Waiting is the hardest part (sometimes)

We have been on a long journey, ok we have been on many long journeys all at the same time.  We are in week 14 (and over 8000 miles) of our time in the states. While this journey has been long, we have been enjoying spending time with so many people and sharing what is happening on the Africa South Field.  We are now preparing to get back home to South Africa.  Peter has been asking about when we will be back home for about the past 2 months J but has been asking more about it lately as Beth and I have also been talking about it more. Sometimes we just feel like we are waiting to get back home, but then we are reminded of all the blessings we have had along the way during this Home Assignment.  The new friends we have made, the old friends we have been able to spend time with, and all the family that we have been able to see, are all such a blessing to us.  The journey has been long with a few challenges along the way (thankfully the only flat tire was at a place we could get it fixed with little complication) but to look back and see how God has worked and moved is great.

During this time we have also been waiting for the adoption process to give us a successful match.  We have been reviewing cases and putting ourselves out there for birth moms to choose us, but have not received a yes, yet.  This process has been stretching our patience on many occasions, and I like to think that I already had a lot of patience.  The times that we thought there might be a connection only to hear that the mother chose another family has been difficult.  Not knowing if we will have to stay a little longer in the US (if we are chosen for a baby that is ready before we leave) or if we will need to come back (because the baby is born after we leave) is also a test of our ability to live in the unknown.

And then to add another huge part of our lives in the mix, we are still waiting to hear who our next leader will be.  After the passing of our beloved friend and mentor, Rev. Maluleka in January we expected to know whom our next leader would be before we left South Africa in March.  Well that did not happen, and so we have been waiting and expecting news any day, with the wait just going on and on.  We know that there are many reasons why this process has taken longer, but that does not always comfort us in our waiting.  We hope to know soon and then can begin helping him/her get to know us as well as more about the field.

Truly through all of the waiting’s and all of the unknowns, through all of the challenges and the no’s, we know that God is with us.  When we pray for peace or pray for help, there is always someone there, a friend, a family member, a loved one to hug.  We thank God for all the love and support that our family and friends provide, even if they don’t always know how best to help, we know they are there right beside.

Thank you for your continued prayers for us, our ministry and for what God has in store.  We are looking ahead to the great days to come and ready for more.

Until next time:  when your wife (or loved one) suggests something to you and your first response is no, take a moment and think about it and then you will probably see what is best, her suggestion most times :)