ONE DAY AT A TIME

Maxwell John Leenstra

2009-10-01T20:42:00.000-04:00

ArtPrize Downtown Grand Rapids

2009-09-29T19:59:00.003-04:00

Wow can you believe it has been 7 months since my last posting! I even had to think about how to do a blog post again :( Anyway I have decided that I am going to try my best to keep this blog up to date - I need some sort of way to keep track of my crazy life :) Anyway I am also thinking of posting pictures of the last 7 months just so there is record of it and you can see a little bit of what our family has been up to. I wonder if I still have any readers?!?!

Last Saturday we took a trip to as I would say "the new downtown"!! We went to see all the art that was put up all around downtown Grand Rapids. Wow what a lot of people!! It was neat to see Grand Rapids so full of activity. Here are a few pictures of us viewing all the ArtPrize work. We went with Michelle Donker and her girls. What a fun night out!

a bench

us on the bench - I was going to put the kids on it, but you wouldn't have been able to see the full picture :)

Alex, Zoe, Maddie, and Ella

the kids running through a maze

This next picture is bizzare and I really think that you would have to have a mental problem if you bought one of these dolls - yes that is a doll - It felt, looked, and weighed like a real baby. It was a little freaky.

Yes - I am updating my blog!

2009-02-06T21:00:00.004-05:00

Well here is a little inside scoop on Alex - He is loving Pre-K!! One of the things they have been doing is taking home a "theme" bag. Alex's theme bag last weeks was all about music! He loved it. He was introduced to many musical instruments - the cymbal, drum, recorder and xylophone. Personally, I think that the recorder needs to be banned! Those things are so loud. Alex was marching around the house just a whaling on the recorder! He had a blast - Me not so much. Finally, I tried to show him how to play Hot Cross Buns - with many attempts it did not go so well. I did eventually convinced him to play the xylophone and he could play any song he wanted. He did great and my ears got a little bit of a rest from the recorder. The best thing about these "theme" bags is he learns so much and he gets to return them the next time he goes to school! I wonder what will be next!?

And the comments still come!!

2009-01-03T00:26:00.007-05:00

While we lived in South Africa we attempted many things. One of the things that we failed at was how to properly take care of a lizard. Here is the post we did on September 23, 2007:

So a few weeks ago, I caught a baby lizard for the kids. We see them everyday on the walls around our home baking in the sun. We found this little guy in our garage and decided to keep him as a pet. Since this was not a planned capture, we first kept him on the kitchen window sill in some of Lia’s Tupperware. He seemed very happy in his new home where the kids put rocks, grass, water and bugs in there for him to eat. Lia did make it clear however that Lizzy the Lizard needed an new location and a new home. A couple of days later, we went out and bought Lizzy a very nice new condo. It was much nicer than his old home, much larger than he needed, but we hoped he would be able to grow into the new home.

Well, he did fine for the first couple days eating bugs and laying in the sun. Unfortunately, something went horribly wrong a few days ago. Lizzy the Lizard actually BAKED in the sun. She was fine in the morning eating her ants and then later in the evening, she looked like this: A dried out crispy version of her old self.
.
WARNING!! THE FOLLOWING PICTURE MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR THOSE WITH A WEAK CONSTITUTION OR SMALL CHILDREN WHO LOVE LIZARDS.

What have we learned? · Baby lizards should not be kept in direct sunlight for an entire day when the temperature is above 90 degrees. · A full glass lizard cage can cook a baby lizard in one afternoon even though it has vents in the top. · Lizards shrink to ½ their size after a full day in the sun in a glass cage. · We should not have tried to take care of a baby lizard without large lizard care experience. · We will try an adult lizard next and probably not keep it in the sun the entire day. · Maddie says that the lizards need some shade during the day the next time we catch one. · We are much better at taking care of cats than Lizards (Here is a picture of Sylvester who we have managed to keep alive for 2 months now).

I would have never guessed that we would have so many opinions from so many people!!! I wanted to share some of these comments with you.

16 comments:
Katie said...
Poor little lizard. Actually I am cracking up right now after looking at your picture. Glad you do better with cats :)
September 23, 2007 11:27 AM

chelle said...
oops.better luck next time.
September 23, 2007 4:19 PM

Anonymous said...
Once again, even though there was a warning, I threw up in my mouth a little bit. What goes on around in your lives is a little too graphic for most of us. You should think about putting a PG13 rating on this site. Cat looks good though.G-
September 23, 2007 4:49 PM

sassy sara said...
Oh how funny is that!! At least the kitty looks great. Missing all of you.....
September 24, 2007 7:36 AM

Marva's "Marvalous" Memories said...
Poor Lizzy! Goes to show that not just anyone can care for a lizard - it takes special training, I guess. Well, I'm sure we all learned something through Lizzy's tragic death. Love ya! Aunt Marva (we'll miss you at the car hop tonight!)
September 24, 2007 2:40 PM

denise said...
That is a pretty disturbing picture! Poor Lizzy! You'll have to try it again now that you have all the lizard gear! We'll be anxious to hear how the next one goes.
September 28, 2007 11:28 PM

mark said...
wow he looked like a man eater scott lol so Hi you guys and Maddie and Alxe too I will get a pic on here soon your dad and I did the car hope we missed ya Lia let the kids know the cats are ok I know Maddiewill want to know bye for now yes you are missed and you are always in my prayers bye for now Stubby :)
September 29, 2007 9:26 PM

Anonymous said...
That's so sad! I too am having lizard trouble. My little bearded dragon is not eating or moving around much any more-I don't know what's wrong! :(
February 16, 2008 12:23 PM

Anonymous said...
Poor lizard! Perhaps showing/teaching the kids about lizards in the wild will be a bit more productive :) (psst: I'm a lizard owner, and they are classed as being a stress-free pet - not true! they have tons of requirements and need lots of research done before owning) :)
March 12, 2008 10:59 PM

Trustthapo said...
I'm sorry, but that was not a lizard- you had a baby Mediterranean gecko. Not much difference, besides some minor differences in appearance. Such as him having cat-slit like eyes, instead of round pupils.BTW, I would suggest getting a bigger gecko- or lizard- so that he could feed easier ;)
July 12, 2008 9:25 PM

KISS said...
that's hilarious i just caught a baby lizard i have no clue what to do with it so thanks for the advice!
August 3, 2008 7:09 PM

THIS ONE IS OUR FAVORITE!:

Anonymous said...
.... I personaly think it is a very irresponsible thing to take any of God's creatures out of their natural habitat for a soo called "pet"... there is one thing about adopting a cat or dog but taking a lizard, frog, ect, form your yard trapping it in a cage, under an un natural environment is cruel....come on people experiments take place too often in labs everyday, let the ones that are lucky live free in the wild, thay dont need humans beings altering there habitat! would you leave your baby in the sun all day?!?!? also you are teaching your children that this is ok..... futhermore i think in any circumstance like this you sould feel ashamed of and have never posted a blog bragging to others. You two are obviously irresponsible ignorant humans and parents.
August 11, 2008 9:05 PM

Anonymous said...
thay regulate there body tempature in the sun for short period of time. your prison needs to be bigger with a heat lamp on one side and a thermostat hooked up to a heating pad, and slapped on to the side of the tank. never put them in the in direct sun light. grrr
August 26, 2008 2:54 AM

Anonymous said...
That is disgusting. That little lizard had thoughts and emotions. Now it's just a raisin. I'm surprised you don't leave your children in the car with the windows shut to suffocate.
August 28, 2008 12:26 AM

Anonymous said...
Try a salamander or a dog

Here is one I received yesterday:

Puff Matty said...
Big Ol' Snowman.Hi. I needed a picture of a lizard for my blog and Lizzy the Shriveled Up Lizard showed up on Google Images. That was funny. I once posted a pic of a mouse in one of our traps here in Baghdad and I got sooooo much hate mail from the animal lovers, too. (These also happen to be the people wearing leather shoes, eat meat, etc).
January 1, 2009 2:42 AM

Again - just for clarification - we did not intend for this to happen to our lizard - It just happened. And we hope others can learn from our mistake!

Keep the comments coming - We love to read them!!

Walking with the DINOSAURS

2009-01-01T17:17:00.008-05:00

On December 10 our family went to the VanAndel Arena to see the Walking with the Dinosaurs. The kids loved it. Alex was ready to see it with his mask and all! He was waiting a whole month to see his beloved friends - THE DINOSAURS!! It was a great family night. Here are some pictures of our night.

We had front row seats so everything was up close and so real (minus the robotic stands some of the dinosaurs had). This guy here "walked" us through the life of the dinosaurs. How they became and how they were lost.

It was a great production!

Some of the dinosaurs we saw

These ones were fun to watch - they were men dressed up as dinosaurs - you could hardly tell!

Out came the "long neck" as Alex would say

That is Alex in the bottom right of this photo. The dinosaurs towered over us! So BIG

Seriously - this is how the kids looked during the whole 90 min production

Petri
.
Well throughout the whole night Alex and Maddie awaited the arrival of the Bad Boy - T-Rex! They finally got to the moment and a shadow appeared of the meanest, baddest dinosaur - THE T-REX - ALEX SHOUTED (while trembling) ITS T-REX!!

Ok maybe when he is full grown! The large shadow was only a baby!
.
Soon to follow came the mother T-REX and satisfied Alex's imagination!
.

Then it got loud as the destruction began - a large comet came and destroyed all the dinosaurs! WOW was it loud and to have seen it all so close was AWESOME!!

The kids will never forget it - I think Alex dreamed of dinosaurs for the next 3 nights

Here is a little video clip that we saw:

Scott - he just had to!!

2008-11-30T17:09:00.008-05:00

And there you have it - Scott's mind at work again on how he can out do what his wife. The kids really enjoyed it!! I guess my challenge to you is - Who can out do Scott? I want to see pictures!

What did you do today?

2008-11-24T16:37:00.003-05:00

Alex, Riley and I built some snowmen. What a great day! What did you do today?

Annual Shopping Trip

2008-11-17T19:14:00.004-05:00

Every year we (my mom and sisters) pack it up for an overnight stay for our annual shopping trip. I was so excited to go this year (i missed last years)! It was so different though - Amy and Betsy live in DC so they were not able to come and Sara had a funeral to go to on Saturday so she was not able to make it. That left Michelle, Katie, Mom and I. It was so much fun. We have a tradition of taking a picture before, during, or after the trip. This picture is of us near Ikea in Canton - at a Tim Horton's with our box of Timbits (funny at the time). Overall I think Michelle and Mom accomplished the most in Christmas shopping and I think Katie and I accomplished the most in shopping for ourselves and kids. We laughed and cried (that is laughing until we cried). What a great time.

I am ready for next years trip already - HOPEFULLY WE CAN GET ALL OF US TOGETHER.

FALL BACK A LITTLE

2008-11-13T14:01:00.011-05:00

Well I see I am a little late on the fall blog. Fall is definitely my favorite season. I love the smell of dried or burning leaves. I love being outdoors in the mid 60 degree weather! There are so many memories I can remember as a kid in the fall time - playing in the leaves and of course Halloween. I wish I had a scanner so I could show you some costumes of some Halloween pasts. Instead here is my update on us this fall.

It starts with our new house - Isn't it so awesome in the fall! I LOVE IT!

I had to throw this picture in - Alex fishing in the pond with his new fishing pole - I think he is confused if he is to be a fisherman or a cowboy!

CARVING PUMPKINS WITH AUNTIE SARA

Alex's mean pumpkin

Surprise!

LIGHTS OUT

HALLOWEEN at Church

Alex, Chase and Maddie - Chase's mask kinda scared me

THE LEAVES

Maddie in her own world - she raked her own leaves and did not know I was taking pictures

Alex, Maddie and Zach

MAKING APPLESAUCE

I decided to do some canning of applesauce and apples for apple crisp. I went up north to my moms house - FUN

SUSIE HOMEMAKER - :)

My mom working hard

Oh and then there is Alex - my mom gave him a huge - and I mean huge sucker - here he is when he was finished - A STICKY MESS - not sure if he is mad that it is gone or that I am taking his picture - Either way - he makes me laugh!

Give thanks to the Lord for HE is good - His love endures forever!

STILL HERE - MORE TO COME

2008-11-07T21:41:00.002-05:00

Just a note to say hi to all my fellow bloggers. I am happy to say we have internet now and I will be updating my blog after the weekend. I have the BIG GIRLS SHOPPING TRIP tomorrow - so excited!!

Here is a new picture to look at for the next few days. Doesn't my sister do a great job?!?

Happy Birthday Alex!

2008-10-08T08:41:00.005-04:00

ALEX IS FIVE!!
.
I can not believe how big he is getting! And Oh Man - Turning the big 5 was so exciting! For weeks - or should I say months he has been asking - "when is it my birthday?" and on his birthday yesterday - he made sure to tell everyone!
.
He has been a busy birthday boy - We had a party last Sunday with other family members who had birthdays.

Alex, Aiden, Jessica and Scott's Dad
.
The pinata was the hit of the party!!

Alex's turn

All the cousins waiting to get a turn
.
Then Yesterday - He had his birthday celebration at School with all of his friends and teacher. I had so much fun watching him and all his excitement!

The Chimp sang Happy Birthday - I will post a video soon!

The Birthday Star

He has been into the Star Wars and I know how much he loves books - SO Scott and I got him - A DK book of all of the Star Wars - It will take him months to page through it

This book goes everywhere now!

