a peculiar people

I guess I've been here so long, doing what I do for so long, that I don't pick up on things that our newer staff notice. Recently, several have pointed out the uniqueness of our situation. Where else do you have a group of people who, in essence, are forced to do everything together? Work. Live. Socialize. Share homes.

Niel thought of a few: Army. Commune. Submarine. But those examples seem only to add to the case of our situation's rarity.

It's true. The dynamics of our ministry (or of life on the mission field) are unique. But it's uniqueness is also it's appeal. Where else can you live, work, and fellowship in a foreign (and beautiful) country and culture, surrounded by a community of like-minded, equally-devoted Believers?

I find it interesting that until this was brought up to us, we hadn't ever thought of it like this. That's why I chalk it up to the result of this being our life for so long. What else would life look like? I can't even imagine... It's interesting that what is normal to one is seen as different (and even frustrating) to others.

I wouldn't trade my life for anything in the world.

perfect timing

Last week, on a day when I was feeling absolutely horrible, Niel's mom came by with a mail delivery. Amidst the stack of bank statements and junk mail, I saw a card envelope. I just knew it was a card from my mom. I grabbed for it, and saw her very-familiar, feel-like-home handwriting on the envelope. I opened it to read:

"Few things are worse than being in a hug position with no one to hug. Miss you!!!"

Although I burst into tears, I was so glad. So glad to have a mom who loves me and misses me. So glad I have a God who navigated the mail system to get the card to me right when I needed it!

Thanks, Mom! Thanks, God!

eating again

This afternoon we had a "working lunch" at one of our fine eating establishments. When I placed my order for a sandwich with a side of thick-cut potatoes, the waitress made a face and shook her head.

Me: "What?!"

Waitress: "Unfortunately, we ran out of potatoes."

Me: "Already? It's only 12:30!"

Waitress: "Oh no, we ran out last week."

So, no side of potatoes. But it was an enjoyable lunch. And my second "real" meal in a week!

just a spoonful of sugar

Saturday began as any ordinary day. Well, any ordinary day when we are out with a team on safari. Following the morning game drive, we take them shopping at the market. Eat lunch. Drop them off at the airport. Drive home.

Saturday ended, however, quite differently than usual. I started to get a fever. And ended up getting sick, and making frequent visits to my bathroom, all night long.

Sadly, this has continued through today. While some of my symptoms have stopped, others haven't. My fever decided to return today as well. It's been a rough week to say the least.

I can't remember the last time I was this sick. Or that I was sick for so long. Or that I actually stopped working due to sickness. Yeah. This week has been a doozie.

I'd appreciate your prayers. Thanks, friends!

a quiet evening at home

For the first time in over six months, Niel and I curled up together on our couch to watch a movie. With all our ministry travels and busy schedule, this has been something we've really missed, and we were so grateful to have an uninterrupted night at home. About three-quarters of the way through the movie, the sound of an approaching war zone shook through the house. Niel thought it was in the movie until we paused it, and the sound actually got louder.

Huge gusts of wind were attacking our house. Niel went out to the porch to take down the hammocks, which were swinging wildly all over the place. After he took down the first one, he heard the wind coming through the trees. It sounded so strong and severe that Niel dropped the hammock and ran back into the house. Just as he did, a small tornado funnel peeled off a section of our roof!

We could see starlight from our living room while piles of dust, dirt, and debris flooded through the ceiling and covered everything in the room. God is good, and no one was hurt; although our house is a little worse for wear...

So much for quiet evening at home...