THE BABY

Here are the ultra sound pictures from this morning. We (Maddie, Alex and I) were so excited to see the baby move and to hear the heartbeat. Alex says that there are triplets (because there are three pictures). Maddie's face lite up when they put the sound on. She just stared at the monitor.

.

I was excited to see that things are going well with the pregnancy!!

I am measuring 9 weeks 3 days pregnant.

My Estimated Due Date is January 30!

The Heart rate is 181.

.

Work Update

So, many of you are probably wondering how the business has been going. Well, I have been extremely busy the past month. We have been struggling to get sales and this is making it tough to justify keeping the business going. So, as we work through trying to get sales we are also looking at possibly finding someone here in South Africa to partner with and take over running the business. My past month has been very busy with making new business contacts and trying to get our block yard up and running.

I've been putting in long days and nights trying to make things happen. My mornings are usually spent at the block yard making sure things are going okay there. Nkhensani is tasked with owning the block yard and getting everything right. He has never done manufacturing so I just make sure systems are being followed. During the week I work through ideas on improving the process and speed of the equipment. My Saturdays are used to implement and try the ideas so that it doesn't interrupt production during the week. There is a guy right next to the block yard who has a machine shop. He has been very generous to me and lets me use his Milling machines and welding equipment so that I can do small projects.

The rest of my days are usually meeting with possibly clients, running around tying to solve manufacturing issues, and struggling to work with our block yard staff. A couple of times I have worked most of the day making blocks to prove to the guys that what we are asking them to do is possible. It is a new challenge to work with guys who are unskilled and want to get as much from you without doing much work. Daily we have to work through issues with paying these guys and getting them to make enough blocks to hit our goals. They are never getting enough pay and we are always asking too much from them.

Below are some pictures of the block yard and the guys making blocks. We currently have 5 guys doing the work that we were told would take 7 guys.

The sign that is currently getting made. We will hang is on a wall made from our blocks. (Dagga is what they call mortar here)

The equipment with a few modifications to make it faster and more user friendly.

All our blocks. We should be able to run 1800+ in a day, currently 1100 is the best we've done.

The guys making blocks. The guys have trouble stacking in the in a straight line, I was told it has something to do with being carried on their mom's back when they are little and starring at her back all day. It messes with their depth perceptions.

We are trying to make some decisions this coming week that will determine if our family will be moving back to the United States anytime soon. I have a couple of important meetings this week that will help with the decision and we should find out about a large contract by the end of the week. Our family is excited to figure out our future, whatever it may be. We have always felt led to South Africa and hope that our next year does keep us here. We do realize however that our expectations of what we think God wants us to do and what His ultimate plan is can be very different. We also realize that we may never fully understand why we were called to be here, but we are sure that we were meant to come.

We ask that you pray for us this coming week. Not for us to stay or to return to the States, but that whatever the decision is, that it is God's will that is driving it.

Scott

Holiday Club at Eastside Community Church

So the reason for lack of blogging is I volunteered to teach Grade 0 (Kindergarten) for Holiday Club. Holiday Club is like VBS, but so intense. It started at 7:00am and ended at 1:00pm (well, I would leave at 2:00pm). It was a week I will never forget. I can not believe I was able to get up at 5:30am - get the kids up at 6:00am and leave the house by 6:30am!! I am already so tired from being pregnant - I was thinking I may be crazy to think I could handle this.

.

But the second the kids showed up for Club, I was greatly blessed. These kids are so special!! I had Alex in my class (there were four grade 0 classes - about 55 kids). Here is my class (minus some that came later in the week):

One of my helpers reading a Bible story until the kids got picked up. I had 3 wonderful helpers who were in the 8th grade. They helped me organize the day - cut out materials - decorate the room - help serve lunch - monitor the kids at free time - THEY WERE AWESOME!!

Kiddie Sports

Sweet NuNu

The daily routine included - Opening session with songs and skits - Bible memory - Kiddie Sports - Lunch - Bible Lesson - Craft. A jammed packed day - Did I mention the amount of potty breaks per day?!? At least 3!!

