When I think back on the events of this month, I can't help but recall certain ones. This was the most difficult span of time we have had here yet, but there were also some really encouraging and significant positive things that we focus our thoughts on more. We have much to be thankful for and see the work of Gods power and love in our midst. Perhaps the most rewarding signs are the blessings He pours out on those we minister to, such as Leona's new baby boy. (We talked about her in a previous post).
Carolynn had her first African birthday on the 26th. She has recovered very well from delivering Titus and is back into the routine of washing clothes, baking, washing dishes, keeping the house cleaned, and taking care of the children. Her rest time is when she gets to feed Titus. She also takes advantage of every opportunity to enjoy a play date with new friends we have made. It's fun to hear stories from her when she gets home from a long play day.
Lucas started a three week break for school, so he has been helping around the house and shop when he isn't busy playing outside. He witnessed a fight outside our gate where people congregate to drink at all hours of the day. One guy got hurt and was bleeding a lot. The police picked a man up and took him away. Luke says it made him feel sad to see a person hurt another that way. He says he is pretty sure the guy got stabbed. Amelia tries her hardest to keep up with Luke and has built her own "fort" like her brother out of rubble and sticks from our yard. Even though the weather is cold, we can't keep shoes on either of them! They come in at the end of the day dirty and full of stories. They also like to hang out in the shop on occasion, meeting those who come to talk or buy. Lucas has also gotten a job cracking pecan nuts for a local doctor. James also tries to keep up with everyone, but has some trouble doing so, and he responds by exploring and experimenting with everything. He is very curious so if there is a way to get into something, he will find it! Titus eats, sleeps, and poops. At his 6 week appointment he weighed 6.2 kg. He is a very happy and content baby and has started smiling and cooing.
Carolynn and I went to Cape Town to get the paperwork required for Titus taken care of and were able to have some quality time together. It was the first time we have had a significant amount of time alone since we moved here. Thankfully we were able to get a ride with a friend, which turned out to be filled with encouraging conversation. Titus is now officially a U.S. citizen with a passport!
We felt like we had the go ahead to open the storefront of our house this month, knowing that it would take a lot of our time. We sell basic groceries as well as homemade soup and fresh baked goods along with produce from our garden. I make a different soup each morning and Carolynn impresses people with her baking skills daily. She has made and sold over 100 loaves of banana and lemon bread. We have been told that people are talking about the soup and baked goods around town, so hopefully we can get the business rolling. We are utilizing half the shop space currently, but hope to expand to the other half as soon as possible. We meet a lot of people through the shop and hope to employ some workers. Our vision for the other half is to make a sitting place where people can eat and drink while they play games and just hang out. We want to have Christian education resources available and encourage people to talk about God and ask questions. Local friends have donated tables, chairs, and sofas to be used for this. We need to paint, finish the floor, decorate, and complete the furnishing. Marizel is working for us while she is on break. She gets minimum wage at this point, which the shop is not able to pay, so we give it to her out of pocket. Less than $10 for an 8 hour day. Our minds are starting to convert to South African currency and prices. Believe it or not, her pay seems like a lot to me, as the shop's gross income was about $60 last week.
The downside with opening the shop is that we have a space with a large amount of value in it. Anything with value becomes a potential target for theft. The second weekend we were open, the shop was broken into in the middle of the night. About $50 in cash and goods was stolen. Thankfully, there was no vandalism and they didn't come into the house. I made some minor adjustments to make the space more secure, but I still wake up at night checking the shop often. I hope to make some more permanent fixes that the owner of the house and I have talked about.
The next detail of the shop I hope to expand on is to help the farm workers get what they need. Many live out on the farms and get transportation once or twice a month to town. They typically get paid monthly. I want to make deliveries out to the farms during the times that they are out of goods and transportation. The previous shop owner did this and I would like to continue his legacy of "helpmekaar" (we help each other). Building relationships with those groups that don't necessarily get the opportunity to go to church or hear the Word of God is important. I'm praying that God will open up those doors.
I continue to pray at the hospital and make my rounds when I can through the townships. I have found that the surface has been broken, revealing a much more difficult picture than I first saw. The openness and quick progress we first felt was, in many ways, false. We need to press on and in to build real relationships with people everywhere. The importance of being here long term is much greater in my thinking now.
As we continue to become members of the community and learn the languages, I can see glimmers of light beginning to shine. We are attending a small group meeting on Thursday evenings with a family that immigrated from Zimbabwe several years ago. It's amazing how God places people with hearts that are unified together. In our meetings, we have talked about topics and themes that have been close to my heart that week. The Holy Spirit guides and counsels!
Prayers this month are very important to us. We hope to move forward with expanding the shop space, so provisions and free labor are needed. Peace and restful nights would be appreciated. Protection and blessings over the work that is being done with the shop. Courage, knowledge, and wisdom to be ours. We really appreciate the prayers and support from everyone. We take great comfort in knowing we have a solid group with us. Feel free to contact us throughout the month. It's encouraging to hear directly from our friends. Thanks again! We love you all!
