Looking back at 2012

It’s almost 2013. This year has blown by so quickly. What a year of change it has been for me.

I started 2012 saying goodbye to and watching my little sister move away from home and grow up.
I held a full time job in the food industry. Okay I was a lunch lady at the local community college but I learned a lot.
I took up sewing and made three quilts and many other little things.
I said goodbye to the most wonderful caring lady ever- My grandma.
I along with my sister stood up and told why she was the most wonderful and caring lady ever.
I took my first train trip across country to spend a week with my sister.
I took many evening walks with my best friend and her two sweethearts.
I met my new niece.
I catered and delivered food on a military base.
I watched a baby cardinal grow and leave its nest to fly free.
I baked a lot of cakes.
I entered a cheesecake contest.
I flew solo internationally.
I met and am living with some amazing people from all over taking care of some of the sweetest cutest little kids ever.
I have jumped in mud puddles to make a few of those kids laugh.
I have witnessed the most beautiful smiles.
I have watched 10 kids be welcomed into forever families.
I have seen 10 sets of parents become the happiest people on earth.
I have seen my brother (Joe) return to our home.

2012 has been challenging. But it has been rewarding. There are many more things that I have done this year. And I know the Lord was in each one. And will continue to be with me and you in 2013.

“...be strong and courgageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9

Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

May we all remember what this day is truely all about. The greatest Gift of all. JESUS. 

A few fun pictures from this morning.

Before presents were opened.

Maybe the hat was a little big.

In a box.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Moments.

 This blog was written over a few months. Just a couple priceless moments.

Oct 25  As I was sitting on the porch at the office checking facebook and email for updates from home. I look thru the office window to the other side where the lions and tigers are at preschool. Todays activity. Cookie Dough. I had given their teachers, Laila and Jedidah a recipe I had with no eggs. Totally edible. My curiosity got to me. I had to slip into class and help out. So I shut my computer and sneaked over there. Outside of course were 4 tables set up with excited children around them. Paired up and anxious for their cookies. After flour, sugar, sprinkles, butter and vanilla were passed out then came the fun part. The mixing. With hands. Some were hesitant some dove right in. All ate probably too much, including me. But who can resist cookie dough. With hands covered in the mixture with bright sprinkles in it, bellies full, and smiles on faces makes it all worth it not to be sleeping in bed during break. Its these moments that I am so glad that the Lord called me to TLC this year.

Nov 3. I have been on Lions bedtime for a few days now. But tonight was the best. J wouldn’t let go of my hand while cuddling in his bed. Its such a feeling to know that they need you. That you being there makes them feel safe and secure. I would have stayed and held hands with him all night if I could. This moment made a long day worth it.

Nov 22. Thanksgiving.  All the food was prepared and even loaded in the van. Then the rains begin. Like hard rain. We pull the van as close as we can to the nursery. Then with pies and green bean casserole in hand we ran to the creepy room. Flip flops thrown to the side. Sweatshirt soaked. But the food all made it to the table. The table filled with food was soon surrounded by friends. Some learned that Jello is a salad. Some had stuffing for the fist time. Food was enjoyed, laughs we had, wine was sipped. Being away from home and America this was a good alternative. This showed me that this is feeling more like home. It was a good end to the day.

Dec 17. We didn’t have a cook it was nap time and a meal needed preparing. But there was a baby not sleeping. So like an African mama I attached him to my back with a blanket and we headed to the kitchen. He helped me make tomato basil soup. Its these moments that make being here worth it.

Some ABC'S of life at TLC.

A great group of volunteers to live and work with from all over the world.

Baking cookies and cakes on night shift, days off and nap times.
Cooking in a microwave because that is all our cottage has.
Dinners of two minute noodles because you just cant eat another meal of rice and stew.
Early mornings (530) are normal and easy.
Forever families on adoption week, blessing us and thanking us for taking care of their kid till they could themselves.
Goats, geese, chickens, pigs all passed daily on the walk to work.

Hugs and kisses whenever you want them or need them.
In three months finally being use to not closing the microwave after use.
Jumping on the trampoline with 7 lions.
Kids everywhere of all ages.
Lack of water for days at a time.
Movie nights, game nights, scrap booking nights and bonfires.
Nappies smelly with poo in the morning, afternoon and night.
Off days at The Glen (the mall near by)
Packages and letter from home always make your day/week.
Quiet moment after a lot of screaming and crying that will always be cherished.
Rain storms that scare you.
Splashes during bath time leaving you soaked.
Thanksgiving dinner cooked by the Americans and shared with 6 other countries.

