New House Update

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We have been in our new place for a week and a half. So far we are settling in well. We actually have most things in place, although the electricity still needs some work, we don’t have hot water or a shower, and one toilet wants to run and leak and even my super hubby can’t yet figure out why… other than that, all is well.

Moving and trying to set up house in South Africa has been a bit of a challenge, but it has been such a wonderful way for us to be made aware of how big our support system is here in this country. We have been blessed by so many friends in so many ways. A water filter from the Kirby family, a bed, washing machine and TV cabinet from the Oosthuizen crew, Warren/Jones clan picking up 2 sofas and storing them for us a for week, futon from the de Smidts, meals, chocolate, prayers, the open offer to do laundry til our own washer is up and running and much more from scores of other local friends. We are beyond blessed.

Living “in town” has been interesting. We are definitely more accessible and visible. I have had 3 people come to our gate for help already. So far, I have not said no, although I will have to figure out some boundaries as I do not keep that much extra in the pantry and don’t want to end up being taken advantage of. It is so hard to know who is truly in need when you don’t have a relationship of some sort with the people asking for help. I am just praying that God will help us all to be wise in the way that we deal with the people outside our gate.

Not only are there adults coming around, but lots of kids! There are so many kids and trying to be welcoming without ending up with 20+ kids on our property is a bit of a balancing act. I want to make sure that I am visible to the kids coming around, so that they know there is an adult present. I want Tyson and Jori to get to know the neighbors and be able to go out and play, but I also want to make sure that I am close enough to keep an eye on behavior and language (from both sides) as I want to make our house set apart. I want it to be a safe place for kids, but again, we don’t want to be taken advantage of. I also don’t want to end up with a bunch of foul mouthed little punks running through my yard!

We are now about 10 minutes closer to all of our destinations, which has made a huge difference for us. The kids’ school is just a quick buzz down the road, getting into Hammanskraal for groceries or to the distribution centre for Take Action stuff is no problem, even getting into Pretoria feels like less work. Sure, we have to put up with traffic sounds now, but we were used to that in Michigan, so it isn’t such a big deal. We also have to watch out for cows wanting to get in our gate when we are trying to drive out, but I’d rather go head to head with a cow than an elephant, so again, easy peasy.


More to come soon, and pictures!!!

Comments

pjvs said…
can't wait to see it! papa
January 20, 2016 at 9:50 AM
Anonymous said…
Oh I remember the days of neighbor kids... Don't miss at all,,, carson has strep throat and I took him to urgent care... Wish rufus' bill was as low as that... I cut the tip of my pinky finger off with scissors... Cutting green onions.. Super gross and super painful!! Basketball in full swing.. Love to all ! Happy homemaking,,
January 24, 2016 at 8:13 PM
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