A family from the States that
used to live in South Africa donated to us their household items they had kept
in storage here. So we have couches, chairs, tables and kitchenware. We both
feel very blessed!
We would like to share our individual thoughts…
Mike:
Since moving from our previous residence, we have been able
to sleep in a bit longer. Earl has fortunately not followed us and we therefore
have not been robbed of early morning sleep from his obsessive window tapping.
We do, however, continue to have mishaps with wildlife. We stayed at our
friends house while they visited their family on the coast. It turns out their
home is the local hang out spot for toads. Apparently shoving their nose
against the front door was what the “cool frogs” do. Like clockwork, the sun
would set and the toads would line up against the door shoving their nose into
it. Often they would end up coming under the door and jumping around in the
house. Convinced that I would contract some kind of disease, I would never
touch them. Jeanine had the designated job of toad removal.
Just outside of the front door of our current home is a
berry tree full of the favorite food of a pair of local bats. Each night these
blind beasts miraculously find their way to this tree, but do not rest on it.
Instead they fly back and forth just in front of the door sometimes taking a
nibble of the fruit. I am convinced that if we were to open the glass door they
would take our heads off. I know: bats are tiny and harmless, right? Well, not
these bats. They are the size of black crows with wings razor sharp, fur like a
grizzly, claws like an eagle and fangs like the lost Saber Tooth Tiger. They
could carry away small animals if they had a taste for it. Jeanine with her
fascination of bats actually wants
to sit on the porch and watch them. Yes folks, she is crazy.
In my last posting, I shared about Earl and his, um,
plentiful and colored excrement. It seems that in this place that we are
living, stories of dung are plentiful, so I will share another. On this
property lives a family of goats. A few weeks ago it was decided that the two
baby goats should be moved to another fenced area of the property (because momma
was sick and her milk was bad). Old enough to eat plants and grass, they were
quite happy in their new home full of greens. One day, these goats decided
there had to be more to their little world and managed to jump over the fence.
They quickly found a whole planet full of tasty treats and places of
exploration. It was not long before they found their way into garages and sheds
and, of course, our home. Although I shoo them whenever they are near the
house, they are still persistent to find an open door. Now with abundant food
comes something else. Yes, abundant poo. Although they could find a more
suitable area on this giant propery, these goats have a favorite relief spot:
any and all covered patios. Their droppings are not big giant mounds of stuff
you can easily avoid, but rather tiny little pellets that scatter everywhere. If
we are not careful, they can easily go undetected, at least until you step on
it. So unfortunately our days of walking barefoot have come to an end.
The month of December here is a month of rest. Businesses
close and people travel to the coasts to lie on the beach. It turns out this
month definitely was not a month of rest for us. Working with a World Race team
that was here for the month, we pulled enough weeds to fill a school bus,
hauled 6 truckloads of dirt, 30 wheel barrels of bricks and made a rock garden.
Amazingly I loved every minute of it. Not only was it physically rewarding and
made this property we live on that much more beautiful, it was good to be a
part of something. Working alongside with the World Race group made me feel
like I was part of their team. Since coming here, it has been just Jeanine and
myself. At least that is how I have felt. It was a blessing to have other
Americans around for the holidays, people who also missed their families that
we could relate with. We have made some good friends among the group.
Although the “rest” has been nice, I am exited to get back
to working in the townships again next week. We will be helping BEAM get going
after their holiday break and then we will be working with other ministries in
a couple weeks. There are many people to visit still and a lot of work to do…,
and I cannot wait!
Jeanine:
2 months…man who would have thunk it! I sit here with a little dog on either
side of me & one at my feet.
The other 2 are nestled under Mike’s desk..lol . Some things never change even in Africa
AND they aren’t even our dogs!
As I type, I think of everything that happened in 2011…a new
grandson /my son becomes a daddy, a decision made to move to South Africa, time
spent with family all across the country as we said our ‘goodbyes’, watching my
daughter grow as a mommy of 2, and finally selling everything we own, finding
homes for our puppies & moving out of the country. We’ve survived the time change, jet
lag, birds that scratch your windows at 5am, spider bites, killer frogs (see
Mike’s spot) & we are working on the humidity. Man who WOULD have thunk it!!
Now, for 2012… we are finally ready to go. After 2 previous/temporary homes (a
room in Louis & Erika’s home for 6 weeks & then house sitting in a cute
little bungalow for 3 on the property), we are now in our long term temporary
home (lol) while our final place is being built/worked on. It is a nice approx.
800sq ft little studio that is located within BEAM house. It is cozy and cute and we feel very
comfortable & settled here (note the comment above re: the local
dogs). We also have a
vehicle finally so we can be more mobile.
NOW we wait for “holidays” to be over. As I type this note we only have 1 more day! (after being ‘off duty’ since December
15th!) On Tuesday, BEAM
centre will be open once more; we have made friends with a couple who work with
a home for AIDS orphans (children who lost parents to AIDs and/or are HIV
positive themselves) and several other ministry leaders. And so it begins…. and we are SO
excited!!
There is still much to adjust to, to learn (like the
languages *sigh*), to acclimate ourselves to (like driving on the left side, my
next lesson to learn) . But God is good, for every ‘hard thing’ He gives a
Blessing. Christmas & New
Years were very tough. We had no
family & little to no celebration to speak of. Yet, we were blessed with a HUGE donation of food that we
were able to pull together in large gift bags (and I mean LARGE BAGS) for 12
different families in need. He
brought the World Race Group (a group that travels the world serving for a
whole year… one place each month) from the US to bring a little holiday
attitude to SA. And as we sat
around the bonfire on New Year’s Eve I was able to call my kids at OUR midnight
to say “Happy New Year” and it was only 3pm Colorado time!! (Hey that is a big
deal when your kids are parents of little ones & hit the sack by 9
*grins*). And finally I am
learning that although humidity is purty danged hard to handle at 100
degrees… my hair is softer, I have
less “old lady wrinkles” on my face AND it creates the most AMAZING thunder
storms that can last for hours & have thunder that rolls across the sky in
waves… God is truly AWESOME!!!
Our new wheels :-)
Awesome safari pic!
This elephant charged toward us right after this picture.
There are enough droppings around here to attract dung beetles!
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