Undies and flipflops. Must needs for one of our lions when first woken up.
Vomit everywhere on everything on weeks when all is sick.
Wishing you can take each and every kid home with you.
Xylophones being played by grubs. No rhythm. But so cute.
Yearning for more of HIM and needing to spend more time with Him but so tired at the end of the day.
Zealous trips to the outdoor fridge after a food donation to grab ones favorite foods.

The Goal is PATIENCE.

The lessons are wide and many.
They are when we take the Creepies for a walk and every 5 minutes we are stopping to get them to keep walking.
They are when all the grubs are crying at the same time.
They are them E cries and cries and I don’t know what to do but hold and rock.
They are when B wees all over the changing table.
They are when the lions wont sleep at nap time.
They are when F doesn’t want to listen to me but gives me the biggest smile.
They are when A takes FOREVER to eat.
They are when G or H has the hiccups and I feel helpless.
They are when the Lions see the water in the memory garden and continue to play in it.
They are when I know a package is one the way but it doesn’t show up for over a month.
They are when our ride to the Glen is over an hour late.
They are when someone tries to tell me how to bake or use the oven.
They are when there is no water or electricity because of a big storm.
They are when I really want D to start crawling but all she does is roll and spin.
They are when German is spoken in the Nursery.
They are when I feel like I am being judged for being Me and Loving HIM. 
They are when I don’t get prayer and questions answered right away.
They are when I feel my throat getting sick again.
They are when all I want to do is run home for a big hug from my daddy.

L and I wading in the stream.

Each day it seems that I am tested. The kids are good at it. The Lord is good at it. All I can do is try each day to be better at patience than the last.

91

Its day 91. I have been here almost 3 months. Days seems to be easier now. I remember that first week. Being overwhelmed, tired and unsure. I'm still tired. Taking care of kids is tiring. But, I am no longer overwhelmed or unsure. In three months I have learned what each child needs.
Whether its a couple extra minutes to wake up after nap so they aren't grumpy.
Or a confident voice telling them that they need to get into the bathroom.
Or maybe I just need to kiss all of their owies before they can fall asleep at night.
Or hold their hand so that they know someone is there as they drift off to sleep.
Or maybe its a chase around the garden with a tickle at the end after I tell them for the 15th time to get their fingers out of their mouth. Just so they know I DO love them.

In three months you learn that the schedule is a guide line. You don't have to follow it to point. We are after all working with kids not robots. Sometimes they need to just sit down and relax. Which is what we did during our morning nap this morning.

Its been a really good three months. I have been able to see over 10 kids go home to forever families. I have helped welcome 6 new babies to our family here at TLC. I have made friends with people all over Europe. I have been able to return to the the Country that stole my heart. Though its not the same as where I lived before the people are still beautiful. The sunsets and rises are more colorful. The stars brighter.

Three questions.

A couple days ago A friend asked me a few questions about my time here. Thought I would share with you.

What is God teaching me? On a daily basis Patience is a huge thing. It's hard working with kids and not having any. I catch myself taking my frustration out on them. Which isn't good. Or like today when we went for a walk. Should we really expect one and a half year olds to walk perfectly for a half hour. We always do. "Yelling" at them to keep walking. What is wrong with stopping to write in the dirt or pick up rocks. We have nowhere to go.

How is this different than any of my other Africa experiences? Not being surrounded by a team of Christians to pray, laugh, cry, talk, dream, hope, live with. Totally different living with lots of different people from all over. So many different views on things and values.

Favorite memory so far?  I don't know this is a tough one. This week Wednesday I and two others went for a hike with some kids at he local nature preserve. It was a great day. I took L. She is about 1 1/2. A little grumpy in the beginning. But ended up falling asleep while I carried her. Then we all had a nice picnic snack and played in the stream for a bit. Then I carried her "African Mama" style all the way back about 30 min. She fell asleep. It felt so right. So normal. That is a top one. But those moments when you walk into a room and a kid calls your name and runs to you for a hug cant be beat. Or when one falls asleep on you. Such good memories. I'm trying to write down all of my Highs on a simi regular basis.