These kids were amazing and so eager for attention and to learn! I had one boy who cried (or wanted to be by himself) for 15 min everyday in the morning and then was fine the rest of the day. (Alex immediately wanted to be his friend - and talked to him every morning to get his mind off how sad he was - what a loving heart!!) At the end of the week his mother was so grateful that he had made it the whole week and that he had created such a bond with the kids and me. At the program last night he presented me with chocolate and flowers!! and he made a picture for Alex!! SO SWEET!!

.

Here is Maddie at Holiday Club: Can you notice one of her bad habits - CHEWING!!

Madison had so much fun - and like always created such a great fondness for her teacher Stacey. It just reminds me how much teachers have such an effect on kids. The kids really look up to them! So my Hats off to ALL TEACHERS in schools, Sunday school, VBS programs, GEMS, Cadets, Youth Leader!!! You do amazing work!!!

I am so glad I was part of this amazing event - Overall there were probably 500 - 550 kids (grades 0 - 7)that attended and 120 volunteers! The volunteers were a lot of 8th grade - 12th graders that stayed in house parties - that not only helped out at Holiday Club, but they also had club of their own! They were at church at 5:45 am and stayed most days until 9:00pm!!

.

Here are some more pictures, including the program that was last night!

Tanya doing a skit on stage - She organize all of Holiday Club - at the age of 22!!! She did a great job!!

Kids that attended - minus grade 6 and 7 who had their own program outside

My helpers and I with our class at the program

Alex doing the motions!!

Watching the last "episode" of Explosion Sports at the program

"Tim and Jim" - hilarious!! Alex's favorite part was the big camera that followed everyone around!

.

Wow - What a week - I am so exhausted (the kids too)! We had such a great time and the kids really enjoyed every moment!!

Happy Fathers Day, Scott!!

Alex's "homemade" card
Maddies "homemade" card


We had a very relaxing day with Scott. The kids made some crazy cards for Scott and then they took him out for putt-putt golf! (yes we found one here in South Africa).





great golf form!




Alex brought his very own putter!



It was a great day just to reflect on how great Scott is as a Dad.







We appreciate all his hard work and dedication to our family.







We love you Scott and Thank you!







HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!

HAPPY 7TH BIRTHDAY - MADDIE!!

Wow - our little girl is now 7!!

.

She is so excited about her birthday this year!

.

We were hoping to be celebrating it in the States with all her Grandmas and Grandpas and Friends, but we are now enjoying a beautiful day here in South Africa.

The Birthday excitement and celebration started yesterday when I took Maddie, her friend Elzette, and Alex to Build - A - Bear! Yes, they just opened a Build a Bear store here in South Africa! The only requirement I told the kids is they had to pick an animal that lives in the wild here. That way they have a special "bear" to remind them of all the animals they saw here. It was a great evening with Maddie. She had so much fun and she was especially excited to show Elzette what Build a bear was all about!! The even nicer part was we had the whole store to ourselves (I am not sure if people here have any idea what Build a bear is all about yet).

Here are some pictures of Maddie's special night:

Maddie and Ellie the Elephant

Putting the stuffing inside

Elzette and Riley the Dog


Alex and Simba the Lion

What a great Night!


Friends 4 Ever!!

Tonight we are going to have pizza (her absolute favorite) and a party at home!

Maddie and Alex - Alex gave her his gift this morning

A new horse!

.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADDIE!

You are so sweet and precious to us!!

We love you so much!!

You are growing up so much here in South Africa - Please don't grow up to fast!!

You are an amazing sister and friend to all!!

We love how you take care of your brother and watch out for him.

We love your hilarious giggle and the many faces and tricks you pull (you must get some of that from your Grandpa)!

May God Bless You in this coming year!

Love Mom, Dad, and Alex

Happy Birthday Grandma

Happy Birthday Grandma! Make a wish!

Happy Birthday also to all those we missed. We think of you all the time!

May all you wishes come true Grandma!

