We're Back!

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One week ago, almost at exactly this time, we were waking up to head to the Portland airport. After 6 weeks of traveling across the United States, we were heading back to South Africa. The journey back was mostly uneventful, although there was an episode of motion sickness on the plane for Tyson and Jori also had a very close call after a slightly rocky landing in Dakar. Our family, and all of our luggage, made it to Tshepo ya Bana a little after 8 on Saturday night. We were tired, but being back in our house seemed to give us a second wind. Tyson and Jori were so happy to see all of their toys and things and Jori even found her little lizard friend in her bedroom. By 9:00 the kids had both crashed and Darin and I were not far behind them.

Sleeping has been a bit of a problem. The first morning we were all up at 3 and then tired again by suppertime on Sunday. Then it was another early morning, 4 this time, and another battle to stay awake at night. We all managed to sleep until 6 on Thursday morning, but were tired again that night. We know the effects of jetlag will last for a good week, so we should be nearing the end of the crazy sleep patterns.

It is such a good feeling to be back in South Africa. For all of the fun and excitement that we experienced in the US and all of the hospitality that was shown to us, this has become our home and there is nothing quite like returning home after a long journey! We have been busy catching up on everything that went on while we were gone; power outages, family visits, babies learning to crawl and so much more. Going up to the main house on Monday morning to see all the kids was so much fun. We received a lot of hugs and smiles, but were also met with some wary looks and cold shoulders, which is to be expected after a long absence.

We have all kept busy this week. Jori went right back to school on Monday morning while Tyson was home until Wednesday due to a bad cough. He had plenty of homework to catch up from the week he missed while we were still in the states and also managed to spend some time outside in the sun. Darin has already been planning and going to meetings for the Sawyer filters and Peppermint Energy generators and also for Take Action Ministries. I’ve been catching up on emails with volunteers and social workers, to the hospital to get a prescription for Amo and even made a quick stop at the department of social development. It is good to be getting back into the groove.

We are so thankful for the support and encouragement we received while we were in the states. We know that so many of you prayed for our travels and are continuing to pray for our ministry here. We fully believe that God is hearing and answering the prayers made on our behalf. 

Comments

pjvs said…
stay the course in the grace of the Lord pops
August 8, 2014 at 5:46 PM
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