I would love to answer any questions that you have about my time here. I guess I don't think I have anything to say but there is loads. Maybe questions would help.

changes

November has been a month of change. We have said goodbye to 5 of our babies. The two girls I previously wrote about and then this last week three more. All three will grow up in Denmark. I was on night shift so I didn’t really get to meet the families. But what I hear they were very nice and excited for their children.

H had just moved up to creepies. As a grub she was everywhere. Always into everything. Once she moved to creepies I think she got intimidated because she didn't crawl as much. But just days before her family came she took her first solo steps across a room. We were all excited. I was able last week to take her and S to the Glen (Our mall) for a day out. It was a good last memory. H did such a great job. She even walked a bit holding Simone and My hands. She is a grabber though. You had to steer the shopping cart right in the middle or she would take everything off the shelf. She always smiled for the camera. She wasn’t a favorite on night shift because of her ear piercing scream/cry. But she was and is a beautiful girl who lucked out with parents and a big brother.

S also left. Her and H left on the same day. Their parents got to meet. S is a sweetheart with a bully side. If a grub was crying usually S was near by having pulled hair or taken a toy away or crawled over them. I was able to on many occasions to do her hair. She was one of very few with long enough hair to braid. She always looked so cute with it up. S is a dancer. When I first arrived at TLC and met her she would sway back and forth if you started to and sometimes even when you didn’t. She loved the Johnny Jump Up. Jumping as high as she could. I think she thought she was flying. Her face always had a huge grin on it. S was ready for a family. Needing a lot of attention. She too now has a older brother. Im excited for her. She is so clever and I know will adapt to her new life quickly.

After saying goodbye to the two girls a few days later M left. He was a nursery favorite. An easy baby. Also went to bed well and played nice with others. He was a looker too. I always called him an African Model. He always points his toes. So I think he will be a diver or gymnast. Just a guess. He always wore a smile unless he gave you the evil eyes. Both were equally cute. I did not meet his family but I know that he has two parents who love him and waited a long time for him. He will grow up loved. There is no way someone couldn’t love him.

Since we have lost so many babies we were in need of new ones. We have gotten two in the last week. The first to arrive is F. He is about 4 months and a cutie. He loves to cuddle. The second is G. She is 13 days old. She is 5 lbs. With long fingers and toes and a head of hair. I think she is the littlest baby I have held. She mostly sleeps. Once in a while she opens her eyes. We were all excited to get her because it meant that our nest would open back up. Now we are waiting for more babies to share the next with G.

Sorry for the delay

Wow I was doing so good with this blogging thing. I guess lately I have felt like everyday is the same. Well, this past week I worked nights. Those are always the same. So its hard to think of something interesting that I think you will want to read. But, maybe my everyday things are interesting enough.

Like knowing that I probably change 30 nappies/diapers a day. And that is just a guess. I will have to count one day. Then times that by a year. Im sure it will be a large number.

Or that the other night during night shift I caught and flushed 5 cockroaches in the nursery. You don’t want to kill them because that is when they lay their eggs. The toilet is the best.

The other day one of our mama goats died so now there is a bucket with teats for the kids to eat from. Its kind of a sad site to walk past everyday. The poor guys look all alone without mom.

How about the numerous walks we take with the creepies and lions. There are four destinations really. To the chickens. (Which is always a risk in the summer with the spitting cobras (they like the chicken eggs)) To the preschool playground. A change of pace from our nursery one. To the turtles, for a short walk. Or to the “new farm” This is where Pippa and her kids live. Its just a short walk away sometimes through a herd of cows. Walks are good they usually tire the kids out. Which is the goal for nap time. Once in a while we get creative and daring and go someplace new like when we visited the horse next door, thanks to our wall blowing down in a storm.

I could tell you about how I feel like a mom more and more everyday. Its moments when I call the kids the wrong name, or get upset about no changing table in the mall bathrooms. I was just sitting in the nest the other night, holding and looking at our newest baby. G came to us 10 days old and so little. I just cant imagine having one so little be mine. Like part of me. Im so use to holding and loving others babies. It will be foreign when its mine.

Then there is the turtle family who live in our memorial garden. The creepies are scared of them and half the lions. But, it makes really cute videos. Ask me when I get home and I will show you.