Even got Maddie to look at it with him!
.
Alex then of course could not wait for his Chuck E Cheese Birthday party with the rest of his cousins and grand parents!
.

.
The party was for the small and BIG alike!

.
This is Alex at the end of the night - 2 seconds after getting in the car on the way home from Chuck E Cheese:

Overall - I think He Had A Great Birthday!
.
We all love you Alex!
You are a precious GIFT FROM GOD!!!
God BLESS you with MANY MORE BIRTHDAYS!!

Love

2008-09-20T17:51:00.010-04:00

HAPPY 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

September 19, 1998

September 19, 2008

Then...

Now...

What a beautiful day!!

.
Scott and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary. As my mom and sisters would say - I was like a girl going on her first date! I was so excited to spend some time with Scott out in South Haven. Since we have been back from South Africa we have hardly seen each other (which is completely different than seeing him 24 hours a day in Africa). And then I was thinking - DO I STILL GOT IT! 11 years later am I the women he fell in love with?!

We stayed at a Bed and Breakfast in South Haven. It was so nice. This is the hors doeuvres that they served to us while we looked at menus of restaurants near by.

South Haven

SUNSET on the beach

.
Scott once asked me What is love? (He was not sure what to say when I confessed my true feelings for him one day in 1997 - I never wanted to be the first one to say I love you to a boyfriend). I think you can define love by what we are - our lives together. We have been greatly blessed! 2 lovely children - Maddie 7 and Alex 5 - an awesome adventure of living in Africa - and the list can go on and on..
.
A gift for a 10 year anniversary is to be aluminum, tin, or diamonds. I got all three!

.
You say what is that? - 10 aluminum roses handcrafted by Scott (coke cans, jolt cans, a mountain dew can, and barbed wire).
.
This is the card that was with it (+/- a few stuff)(hope you don't mind Scott):
.
I couldn't decide what to get you for our anniversary and apparently they say you are suppose to give either tin, aluminum, or diamonds. So I did all 3. The aluminum coke cans are red so that you know I will always love you and to remind you of our adventures in South Africa. Tin is a metal which is strong but sometimes can be weak and fragile. The tin vase represents the strength of our marriage with the realization that there are things that could easily weaken it. Finally, the "diamonds" that the flowers are planted in represents the value of you and our marriage to me. Our marriage and you are a huge part of what defines me and they both mean the world to me. You and the kids keep me humble, make me feel loved and needed daily and give me a great purpose for living.

.
I knew I loved this man for a reason!!! He used to write these lovely sentimental notes when we were dating and it is nice to see him still writing them! I love you Scott!!
.
Here's to another 60 years or so!

A giraffes tongue!

2008-09-10T22:18:00.001-04:00

fun times 025
Originally uploaded by lialeenstra

This was a giraffe we saw in South Africa. He seriously could not stop messing with his tongue. It was like he had peanut butter stuck on the top of his mouth! We stood there for about 20 min and he was still doing it when we left.

I miss all the animals. But I will get to see a few familiar animals by going to an animal Farm with Alex's preschool class! He is so excited! He will probably think that we usually have zebras here in Michigan! I'll post the pics tomorrow of our field trip!

STARTING OVER AGAIN

2008-09-01T19:06:00.009-04:00

We have had to start all over again here in Michigan. "New" cars, "New" house and adjusting back to the "real world"

.
We just purchased a "new" home and we couldn't be more excited!

Check it out! (You can click on the picture on the link to view more pictures)

We are waiting for inspections to be done and hopefully we will close on the house soon and be moved in by October 1!! This is such a perfect location for us. It is 3 min from Maddie and Alex's school and much closer for Scott to get to work. Inspections are hopefully going to happen this week! I will keep you updated.
.

.
To add to the excitement - Maddie and Alex have started school and are back into the swing of things. Maddie is in 2nd grade at Dutton Christian and Alex has started Noah's Ark Preschool at the same school

I am just so happy that they have not pulled the "My teacher is better than you" card. After homeschooling them for about 7 months - I wonder how I did. Maddie has been coming home with school papers on things she is working on and it makes me cry to see her getting it. I must have done something right!!

Maddie was nervous and a little frightened by all the people on the first day. She even complained of a stomach ache in the morning. She was greatly welcomed and felt right at home. One of her classmates was so excited to see her after Maddie's year away and she was excited to show Maddie her desk which was right next to hers!

Here is Maddie's 2nd Grade first day of school photo

Hanging up her backpack next to her name

Maddie was happy that her friend Zoe was in her class!

Alex had his first Day - He had just a short day of visiting. This helped him get acquainted with the teacher and other classmates. He really enjoyed it. He goes to school in the afternoon and so all morning he was ready to go - shoes on and backpack packed. I am looking forward to all his stories and excitement for preschool. What is really cool is the first two weeks of school they are learning about AFRICA! How neat is that. Alex brought in a picture today of him walking an elephant and his teacher was so excited that Alex will be able to share his stories too!

Checking out the playground - VERY IMPORTANT

Alex's First Day of PreSchool Picture

Making friends

Listening so good to the story of the Kissing Hand! (A story of going to school and leaving your mom and dad)

We definitely have been busy and I HOPE to slow down a bit. We are starting over and beginning a new chapter in our lives. We are happy to be home! - Yet, I am also sad to be away from all my friends in SA! I miss them so much!

Pray that things continue to go well and that we can adjust well to all this busyness!!

We are finally home!

2008-08-21T20:14:00.012-04:00

It has been a week since we boarded a plane in South Africa to home. What a week it has been!! We are busy looking for a house - two cars - busy getting reacquainted with family and friends - and missing friends in South Africa!

.

House hunting is exhausting!! It is fun to go through other peoples houses, but I get tired just trying to make the right decision on what house is good for us and the family. I found the perfect house - well maybe if you combine the top 3 - is that even possible?
.
Here are some of the houses we have been looking at - what do you think?
.
KRAFT HOUSE

http://www.greenridge.com/property/property.asp?PRM_MLSNumber=720894&PRM_MlsName=greenridgeGrandRapidsMI&VAR_AgentCode=3416&VAR_OfficeCode=66

.
STIMSON HOUSE
.
http://mls.grar.com/GRARReports/ListitLib/report_builder.aspx?report=public_full_prop1&mls_acct=1724465&footer=5651485376837974&header=5651485376837974&maillog_id=5038739153

.
http://www.theultimatetour.net/videos/5882_Stimson.html

Well, we have finally adjusted to the time change and are busy getting ready for school starting and Maddie and Alex are busy catching up with cousins and friends. On Wednesday we went to the Fredrick Meijer Gardens. The cousins had a chance to play together. We were missing sweet Stella! We had a great day.
.

The kids all excited to go inside the gardens

I went with my mom, my sister Katie and my sister-in-law Michelle

Maddie and Arianna - sporting the same shorts!

playing in the great lakes splash pool

The Gang

The horse sculpture

READY

SET

GO!

Maddie and Arianna

Andrew, Alex, Chase and Nicholas
.
I also got to spend some time with my new nieces that I just met. HOW PRECIOUS THEY ARE!!

Juliet

Sylvia

BREAKING NEWS!! Scott just came home with a car tonight - ON A TRAILER - not a good sign! He bought a 2002 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8 turbo with a blown motor. He says "all I need to do is put in a new motor" - like he has done that 100x before! He says 20 hours worth of work. I know how much he loves projects - well I think he has his work cut out for him!

backing the trailer up to my dad's shop

the car

Scott proud of his purchase

FAREWELL

2008-08-11T08:34:00.009-04:00

AHHHH is all I have to say right now! We are busy packing, saying goodbye and keeping you updated on us. My blog was down for several days so sorry for the lack of blogging. I did not want to leave the blog on a sad note. Anyway - I thought I would post some pictures now and some later on what we have been up to this past week.

We had a farewell speech in our church (Eastside Community Church)on Sunday. We could not have asked for a better church while we lived here in South Africa. They had such open arms for us. We also have meet so many great people!!! A lot of friendships we will treasure. It was also so great to be part of a Bible Study group here. We have become so close! They have been a great support/prayer team for me these past few weeks. Here are some pictures of our send off:

We also had a Farewell party with friends. We played soccer(football) and had a nice braai. At the end of the party we shared stories and prayed together. I have grown so much in my prayer life! It sure is amazing to pray with a group of friends. You really bond and grow your friendship on a different level. We are so blessed. We are going to miss everyone so much!

We have been living with our friends Steven and Robyn for the last few days. They are great!! Robyn is a wonderful friend who makes me laugh - well I think we make each other laugh on a daily basis!

They have a nephew, Keenan, that the kids have become friends with. So last week sometime we took the kids to Dros restaurant to say goodbye. I think I have mentioned before the great kids areas in their restaurants here. I would say about 1/3 of this restaurant was catered for the kids. This makes it great for us adults to spend quiet time and enjoy our dinner. The kids had a great time making their own pizzas and then eating them in their own seat in front of a movie screen. It is great! Here are some pictures:

Alex, Keenan, Maddie

Rolling the dough

Alex's famous pout - he thought his wasn't round enough.

The pizza going into the wood burning oven

Sitting in front of the movies - Yes I noticed Alex took his shoes off - YUCK!

Well it is time to say goodbye to South Africa and hello to another chapter in our lives. It is so bittersweet leaving here. We will miss so many things here! Our friends, church, warm weather, the animals, and all the adventure. We have grown so much! We are defiantly so excited to come home and see everyone. I will warn you the tears will be flowing when I step off the plane! Ok they are flowing now as I am typing. There are so many emotions! When I get back I will have more time to share more on the blog.

We love you all and we will see you on Friday! Now I have to go to finish our crazy last few days.

GLORY BABY

2008-07-31T04:25:00.008-04:00

Glory Baby - Watermark

I want to say thank you to everyone who has sent us emails of encouragement and comfort during the past few days.

On Monday I went in for a normal 13.5 week check up for our baby. I had Maddie and Alex with me and we were so excited to see the baby again. Our 9 week check up was amazing - we saw the baby moving and a fast heartbeat. But on this visit the baby was only measuring 12.5 weeks and the doctor could not find a heartbeat. I was looking on the screen at the baby and my heart stopped a beat and I just prayed - please let this be a mistake! He just isn't looking hard enough! It was so hard to keep myself together so the kids were not alarmed, I did not feel that they needed to know right then - I still needed to tell Scott.

I got home and told Scott news that I was never expecting to tell. We had lost our baby and we just cried! It seems like we already had these amazing plans for this baby. He/She was so much a part of our family already. He/She brought so much happiness and love.

Yesterday I had a D&C in a foreign hospital, with foreign doctors, but had Scott there every step. I am so grateful for a husband like him. He held my hand and made sure I was OK.

This definitely was a day that we wished we were back home in the states! We do have to say that even though we were far from home - We could feel the love and comfort from everyone praying for us! God is still amazing and even if we can not understand why this happened, We know God is still here. He has comforted us and held us during this time and we feel at peace. We are also blessed with amazing friends here who were also praying and welcoming our kids for a few days. We are sure glad we have such amazing faith and hope in God and that we have such amazing families and friends. We do not know how anyone can go through a sad time like this without God and family and friends!

Please continue to pray for me/us as I woke up this morning with this very empty feeling. I feel like I am missing a part of me and it is so sad.

Pray as we continue to pack and head for home! We are so HAPPY to be going home in 15 days!! We are so excited to get off the plane and see everyone again! We need those hugs!

AGAIN - THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR YOUR PRAYERS! WE DEFINITELY FELT THEM ALL THE WAY OVER HERE!!

Not sure how this happened!

2008-07-21T12:27:00.003-04:00

Alex lost his first tooth in Africa!!

We still are unsure on how it happened. His tooth was not loose before last night. Alex came down from his room (after he was to be in bed for 2 hours) and told me his tooth was loose. Not really believing him, I checked anyway. Not only was it loose, but it was close to to coming out. I told him that it would be a bit before I could pull it because the roots on one side was still very much intact.

Then today, the bugger pulled his whole tooth out. "Look Mom my tooth came out"

We are still confused. He has wished for a loose tooth since Maddie started losing hers. I told him maybe when he is 5 or 6. He is so excited for the tooth fairy to come. (I hope he doesn't start pulling his teeth just for the money!)

My Zebra Rug Has Come!

2008-07-17T15:26:00.004-04:00

We are sending it to get black felt put on the back and to do an outline on the outside of the zebra rug.

I still can not believe that I shot a zebra!

UPCLOSE WITH THE ELEPHANTS

2008-07-16T10:46:00.008-04:00

Well here it is Dad - the much promised updated blog! I admit I have been a slacker. Just think on August 15 at 6:15pm at the Grand Rapids Airport, you will all have a chance to welcome us HOME!!

We have been busy getting things ready to ship home, packing, buying airline tickets, finding a new person to head up ICT, finding replacements for us for GEMS and BUGS, spending time with our friends, and definitely seeing more of Africa and its beauty!

Last Saturday we went to an elephant sanctuary near Hartbeesport Dam. We took some friends with us - Kelli and Melissa. WOW! It was an amazing experience. We all learned a lot. The kids just had their mouths open wide.

Here are some pictures of our day:

The elephant posed for the picture!

Listening to the guide talk about the elephants.

Have you ever seen the inside of an elephants mouth? HUGE!!

And then comes the fun part. I was the guinea pig to get a kiss from an elephant. Now I was just thinking a little nudge on the cheek. What I got was a HUGE VACUUM stuck to the side of my face! Gross!! Stinky!! Hilarious!!

