I hope you’re all enjoying the Christmas season! After an 8 week stay in the US, I am back in South Africa and enjoying every precious minute with my babies. I loved being at home again for a short season. I was really ready for this break as it approached and it seems to have gone by in a flash! I spent many wonderful and refreshing days with my family and friends, and even so, in the end I always think I could use just one more. I count myself very blessed to have been able to spend some great afternoons with my Granny, before she went to be with the Lord on the 9th of November. For these precious moments and so much more, I am truly grateful.
As most of you know, I work with DoH in a volunteer position, and spent a good bit of my time at home following up with former supporters and gathering the necessary sponsorship to work here for another year. Each church or group I had the pleasure of sharing with was wonderful and a fruitful experience! The Lord has been good, yet again, in preparing the way for me to be part of His work in South Africa, and there are many throughout NC who have joined the work, both in prayer and in sponsorship! I was asked today by one of the Aunties if I am well-rested and ready to pick back up the pace of life with DoH. I had to laugh... while I have much more downtime in at home in NC than I do here, I never can seem to come back “well-rested”. I have anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks per year to spend with family & friends in the states and I tend to take full advantage! That being said, yes I am ready to pick back up the pace here in Jozi, and look after the little ones God has blessed us with at DoH!
I’d like to first say that there has been much reordering within the structure of our ministry in the last several months. My friend and colleague, Stephanie, returned to Canada in September and will begin training to be a nurse in January. As she made known her plans to leave, the Lord began to put it on my heart to fill her position within DoH. I was very hesitant to step in after her (big shoes to fill), but the Lord confirmed that this was His plan for me through scripture in Isaiah. I started volunteering as Baby Care Manager on August 1st. It is stretching, but the Lord is equipping me every day.
Many other changes are being made, and most have occurred during the time I was overseas. I am excited to be back with my children, but for now I am busy trying to catch up to all that is new. DoH has been struggling to receive the funding to maintain the ministry over the last year. One major change that has come from this state is that we are no longer able to run a program for toddlers. As many of you know, these children and this program have been incredibly special to me. Since my arrival back in the country just four days ago, I have seen two of our toddlers placed in other homes, my oldest boy was placed less than a week before I returned from the states, and the rest will follow until the program officially closes on February 1st. Our social worker is working very hard to make sure the kids have as easy a transition as possible, but it has been difficult for me to come to terms with this change. I know that the Lord has blessed us with each precious child in our care, and I know that when they leave our embrace they will never be out of His hands... still, it is difficult to understand. Decisions have been made and put into action, and for now I am glad to be back here, advocating for the children. It is my hope and fervent prayer (and I hope you’ll join me in it) that the Lord will provide a way for us to keep this program running, as it has met such an incredible need during its years of operation.
There is much to fill you in on, where the children are concerned! We have seen the Lord work in amazing ways in their lives over the last few months, since I last updated you. Because this entry is a bit long already, I will be writing again next week to share, in detail, about the babes!
This ministry belongs to, is sustained by, and exists to glorify the Lord. I am confident if we honor Him, we will see His provision in the right timing. Please be praying for each of the children in our care, for the staff as they continue to give of themselves, our leadership as we seek the Lord for His way for each of the kids, and the board, who carry the weight of final decisions as we walk through this season.
Much love and blessings,
Beth
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