Then there are all the dishes to wash. The clothes to wash and fold and put away. The floors to be swept and mopped. The formula to mix and the snacks to prepare during nap time.

I remember when I first got here how there was so much to remember that I would never feel like I knew it all. But I do. And each time I am trained on something new ( like meds or the nest) I get excited.

Goodye sweet girls.

This weekend we said goodbye to two of our babies. Both of them will be staying here in South Africa with families that are local.  It’s nice to know that they will be keeping their South African culture. There is just something special about both local and international adoptions. But the two girls that left are best suited for a local adoption.

N is and always will be an adventurer. She would always be the first to break out of the Grubs room. She even made it outside by the pool a couple times. She was the reason I would wear a towel as an apron during bath time. She LOVES to splash. And nothing and no one could stop her. She always made a swimming pool on the floor of the bathroom. She has one of the cutest smiles and almost always showed it for a picture. She is a girl that needs attention. And Lucky her she got a mom, dad and a big sister. She will get all the attention she wants.

B is clever. She is also a bit of a trouble maker. Always the first to run away. We put shoes on her that squeeked when she walked. Not to track her down but because it was funny. Her first words were “stop it” I suppose because she heard them so much from the volunteers. She is a bit older. I am so happy that she was able to get a family. The older they are the harder it is. But her mom is perfect for her. Truly an African mama. B will grow up to be just like her. What a perfect match.

I know that both these girls are happy in their new homes with their new families starting their new lives. But TLC wont be the same without them. We have three more leaving next week.

UBUNTU

ubuntu |oŏˈboŏntoō|

noun

a quality that includes the essential human virtues; compassion and humanity.

Wikipedia

Ubuntu (Zulu/Xhosa pronunciation: [ùɓúntʼú]; English: /uˈbʊntuː/ oo-BUUN-too) or "uMunthu" (Chichewa) is an African ethic or humanist philosophy focusing on people's allegiances and relations with each other. Some believe that ubuntu is a classical African philosophy or worldview^[1] whereas others point out that the idea that ubuntu is a philosophy or worldview developed in written sources during the second half of the 1900s.^[2] The word ubuntu has its origins in the Bantu languages of southern Africa.

What we came up with. 

Family, Loving each other, influence, connection, respect, honesty, sharing, belonging

"We can be human only together", 

"I cant be myself without you being yourself" 

"Its asking more of ourselves that others."

"A person is only a person because of other persons."

We spent our volunteers weekend looking at this word and what it means and what it looks like for us. As a team. As a family. In the nursery. In our cottages. At TLC. 

It was a good weekend getaway. Relaxing, not having to worry about the kids. Like parents, we talked about the kids in almost every conversation. But it was great to be just us To get to know each other a bit better and to just have fun. 

Back on day shift.

I haven't blogged in a while. Sorry. I just got off Night Shift. So I didn't have much time to use internet or write a blog. My days were spent sleeping or trying to sleep.

Its so nice to be back on days and with the kids. Its surprising how much you miss them for the week when working nights. You don't see many of the older ones till morning. The lions like to get up around 5am. So there is an hour in there that we were able to just sit on the couch and read books together. Some good cuddle time.

One thing that I have come to really enjoy doing is the Girls hair. Well just the ones with long enough hair to do. The kids all got hair cuts so I am down to one. Its fun to make them look all pretty. I have to say I impress myself each time. A white girl doing black girls hair. I really just do it how I would mine and it turns out good. S doesn't even cry. She wiggles a bit but does great.

This weekend all the volunteers and the kids will be gone from the nursery. Us volunteers are going away for the weekend on a small retreat. We are all looking forward to it. I will be sure to tell you all about it. We are just hoping for some nice weather while we are away. Its been a bit cold here lately. And since we are going to be gone the babies will each go with a family for the weekend. Im sure they will be spoiled and loved on so much. Their routines will be messed up and disrupted but we are all excited. We will miss the babies but are excited to have it just be us.

Prayer Requests: A good weekend filled with bonding and building up of each other. We have a great group right now, so it should be fine. Also for health. The one day bug has hit. I think its just about gone. I didn't get hit and would love to get prayer that I don't. I would love to escape this one. Pray that those kids (we have 2 now) who have families waiting for them can have everything sped up so that they can go home with their forever families soon. The courts shut down in December for the holidays so if they don't go before that then it means they have to wait till Jan or Feb.