My surprised face!!

The "lipstick" left behind on my cheek.

We learned a lot about elephants. We learned how to tell apart and African Elephant from an Asian elephant. The African elephant have huge ears (shaped liked Africa). We also learned that the ear hole of an elephant is in front of his huge ear and not behind - so crazy!

After my kiss and scream, Alex was not too sure about getting close to the elephant.

Maddie was the opposite. She was so excited to touch him. We were able to touch their long trunks, under their hairy chin, their squishy bellies, their tough knees, and their tough bottoms of their feet.

Scott had his fun too! He was almost as tall, but definitely not the same weight. Temba (the elephant) was 7 years old and weighed a lot. Here are some African elephant facts:

African elephants are the largest land animals with body growth continuing for up to 30 years. Bulls (males) may reach a height of 9-13 feet (3-41/2 m) at the shoulder and weigh between 9,000-13,000 pounds (4,500-6,000 kg). Cows (females) are smaller in size, averaging 7-9 feet (2.5-3 m) at the shoulder and weighing between 4,500-7,000 pounds (2,200-3,000 kg). An adult elephant will be almost as tall as it is long. The ears alone can measure nearly 6 feet (2 m) high and 4 feet (1.5 m) wide and weigh almost 100 pounds (45 kg).

Madison loving the day!

Madison walking an elephant.

Wow - what an amazing experience she had!

Alex softening up as the day went on.

Not sure if Alex is walking the elephant or pulling the elephant!

He was so afraid the elephant was going to suck in his jacket (I would be afraid of my whole hand)!

Feeding the elephants

This picture is for Grandma Leenstra - notice the tongue sticking out in concentration - I think that is a Boersma trait!

The elephants loved Alex - He would give them so much food at a time!

Maddie would give a little at a time and then the elephant would wait until more was put in before he put it into his mouth.

Another great experience and I am so glad we have had this opportunity!

This is who we went with - Kelli and Melissa. Kelli (in the black jacket) left for home to Ohio on July 15. She lived in South Africa for a year working for Ambassadors in Sports. She is getting married in Seattle in December! I am so excited for her. I will greatly miss her, but what is so awesome is we will only live 6 hours from each other. It was great to meet such a great friend in Africa! I wish her all the best in planning her wedding!

Miss you already Kelli, but I will see you soon!! God Bless You!

THE RUMOR IS TRUE!! WE ARE COMING HOME!!

2008-07-10T03:55:00.003-04:00

A few days ago I asked the kids to get their shoes on because it was time to go. Alex with the greatest excitement says "Are we going home today?!?"

Not today Alex, but in 6 weeks we will be heading home! The news is bittersweet. We are so excited to go home and "start over" and to especially see our family and friends. On the other hand we are so sad to leave here. We have really met some great friends and we feel like we have come to a "normal" here. Scott (I am sure) is disappointed in how things are turning out for the business, but is still hopeful for the company after we leave. He is still working hard! Actually yesterday was his first sale!!! HE SOLD 200 blocks!! YEAH! Funny how that happens a few days after a decision has been made to come home!

Anyway, the kids and I have been spending extra time with our friends here. We went to another animal sanctuary with our friends Laura and her kids Caleb and Samuel. Laura has become such a dear friend to me. She is so full of encouragement, excitement, and just plain fun!! She is a type of person who you want to be around because of all her positive energy!

Here are some photos of our day together. While the kids played in the sandbox (almost 45min) Laura and I got to just enjoy time together. It is so sad to me to leave friends behind. It was easier leaving friends in the states because I knew I would see them again soon, but here it is much harder! I am not sure if we will be back (or at least anytime soon).

Oh and the first picture is of Maddie and her new smile, missing a tooth!

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Presenting Maddie and Alex performing Father Abraham

2008-07-09T02:10:00.002-04:00

Enjoy this clip! The kids spent some time practicing and then performing. They have the giggles by the time they are done!!

As Decisions are being made....

2008-07-03T05:23:00.002-04:00

We just want to say thank you to everyone who has sent emails of encouragement and all your prayers! We greatly appreciate them. This has been a crazy adventure for us and we are grateful for everything we have seen and done. This was a little piece of encouragement Scott received recently and I thought I would share it:

.......If it seems almost insurmountable at times, remember that time seems to give answers as to what the Lord's programme is. He is in control always, and He has a plan that goes well beyond our finite business plans.....possibly He even plans that we table/abort our plans 'til a later date or 'til things open up at a future date'. ......Possibly He wants us to wait 'til the developer gets clearance in a year or two before going forward......whatever happens I can assure you that you'll look back on these things/experiences as growing and memorable ones.

We will keep you updated!

My Ponytail Palm aka Elephant Foot

2008-07-02T10:34:00.003-04:00

A couple of months ago Scott and I decided to do a little landscaping. We took a long time to decided what to do and where to put the plants. It was a hard decision to even put plants in knowing that it is a rental property and that we are not going to be able to take it with us when we move.

Anyway we decided on this awesome looking palm - the ponytail palm. I loved it because the leaves were long and went to the ground:

Sample picture of what they look like and what ours did look like a few days ago!:

Here is a picture of what they could look like if taken care of properly:

Here is a picture of our ponytail palm after our gardener decided it needed a "trim!"

This is what Scott found when he came home and I was a Holiday Club! Who does that to a tree that doesn't need trimming! SO SO SAD!! I wouldn't be so upset if it was actually trimmed evenly! Not sure what animal character he was trying to make. Do you see the vision he had?

THE BABY

2008-06-30T06:50:00.004-04:00

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

2008-06-29T05:13:00.002-04:00

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

2008-06-28T04:40:00.008-04:00

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!!

2008-06-15T16:57:00.005-04:00

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!!

2008-06-13T08:33:00.005-04:00

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

2008-06-10T13:17:00.003-04:00

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

2008-06-05T03:03:00.004-04:00

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

2008-06-02T07:39:00.002-04:00

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.

I have been bit by the bug - or should I say a tick

2008-05-21T16:08:00.004-04:00

Well I have been a little (ok a lot) under the weather the past few days. Lots of headaches, chills, and very achy. I was thinking I was coming down with a bug or something. But I noticed a bite on me that was not normal (location of bite not available). It is about the size of a quarter with a black spot in the middle. I was not to concerned until my soreness and swollen glands got worse. It pain started in my upper thigh to lower back. Today I woke up and soreness spread to my ribs, stomach and the back of my arms and I also started getting a rash. My headaches have been so severe that I have been sleeping a lot. I have been moving slow and not much use around the house.

I have been diagnosed as having African Tick Fever! I have been given some antibiotics and hopefully in a few days I will be feeling better. Scott has two tick bites, but not as severe. Of course the tick that bit me had more bacteria to transfer - YEH ME! Scott is also sore, but please pray that he does not get the full effects. The antibiotic will mess up his blood sugar levels so it is not recommended that he take it. I hope if his gets severe they will prescribe something!

You may be wondering how did I get bit by a tick? Well, when we were hunting we walked through the bush with lots of ticks. We would do a tick check at night to make sure we got them off. Oops we missed a few. I keep thinking that this is my punishment for killing a zebra! Not funny. After you are bit by a tick it takes 5 - 7 days to show signs of the bacterial infection.

Please pray for me to feel better soon! I have an issue with headaches anyway, but these feel like I have a 50lb weight on my head. Please pray that the kids will have patience with me as I do not have much energy. Also, please pray that Scott's does not get worse.

Alex and Neo

2008-05-19T11:42:00.002-04:00

Alex and Neo
Originally uploaded by lialeenstra

Alex has found a new friend! Grandma sent Alex his very own Webkinz. I knew it was coming in the mail, but I never imagined how much excitement it was going to bring Alex.

We have to drive to the Post Office to get mail out of our PO Box. We go there almost every day! Alex and Maddie take turns in opening the box. On this day it was Alex's turn. Inside the box was a slip of paper saying that we have a PACKAGE to pick up! This already gets both kids lit up!! They pretty much drop all the other mail (which I have to pick up) and then they run into the mall to the Post Office. We wait in the LONG line. Waiting in line patiently with 2 very excited kids does not work to well. I am always apologizing to the people in front or in back (if they understand English) of us because the kids keep jumping into them.

Well we finally got the package in our hands - and off to the car we go. (You do not want to open your package there in the mall, due to someone maybe watching and interested in stealing it). As we head to the car, I can read what is in the package - book, candy/gum, and stuffed animal. Oh today it the day Alex has been waiting for.

You see in our house - we are all addicted to Webkinz. Maddie received one for Christmas. He is a golden retriever named, Riley (named after our dog we left behind). On the website of Webkinz you can feed the animal, create rooms for it to live in, play games to win webkinz money, buy it clothes to wear on the web. Maddie has a 10 room area going on. Garden that she tends to with Riley, and a beach room, pool, bathroom etc. Now when I say we are all addicted - I am saying that because in order to buy rooms, things to go in the room, food, and clothes you need to get money. You play games to win money. So at night one day, I thought wouldn't it be nice if I played games and surprise Maddie with a bunch of money in the morning. Well I haven't been able to stop. So anyway - Alex has been wishing for his own Webkinz since christmas.

Back to the story - We are in the car and we open the package - there is a green tissue paper gift right on top for Alex. He tears it open - and I was not sure if he was going to pass out or what. He was literally shaking. He is staring at his new Leopard Lizard and he screams - "MY VERY OWN WEBKINZ!!" Now he was shaking to begin with so his voice trembled!! I have NEVER seen a kid so excited!! He made me smile - I wish I could have video taped it. After the shock of his discovery, he then proceeded to talk about how much he missed Grandma and America! SO SAD (I get emotional when they talk about how much they miss home). The whole trip home, Alex could not stop talking - SO EXCITED.

He now has his very own WEBKINZ and we are already accumulating the webkinz dollars! This picture is what I saw at night when I checked on him before I went to bed. He is in love - and has a new friend named NEO!!

Maddies First Shot

2008-05-12T19:31:00.001-04:00

Hunting 099
Originally uploaded by lialeenstra

Maddie shot her first gun on our hunting trip. As you can tell, she was a little unsure what happened. She was proud when she realized she hit the target!! Way to go Maddie!

ALEX'S FIRST SHOT

2008-05-12T13:08:00.001-04:00

Hunting 093
Originally uploaded by lialeenstra

Just a short video of Alex taking his first shot with a real gun.

Hunting Trip

2008-05-11T12:59:00.016-04:00

Last weekend we were able to do what a lot of American Hunters hope to do sometime in their life. We went on a Game Hunt here in South Africa. What an amazing experience.
.
Most hunters in America are happy to get a few nice Whitetail Buck to hang on their walls. A few lucky ones will get to hunt for a Moose or a Bear or something else that is a bit less common. But here in South Africa there is such a wide variety of Trophy animals that you can pick from. You can choose from a number of different Bucks (Nyala, Sable, Waterbuck, Impala, Bushbuck, Kudu, Wildebeast, and a lot more), Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Zebra, Rhino, Warthog, Giraffe, and a number of other "exotic" animals.

The Adults (Wimpy & Louis (hunting guides), Etienne and Elsabe (our neighbors), and us)

The Kids

.
The place we went to was about 2500 acres in size and had approximately 800 animals. They had Impala, Waterbuck, Zebra, Giraffe, Blou Wildebeast, Nyala, Kudu, Bushbuck, and a few others. We went with the intentions of shooting a Zebra and some sort of buck. I really wanted to shoot a Kudu but they only had a couple of trophy size Kudu on the farm and were not allowing anyone to shoot them. So it was decided that we would go for a Wildebeast, Impala, Waterbuck, or Bushbuck. It really depended upon what we could get a decent shot at.

Our first day was spent sighting in the rifles (.338 and a .243) to make sure we were comfortable shooting them and that the scopes were still on target.

The kids were on top of the safari truck plugging their ears

We then drove around the farm hoping to get a shot at something but mainly to see the farm. They had some really cool areas on the farm including some monster rocks that we climbed on right before dark.

About the time it got dark that night, we finally saw our first Zebra and we were excited to get going the next morning.

Maddie having fun with Scott on the Safari truck.

Day 2 started @ 6:30 am and was a bit chilly. Alex was ready to go and waited in the truck with one of the dogs.

Cutest picture ever!

We basically spent the first 8 hours (minus about an hour for brunch) driving around, stalking, and tracking animals. Most of our time was spend looking for Zebra and Wildebeast as they were the only animals we were seeing. We would spend 1/2 hour to 45 minutes at times walking through the bush trying to track the animals and stay upwind of them. It was all very exciting! By 2 pm we decided to take a break. We headed out again @ 3:00 to look for some Zebra and ended up seeing a really nice Waterbuck. I got a good shot at it from about 110 Meters with it looking straight at me. I got a good lung shot and it only went about 10 Meter and slowly fell. The Horns measure 27 1/2 inches, 1/2 and inch short of a "Trophy" buck.

Scott observing his buck with Wimpy (pronounced Vimpy)

because it weighed over 500 lbs they used a winch to pull it up on the truck

Alex so proud of Scott (and that he got to hold the gun).
.
After spending some time taking pictures and watching them skin it, we headed out to find a Zebra. We found a heard and had a shot, but one of the hunting dogs got impatient and decided it would be more fun to chase some Wildebeast that were close buy than to let Lia get a shot. After we were able to take care of the dog, we went back to look for the Zebra again. We were able to find them and Lia stalked them a bit with the guide. After about 15 minutes of waiting for a good shot, she was able to make an almost perfect shot. The Zebra just turned and fell right where it was hit. Lia still can't believe that she was able to pull the trigger.

