Adventures in Africa

It has been an eventful few weeks! So much to report...where to begin?

Christian's brother, Bobby, came with 6 other staff from our region for the Cru Vision Trip March 14-20th. It was SO encouraging and refreshing to have him here and share what our life and ministry looks like. Lily and Anya were so excited, they started "cleaning" their room for him a week early! We showed them the sights, spent a day on campus together, and ate at the "African Cafe" where you are served traditional African cuisine...and I got my face painted. It was delicious and fun! Bobby and Alexandra will be back in July, as Bobby is leading the Cape Town Summer Project.

About a week ago last Saturday, while our team members(Lauren and Stephanie) were out, their house was broken into. Stephanie's computer, video camera, back pack, shoes, some clothes, and thumb drive, and Lauren's ring, jeans, one shoe?, and misc. items were stolen. The thief broke in through their spare bedroom window and seemed to leave in a hurry, as he/she left a trail of some of their things that dropped. They are thankful they weren't in the house when he/she came, but were understandably shaken up by the whole thing, and don't feel safe in their house. They have been staying with Tyler and Shannon, have negotiated to get out of their lease (praise God!), and have been looking for a safe apartment to move to. Please pray for them to find an apartment that is safe, within walking distance to some stores, affordable, will rent to Americans, and will allow a 9 month lease. Please pray also for God's provision in helping them to replace some of the essentials they lost, as they didn't have renter's insurance. Thank you!

~Family Vacation
We feel rested and refreshed after having a week off for Spring Break! We took a little family vacation and drove about 6 hours along the Garden Route to a town called Knysna. We were pleasantly surprised by the safety of the highways...it felt like we were traveling in America much of the time...until we passed ostrich farms, spotted elephants at a Reserve off the side of the road, and missed hitting a baboon in the road! The drive alongwas beautiful through lush green mountains and rolling hills, and some along the coast of the Indian Ocean. We saw apple and pear orchards, an olive grove, vineyards and forests.
We went to a cute little cafe called Ile de Pain for breakfast (famous for their bread) and then beach the first day. It was a beautiful beach and perfect weather. We were entertained by the way the waves crashed against the large jagged rocks, and by the huge washed up jelly fish and hundreds of little sea snails that came in with the tide. We built sand castles and had a great time!

Our second and final day in Knysna we went to the Elephant Park. Elephants in that area were killed off by poachers, but they rescued some of the orphaned elephants and take care of them there in the park. We got to feed the elephants apples, pineapple, watermelon pieces, etc. Fruit is like their chocolate! We could touch the elephants and could have ridden them if we paid:). Lily got up the nerve to barely touch one of the elephant's ears...but they were both afraid to feed them. No wonder kids get in free!
When we got back to our hotel that night I saw something scurry by my feet...and saw that it was a gecko! After I "landed" and calmed down, we took some pics, scooped him up in a cup and took him outside. Gave me a good scare!:) Lily also informed me on our trip that she is going to be moving back to South Africa when she is older! Guess that's a good sign that she's enjoying it!:)


Thank you for all of your prayers for rest. We feel very refreshed as we enter into our second term! We enjoyed watching the Jayhawk victory on Sunday and hope to be able to download their game this weekend! Rock Chalk Jayhawk!

Christian went on an outreach to the township of Kayelitsha today.  Pastor Peter went with them to translate as they went door to door to share the gospel and hand out Bibles.  The poverty they saw was sobering.  In one shack lived 2 women, a one year old and a 2 week old baby.  The child and baby were sleeping under a towel to keep the swarming flies from crawling all over them.  Christian got to share the gospel with these women and both women invited Christ into their lives!  He went to the next house and shared with 2 more women while Pastor Peter translated, and they both accepted Christ!  Praise the Lord!  They were given Bibles and Pastor Peter will follow up with them.  It was another humbling experience.  Please continue to pray for wisdom in how to continue to be involved in bringing God's love to our neighboring townships.