Saying goodbye to J.

Written Oct 12.

We have had three kids go home with their forever families since I arrived at TLC. This last one was the hardest for me. J was a overall favorite in the nursery. He was an adventurer. He would spend time awake in the night hanging out with the night shift. He just started walking. Just started talking. He always seemed to make a mess drinking his milk out of a sippy cup. Usually shaking it till he was covered. He gave the best hugs. And his talking though you couldn't understand was so cute and uniquely his. In the short time I was blessed to spend with him he made a home in my heart. 

Today saying goodbye was such a special thing to be a part of. There were several of us volunteers there when his parents came to pick him up. We passed him around for final goodbye hugs and kisses. Im sure it was all confusing. Then one final group picture and his parents took him. He went held in his dads arms out our doors and into his new life. 

While I am SO HAPPY and EXCITED for him he will be missed. Already this evening when I put of the pjs that he normally wore on to another child. But tonight he is going to bed (well hopefully) with his mom and dad right there beside him. From what I got to know of them they seem like great people. They will be blessed each day by J. His life and theirs will never be the same. 

Lord, Look after them in the coming weeks as they all adjust to their new family. Help J to love them and find comfort and security in their arms. THANK YOU for giving J a forever family. Amen.

The Glen

Once a week we get a day off. Its always well needed working 10 hour days the other six days. So off days usually look like sleeping in. Anything past 530 is sleeping in. (Dad you should be proud. I'm almost a morning person.) Then relaxing. Skype is always in there somewhere and now baking will be for me. Well this past Wednesday we went to the local mall. There were 5 of us. The night shift ladies and then the two of us who had the day off. We took with us 5 of the babies. You know when you are attached to the kids when you find yourself with them even on off days. They are just too cute to leave behind and not see everyday.

So the 5 of us. See above. Got up early and got our babies ready for the day. Packed a nappy bag and fixed bottles for the day. Figured out how we were going to carry them. Stroller or not. We decided on just using carriers. Then went out to meet our driver. Only he wasn’t there he was at the airport picking up someone but couldn’t find them. So after moving around schedules. Anne and Zoe were able to take us. R and D fell asleep in the car. Too cute. So did M and C. But once at the mall, which is called The Glen, they were all open eyes and looking around.

Walking through the mall you could tell who was okay with white girls carrying black babies. We had a few comments. One lady kept saying “bless you” and “You can’t blame the babies”. I know that everyone who saw us had something to think about. That may be my favorite thing about having them with us. It would make one wonder why we had them. Are they ours?  That question was asked to almost all of us. We always explained that we worked at a children’s home.

We ate at a cafe for lunch each of us with a baby on our laps. Well except for M he’s a little big. My little one sat on one knee the whole time content. She did so good. I loved carrying her around. She slept a lot. So precious.

It was a good experience. I would do it again for sure. Having a baby didn’t stop me from getting my errands done. It just gave me a glimpse into what a real mom would experience on a daily basis. I know she isn’t my baby. But she has my heart and I love her and loved spending the day with her.

After I hung our new mirror in our bathroom. We didn’t have one. Its nice to know what we look like now. Oh the little things that make you happy in life. And then I skyped with my mom then went to see the other kids and went to a donut party in the evening. It was a good day off. 

Lions Nap Time.

Written October 7th.

There must be a trick to getting six kids (Ages 2-3) to take a nap at the same time in the same room. But I don't know what it is. Yesterday was a rare day in which they all nodded off. Usually after I have read three books they are all wide awake. Maybe one is asleep. The other five proceed to make as much noise while laying in bed as they possibly can. The twins usually food wrestle. James and Lewis usually have their heads never on their pillow and hands in the air. James also loves to talk while having two fingers in his mouth. Not sure how its possible. If I tell Sally to close her eyes and sleep she will close her eyes tight and stay like that for about a minute then open them and continue to lay there with her feet on the wall by her bed.

I have been on Lions nap for the last 8 out of 10 days I think. Its beginning to be a pattern. One that I am becoming more okay with. At first it was really frustrating. I was becoming the bad guy. The one that always yelled at them. Or so that is how I feel they see me.

It is like i was back in Jbay at Ithemba with my kids. There I was the only one who would discipline the kids. It was an internal struggle that I fought of whether they knew I loved them.