Lia's "perfect shot" - inside the triangle markings (the guide told her to aim a little left)

The last day we spent with our neighbors looking for a Wildebeast. They were so jumpy after 4 weeks of heavy hunting on the farm that they were not able to get a good shot at one. They ended up shooting a Kudu cow and an Impala cow so they could have some meat.

We also spent some more time shooting a wide variety of rifles. The kids had fun shooting their first guns, a .22 rifle. Maddie was able to hit the target @ 50 meters. She was so excited.

Maddie in front of her target
.

Alex was so excited to shoot a gun. After his 3 shoots - he wanted to keep his 3 bullet casings. He held on to those bullets the rest of the day (checking every five minutes to make sure he still had them).

notice what eye Alex is using

So proud

Just had to throw this picture in

Scott was inducted into the 1/2 moon club when he put hit forehead a little to close to the scope, OOPS!

It was a great experience and we both now understand the addiction that may people have with hunting. What a rush. We now have more Waterbuck sausage and Jerky than we know what to do with. Lia donated the Zebra meat. It will go to a butchery where they will use it to feed the locals. Scott is getting a shoulder mount of the Waterbuck and the skin from the Zebra is going to be made into a rug. If we have the time and money, we plan on doing another trip later.

Zambia

2008-05-05T03:45:00.009-04:00

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

I had the amazing opportunity to go to Lusaka, Zambia to visit some of the GEMS clubs! I have come home completely amazed on how God is working in the lives of girls everywhere! The smiles of these girls is enough to make your heart melt! They are full of love and such hope! Words can hardly describe the experience I had. I have such a passion for the GEMS program and to be able to see how this program is affecting counselors and girls in Zambia has been eye opening experience.

We serve an awesome GOD!

I was so nervous to fly by myself to Zambia, but when I got off the plane and was waiting in line to enter the country - Barb Miedema popped her head around the corner to greet me. My nerves completely left and was so excited to see someone familiar.

We met up with the other women involved in GEMS that were from Canada and US. Our first stop was to the House that GEMS built. There is 7 kids and a mama in the house. We brought some gifts for them and letters from GEMS girls in North America. They were very excited, especially picking out a new pair of shoes. We then watched them play tether ball. We caused so much noise that the neighboring kids were trying to see what was going on. It was a great visit!

On Friday, I was able to see the training and equipping of the women in Zambia to be counselors and to start their own clubs. The women were so eager to learn. At the end of the training day we were presented with Kangas (cloth wrap skirts). They wanted to show their appreciation for all we had done during the week. We then ended the day with by praying over them. God was working there. Earlier in the day, I was able to help Tina DeKam in interviewing a few girls and counselors. They gave their faith stories and it was great to see how GEMS was a great part of them growing in their walk with God!

Then cams Saturday - the day I was looking forward to. We were able to walk the streets and visit 6 of the GEMS clubs that were meeting. WOW!! I have never been so moved. The girls recited verses, prayed, sang, and thanked us for being there. Some of the girls put on a little presentation. They were all excited to show us how far they had come in the past year. I had the awesome opportunity to talk and interact with the girls. I showed the girls some string games and just took the time to talk with them. They were so full of joy and smiles! Smiles that I will never forget!

Some of the stories of the girls were very moving. One girl talked about becoming a journalist. She wanted to write a story about herself and how her life was without having a father. Some girls shared their faith story using beads - black to represent the sin that was in their life before Christ, red - to show that Jesus' blood was shed for her, white - to show that God had made them clean, and green - to show that they were still growing in God's love. Then I heard the story of one girl, Lisa, that was at GEMS that day. The day before (Friday) she came home to find her mom hanging (she was 4 months pregnant). Her mom had committed suicide. I later found out that her father had tried to commit suicide too. He is in the hospital and not sure if he will come out. This girl is 9 years old. I can not even imagine what must be going through her mind. The sadness is so overwhelming to me. I just keep thinking that if GEMS was not there in Zambia - where would that girl be that morning? I hope she felt comfort within the GEMS club - a place she could be during a sad time in her life. A place to feel God's love for her! Every girl has a story and some you can just see in their eyes. My prayer for each girl is that they have a great place to feel the love of God - a place they belong - a place of fun - a place of loving arms waiting for them!! Please pray for these girls!

Among the stories of sadness, there were also stories of hope and happiness . One of the counselors, Catherine, was so full of joy it radiated off her. She walked with us to show us where all the clubs were meeting. I bet we walked a good 4 miles. Catherine showed us her home and shared lunch with us. She was so excited to show us the new water well that was just put next to her house. I was so blessed by her enthusiasm and excitement for the GEMS clubs and the girls. She was the type of person you just wanted to be by!! She has reminded me that each day is a new day - and you can choose what type of day it is going to be. A day to dwell on the bad - or a day to rejoice and let your light shine!

While walking to all the clubs, I was able to see and take in our surroundings. It is a different world there. A part of me will always be there. It made such an impact on me and it has really humbled me in realizing how much I have. I have also learned that God's love is for everyone - no matter what your story is.

Before the trip came to an end for me and a few others, we went to the local market. Of course we were all offered a "special price" What a hoot! I will have to post a picture of the gifts I brought home to the kids!

What an awesome, unforgettable weekend! Part of my heart is there with all the clubs. I hope I have an opportunity to go back and visit. I will never forget the impact their love, hope, and excitement had on me.

Please pray for these GEMS clubs - Pray for all the GEMS clubs throughout the world! I believe that God is working in these clubs - in the counselors and the each girl. GEMS is making an impact in girls lives everywhere. Pray that each girl will see that God has a plan for each of their lives. His hand is guiding them, his love is comforting them, and his arms are always around them. I have seen what an impact GEMS has on my life and I pray that these girls will see it in their own lives. God is there in both the joyous times and the saddest of times! He will never leave.

GIRLS EVERYWHERE MEETING THE SAVIOR - Helping girls grow in their relationship with Christ.

Spontaneous

2008-04-29T17:38:00.012-04:00

We decided to take a spontaneous trip on Sunday - Tuesday. It was so weird to make a plan on Saturday night to leave in the morning for a trip with some friends of ours - Steven and Robyn Ball. What an amazing trip!! We have had so much opportunity to travel here in South Africa. The countryside is so beautiful.

We drove for about 5 hours and landed at God's Window.

Scott and Maddie looking out God's Window. On a very clear day you can see Mozambique (estimated 30 miles away).

Alex on top of the world!!

Loving the time together - this is school right - Geography?

I loved this sign on a trash bin going back to our car.

We then traveled a small distance to Bourke's Luck.

Grit and stones carried by the swirling water of the Blyde (joyful) and Truer(sad) rivers have carved potholes where early prospectors extracted gold. This was amazing to see.

Burkes Luck Potholes

The Family

Robyn and Steven Ball - fun - fun - fun to be around!

Another view to get the idea how high up we were

NEXT, we went to the Three Rondavels

This represents a traditional cylinder huts of the Xhosa or Zulu tribes. These three hills were shaped by the erosion of soft rock beneath a harder rock "cap"

Maddie and Alex enjoying the trip - (note there are no guard rails to keep you up top - so this is a little scary for me to have them sitting there).

Blyde River

Beautiful

The sun was setting so it was time to call it a day

Great sunset pic!!

Did you notice anything weird about the first sunset pic beginning the blog- It is a real picture, but it has props!! Scott was holding up a wooden giraffe (which is missing some legs) so I could get a true South African Sunset picture. Pretty Fun Huh?!?

We were able to see acres and acres of Banana Farms - Did not know they had them here in South Africa. This farmer exports all of his bananas.

Bananas growing - This was a first for me to see.

.

Kruger National Park

Well we could not travel all that way and bypass Kruger National Park - so here are some pictures of that. You are probably sick of seeing animal pictures, but I tell you seeing these animals in the wild is nothing but spectacular and unpredictable!!!

Alex in front of a Kudu statue

Here is the biggest Kudo I have ever seen - look at the horns.

Impala mixed in with the Wart Hogs - I love how the warthogs are always on their knees when they eat!

Herd of Impala

Adult Impala with his son!

Herd of Elephants - this was amazing! I have never seen so many elephants - they just kept coming. Old ones all the way to the youngest babies!! So cute!

This was our entertainment! Seeing a Hyena is not common! He was very agitated! Walking back and forth - obviously a site to see by the site of the cars watching him. They say the reason he was so uneasy was that their was a kill not to far away and he was waiting for his opportunity to swoop in.

Ugly things aren't they?

Almost passed this giraffe by. We did see giraffes running too! That is awesome to see. Just out of National Geographic and I saw it in real life!

We were heading out of the park and were stopped by a herd of Cape Buffalo (which are hard animals to spot when you go to Kruger). We sat parked for about 15-20 min watching over 800 buffalo walk pass. It was amazing to see the old ones with the young ones. Wow God sure did make some amazing animals!

Anyway - I am finishing this blog 5 min before I am heading to the airport. I am flying to Zambia to meet up with others from the states to visit the GEMS clubs there. Please pray for me as I am a little nervous to go by myself. Pray that everything goes well, safety, and for the amazing new and different experiences. I am so excited to see the GEMS there!!!!!

Till next time!! Love you all!!

EGGS

2008-04-22T11:38:00.005-04:00

OK - I am almost at the end of my rope with this unrefrigerated eggs thing they have going on here. It's not just that they are unrefrigerated - it's also what I see when I open the top (the eggs are between two egg crates and sealed with a plastic wrap so you never know what you get inside). This is what I will probably see when I take the wrapping off (as the case was tonight):

Warm, Brown, Pooped on, and because they have poop on them - Feathered eggs!!!

I realized today how far I have come with the whole egg thing here. I remember going to the store here and seeing the back corner of the store lined with eggs (as if they were loaves of bread). You could buy as little as 6 eggs to a package of 5 dozen! My first reaction was why do people buy 5 dozen at a time!!!! Then I thought why are they not refrigerated. SO - being paranoid as I am - I searched for the typical 1 dozen grade AA refrigerated eggs. With much failure, I came to the conclusion this is what I am going to have to buy. It took me a while to eat my first egg. I used them for baking or cooking dinners, but I never just ate a fried egg. To be honest, I let Scott be the first to eat one. He survived. But here are the questions that went through my head:

How long ago did the chicken lay these eggs?!?

How long can they last unrefrigerated?

How long has it been unrefrigerated when I bought them?

If the hard boiled egg's yolk is completely white - Is it OK to eat?

Doesn't warm eggs accelerate the bacteria that cause salmonellosis?

All the warnings about eating eggs are in question here. Only eat refrigerated, clean, un-cracked eggs, with a stamped on date. I know there are a lot of countries that eat unrefrigerated eggs, but could the companies that pack the eggs - PLEASE CLEAN THE POOP AND FEATHERS OFF!!

I still wonder when we have the symptoms - people infected with Salmonella may experience mild or severe diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever and occasionally vomiting - IS IT THE EGGS!!

GET A LIFE

2008-04-16T18:12:00.004-04:00

I read this article in our newspaper today:

So here is what I wanted to tell you today: Get a life. A real life, not a manic pursuit for the next promotion, the bigger pay cheque or the larger house. Do you think you would care so much about those things if you blew an aneurysm one afternoon or found a lump on your breast? Get a life in which you notice the smell of salt water pushing itself on a breeze at the seaside, a life in which you stop and watch how a red-tailed hawk circles over the water or the way a baby scowls with concentration when she tries to pick up a sweet with her thumb and forfinger.

Get a life in which you are not alone. Find people you love and who loves you. And remember love is not leisure, it is work. Pick up the phone. Send an email. Write a letter.

Get a life in which you are generous. And realize that life is the best thing ever and that you have no business taking it for granted.

Care so deeply about its goodness that you want to spread it around. Take money you would spend on futility and give it to charity. Work in a soup kitchen. Be a big brother or sister. All of you want to do well. But if you do not do good too, than doing well will never be enough.

Finding light in something I hate!

2008-04-16T11:52:00.004-04:00

Is it possible to find a little bit of fun in something you totally dislike?!? If you ask anyone in my family - the thing I hate to do the most is LAUNDRY!!! I despise it - It is a never ending job - it is annoying. "All you need is a schedule" is what I hear from a lot of people - It does not matter if I have a schedule or not - it never seems to get done. Ok I can wash the clothes - if I remember in time (before you they smell bad) place them in the dryer - maybe fold them - but it will take me weeks to put it away! I choose to just pull the clothes out as I need them.

Anyway - I have found a part of my laundry job to be "fun" or at least I enjoy it. Instead of using the dryer - I like to hang up the laundry on the clothes lines hooked to our house. WHAT you may be thinking, but just hear me out on this.

It is a sunny day and you are doing your laundry. Now just imagine going outside to hang the wet laundry up. If you have a great smelling detergent or softener the smell is relaxing. Then as you are looking to the sky (me more than others because I am short), you notice what a beautiful day it is. You may even look at the cloud formations and say a little prayer to God thanking him for the great day. (I am sure I have a few of you chuckling by now!)

