Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful...

Hello friends and family,

It is so unbelievable that this is the week of Thanksgiving because it is not celebrated at all here in Africa (the pilgrims didn't make it over here on their journey...). One of those things that of course makes sense, but I would love to see a cartoon turkey this week! We will be celebrating with a feast and football on Thursday with a group of American missionaries, so don't worry, we will be getting started on our pre-Christmas weight gain too :) Around here, the build up for Christmas very muted compared to what you are experiencing in the States, but there are echos of the season approaching. The main problem is that it is HOT right now – I sing the song mentioned in this blog title to say it is frightfully summery here. I found it notably odd that I finally noticed Christmas trees at the mall yesterday as I was wiping the sweat from my brow from the walk from car to mall entrance. Hopefully one day our little mall will get air conditioning....

In other Prince news, baby Kieren is back to her old self and seemingly feeling all better. You could tell she was on the mend by about Friday when she was again overly 'talkative' and bouncing all around the house. I have been still struggling with cough and migraines, but went AGAIN to a doctor yesterday and hope to be on the road towards health. It has been frustrating and depressing working through these past weeks as many days I can't make it through the whole day because of migraines and am forced to rest often. It's not that I mind resting, it's that I would rather sleep at night and be active in the day. So I would love prayers as I continue to try to get healthy; I know it will happen eventually.

We are relatively busy around here with many different things going on. I am visiting various support group meetings and functions for Living Hope and trying to get a feel for how things have been running here so I can lead and mentor these friends well. It really is inspiring to see how sacrificially these people support and lead others in their community – it is so much more than just a job for them. Also, EVERY staff member at Living Hope will receive a 15% pay cut in the new year, as much of Living Hope's funding was cut because PEPFAR (Presidents Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief) in Obama's new budget. It's a real shame, but these people are having such a positive attitude about it and even will be helping to raise money for the organization in the new year. I think will eventually be a good thing as it will help Living Hope to not be reliant on our government, but it's hard right now. Also, I helped on Sunday night with a church service we held – it was a service of 'Remembrance and Light' to remember those who had passed this year. It was particularly meaningful for Casey as he had some time to give thanks for Patrick Looney, who passed last week. For me, it was special because I got to assist in serving Holy Communion for the first time to my new congregation – which is always such a gift! This week I will assist Kyle, the pastor, in bringing communion to some church members who are home-bound, so I look forward to that, as well.

Casey is keeping busy with making plans for December as he will hold some soccer clinics at local schools for Ubuntu Sports Outreach. We are so excited to be taking our first steps – and would love your prayers as Casey decides how to navigate in these early months.

Oh, and PRAISE – our shipped items from home are being delivered on WEDNESDAY! We are excited!

Well, that's all for now, have a great day!
Lots of love,
Sarah

Some pics...

Thought we'd add some more pics to help tell our story...

This is our very good friend Bernadette's daughter, Amy. She LOVES Kieren!


This is Marleen. She is in Sarah's support group. She also LOVES Kieren. She always brings her gifts. She has started doing some 'gardening' for us.


She is a 'chip off the old block'. We even have the same hairline and style! Yes, I do look tired, it was early!

Praise

This was my devotional time this morning and it is so hopeful as well as a great vision for our time here. Thought I would share!
Love,
Sarah

Isaiah 12

Songs of Praise

1 In that day you will say:
"I will praise you, O
LORD.
Although you were angry with
me,
your anger has turned away
and you have comforted me.
2 Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be
afraid.
The LORD, the LORD, is my
strength and my song;
he has become my salvation."
3 With joy you will draw water
from the wells of salvation.
4 In that day you will say:
"Give thanks to the LORD, call
on his name;
make known among the nations
what he has done,
and proclaim that his name is
exalted.
5 Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things;
let this be known to all the
world.
6 Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion,
for great is the Holy One of
Israel among you."

Loss of a Mentor

I just received an email that has wrecked me to my core. Patrick Looney, a beloved mentor and friend died on Tuesday. Patrick was the Student and Associate Pastor at Millbrook Methodist Church during my middle school and high school years. For those of you that knew me then, you will remember him, but those who didn’t know me missed out.

He had an enormous influence on my spiritual life. No other man, outside of my own dad, had as much influence during those years than Patrick. He was there at some massively shaping moments.