Its that way again. But this time I have experience of Ithemba and knowing how much those kids loved me and knew I loved them even if I had to punish them at times. I also have this cool bubble gun that I attack them with at the end of nap time along with some tickles and kisses. A good balance of serious and fun. They are a great group of kids. Each one their own person. I think that I will continue to be on Lion's nap time. They tend to like to use some consistency with the lions. Since I am here for a year Im consistency.

Prayers would be appreciated as to how to deal with each kid at nap time. Our biggest thing is they need not to nap in the morning at school. That would be a brilliant start. That was the case yesterday. So they were all tired at lunch just in time for naps.

The Lord is here.

I get reminded every time I finish a long and stressful day. There are and always will be moments that you could not get through if the Lord wasn't present. They don't even have to be HUGE moments. Life changing moments. It could be little ones. Like today when all the Grubs kept crying. And they had no reason (that I could see or tell) for the tears. Or when one of the lions went overboard into the pool and I had to act quick to rescue him. Or when one of the kids have a really messy, smelly, gross poo and I get to change the nappy. Or when you put three kids in a stroller and it decided to break and one falls out the back. Or relaxing drinking Milo (kind of like Hot chocolate) with co-volunteers and laughing after a long day. 

So many moments in my day would go terribly wrong if the Lord wasn't with me. Don't get me wrong there are times when I feel as if he has left or is just watching to see what I will do. Mostly that is Lion nap time when no one wants to sleep. But even that was better today. 

"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear, do not be discouraged.For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."  WHAT TRUTH!

A few pics.

A walk to chase chickens for a bit.

Bath time is fun and everyone walks away getting wet.

What a cutie.

Bedtime bottle.

Commenting on Comments.

So Im in Africa. Must seem like this is getting normal for me. I have only been here 4 times. At the end of this trip I will have spent almost 3 years on this continent. Since Graduating High School I have spent more time out of state then in. I have spent more time away from home. More holidays. More birthdays.

It has gotten easier. But I still LOVE to hear from home.

One easy way to contribute to that is the button just below this blog and all others called "comments".  I would love to hear what you think. Do you have questions about my blog or life for me at TLC? You can just say Hi. I would love to hear from you and know that people read this. And not just on this entry this one time. But on others. It doesn't have to be every one but once in awhile stay a second longer and post a comment.

I challenge you (my readers) to not let a blog go by without a comment for the rest of the year. I don't ask to be love often. But here on the mission field away from support, family, friends, little reminders are always nice.

A few photos of life at TLC

My cottage. My window is on the left.

A hand of hope. She is 7 months old. She is Beautiful.

It was the Lord.

*Written yesterday. Due to sudden power outage I was unable to post till now.

So I sit here in my cottage after an exhausting week of night shift. Everything happened from no power to a baby every night sick with temperature to being vomited on to freezing because of a lack of knowledge of how to use the heater remote to having a cold the entire week. Now that its over I look back and know that it was only the Lord that got us thru each night.

When two babies screamed and cried for 4 hours constantly it was the Lord who finally calmed them so they could sleep.

When out power was out it was the Lord who made our boiled water last thru the day and night so warm bottles could be made for the babies. (We always have hot water boiling in a boiler.)

It was the Lord who kept me going each night even though all I wanted to do was curl up and sleep.

The Lord was the one who provided some peace last night after a long week. Babies slept, power stayed on and all chores done by 1am.

When a baby couldn't sleep so they stayed up and hung out with us  it was the Lord and His Joy that radiated off the child as they would laugh and smile knowing they were special to be up late.

It was the Lord who go us thru mounds and mounds of laundry and sinks full of dishes.

I look around the farm. In the Main house. In the nursery. I see God everywhere. On the farm, He's in the baby goat and piglets. New to life and exploring. He is in the laughter and the questions and the love that you see from the main house children. In the nursery, He's in the volunteers when they hold a crying child or dance and sing even if it looks funny, because it puts a smile on the kids face. He's in the moments when a kid comes up to you and asks for a cuddle or blows you a kiss. He's in those early morning hours where the babies are just starting to get restless and wake up. He's in the BIG and the little. He's present.  I think sometimes I get too busy in my day to see him. I was just putting all my pictures I have taken on my computer and saw God in each one.

The Creepies!

Let me tell you about my favorite group of children here at TLC.  They are the creepies. Ages 1-1 1/2 years. 