I know I am weird, but it is peaceful to me - because when I am outside on the side of the house (our alley) hanging the laundry - NOBODY bugs me!! They magically leave me alone (maybe it is the fear that they may have to help or maybe they just have no idea where I went). Either way I am by myself (which is not normal for me right now) and I get to reap the benefits of laundry that has been hanging outside in the breeze - the whites get whiter, colors get brighter (or fade if you leave them out in the South African sun to long) and the smell of hanged dried clothes/sheets is priceless!!

(my alley/quiet place)

Some of you may be thinking - I thought you had a DM (domestic worker) cleaning your house and doing your laundry! I did! but she has not returned to work for the past two weeks. SHE WAS AMAZING! - our underwear was even ironed!! (TMI?) Until I find a new person to work for us - I am just enjoying the great smell of laundry and the peace and quiet (if it is only 5 minutes).

So, I guess my point is - there is always something good in something you absolutely hate to do - you just may not know what it is yet!

Bunco at the Leenstra's

2008-04-09T17:13:00.005-04:00

Tonight we had Fun Night with our Bible Study Group. What a blast having a good Ol BBQ (Braai) and playing games - Bunco and Taboo. We of course had to teach the South Africans how to play Bunco. It was fun to have people over at our house. We have become a very close group. I am so happy that we were placed in this group, because I now have some very cool friends. We have so much fun together!!! Here is a couple pics of our night!

THE GIRLS: Samantha, Kelli, Mariam, me, and Robyn

Samantha has two kids: Neena (2) and Benjamin (11 months). She was the first to take me under her wings and introduce me to new people.

Kelli: She is in South Africa from the states working with Ambassadors for Sports and plays on a local woman's soccer team here

Mariam has 4 kids and they are originally from Austria: Natania (9), Joel(7), Alia (4), Noah (2)

Robyn is a newlywed with no kids

Here we are teaching Bunco to everyone:

The men were pretty competitive

While we were playing the kids were having a blast. Alex was so excited to show off his room and all his toys:

Alex and Joel

and then there was Maddie having the run of the house! Here is the sign I spotted on her door:

Here is what I found inside:

Neena, Natania, Alia, and Maddie

God has blessed us with new friends. We have really enjoyed meeting new people and being able to be a part of a great Bible Study Group.

ALEX - CAN'T FORGET ABOUT HIM

2008-04-07T17:55:00.005-04:00

Loving Life

Smiling on a daily basis

Finding new varieties of bugs to play with

Calling mom - I mean Dad - I mean mom (can't make up his mind)

Telling us what he is doing constantly (too much info at times)

Reminding me of Great Grandma Dieleman - shakes his finger at me

Learning along with Maddie (he is a sponge)

Growing like a weed

Counting down the days till his birthday (he knows that after his birthday we will see all the Grandmas and Grandpas in Michigan)

Asking if I know what all his cousins and Riley are doing on that day

Loving Spiderman, Dinosaurs, Cars, and Video games (oh no!)

Hugging and talking to everyone (even strangers)

Trying every excuse to not be in bed

Wishing for a Webkinz of his own

Trying new food

Whining/Crying at little things (not good)

Biting his tongue when he concentrates (just like his dad)

Asking me if the babies are all out of the tummies (Katie, Chelle, and Michelle)

and

Cuddling and giving affirmations to some of us who are homesick (ME!).

MADDIE - WHAT IS SHE UP TO?

2008-04-07T08:04:00.005-04:00

Growing her two front teeth

Obtaining more freckles on her nose everyday

Growing taller - new pants are needed for the winter

Missing all her friends back home

Learning everyday (she has the best teacher I hear)

Planning a Barbie sleepover (anyone want to come?)

Picking ants out of her pants hourly (she can not sit still)

Hugging Sam Bear every night

Growing more independent every day (is this good?!?)

Swimming on her own in the deep

Reading everything

Perfecting her soccer skills to take back home

Counting down the days till her 7th birthday (she has a ways yet)

Checking blogs and emails with Mom

Conquering Webkinz Website

Bonding so much with Alex

Mastering games like Uno, Go Fish, and Boggle Junior

Controlling her fits (she is good at them)

and

always Smiling and Searching for the new things to pick, pester, and play with

Scott had the Stache - I got a new style

2008-04-03T11:07:00.002-04:00

WHAT DO YOU THINK?!?

Stache Bash

2008-04-02T09:24:00.006-04:00

Scott's work - Innotec - has a competition every year called the Stache Bash. This is a mustache growing competition that was started 3 years ago to honor Mike Lanser and the beautiful Stache that he has been sporting for as many years as anyone can remember. (Mike is one of the guys who started Innotec).

6 weeks before the judging, everyone is told to start growing their Stache. Scott tried last year to compete and failed miserably with a very weak looking stache that had very little body or creativity. This year he used the full 6 weeks to his advantage and with little help from Lia (no fake hair here, we only use natural extensions) got a little creative with his Stache. Take a look at the winners of all the catagories. Recognize anyone?

1.Rookie Stache of the Year Award – Given to the 1st year Mister Stache competitor who has the best in show and most potential in their Stache Bash career

Innovation Stache Award – This one should be self explanatory, but just incase….The award is given to the man who knows no bounds with a razor, facial hair, and his imagination. Shape, Mold, Design, Color it, braid it, and add to it. If it doesn’t break the three finger rule you are good to go.

The Trash Stache Award – Goes to the contestant who knows they resemble a 16 year kid who owns a Fierro, but grew what he had for the bash.

The Best Supporting Stache Award – Even though this competitor takes second, he will be first in line to carry the torch should something unexpected befall the reining Mister Stache

Mister Stache – This stache is the one other’s will aspire to during their careers in the AFSCA*. The stache is bold, full, well trimmed, and redefines what it means to look like a real Man.

*AFSCA = American Furniture Stache Competitors Association

GEMS

2008-03-28T02:36:00.005-04:00

Just the typing of the word brings me so much joy!! I loved being a part of GEMS back home and I now have had the opportunity to start a new GEMS club here at our church!! I am so excited!! Eastside Community Church has been praying for 4 years for someone or something to come along for a club for kids grades 3 to 5. Of course I had a GREAT idea for them. The problem was I only know GEMS not Cadets, and they wanted a boys and girls club. Well, somehow Scott ended up volunteering to run the boys side!! I was so thrilled!!!

So, the past few months I have been presenting the idea of GEMS and Cadets to the church. I was nervous, because it is all new to them. The pastor and children's director were so happy that there were such programs. They, however, did have a problem using the word Cadets. It is associated with "cadet/military" courses that were used in schools here. The children's director made up a name of BUGS (Boys Under our Great Savior). They will still be using the cadet format.

They recruited some people to be counselors 4 men and 4 women. Being new to the church, it was hard to know who is who and if they are already been plugged in. The church also has visitors weekly. Some weeks half of the congregation is visiting. What an opportunity we have to reach out!!

We had a GEMS and BUGS "kick-off!" How wonderful to see 10 girls and 8 boys come with their parents to see what these programs were all about. It was a night of food, fellowship, introductions (seeing how we are new to the church and they are new to us), and a trial run on what a typical night would be like. It was great that the parents could stay and see what their kids will be doing on a Friday night.

Just arriving and enjoying the fellowship

Our First GEMS photo!!

I did not get any photos of the boys because they split off and did their own thing. By the time I was able to take their group photo they were off. Scott did an awesome job!!

Gabby and Robyn excited about teaching and getting to know the girls

Yolanda already embracing the girls!!

WOW - is all I can say. What a wonderful night and I could not be more excited about it!!

I have just found out as well that I will be traveling to Zambia in the beginning of May to visit and interview the GEMS clubs/girls there!!! There is a team from the U.S. coming to do training for the counselors, visit the GEMS clubs, visit the "House that GEMS built", find info out regarding a school that they would like to put there, and set up the August trip for a Bible club and Get Connected Camp. I am so happy to be a part of it. As you may know - part of the reason we came down to South Africa was so that I could have the opportunity to go to Zambia. God is so good!! God has blessed me so much in the GEMS program that I in turn want to bless others and share with Girls Everywhere the love of God!!!

If you have never been on the GEMS website - check it out and you can see how God is working through this amazing program. You can also get updated on the clubs in Zambia and the mission there. There is also a Promo video that you can see to get an idea on how much GEMS impacted me and how much it means to the girls!!

I am so grateful to be a part of GEMS and to use my passion for it here in South Africa and now in Zambia!!!! Please pray for the GEMS programs everywhere, for each girl whose lives are being touched by it, each counselor who teaches and shares their love for Christ and for the GEMS staff and board who help put this all together.

They are having GEMS Sunday back home at Caledonia CRC (end of the season). I am so sad to miss it!! Melissa has been doing a fabulous job taking over as Club Coordinator. I want to say hi to all the counselors and girls - I miss you guys!! Thanks to Sonny too for all she does too!! So if you are in the area of Caledonia check out the GEMS on Sunday and say a little prayer for Lis as she is going in front to talk!!

DEVOTED EASTER CAMP 2008

2008-03-25T12:23:00.004-04:00

Searching the world,

The lost will be found.

In freedom we live,

As one we cry out.

You carried the cross,

You died and rose again.

My God,

I'll only ever give my all.

You sent your Son,

From heaven to earth.

Delivered us all,

It's eternally heard.

I searched for truth,

And all I found is You.

My God,

I'll only ever give my all.

Jesus, we're living for Your name.

We'll never be ashamed of you Whoh- oh- oh

Our praise

And all we are today

Take, take, take, it all.

You sent your son,

From heaven to earth.

Delivered us all,

It's eternally heard.

I searched for truth,

But all I found is You

my God,

I'll only ever give my all.

Jesus, we're living for Your name.

We'll never be ashamed of You Whoh- oh-oh

Our praise And all we are today

Take, take, take, it all.

Jesus, we're living for Your name.

We'll never be ashamed of You Whoh - oh - oh

Our praise And all we are today

Take, take, take, it all.

Running to the one who heals the blind.

Following the shining light

In Your hands the power to save the world

And my life.

(this was the favorite song of the camp)

Scott and I (along with a few other couples) volunteered to work at the Easter Youth Camp over Easter weekend. The kids were 14-18 years old. Scott was a prayer counselor at the end of the sessions. He was touched by the kids stories and loved praying with them. He also did a break out session on forgiveness. He did so great!! I on the other hand am a little intimidated by teenagers so my job was to take care of the 12 kids that were there from the volunteers - Ages 1 1/2 to 9 (sooo fun!!). I had a lot of games planned - coloring - scavenger hunts etc. Alex was so excited that there were 5 other kids his age!! I hardly saw Maddie the whole weekend. She was off with another girl on these "adventures" through the camp.

We had awesome praise and worship time with the Youth. The theme and message was based on being totally devoted to God. It was so good!!! Everyone was moved by the messages everyday. It was so different hearing head banging music - but I guess you need to have the music that goes with the age!

At the end of camp on Monday they had an opportunity for the teens to share their story. Some were so deep and personal. There was a girl who was involved in gangs and was kicked out of her house by her mom. She was so excited to realize that she needed to change and that she should not be so angry. She needed to devote herself to God and she would find the happiness she was longing for. She realized that being angry about her life is not helping her. And she also realized that everything in her life has happened for a reason and that she went through all of the rough spots to grow as an individual. She wanted to share her story so that others could have hope.

What an eye opening weekend and a reminder that we need to be totally devoted to God. Not just one foot in or a prayer here and there, but in everything we do and say!

We hope you all had a great Easter weekend.

JESUS IS ALIVE!!!

Baboon Trouble

2008-03-20T18:10:00.010-04:00

We traveled to Cape Point - Cape of Good Hope to see where you can see where the Indian and Atlantic Ocean meet. It is the Southern-western most point of Africa.

(my sad attempt at a vertical panorama)

We decided that it would be fun to climb this section of the mountain/cliffs. It does not work too well with flip flops on!! I am glad I put tennis shoes on the kids! (Way to go Mom!)

Maddie and Alex were so excited that they made it to the top. Alex was singing while climbing up. He was like a dwarf in Snow White and instead of singing Hi Ho he was singing Do Dee Do - I am big - this is easy peasy!! He wanted to make sure that we knew what a big boy he is!! (I already know that he is!)

THE TOP! YEAH!!

Mom and Dad Leenstra

The Boys - I mean MEN - Alex's muscle grew during the climb!!!

These tide pools were so awesome. You can see the outline of it. When the tide comes in it fills the "pool" Maddie did not want to dip her feet in too far because of the "green slime" on the side.

Love this picture - Ostriches are crazy looking animals!

OK now to the fun part. Baboon Trouble - Experience #49 that we will never forget - or at least we will talk about for a long time!

We decided to stop at one of the little beaches along Cape Point and we saw a cute couple having a nice picnic on the beach. They were all smiles and in love. On our way to the beach there was a sign warning of the baboons who are nuisances. They can smell food miles away. They warn you to not take food out of your vehicles. (The lovely couple must have missed the signs). When all of the sudden Scott's mom spotted these HUGE baboons behind us. The only way off the beach is where they were. Luckily the kids did not spot them because they were in the water looking out into the ocean. My thoughts were how are we going to get away from them. Well - we found out fast that the baboons were only interested in one thing - FOOD. Two baboons charged at the couple and chased them away from their blanket!! They tore their picnic apart!!

We gathered the kids and ran up top to where our car was. As we were heading to the car, I managed to get a few snap shots! You can see the couple left everything (well they did save their bottle of wine). They left behind their sandals and all. There was another baboon up by our car making this horrific call - calling all the others that there was food!! The baboons had a nice feast and making sure to look over everything and throw the items that were not food. CRAZY!!