He was the one that took me (with John Massey and Susan Massey Resar) to the Franklin Graham Youth Rally when I was a 10^th grader where I heard the Gospel in a new way and fully committed my life to following Jesus.

He was in the hospital with my Mom at the moment that she had to decide to turn off the machines that were keeping my Dad alive. And he was with her when they came back to the house to tell me. He walked the road closely with us.

And he again walked the road with me as my Mother died about a year and a half later. Patrick was available, loyal, and loving to me during the most important times in my life.

But he was also there in some really great moments where he displayed his sense of humor and sensitivity. He once took Mikey Resar and I to an Acquire the Fire conference and explained the charismatic world to us when the girl in front us “fell out.” We were young spiritually, but he helped us understand it. He was always reminding me what an accomplished baseball player he once was, which I didn’t believe. J He also tried to make a point of telling me how good the Georgia Bulldogs were. He would try to come watch me play soccer, but we began to notice a pattern of us losing when he came. So, he thought he was cursed, but he still wanted to support me, so he would stand outside the gates thinking that somehow that didn’t bring on the curse. Patrick, in this great sense of humor, is the one that said of my Dad, at his funeral, “Wilbur could sell a ketchup popsicle to a woman in white gloves on a hot summer day.” I wonder what funny line will be crafted to describe him on Friday?

Patrick and I had spoken some this summer as I shared with him what our family was about to do. And then I got to see him in late August at an anniversary celebration at Millbrook Methodist. I hope that he had a little pride in knowing that the seeds he planted in me all those years ago were still being harvested and now planted into others.

Though I am completely broken-hearted today I know that when Patrick entered Heaven that many people greeted him that have been touched and influenced by his life. I now look forward to him greeting me there one day and me getting to thank him for what he has done in me.

Casey

Back to the Doctor

Would love your prayers today as the Prince's went again to the doctor in Ocean View today, but this time for me. I have had a sore throat for days, and fever and body aches and finally relented to go to see doctor. It's nothing major, slight case of strep throat and I got some medicine for it. WOW, the private doctor was SUCH a different experience – I was in and out this morning in literally 15 minutes! So just laying low this week trying to get our family healthy so we can embrace our always busy weekend that is coming up!

Thanks for the love and prayers!
Sarah

Today's Lesson...

Yesterday we truly got a glance through the window of life living in the 'Third World' as Tuesday I ventured to the free clinic to have Kieren seen by the doctor there. She had been messing with her ears here and there and then a couple people also thought she might have an ear infection, so it was time to go. Oh my gosh, it was such a mission at this place! It's quite a scene to begin with; it's a small room with benches and when I got there at 7:30 (I think it opens at 7:15) the room was already filled with about 40-50 people and children. We tried for about 20 minutes to talk to someone to put our name on a list, or whatever, and finally a janitor there who recognized me and helped me to get my name in their system and on the list. After a while I was seen by a nurse of some kind who weighed Kieren and then told me to go to another area to wait to see doctor. This area was smaller, with not even a place for me to sit, and ahead of me to see whomever were about ten other mothers with babies or children. I later learned I wasn't even in line for the doctor but for a 'clinic sister' (and I don't know what that means), but it was the wrong person to see anyways because I needed a prescription for Kieren. The whole time I was waiting in that area, not one single person complained; they were all talking and laughing and just waiting patiently. In about 20 minutes standing there I saw one person go out of the room. I would have waited all day... literally. Finally, after about two hours, Casey showed up and we decided to pay to see a private doctor. Kieren was so sleepy and I was exhausted. We learned of a private doctor down the road who charged about $20 (130 South African Rand) and had business hours in the afternoon. We took her back later in the day, she was seen by the doctor, and given various medicines for her minor ear infection.

Wow, ear infections are SO common in the US, and it was just Kieren's first. I thought so much yesterday about our pediatrician's office in Raleigh, called Raleigh Pediatrics. It is a beautiful facility, with timely, educated staff and doctors. They also have a 24 hour nurse help-line for every parent's tiny scare and worry. Here in South Africa, parents wait all day for their child to be seen by a doctor or someone else. My mother yesterday was asking about the swine flu and if it is a problem in SA. Honestly, I have no idea, because it probably isn't being diagnosed if it is here! I hear about kids having fevers and stomach bugs, but they just stay home from school until they get better. Rarely does anyone go to the doctor, and sickness just isn't a worry. Health care officials are more talking about testing and treatment for HIV and tuberculosis here, problems that make an ear infection look trite.