Leah is a typical african.  Well She will be when she grows up.  She has a big bum, tummy and cheeks. Right now she has four teeth so when she smile it is the cutest thing you have seen. He eyes turn to slits. He cheeks take over her face and her four teeth show. She is a sweetheart. Always giving kisses to others and hugs.  And her laugh is precious. She is a huge helper, always helping push a stroller filled with a younger child on walks.

Barbra does her own thing. When you want her to go left she goes right. When you want her to walk she stands still. It takes a lot of coaxing to get her to follow. A bit hesitant. The other day she was wearing pants that kept falling down. She went on walking around with them around her ankles till she fell over. It was funny. Eventually we found her pants that fit.

Gregory is explained by my favorite shirt for him "Here come trouble"  If someone is not napping- its Greg. If someone is throwing or eating dirt- its Greg. If someone is crying- its Greg. But he is too cute. And he loves his food. Always eating up lunch and dinner and wanting more snack at snack time.

Josh is the littlest full timer we have in creepies. He just moved up from Grubs. He can walk. I have seen it and each day he walks more but always chooses to crawl. He seems to be a favorite of the day volunteers that come once in a while. He is next on the list for adoption so soon he should have a mom and dad. Which is exciting but a little said that we will have to say goodbye to him.

Chris is the oldest.  So smart and always smiling. He is going to start going to preschool with the Lions soon. He has a great laugh.

Allen comes to us for the day from the next farm over. His foster mom helps run the Nursery here at TLC. He is a monkey. Long and lean. He doesn't walk a bit. He is officially the youngest of the group.

Rose is our newest. She and her sister came almost a week ago.  She is an explorer. Since basically everything here is new to her. She is also a sharer. She tries to give her food to others. I think this comes from growing up with no food and having a little sister. Its sweet. She is quite a bit smaller than she should be since her mom drank while pregnant. Still learning her name. Actually she is having to learn the english language. But she is doing great and fitting in just fine. Leah always goes up to her and says "baby" and gives her a kiss. Too cute.

The creepies are each so different. But so much fun. I pushed them for an hour on the swing the other day each one loving flying high and spinning. They cried when I would take them out.

A day in the life.

So I promised you a better update.

How about what a day is like here. With tidbits of knowledge thrown in.

My alarm goes off at 530am.  I know quite early. I give myself a half hour to get dressed and ready for the day and to walk to the nursery. I live in Calli cottage. When they were built those who donated the money for the cottage got to name it. I am in one of the three down the lane from the main house and Nursery. So I have a 2-4 min walk to and from. On this walk I pass- a garden with three turtles in it. This is a memorial garden for all the children who have passed away. Not sure what the turtles are about but I know my niece would love that I live with turtles in my front yard. Then there is a broken stroller next to a burn barrel. I believe both are not used. Then going up the lane there is a garden on my right the whole way with a bunch of chickens penned in the middle of it. On my left I pass first geese. I asked a friend and we are not sure why they are here. Next is goats. They are milked and the milk then sold. There are babies now. So cute. Then comes the pigs. Also piglets. Not as cute since they roll in the mud all day. The pigs are sold for their meat.  Then there is a break. Next comes some playground equipment with soccer goals, trampoline, and all the essentials. By this time I am near the house. I pass by the main house first then the nursery. These are connected with many entry points. To enter the nursery we go thru the nursery kitchen. Then the fun begins. Already at 6 there are many kids awake. Usually with wee or poo (that is what 1 and 2 are here) filled nappies (diapers). Depending on the group you have, this changes day to day throughout the day, you change nappies, get them dressed and bathe them if it is the smaller ones. Then comes breakfast. Porridge for the little ones and toast for the Lions (that is our oldest group,up to age 4). Then there is milk. They drink a lot thru the day. Some of the milk is bought but some is milked from cows on the farm and processed onsite. (I had to dodge cow pies in the lane returning from dinner tonight). All this before 8. Then for the Lions they have preschool. The Creepies get to play and take a walk for a few hours before morning nap around 1030. The Grubs and fledgies play and hangout inside in the main nursery room.