Love Maddie and Alex

No Answers

I am sure some of you are wondering – are we coming home and how is Scott’s work.
.
Well there is no answer to us coming home and Scott’s work is struggling.
.
Here are my thoughts today. Warning: This is just me feeling out loud.
.
I understand that we are to have faith and trust that we are here for a purpose, a purpose that God has put here for us. Today I am feeling so sad and frustrated, because I feel that this purpose is not clear yet – even after almost a year. I have seen Scott and Nkhensani work so hard to get this brick business up and going - Meetings after meetings, testing of blocks, finding a block yard, finding a different block yard, trying to get something in motion. Today I feel they have worked so hard and are no further along in the goal they set out to do (as people would say here – Welcome to South Africa). I am so sad. I feel like we are in God’s waiting line. We pulled the number 543 and God is on number 92. He hears our prayers of frustration, questions, demands, but am I missing the point? I need to have faith that God is in control and we are to Let Go and Let God! I am struggling with this one today. I see what plans I (Scott, ICT) have, but I know our plans are not his plans. God has a purpose for us here, we just can’t see it yet and maybe we never will. The uncertainty that we may be coming home soon is hard for me. I want an answer – selfish isn’t it?
.
As of today there is no answer to the question are we coming home. Scott and Nkhensani continue to work hard despite many let downs and frustrations. Innotec is doing the best they can in encouraging and coaching Scott and I see Scott and Nkhensani still aiming high and working towards the goal. I pray that whatever is to happen happens soon. I am trying to be the most supportive wife I can be. It is hard; because like most, I like instant gratification –show me, tell me now!! I think today my faith and trust are being tested! I talked to my Dad today and he reminded me that Satan loves all this frustration and commotion! I am not going to let him move in.
.
For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord ……. Whatever the plans are – staying here or going home - I am ok with. I am just missing home and pray so hard that Scott will have a break through or a clear answer to this business. Nothing is sadder than watching someone you love so dearly struggle.

.
So I guess the real answer is not that there are NO ANSWERS - It really is God hasn’t answered us yet. And knowing that he is here with us in all the frustrations and uncertainty – I am ok to wait for the answer (when he reaches number 543 :)).
.
Please continue to pray for Scott and Nkhensani as they have meetings this week and as decisions are being made. Pray for our family as the not knowing what is happening is hard on us.
.
I thank God for this time together as a family, for all the experiences, the growing in the kids and Scott, and the definite growth in me. God is good and he has blessed me/us so much!
.
We miss everyone and we will keep you updated.

BLESSINGS

My sickness of Tick Fever has turned into a pregnancy - the doctors say it is a first!! WE ARE SO EXCITED!

.

I have been so sick with headaches, nausea, sore glands and did I mention headaches. I was taking antibiotics for Tick Fever and I was feeling so weird - so for reassurance I took a pregnancy test (actually I took two - why is it you never believe the first result?!?). I was just feeling nervous about taking all of the medication. Well it was a good thing because the antibiotics are not good for pregnant women! I feel really blessed that I found out early!

.

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!! WOW! GOD SURE HAS PLANS FOR US! I am still sick with tick fever - sorry about not updating you - I am very tired and weak. The doctors have me monitored to see if I relapse more on the tick fever. Please pray that I continue to get better (yesterday was my first day without a headache!! YEAH!!) I have been getting behind on many things here at home - homeschooling, cleaning, laundry to name a few! I have been so blessed that Scott is at home to help take care of the kids. He even did homeschooling one day (yes one day is all he could handle :)

.

Yesterday, we took Scott to the 24 Med center to get him checked out. He is now feeling his Tick Fever. He has very sore joints, headaches and now a sick stomach (maybe he is pregnant?!?) Scott has two tick bites. Pray that he feels better soon.

.

We feel so happy (despite being sick). The kids are so excited. When I told Maddie I had a baby in my tummy she said "No you don't!" - me: "Yes, I do!" her: "No, you don't!" I think it took her by surprise! Now she is always coming up to me to give me a hug or rub my back - SO CUTE. Alex's reaction was "Mom! I can't handle two sisters!" Then I told him it could be a baby brother - he was ok with that!

.

I will update more on Scott's work, a possible visit home, and the pregnancy soon! Just please keep us in your prayers. Pray for our sickness to go away, for a healthy pregnancy, for Scott's work, for our unpredictable future here in South Africa. AND GIVE THANKS TO God for this precious gift he has given our family!!!

.

Ps 139:13-16
13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.