Here was the real frustration for me yesterday – myself. I couldn't believe how frustrated I could get, and just what I believed I 'deserved' for my privileged, white family. Of course, I didn't verbalize these thoughts, but I was ashamed that I even thought them. We are so privileged to have great health care in America (if we can afford it, of course) and it is a gift that we so often overlook. And we were able to finally leave the dingy halls of that clinic and pay to see a doctor, when these other people didn't have that luxury. Even more, for most of the world, they don't even have access to a doctor because there isn't one or they can't afford.

So another great lesson in the classroom of life today, and I leave this session recognizing my need to be so grateful that I can care for my child whenever a problem arises. Kieren is of course FINE and probably just had a slight annoyance at some ear pain for a day or two....

Thanks for learning with me,
Sarah

Pictures

Thought we'd give you some updated pics to see the 'wildness' that happens in our yard in the afternoons.

The boys are crowded around Kieren singing to her and making her laugh. The guy in the middle, Heindre, used to be a Rasta leader and now follows Jesus.

New Ubuntu Blog

Check out Casey's new Ubuntu blog, now up at www.ubuntusports.blogspot.com.

Here We Go

Good morning friends and family,

I am writing this Monday morning and just trying to get some things done today! We are learning about the pace of life here in Africa, and it seems that weekends don't include any time for tasks and getting things done. Pretty much most of the weekend people are coming by the house, calling, and hanging out. It was also BEAUTIFUL weather (finally) and so everyone wanted to be outside and enjoy it. Some of the highlights of the weekend were: enjoying watching the kids play soccer in our yard on Saturday, dinner with American and African friends on Saturday night, hitting up the crazy 'market' near the beach on Sunday, a birthday 'braii' (or BBQ) for Andy celebrating him turning 19 years old on Sunday night. Many things in between, but it was certainly a great time. We are really blessed to have so many wonderful people already in our life here, and it's just a joy to share it. Kieren is the icing on top (and I really love icing!) and just makes every time with friends an extra joy as we watch and enjoy her. This week we hope to catch up on some loose end details, and both move forward with some more details of our ministries. Casey hopes to get into schools and meet up with principals and teachers he can partner with. I want to clarify more my role with Living Hope and then hopefully spend some time getting to hear more about the groups and leaders I will be supporting.

Hope you all had lovely weekends as well; lots of love to you!
Sarah

This is Why...

Today has been one of those wonderful, holy, and special days that I hope I can remember for a long time. It was a slow morning, we ran a couple errands and caught up on emails in the morning, and then drove to a nearby township called Capricorn. This area is much more poverty stricken and 'hard' then where we live, and it's a place where I did a good amount of work when we were here before. It is also where our Congolese refugee friends live, Antoine and Mathy. We shared wonderful times of ministry and friendship with them during our time here before and have kept in touch while in America. We reunited with them a week ago, but today were invited to Mathy's support group with is made up of refugees from the Congo and Rwanda. By about 15 minutes into the meeting the room was filled with women and their children and us three Americans. I should have seen it coming, but didn't; because Mathy asked if I would bring the devotional for the meeting today. So I shared something that God has been teaching me out of Hebrews 11 and 12; how we are called to live a life of faith and fix our eyes on Jesus as we run forward trusting the life He has for us. It is very applicable for these friends and as I shared there were many nodding heads and 'amens' in the group. I should add that only a few speak some broken English, so my sharing was translated into French for these new friends. It is always so deeply humbling and fulfilling at the same time to share God's word with people like these women, who I know live in the midst of dire struggle and hardship. They are all refugees from other African countries, living as outsiders, many of them without jobs and the means to provide the basics of life for their families, even facing real persecution and harm in their own communities just for being from a different country. And yet, the promises of God are just as true, palpable, and meaningful to them as they are to me, even though mine seem superficial and trite in comparison.. I have to tell you though, it is in those moments of sharing the power of God and the strength of Christ with people like these that I feel so alive. It was what I was created to do. After I shared each one of them shared how we can be praying for them. Each one of them asked for basic things; protection for their families, jobs, food for their kids, a peaceful home. I loved that one woman said she prayed that 'doors would be open this year to the promises of God.' Great imagery. Then we all stood up together, I asked if we could hold hands, and I began to pray for them. Little did I know the power of prayer in the heart of these women! They all began to pray aloud in their native languages, and the prayers and exclamations of God filled the room! It was deeply moving and I could truly feel the presence of God in that place! Mathy then closed the prayer in French and well all said 'amen.' It was a beautiful and holy moment. Afterward we shared some time of tea and snacks (as we Africans love to do!) and just talked. It hit me suddenly that this time with these women was exactly like so many times I have shared back home with my women friends. There were kids everywhere playing, eating snacks, fighting here and there, and the women were talking, laughing, and truly 'walking through life' together. It was awesome.