We then decided it was time to leave. We passed the public bathroom and noticed it was overtaken by baboons - young and old! The babies were jumping off the light pole and ripping apart diapers they found in the bathroom. Here is a small clip. As you can tell we (Mom and I) were worried about the big baboons - you definitely do not want them to get in or on your vehicle. The kids loved every moment!

Yes you can laugh at me being paranoid! But the baboons were everywhere!!

Anyway - Mom and Dad have a great story to share about their visit.

We are close to the end of our trip. I will post the rest soon.

I thought I would say Happy Easter to everyone and to enjoy the weekend with your families. Scott and I and the kids volunteered to work at a Youth Camp for the weekend. We are leaving in the afternoon tomorrow and we will not be back until Monday afternoon. Pray for all the kids coming and for us as we are designated to do counseling if needed - night watch - prayer room etc. The camp theme is Devoted and is to be a big camp for teens! We are excited!

God Bless

Penguin Video

2008-03-19T16:04:00.001-04:00

The Penguins

2008-03-19T10:54:00.005-04:00

I know I am dragging out our Cape Town Trip pictures - I apologize - Here is one of our highlights of the trip. We are so used to seeing penguins at the zoo and we assume that their habitat is in cold climates. Well, let me introduce to you the Jackass Penguins that live in Simons Town, South Africa.

It is "nesting" time for the penguins. They are busy grooming each other and building nests. We saw all stages of penguins - eggs, newborns (which are so fuzzy) and those losing their fuzz, and then adults.

Laying out in the sun!

See the fuzzies!!

I assumed we were only going to be able to see the penguins from a fenced boardwalk. But, as we were walking out I spotted another trail and we were able to go on the beach with the penguins!! How awesome!! They were too busy grooming to notice we were right there. You could actually pet them (we didn't because they do bite). We had a great afternoon with the penguins. It was great to sit an observe them in their natural environment.

Here is the sign in the parking lot:

I have a video uploading of a penguin gathering "stuff" for his woman's nest!! I just love watching them walk. It looks hilarious that they do not use their arms/wing. When the video is done uploading I will post it.

Hout Bay

2008-03-15T06:25:00.009-04:00

I was just looking at all the photos we took on our trip and I realized we did and saw so much!!! What a trip we had. I am so grateful that we have an opportunity to travel. The best part was having Scott's mom and dad along seeing all of it with us!! It is such a beautiful country. I would never have guessed that this country had so much beauty. Despite all of the negative things you hear - AIDS, crime, corruption, racism, and unemployment - God is ever present everywhere and I think we tend to forget that and focus on the negative. God is working and showing his creations everywhere!! Everything is created by him and we are the caretakers!

Pictures do not do justice to all the sights and beauty we saw. Scott's mom and I were just in awe!! I think we said more than one time how amazing the area is.

One of our stops was Hout Bay - known for its Fish and Chips and the Mariner's Wharf. It was an overcast day, but one of enjoying the moments with the family. We walked along the beach and then the pier. When we first arrived there was a baby seal walking along the beach. Of course the kids excitement scared the seal into the water before I could get a picture.

Here is the Bay - check out the link on Mariner's Wharf for a better picture.

Did I mention how close Maddie and Alex are?!? They are amazing and they get along so well.

I love this picture!! It was nice to see Scott's parents enjoying themselves.

Alex needed an umbrella holder (me). It was too big for him.

He does not like to get wet.

and then you have Maddie not having a care in the world of getting wet.

Our family has grown so much since our move to South Africa. We are enjoying time together and always thanking God for this awesome opportunity.

Table Mountain and V&A Waterfront

2008-03-11T11:58:00.008-04:00

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Wow - I finally got the slide show to work!! Here are some more pics of our amazing trip. We stayed in Table View for 3 days and toured Cape Town. It was amazing to see Table Mountain in the middle of the city. Our first night there we walked the beaches and saw a beautiful sunset. The kids were so excited to finally get their feet into the ocean. You can see Table Mountain in the back ground of the first few pictures.

You can take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain. We drove up to the Cable way and the cars were suspended due to strong winds. So, we were not able to go up (SO SAD), but we were able to get some pictures from there. The Panorama picture will show you the awesome view we had. You can see the excitement from Maddie and Alex having Grandma and Grandpa with us. Grandma and Grandpa bought them the South Africa shirts that they are wearing. (They did not want to take them off - they slept in them that night and tried to get away with wearing them the next day!) Thank you Grandma and Grandpa!!

We also visited the V&A Waterfront. It was nice to watch the boats coming and going. We ate a nice (windy) lunch looking over the bay. See my little miss sunshine?! She was loving the big sunglasses. By the waterfront was the Two Oceans Aquarium. A great place for the kids. We then took them to the Snatch Patch. They each received a bag. They could hunt for as many "gemstones" that they could fit into the bag. Maddie has a rock collection going on at home - so she was in "rock heaven"

Next Stop: Hout Bay

Visiting the Wineries

2008-03-08T16:05:00.008-05:00

We were able to visit a couple of wineries to see the vineyards and do some wine tasting. We decided to do two wineries that were kid friendly.

The first one was Fairview. This was a very small farm like winery. Very Quiet. They had a Goat shed that the kids enjoyed watching the goats go up and down.

Enjoying the moment!

We then stopped at Spier. Spier is probably the most commercialized winery. It is very touristy and made for entertainment. We enjoyed a nice picnic lunch, watching the kids ride horses, and tasting some wines. I enjoyed tasting some of their antique wines and just enjoying the day with the family.

Big Boy Alex!

Maddie is a true horse rider!

Mom and Dad Leenstra really enjoyed themselves and relaxed!

We had a great visit. It sure is a beautiful area.

I purchased a bottle of wine at each place we visited for a "souvenir" thinking it would be cheaper to buy direct. Low and behold I went to Pick n Pay (our local grocery store) after we returned and the same bottle of wine I purchased at Spier was cheaper. CRAZY

Wine Country

2008-03-07T19:06:00.001-05:00

Day 2 of our trip we drove another 6 hours to Wellington. We drove through the most beautiful mountains and wineries (I have tons of pictures - but none of them really do any justice to the magnitude of beauty). We were in awe. We used our "trusty" GPS unit to get us to our B&B. This place was in the middle of nowhere!! Dirt roads - crazy curves - and no street signs. We were greatly impressed when we arrived.

We stayed in the most beautiful farmhouse built in 1776. We had use of the whole house. The kids loved running around, playing with their big dogs, seeing the horses, and I loved the mountain landscape all around us.

I will post a video of my morning when it eventually loads up - Ok its loaded - just disregard the bunions (I know I have them) and yes I did fall down a step while recording - just to put a smile on your face.

Having my Morning Coffee

2008-03-07T17:42:00.001-05:00

DROP EVERYTHING!!!

2008-03-06T11:36:00.005-05:00

Side Blog:
.

This was not part of our Cape Trip - The kids and I went to a Lion and Rhino Nature Preserve today. We went with Sarah Weeda and her son, Kaden. They are friends from Innotec who have lived in South Africa before. They are visiting South Africa for 3 weeks. We decided to take the a little drive and see some more animals. I was excited about the possibility to interact with Tiger cubs. I was not going to get my hopes up - but to my delight they had 6 week old Tigers and Lions to interact with. So I signed my consent form (for both the kids and I) and off we went into the pin!!!

6 week old tigers!! It has always been a dream of mine to hold a baby tiger!! I can not believe it!!

Here are some more pics!

They were very playful. They took Alex down, but he was still smiling!

Oh - So cute!!

Trying to get them to play with the toys.

Having Fun

Friend or Foe?!?

Gariep Dam

2008-03-05T07:36:00.007-05:00

We started our trip traveling about half way to Cape Town.

OUR RIDE

It was great having a trailer! Otherwise we would have been a little cramped inside. I bet you would never guess this car could fit 6 people (and we were all comfortable).

Pit stop to eat

We stayed at a place called Forever Resorts Gariep Dam. It was a great place to stay.

Putt Putt for the kids,

with a trampoline in the middle of the course. Scott and Scott's Dad had to try it out!

a nice chalet to stay in,

and the visit to the Gariep Dam.

Mom and Dad

It was a beautiful drive up.

THE DAM

I get conflicting info on how big the dam is so this is me combining all the data into one answer. It is 914 m long and 88 m high. It is considered the largest Dam in South Africa

A road going across the river at the bottom of the dam.

It was a great first day! No bickering in the car - only voice that was vocal was mine being a HUGE backseat driver. It only go worse as the days went on. I told Scott next road trip -KNOCK ME OUT!!

Day 2 Sneak Peak:

The scenery was amazing!! I never knew there were so many mountains in South Africa.

Sneak Peak on Upcoming Blogs

2008-03-04T03:51:00.003-05:00

Well we arrived safely back home from our Cape Town Trip and Scott's parents are on a plane home! We had a great trip and wonderful visit with them! It was so nice to have part of home here in South Africa! We were able to be the tour guides. It is so silent this morning with Mom and Dad gone. SOOOO SAD!

Because it seems to take me forever to upload photos etc. I decided to update daily on different parts of our 10 day trip to Cape Town and beyond. (We climbed mountains, seen amazing scenary, awesome wine country, we were chased by baboons, we went to the southernest point in Africa, went half way up Table mountain, survived the drives through the mountains, saw a parasailer get caught in a tree up a mountain, put our toes (some swam) in the Atlantic and Indian Ocean, Scott was kissed by an ostrich - and the list goes on......)

Here is a video to keep you enticed to come back and visit the blog. I PROMISE to update every day.

We will miss you Mom and Dad and we hope you had a pleasant trip back home!

Scott Riding an Ostrich!!

2008-03-04T03:47:00.001-05:00

Cape Town Update

2008-02-26T09:52:00.002-05:00

Well, we finally found a place to get an Internet connection so we decided to to a quick update of our trip.
Here are a few quick details of our trip:

1800Km on the Car so Far
Saw a guy laying in the street in Wellington bleeding. Looked like he was shot by the Cops.
Dad had one to many beers and ended up breaking a glass at dinner last night.
We have seen the most beautiful mountains and wine valleys you could imagine
The kids will swim in blue or cloudy green water as long as they can get wet
The Renault Grand Scenic seat 6 comfortably for 1800 Km
The GPS isn't as reliable as we hoped and led us to a farm in the middle of nowhere
Table mountain weather varies greatly from the weather at sea level, we hope to get up there before we leave tomorrow.
It is easy to get the kids to sleep after long days of driving and playing
There is a lot of Desert type land in South Africa that is boring to drive through
Cock Roaches are 10 times the size in Cape Town than in Pretoria
It is hard for a Sea Gull to eat a full cracker and this can also cause fights
Lia doesn't actually want to drive, but she thinks that she is better from the back seat at it than Scott is from the driver's seat.

That's it for now. We will try to get another post b/f we return back to Pretoria on Sunday. Hopefully we will have pictures next time.

Relaxing!

2008-02-21T16:50:00.007-05:00

Scott's Mom and Dad are having a great time. They are enjoying the sites here, they saw part of Scott's work, they enjoyplaying with the kids, but most of all they are relaxing!! Mom is always asking what she can do! She has done dishes, laundry, and made her tuna pasta salad - I didn't let her do too much (thanks Mom for the help!) It is great to see them reading thier books in the sun, sitting by the pool (and swimming), and playing Uno with the kids.

Trying to read and get a tan in the 90 degree - no clouds in the sky day (yes I am rubbing it in a little - I here it is cold back home- sorry)

Our cat Sylvester is taking a special liking to Dad.

.

Maddie distirbing thier peace by doing a cannonball right next to them!! They did get wet!

We visited the Pretoria Zoo - Alex wanted to show them the sharks and Maddie was excited to show them all the exotic birds and elephants.

The Shark

photo in front of the world's largest fish

Some curious random bird

looking at all the animals - The kids took turn driving and riding the go cart. Grandpa did a lot of pushing too!

the tiger was just fed a slab of raw meat (you can sort of see it underneath him) and he was not happy that we were watchig him - there was a moment I thought he was going to pounce toward us as a warning to stay away!

Alex gave the Day at the Zoo a thumbs up!!

Todays News

Scott's Dad was wearing his Tiger shirt today and Alex was wearing his so I had to take the photo (I had to convince Scott to also be in the picture with his Tiger's cap)

Maddie was feeling left out so she borrowed Scott's hat.

Well - we leave in the morning for our 10 day trip to Cape Town - WE ARE SO EXCITED to see more of South Africa. We are leaving at 5:00am - It is currently 12:02am - I should get some sleep. I hope to keep you updated on our trip as internet is available in most places we are going (or so they say). So keep checking and pray for us as we are traveling!!

Sorry about the typos - spellcheck will not work

Grandma and Grandpa Leenstra visit Africa!!!

2008-02-19T13:45:00.015-05:00

We are so excited to see Scott's Mom and Dad here to visit. They had a rough time getting here, but they made it. It started in Grand Rapids where thier flight was delayed due to snow, which in turn made them miss thier flight in Detroit to Amsterdam. In Detroit (after another delay) they ended up switching to British Airlines and flying into London. Another delay in London and then off to Joberg. They were supposed to arrive on Wednesday night at 9:30pm, but instead they came in on Thurday at 8:00am. THEN the airlines lost thier luggage!!

