Kabokweni

Wow, this holiday blogging just drags on and on, eh? The holiday certainly didn't. Sunday morning, Bro. Scott, Miss Donna and I were up early to prepare the noon meal before church. Just after the morning service, Bro. Scott had several of the college guys share a testimony of how God's provided for them while away at university. A sweet time, to be sure. Then came chow time...mealie pap (staple diet made from cornmeal boiled in water), chicken dust, spinach, and a carrot salad. Now if we were truly African, we would have served chicken feet (commonly known as runaways...pretty tasty), chicken heads, tripe (cow's stomach), curdled milk (NOT at all like cottage cheese), intestine or some other delicacy. No, I've not eaten  all those, preferring to keep my stomach in place :) Just the feet & intestine. Wow...talk about a rabbit trail!

Morning fog

 

Some of the guys in Kabokweni. 

African cuisine eaten African style (no utensils)

College guys' send-off 

Bro. Eric, Itumeleng, Victor & Bandile

On our last evening in White River, we attended a Bible study at Metropolitan International College. It was great meeting the young Christians and sharing a good laugh with these sweet girls.

With my parents in town for the night, we had an impromptu meal with them & several guys after the study. At times, I go from one ministry to another. It was so nice being in one place for a bit, really getting to know the people there. All in all...great stay!

Kaapsehoop

Back to our adventures in White River...Tuesdays are “Family Day” at the Kuzels. We headed up to a quaint old mining town in the mountains where wild horses roam free.

On our way, we stopped by a kwekery (nursery) where they had a variety flowers and animals. The whole dog-in-the-pram thing is just whacked! Made us laugh!

It wasn’t until we were leaving that we noticed the “Do not feed the horses'” sign…which is up for a very good reason. One mare was way too impatient and bad tempered, resulting in several kicks & a nip in Bro. Scott’s direction. He & I (ones carrying the food bags) had to take refuge on an fenced porch of a nearby lodge. It was such fun, though. Bri was a natural with the horses.

Picnic lunch in a boulder field. This tree looks like something from a Dr. Seuss book!

Chatting it up in an old phone booth :)

It was simply gorgeous up there!

White River Holiday

Our missionary retreat ended on the 6’th, which coincided with my 10’th spiritual birthday. That day, 10 yrs ago, was the most miserable and yet most marvelous day in my life…The struggle over my sin which brought me to my knees in repentance. Yes, even missionary kids need salvation. You can grow up having a head knowledge of God, but if you haven’t let Him in your heart personally, you’re far worse off. I am eternally thankful for Christ’s Work on the Cross!

Brianna & I accompanied the Kuzel family back to their home in White River. We had a lovely 10 day visit. I’d say relaxing, but when you have a 2 little girls plotting schemes on how to wake you up at 6 a.m., it’s not all that restful ! Shoes under the pillow, songs blared less than a ft from your head, mud painted on your face (that  I caught before it started!), etc. It usually ended in pillow fights and laughter galore. Bri & Alayna were two peas in a pod, let me tell ya!

Sunday morning, we attended the church service held in Kabokweni. I loved meeting the deaf (shame on me, for not knowing more sign language!) and fellow believers. Later, we headed up to Endwaleni where Bro. Augustine preached completely in siSwati. My limited knowledge of Ndebele (similar language) allowed me to recognize the words for God, Spirit, Bible & a few other words. Many Africans can speak up to 4 or 5 languages…I struggle enough with English!

We had 3 fellows over for lunch and some fellowship. That evening, we gathered for singing & testimonies. I never tire of hearing how Christ’s worked to bring souls to Him. Imagine what Heaven will be like someday!

Monday, the girls & I took a bike ride through the Macadamia trees. We were having such a grand adventure that we failed to notice that my phone was gone. Searching for something so small as dusk crept in….talk about hard! Bri happened upon it, after Alayna & I had passed right on by,  praise the Lord!

Missionary Retreat #2

Thursday morning found the parents out at the Mall of the North...ladies received manicures/pedi's & coffee, while the men went hunting for new reading material and a Cinnabon treat. Meanwhile at home, I had 7 kids under 11 yrs old in my care (not including the 4 teens :). Coming from a family of 11 kids, 7 more just added to the fun. We baked homemade pretzel bites, colorful rice krispie bars, colored a 4'th of July banner, jumped on the trampoline and had a blast. Hannah was my moral support...couldn't have done it with out her! Thanks, girl!

 

Desserts (*thanks to the ladies who helped supply these!)...and yes, we had both coffee makers going :)

Thursday evening, the guys were pegging each other and in the process, Joel arm was bumped and snapped again. Dad took him into the ER and it was found that his arm required surgery, which was scheduled for the next evening. Early Friday morning, the couples headed for the Protea Ranch where they walked with the lions. An not those itty-bitty cubs, but 2 yr old beasts. No worries, they were well trained. While the kids and I were eating brekky, Alayna piped up, "We're eating while our parents are getting eaten!"  

 

 

 

Heading to the hospital for surgery.

Surgery went well...they put in two plates. One on his ulna & one on the radius, which have to remain in for at least a year, but can stay there for the rest of his life. Big blessing in that the doctors only charged us a fraction of the original cost. 7 wks in a cast, 2 wks off and now he has plates....never a dull moment is right!

 

(l-r)  Bro. Wyatt, Bro. Norberg, Bro. Kuzel & Bro. Castner

Friends on the Field (btw, the girls are playing "bride" with my mosquito net :D)

On our last night together, the kids gathered around the fire and roasted marshmallows. A near-perfect evening, if you ask me. Saturday morning came all to suddenly and with it, goodbyes. But in more way than one. It was hurriedly decided that Bri & I would travel home with the Kuzels for a 10 day visit. Back to back "holiday"...I think YES! More on that to come...

Missionary Retreat #1

Wow! What an amazing life God has given me! I can't get over how good He is. Earlier this month, our family hosted our very first missionary retreat. 5 families from around South Africa and Botswana joined us for 3 1/2 days of "recharging" so to speak. Lots of food (hey, we're still Americans!), chatter, coffee, singing, preaching, shopping trips, adventure with the lions, etc. 

So glad to have this girl visit! Do we look like we're 10 yrs apart in age??  :D

Wednesday, everyone gathered for fellowship, dinner and a highly amusing game of Family Feud, led by Scott & Donna Kuzel. An excellent way to really relax and start off the weekend. 

The men took turns leading the singing and preaching. Great messages from all!

Having lived in Africa for over 30 years,  Uncle George & Aunt Jackie helped us through the first years in Africa. They continue to be some of our dearest friends.

Each Family received a framed picture. A small thank-you for their years of service on the field. 

Yes, I'm a flower-type girl...they're so intricately designed by our great Creator, it amazes me.   

As some know, we Wilhites have peg wars. If we're around, you better watch out. :D

                                                                                                                            ( To be continued...)

#11 turns #8

I'm getting terrible about posting, but I do have a legitimate excuse this time...-Missionary Retreat-. Posts on that to follow (hopefully!). Anywho, this little guy turned 8 on Monday. We had fun celebrating with an African couple & the Castners (missionaries to Botswana) who drove down that day.


Seeing as "my" new oven finally arrived, I kinda went overboard in the baking department :) Josh was tickled pink to have "4 whole cakes!"

 

#8 Racecar cake

 

HAPPY 8'th BIRTHDAY, JOSHUA DILLON!