The whole time we spent there was only just over an hour, and I could have stayed much longer, but it was precious time for me. These moments certainly don't happy every day; that is not the reality of missionary life. But they DO happen, and what a treasure they are. I am so thankful that God has brought us here and today He reminded me why. Praise God!

Lots of love,
Sarah

Going to the Chapel...

Tonight our friend Shagmie came over after work.

He’s a Life Skills Educator for Living Hope. We grew close with him when we were here before and we quickly and easily reconnected since we’ve been back.

Shagmie is getting married in February to a young lady named Lauren whom we really adore. Her family invited us in to their home when we were here before and that one evening convinced us that we should live in Oceanview. So, as a couple, they are very special to us.

Well, Shagmie came over to ask me to be the Best Man in his wedding!! I’m so totally humbled! He said amazing things about me being a man that will hold him accountable to the things he is promising and that they really look up to Sarah and I for our marriage.

I’m so excited about this day. It’s a wedding on the beach in Fish Hoek, I get to wear white linen (!), and we’ll get to party with our colored friends. But mostly, we’re just so excited to have connected with people here in this significant way. To be invited into someone’s life for such a significant occasion is just amazing. We were just hoping to get invited and now I get to stand up there next to Shagmie.

Thanks be to God for connecting brothers across cultures, nations, and distance.

Where the Wild Things Are

In our Yard!!

A mini soccer league has cropped up in our front yard. Kids are there EVERY DAY for several hours. We finally paid the price yesterday. Somebody missed the goal on a much too powerful shot.

We were actually very fortunate, because Kieren usually watches the soccer from that window, but happened to be further back on this occasion. Sarah was sitting on that couch right there at the window. But both of them were fine.

The church, gracefully, took good care of us to keep it from raining in last night. Hopefully it will get fixed today. And I think we’ll be making some changes to our field!

- Casey

Great Reminder

I helped to lead a Bible study at my new church, Ocean View Methodist, Wednesday morning. They started the time with the singing of a hymn, and it was a great reminder for my personal life. Hope you enjoy!

Sarah

I Need Thee Every Hour


I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.

(Refrain)
I need Thee, O I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.

Refrain

I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is in vain.

Refrain

I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.

Refrain

I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
O make me Thine indeed, Thou blessèd Son.

Refrain

Ocean View Life Happenings

Hello people,

I'm here at the internet cafe connecting with email and people, just trying to stay dry and warm here in South Africa! It's supposed to be summer here but it's COLD (well, 50 degrees almost at 60) and very windy and rainy which makes it feel awful outside! I am going to overdose on hot tea because I crave it all the time in this weather! Despite the weather we are having a good week, finding ourselves busy each day with many things as we settle and venture out further into ministry. Casey met with another school principal in our area this week, and continues to try to being forming relationships with schools in order to start Ubuntu programs there. So far he has been very welcomed and well-received. I have been meeting with some support group leaders and met with my 'boss' Avril for Living Hope on Monday and will soon clarify my roles more fully with them. This morning I went to the Ocean View Methodist church and led a Bible study there - it is open for all but is attended by about 10-15 of the older generation at the church. It was a wonderful time of study, discussion, and just getting to know these new friends. And as is almost required in South Africa, it was followed with hot tea, cookies, and more conversation. Things are so much slower here in pace and it's really enjoyable! I am thankful to get to know the church here more and more and they are so welcoming and open to me!

Well, I will be off to work through some other tasks of the day. Hope you week is also moving along beautifully! Enjoy the changing and falling leaves for us - we miss them (but not raking them up...).

Love,
Sarah

Kieren Pics :)

Happy Baby

Kieren at our front gate hanging with the soccer boys

Kieren's Halloween 'Costume'