No fear - we took them shopping to get them by and prayed that it would be delivered soon! They found it and delivered it (on Friday night) - the day we went overnight on a game drive in Pilanesberg. A special thank you to our neighbor for collecting the luggage for us while we were gone!! The only thing missing out of the luggage was a bag of Nestle Chocolate Chips and a bag of Candy Hearts.
.

Maddie and Alex gave hugs and kisses and could not get enough of Grandma and Grandpa's attention!! It is so nice to have visitors and to be able to show them where and how we live along with showing them the scenery and sites!!

Our first trip was an overnight trip to Pilanesberg National Park. We stayed overnight at Kwamahla Lodge. What a beautiful place (besides the spider in our chalet)(Yes a big one!).

Do you like my Panoramic creation?

In front of our chalet.

A bird climbing in its nest - notice the thorns on the tree

Alex after his swim at the lodge - excited about the game drive in the morning

Compared to Krueger National Park we did not see a huge variety of animals, but we were able to see the giraffes, zebras and rinos upclose. We actually almost ran into a giraffe because we were looking far into the bush and not realizing a giraffe was crossing the road in front of us. What an amazing animal!

There were a lot of baby zebras - so cute! This is not zooming in - they were that close to us!!

Walking to one of the many look out points to view animals

Maddie enjoying being with Grandma and Grandpa and seeing all the animals

Scott's Dad enjoying the view

Maddie and Alex arguing whose turn it is to use the binoculars!

and of course the scenery was awesome. What amazing pictures God paints all around the world!

We saw many more animals including a family of warthogs, 1 elephant (in the far distance), wildebeast, impala, other types of deer, a lot of varieties of birds, an ostrich, and more zebras, and more zebras.

A great trip - We all enjoyed it!!

Next post Mom and Dad Leenstra RELAXING (is it possible?!?)

DON'T FORGET TO SMILE TODAY!!!

2008-02-08T12:57:00.000-05:00

Not sure if it is the missing teeth, the squished goggles on the face, or that she thinks she can not swim with out the goggles that makes me smile!!!

THE CAT IN THE HAT

2008-02-08T12:45:00.000-05:00

I am obsessed with Dr. Seuss books!!

What great books for kids!!

We have found a new love in our house.

Alex's mouth is wide open when we read (he even drooled!) and Maddie is so excited that she can read some of them. It has really opened them up in using their imagination.

I recommend them!

What Shape Is Water?

2008-02-03T21:38:00.000-05:00

Over the past few weeks we are trying to get into a school routine. So far the favorite subject is science - all the experiments they get to do!!

We are learning about water. They were asked to draw a shape on the road (no it isn't a busy road) that would predict what shape the water would take:

Then they had to pour the water out onto their shape.

Maddie's predictions and results

Alex's seemed to be a little more on track.

Overall the home schooling is going better than I thought (me and my lack of patience sometimes). I am enjoying all the time we are spending together!

STANLEY v. MOLE CRICKETS

2008-02-02T08:32:00.000-05:00

In the right corner -FLAT STANLEY -he is 2 dimensional, yet never has any fear, has been attacked by lions, faced death and managed to keep a smile on his face (we will see if that attitude can continue)!!!

In the left corner - MOLE CRICKETS - known for annoying singing all night, can destroy a whole yard, they multipy as time goes on and they have mole-like claws excellent for digging (see if they can dig themselves out of this fight)!

To get ready for the fight some preparations are made: MAN - he sprays the fight ring with an insecticide to motivate the MOLE CRICKETS out of the ground.

The fight is on: Stanely seems to be in some rough situations - pinned down - walked on - but he always keeps the smile!

It is now STANLEYS turn - he is crushing them left and right until ......

Then the MOLE CRICKETS grow in numbers - in 25 minutes they grow from 10 to 523(+/-)!

STANLEY needs some help - good thing it is a tag team match. He tags the BIRDS and MAN with tweezers!!

Some BIRDS grab 3-6 at a time! This is a big help!

The fight goes for hours - finally the MOLE CRICKETS are defeated! STANLEY is the CHAMP!!!

MORAL: DO NOT FIGHT YOUR BATTLES ALONE!

RAIN, RAIN GO AWAY!!

2008-01-22T08:25:00.001-05:00

It has been raining so much since we have been back. ALL DAY LONG! Maddie and Alex have been feeling cooped up (me too). Today I suggested they get their bathing suits on and play in the rain. Maddie now wishes she lived in the rain.

Guess what this is?

Yup - our yard after our gardner mowed it. The lines from the lawn mower and then his footprints in between. Not sure why he mowed when it was so wet!

So the tip for the day - Play in the rain and leave your footprints where ever you go!

What Happened Today

2008-01-22T02:05:00.000-05:00

Maddie gave me the permission to finally pull out her decaying front tooth that was hanging by a thread!! It was so gross to see it just dangling there day after day. She finally had the courage to allow me to put tissue around the tooth and she would tell me when to pull. The funny thing was she got nervous and jerked her head backwards (I still had the tissue on the tooth) and she pulled it out herself! She was crying don't take it out and then I showed her it was already out and then she went on to tell me that it hurt.

There is a new annoyance here at the house in South Africa - We lose power for 2 to 4 hours each day. It is different every day and always seems to be at the worst times - dinner time, night time, during the time I would call home and talk to family and friends. Have you ever been like me where you know the power is off, but your brain forgets and you go to turn on the light in the bedroom or use the toaster and duh - NO POWER.

South Africa is doing what it calls load shedding. Here is what I found out on the Internet:
.

What is load shedding? Eskom’s business is one of supply and demand. Its customers demand power every time they switch on an electrical appliance, or light switch, and Eskom supplies the power to meet that demand. For a full 24 hours, every day of the year Eskom’s system controllers must supply the national grid with just enough electricity to meet the demand.

Power users such as steel producers, aluminium smelters, mines, cities and agriculture are all sources of load to the system controllers. On a typical weekday, load starts increasing from 02:00 – two o’clock in the morning, climbing steadily as people wake up, get ready for work and open shops, offices and factories. Between 06:00 and 09:00 the system experiences its morning peak load, when the demand can get close to the available capacity.

Then the load eases off until the afternoon peak, which usually starts around 16:00, when people get home and entertainment centres come to life. In summer air conditioners and in winter electric heaters form a heavy load. And all the time the ubiquitous geyser silently gobbles up electricity, keeping its load of water hot. Unless it has an insulating blanket, the geyser uses more electricity in winter than in summer because it loses heat through its metal walls.

Winter is also the time when the morning and evening peaks get higher every year, bringing the demand closer and closer to the supply. Usually the supply is adequate and the peak passes without incident.

Occasionally, however, problems arise. A huge turbo-generator in a power station develops a fault and “trips” – shuts down, no longer contributing to the supply, as happened to one of the Koeberg units recently.

When this happens, load exceeds supply, and the load has to be reduced to a point where the available capacity can handle it, otherwise the result for the whole system could be serious. So the system controllers “shed some load” – they switch off the supply to various customers for a short while.

Eskom has contracts with some large power users that allow it to do this. These customers can cope with being switched off, as long as the interruption does not exceed specified periods – say 30 minutes. Usually that is enough time for total demand to ease a little and for the problem to pass.

If not, Eskom must switch off another large user and restore power to the first. Occasionally, when demand goes unexpectedly high, cities suddenly become victims of load shedding. In most cases this does not last longer than two hours.

Eskom follows certain principles when implementing load shedding. Load shedding is done on a rotational basis, limiting it to two hours per area. Where possible, Eskom tries to avoid load shedding in areas where there are critical and sensitive services like hospitals, economic hubs like shopping centres, strategic product areas and high security areas.

So, if your lights go off unexpectedly, it might be a local fault affecting a comparatively small area around you, or it might be a problem at a power station that takes time to fix.

.
So there you have it. Scott was telling me that this may go on for 7 years. Due to this they are trying to get new companies (factories) to put off their projects for 5 years! Are they serious.

So Scott's bright idea (since he is always thinking ahead) is to build his own power plant and supply power to a certain area for a fee. Maybe it will work!

Due to these power outages we have found interesting ways to fill our time. Maddie and Alex even got their dad to play Pretty Princess games:

The object of the game is to collect all of your jewelry pieces (one at a time) and avoid getting the black ring. When you have collected and put on all of your jewelry pieces and you land on the crown you win the crown and have become the PRETTY PRINCESS.

Maddie almost done collecting her jewelry

Alex and the Black ring (you may not win if this is in your possession). He was eager to get rid of it.

The end of the game! Alex, despite getting the black ring a few times, WON and is crowned the PRETTY PRINCESS!!

And then on another side note: When we took our trip to the East coast in September we came back to our house having a huge water leak. You could tell that water ran down our walls by the stairs and that it was flooded in the house (I guess here I can say thank you for tile floors). We eventually had the problem fixed so that no more water leaked in the house when it rained, but we had not repaired the walls of the bubbling paint and water rust streaks left behind on the wall. We have been discussing this with our landlord for months to get it fixed. He tells us on a regular basis yes - this week some time (we all know what that means)!! So last week He finally came out with some painters and we were so excited to finally have it fixed. I moved all the stuff on top of the stairs, took the alphabet off the wall. WAITED, WAITED, WAITED - I thought they left to get the paint, but I guess they left for the day. SO NOTHING DONE.

Then low and behold this morning 7:45am there is a knock on the door - No advanced notice, no guard at the gate telling us they were here - The painters are standing at the front door ready to paint. Should I complain - NO, BUT COME ON - a little notice would go a long way (Especially when I am not a morning person).

There is always something going on here at the Leenstra Household. We are all finally back on a "schedule." Scott will be busy soon with work starting in February. I am very excited for Scott and Nkhensani! Things are looking up. Home schooling is still going well. Some frustrations on both of our part, but nothing we can not work out.

We hope you all are doing well - I here it is cold!!

God bless your day!!

1st Day of Home Schooling

2008-01-14T06:52:00.000-05:00

It is official - We started school today. I have such mixed emotions on this, but overall they are positive. I have been so excited getting an area set up for the school. We decided to turn the upstairs landing into a school room. What do you think?

The day started out so great, until the school work was a little over Alex's head. I did not plan enough activities for him to do while Maddie and I were doing math and phonics. MORE PREPARATION NEEDED! I think it will be hard to home school Maddie when Alex wants to do the same thing Maddie does.

Maddie enjoyed it and so did I! I know it is only Day 1, but I think we are off to a good start. All I hear from Maddie is "Yes, teacher" and "What do I do next teacher?" Pray that this attitude continues!!

Maddie's first Journal Page (She has to do 1 journal page a day without any help from me. It is so hard to not correct her spelling!)

We are off to the library and store to get supplies for tomorrows science project! Oh what fun!

HOME FOR CHRISTMAS!!

2008-01-10T06:02:00.001-05:00

I am just looking at the last post date - WOW over a month since my last post! Well for all you who check this blog here comes the update.
.

What a wonderful trip we had back home! We could not have been more excited!! It started with plane delays and late arrival, but the stop at Taco Bell in the Detroit Airport made it worth the plane delay - and then the waiting committee at the Grand Rapids Airport was overwhelming!! It was so good to see family and friends there. Thank you to all of you who were up late waiting for us!!

Oh and let me tell you about the HUGS! It was priceless! I could go on and on about the emotions our whole family was having! Maddie and Alex were so excited to see grandparents and aunts, uncles, and of course their friends and cousins. It was hard to take them away from all of that to come back here. I keep telling them that they have a lot to look forward to on our next visit home!

The things that I noticed that had changed include - Johnny growing up - Those precious pregnant bellies -The little kids that have changed so much (Nicholas, Levi, and Ella), the new Meijers at Cascade, Walmart closing early (WHAT?!?!?), my dislike for Papa Johns Pizza (I loved this pizza before we left), and our dog Riley is taller and better mannered (thanks Dan and Deb!).

Well we managed to jam pack our 3 week visit with friends and family. It was a busy visit, but one that was well worth it (I am not used to being busy like that). We defiantly are truly blessed!! God is so good to us and I am thankful for everyone that is a part of our lives. Thank you to all of you for such a great visit and hopefully we will be back soon! I/We love you all!!

Here are some photos of our visit - enjoy - I know there is a lot, but I have to make up for a long over due blog posting!

The first thing the kids did was go play out in the snow at Grandma and Grandpas!!

The Family Photo

We were soon joined by Dan and his three kids - Chase, Andrew, and Joy and Johnny came out to show us the moves on his snow board! What a blast!

Grandma came out for some fun too!

Johnny! Thank you Johnny for letting us take over your bedrooms and your car! That was sweet of you!

Scott and Alex on the snowmobile

Johnny taking Maddie for a ride.

Maddie had an eventful visit!! She started with losing her third tooth at Grandmas

Maddie's new smile

Maddie and her cousin Arianna showing off their beautiful smiles!!

Maddie and I took a visit to Dutton Christian School! Maddie was overwhelmed with hugs from her old classmates and teacher. She spent the afternoon joining the kids at recess and in class! I spent the afternoon going over curriculum to start homeschooling Maddie!

Maddie was excited to be back for a visit. It was amazing to here how the 1st grade classes have been continually praying for Maddie in South Africa!

Hugs from Mrs. Wells -Maddie's kindergarten teacher

Hug from Maddie's friend Phoebe!

We had a nice visit with my Mom and John up north. We spent a Saturday together just enjoying the outdoors and each others company. We had a great turkey dinner (we missed Thanksgiving)

Sledding

Maddie and Arianna having races!

