Freedom, March, TV & Maggie!

In short:

. Moved to my own room

. March Team Meeting

. On TV in South Africa

. Maggie Dinner and cake

 

In more detail:

The Delaware Team left on Monday. I moved to my own room on Tuesday night! I didn't have room mate issues AT ALL but craved a quiet spot to call my own.  It's yellow and has a few African paintings hanging. I can't wait to just chill out in my new space tonight!

Had a great meeting with Mike and Avril about ideas and plans for the March team from SMBC that's coming to South Africa. It was such a blessing to know these people on the team roster and have an idea of their gift sets and possible ministry they could add to Living Hope. I can see God's plan unfolding before my eyes. This team is going to be BUSY! I can already envision the impact they're going to have and I'm getting so excited!

One morning this week, I walked into the Prevention Building Main Office and was quickly stopped by one of the ladies that works in the office. She said, "I saw you on TV last night." I said, "Are you kidding? What was I doing?" She said, "I was watching this reality show, World's Strictest Parents, and saw you." I laughed hysterically and said, "I was on that show for less than 2 minutes, how did you catch that?" She wanted to know all about the Garnetts, the two British kids that came for the week and wanted to know if the kids really did change. [If you haven't seen the show or don't know anything about it, google World Strictest Parents- Garnetts.] It was a great witnessing tool- to tell this lady (and everyone else in the office that was listening) about the Gospel being shared with the kids that came and the entire film crew. Garnetts- I love that this event in your lives is still reaching people for the Kingdom – all the way in South Africa!

My wonderful, friend Maggie had her 63^rd birthday on Feb. 1. Because of some meeting that I had that day, I couldn't do anything for her then; BUT, my friends Alicia and Kendra (who know and love Maggie too) helped me take Maggie out to a restaurant to celebrate! We brought Maggie over the mountain, took her to Spur (like an Applebee's restaurant). Maggie (like most people I work with in the communities) NEVER go out to eat. Maggie said she'd been to Spur one other time- someone obviously took her and treated her to a meal. We let her read the menu and order ANYTHING she wanted! She chose ribs and chicken wings with chips (fries) and onion rings with a large glass of orange juice. There was no way she could eat all of that; she took a to-go box.  Even though she was stuffed, we offered to buy her a slice of birthday cake at Mug & Bean (like Panera). They had a huge display of cakes and muffins. Maggie's eyes got so wide when looking at all the baked goods. It was precious! I couldn't stop smiling. I've got AMAZING pictures of the night and will cherish that memory FOREVER! She was spunky, funny Maggie, but sweet and appreciative too.

I hope to send my update/newsletter soon. I've got to attach the file to an email and the internet here doesn't really support large attachments; I'll get to an internet cafe this week and will get you photos and official ministry updates.

Again, thank you for your support and prayers! Things are great and I'm adjusting well.