Alex braving the "ol' trusty toboggan" by himself - I was so nervous, but I let him do it - He went down the whole length of the hill standing up!!

Dinner! What a feast - Yes that is Alex sleeping at the table!! The kids were definite troopers being on the go everyday!

This was a common site! The kids sleeping in the car!

CHRISTMAS PARTIES

The best part was spending time with the family! There were plenty of moments where I would just stop and pause and take it all in! I enjoyed listening to all the family discussions, eating more than enough food, but what I enjoyed listening to the most was Maddie and Alex laughing and having fun with their cousins. I even had to fight the tears! I miss the kids being so excited and having so much fun. There are times in South Africa where I feel awful for taking them away from all their cousins and friends. They had so much fun! It broke my heart again to take that away. Maddie cried the first night back in South Africa talking about how much she missed all her grandmas and grandpas and her cousins and friends.

.
The Veenstra Party

Mom and John

Making a pyramid

Alex - Andrew - Chase - and Jared

Bella - Maddie - Joy - Faith - Arianna

Sara and I catching up! - Hope you are feeling better Sara - Get some rest!!!

The Leenstra Party

Our annual group photo!

Yes - Alex and Maddie are into the video games! (They are very much used on the long plane rides!)

The Dieleman Party

Grandpa showing off his new teeth he received from Maddie

Maddie catching up with Stella (She lives in DC). It was great to see you Amy, Tristan and Stella!!

New PJ's

All the cousins

Alex seeing the real Santa!! This is always a fun tradition at the Dieleman Party - the kids get a visit from Santa Claus. The only problem was they all figured out who Santa was - Grandpa. So this year we decided to throw them for a loop! Uncle Scott (DeBoer) was our new Santa. It was amazing to see the kids faces as they saw Santa come in the room and then they saw Grandpa sitting in his chair - took them all for a loop - I even saw hesitation in some of them as they all had a chance to sit on Santa's lap. Alex still talks about seeing the real Santa - and Maddie talks about how it wasn't the real Santa because he was wearing Crocs! I guess you can't fool them all.

New Year's Getaway with Friends

We had a chance to getaway for a few days with our friends the Donkers and Rietsmas! We used Michelle's grandparents cottage! What a great time! We really enjoyed catching up and just spending time together!

The whole gang

Friends Melissa and Michelle

Alex with Scott after a squirrel hunt!

Waiting for a tube ride behind the four wheeler

Zoe - Maddie - Justin

Going for a ride

Maddie and the snow - How Beautiful!

Maddie and Zoe'

Our visit with Riley

We got to see Riley again! Scott's sister's family has been taking care of him for us! THANK YOU! Maddie and Alex lite up and enjoyed their visit (I did too! - I miss him).

Maddie and Zach - both missing the same tooth!

There it is! We had a hard time leaving everyone behind again! The kids did so good on the planes home (they amaze me everytime!). It was nice, but also sad to go home in South Africa. I was hoping to come back to hot weather and enjoy the sun, but we have come home to rain! It is the same temperature here as it was when we left Grand Rapids! I am ready for the rain to go away and for the rest of the summer here.

What are we up to now - well - Scott is back to work, we are all still trying to get our bodies into South Africa time, I am busy preparing to homeschool Maddie, and the kids are off playing with all of their Christmas toys (did I mention that the kids play so well together!).

Thank you to everyone for such a great visit - we enjoyed it and are looking forward to the next one!!

Love - Hugs - Kisses - Treasure Every Moment Together

God is good all the time - All the time God is good!

GETTING READY FOR CHRISTMAS!

2007-12-09T12:34:00.000-05:00

HERE ARE SOME PHOTOS WE TOOK TODAY!

PS - ONLY 4 DAYS UNTIL WE ARE ON AN AIRPLANE HEADING FOR HOME, SWEET, HOME! AND THEN 24 HOURS LATER - HUGS FOR EVERYONE!! WE CAN NOT WAIT!!

THE RIGHT THING

2007-12-05T15:33:00.000-05:00

THE STORY:

I walked into a nice bra store with the full understanding that I was going to pay some good money for 2 new bras. I know ladies you are like me - we all want to buy cheap bras - but is it really worth it?! Cheap does not always mean better in some cases. In the store the floor ladies were talking about the commission they receive on each bra purchase - 8%. It was a huge deal to them!

So anyway, I carefully picked out two new bras and brought them to the counter. With a little patience, the cashier and I were finally talking the same language. The total-R290.oo (about $45.00 US). I can deal with that. I payed with a credit card (So add another 3% money exchange fee) and off I went.

Scott (now that he is "monitoring" our finances) - always wants the receipt. As I was looking at the credit card slip, I noticed I was only charge R29.00 (about $4.50 US). Doing the math I was thinking WOW I saved R261.00!!! The HAPPY face I made was soon followed by great guilt. I knew what I had to do - Yes I went all the way back to the store and told the lady that she charged me the wrong amount. Her reaction (and that of the customer paying for her stuff) was speechless. They could not believe that I would be so honest (It is not common here in Africa - people are always finding a way to steal something). Thank you, Thank you, Thank you is all she could say - and she couldn't seem to say it enough. Then I remembered them talking about their commission. If I wasn't honest the poor girl would have had to pay the difference of the charges and she would of also lost her 8% commission.

SO - I feel good - the sales girl is happy - Everyone wins - or did I?!

RANDOM

2007-12-02T15:32:00.000-05:00

KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION AGAIN

School is done for the year and Maddie graduated Kindergarten again. After a lot of prayer, we have decided to home school Maddie for the rest of the time we are in South Africa. It has been a tough decision. I am not sure if I am able to do a teachers job, but I will do my best. If Maddie stayed in the school she is in now she would be a full year behind when we go back home for good. The environment at the school is not a good place for Maddie. She cries a lot and is very angry. Pray that this decision to home school Maddie is a good one and that we have the right amount of patience to do it.

SANTA COMES TO TOWN

Wow it really does not feel like Christmas yet, especially with it being summer here. I am missing the cold weather and lights outside. I think I have only seen one house with lights on the outside. Another thing that is so different is Scott and I have only seen 1 Christmas commercial (and we have DSTV). Strange!

Here is Santa coming on the train to visit with the kids of the neighborhood. Maddie and Alex are running after it. I am not sure why they are not in the picture - I thought I captured the moment - oops. At least you will get the idea!

PAPER CHAIN

The kids are so excited to come home for Christmas (ME TOO)! They started a "Going to see Grandma and Grandpa" Paper Chain. It is always a race in the morning to count how many days are left! Our flight comes in at 8:00pm on December 14!!

FREAKY PICTURE

I was taking pictures of the full moon one night and I was messing with the settings on my camera. Well, I went inside after failing to capture the moment, and went to take a picture of Scott playing with our cat. Here is how it turned out! Freaky!!

SCOTT'S WORK

Here is an updated photo of Scott and Nkhensani. They needed to send one in for Innotec's Christmas photos.

It has been sad for me to see how slow and frustrating Scott's work is going. There have been a lot of roller coasters! God is good though and he definitely has a hand in all this (we can see it even though it is slow moving). I will let him update you on all that is going on.

Here is Scott's latest update:

We have had a ton of frustrations over that past couple of months with trying to set up our block yard. We have investigated a number of spots to put the block yard and each one has been a frustrating venture. The biggest problem has been getting commitments from the people we are trying to work with to rent property from. Since the set back at the sand quarry a couple weeks ago, we have been trying to work with another person where we can set up our machine. It has been two weeks of phone calls and responses like "I will call you in a couple of days when I get a chance to talk with so and so".

The latest big news has been that we may have an opportunity to purchase Hydraforms current block yard from them. It looks like a great opportunity and would get us a start with a number of customers, a completely set up block yard, and be able to accommodate almost any size order. We probably won't know for sure if this deal will go thru until after Christmas, but we are pretty excited about it.

I will be taking a trip to Mexico while we are back in the State over Christmas. Innotec has started a block business in Saltillo, Mexico and I am going there to see if I can help them out a bit and also learn from them as well. It should be interesting.

Kruger

2007-11-25T17:12:00.000-05:00

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Last weekend we were invited to go with our neighbors to Kruger National Park. What an experience!

What amazing sites and picture perfect moments. I felt as if we were part of a National Geographic Safari! We saw plenty of elephants, baboons, impala, kudu, buffalo, giraffes, and little animals like lizards and monkeys. It was just weird to be driving and there in front or behind you were these wild animals living in thier own habitat and at any moment can charge the vehicle or can be attacked by a lion or cheetah. We drove for about 7 hours total through the park and we only saw only 1/16th of the park or less. We did not see any rinos, lions, cheetahs, hyena etc, but the rush of the possibility kept you looking for more. Scott even purchased some binoculars at one of the camps in the park. It is a big game park - so beautiful and so exciting! We will definitely be back to safari some more. It is amazing to see God's creatures in the wild and not at the zoo!! AMAZING!!! Here are some of our pictures of our exciting weekend:

Kudu

A Kudu deciding to stop traffic. In the car next to the Kudu is another couple we went with.

Impala fighting

Baboon and her young.

Chillin' out in a tree

Giraffe

Herd of elephants - Look at all the little ones!

Alex, Maddie and Elzette in front of an elephant skull

Buffalo

Here is a video I found while researching Kruger Park. I guess you never know what you might see there. (You may want to watch it first before you let your kids watch)

When I was taking a picture of the buffalo, little to my knowledge this lizard was nestled in a broken tree branch about eye level to me. I turned my head and boom there he was!

At one of the camps in Kruger - notice all the bats hanging over Alex's head!

Maddie and Elzette. They have become very close friends.

Eating Breakfast in the morning

At dinner with the group! What great company!

Gotta love this picture! Scott ordered a rump steak that you cook yourself!

Alex had enough and slept the night away on the bench behind us!

I know I always put pictures of the scenery of our trips - but it is simply breathtaking (these pictures do not do it justice). Kruger is 3 hours from our house and the drive is spectacular!! On the way there it was dark so we did not see any of this - then on the way home we were just taken back by the sights.

BEAUTIFUL! Here is an amateur video of our drive.

http://s221.photobucket.com/albums/dd12/lialeenstra/?action=view&current=krueger032.flv

Ending our weekend with the sunset. Do not let the sunset on your day without giving thanks to God for all the wonderful blessings he has given you!! What a wonderful Creator we serve!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

2007-11-22T04:02:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving is a time

of gratitude to God, our Creator and Provider,

whose guidance and care go before us...

and whose love is with us forever.

Thanksgiving is a time

to reflect on the changes, to remember that we, too, grow and change

from one season of life to another.

Let us remember the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

Let us acknowledge the many blessings which are ours...

let us think of our families and friends..

and let us give thanks in our hearts.

~~Author Unknown~~

We are thinking of all of you on this Thanksgiving Day, wishing we could be there!

We have so much to be thankful for and God has blessed us so much!

We are especially thankful for all of you!

For all your prayers, support and

encouragement over the last few months.

You truly are blessings from God!

GOD IS GOOD!

WE LOVE YOU!

Update from Scott

2007-11-19T07:08:00.000-05:00

Everyone wants to know how the business is going. So, here it is.

Setting the business up has been a major struggle. Since the day that I have arrived, we have been trying to get the business registered with SARS (South African Revenue Service). It has been a long process that is still a struggle. The accounting firm that we are working with has stuggled with getting documents to them and SARS has managed to lose documents as well. We hope that by the end of this week SARS will have all the documents they need as long as they don’t get lost again.

For the past 2 months we have been working on getting a location to set up our block yard at. Our first location was a good spot but the owners could not agree with each other where we should be. After 3 weeks of trying to meet with them and get a contract set up we decided to look elsewere. As we were looking for a good supplier of sand, we decided to ask if they had a spot for us to set up. They felt confident that they could accommodate us but wanted to discuss it with all the parties involved. The next week they gave us the go ahead. This was a great opportunity because it meant that we didn’t have to spend money to ship the sand to our block yard (25% material cost saving), they had power and water available so we didn’t have to pay for the cost of installing a power drop and drilling a well, there is 24 hour security on the site, and we didn’t have to purchase a fork truck because they have one that we could use. This sounded great so we had our equipement sent to the site, bought all the necessary stuff to power up the machine and hook into their water system. Today we received a call from the sand quarry that we can no longer put our block yard there. Apparently they had a verbal agreement with their biggest customer that no one could set up a block yard on their sand quarry site or the customer would buy sand from someone else.

We have other options for a block yard, but this means we have to start over again with getting things set up. We will more than likely need to pay a bunch of money to get power to the site, get water, buy a forktruck, and also build a building with bathrooms and showers. We have been to 12 meetings in the past 3 weeks at possible block yard sites where the people don’t show up because “something else” came up. Which we would understand if they would at least call and cancel, but we have driven out to the site (20-30 minutes) and arrive to meet with no one. So 1 hour round trip x 12 meetings is a bunch of wasted time.

Sales have been slow. We are quoting a large church and are excited about getting that business. We are also still planning on doing a bunch of security walling for a large development. Both of these projects will probably start February of next year. This is probably good seeing as we don’t have a place to manufacture our blocks yet.

Our truck has been in for repairs twice in the past month, so we are doing a good job at spending money that we are not yet making. J The good thing is that Khensani hasn’t quit yet and we are still positive (most of the time) that we will get this thing going. We are learning patience and how to deal with set backs. Pray that things turn around and we can get things moving forward soon.

Check out our flyer!! (just click the picture to make it larger)