So then at 1030 or 11 there is nap. Which is preceded by a nappy change. Nappies are changed when a poo is smelled otherwise.  All is recorded and kept on record. So its a memory test every time you change a bunch in a row. I might start carrying a pin and paper with me so I can write it down. Then nap time. Which means cleaning for us volunteers. Sweep and mop floors and pick up toys. Or spend some time washing dishes if need be. There is a specific job for that too. Its called wishy washy. But during naps no one is scheduled for it since we are basically free. Then after naps is a hour or so of play then lunch. Creepies and lions usually eat outside. A picnic each day. I like it. If its raining or cold we move the tables inside.  Lunch for lions and Creepies is whatever the main kitchen cooked for everyone. Big people food. The little ones in Grubs and Fledgies have their food made here. We do not buy premade. Its all home made. It actually looks and smells good. Banana, pumpkin, and mixed vegetable are just a few flavors. After lunch which for the creepies is a task in it self and and a good thing we eat outside. That way we don't have to clean up as much. The afternoon is filled with more playing and walks. A nap thrown in. Then tea and snack after nap. Then more play till dinner at 5. Dinner is eaten in the dining room by the lions. Outside or in depending on weather for the creepies. The Grubs are always inside in the main nursery room. Then after dinner is bath time for the creepies and lion. Then milk, story time and general wind down. By 7 all the kids are in bed and day shift is over and night shift begins.

I usually come home. Back down the lane and get ready for bed. Read and journal and then by 930 at the latest I am sleeping. Sometimes its 830.  As you can see its a busy crazy day running after children, pushing them on the swing, dancing and singing, throwing them in the air...

Then it all starts again the next day. There is usually a two or three hour break in there. Or you start later or get off early. My longest day was 11 hrs.

Hopefully, that gives you a little peak at what it is like for me at TLC.

Its hard work but worth it when you see the kids smile and they ask for a cuddle. Thats what some of the older ones call a hug. I am starting to have favorites. Along with favorite times with the different groups.

 I will try to tell you about some of the children soon. All the names will be changed for privacy reasons but I will try to keep with the same fake name as the year goes so it doesn't get confusing.

Till later.
Becca

A week in.

So Im here at the end of my first week. It is my day off. It was a good.
Some long days.
Learning names.
Learning duties.

All the volunteers are great. I am making friends. Its great to be a part of something.

I am at a lack of what to say right now. I promise a better update later on. I need to sit down and type it. But know that I am well and that it is going good here.

How to pray:
For energy for the long days. Yesterday I worked 11 hrs. But so far I have made it thru each day.
Patience -- It will take time for each of the kids to get use to me and see me as an authority figure.
For the two new little ones. They are doing well. Their mom visited the other day and she looked better than we all thought.

I'M HERE.

I finally arrived. I got in on Saturday late afternoon. Spent the evening unpacking then sleeping. I then had Sunday off. I slept in and finished unpacking. Then went and saw the babies. I had lunch with the Creepy's who are around 2 years. I then relaxed and showered. I then helped change the Lions, our oldest group. We then watched lion king and ate dinner. It was cute to see them react to all of the animals. I then helped put them to bed. All the kids are sweet.

Today has been my first official day. Training in the morning and now on a break and then more training in the afternoon. We have received two new babies. Their mother is dying of Aids. Please pray that this is an easy transition for them.

I know this is short but I promise to have longer next time. I need to get my computer up and running. 

Thanks for all the prayers. 

Becca

Leaving on a jet plane.

In just over an hour I will be boarding a plane. And tomorrow I will be stepping off and meeting my family for the next year.  I have been in the Dulles Airport since 11 this morning. Sitting and waiting till the next step. My passport has been checked. My carry on weighed ( They are now weighing them, they cant be over 16lbs. Which is impossible. I moved things around three times and finally the lady gave up and allowed me to carry it on. Yeah Jesus. Im sure its still over weight. The worry is that if the the bag were to fall it would would hurt someone or be hard to put back up. Shouldn't they just make sure that their latches are strong.  A little confusing).  Now all that is left is a few calls to family to say goodbye for the last time. Then I will be on my way. 

This opportunity has come so fast.  Four months ago did not I know I was going. I know its the Lord. I have tried to get back on my own and it never worked out. But this did. Everything worked out till the end (even though I am leaving one day later than planned). As I sit here I try to imagine what the next 12 months will be like. Lots of holding babies and playing with toddlers. But there will also be moments of laughter with other volunteers, moments of tears from missing home, moments of success when something new is figured out and accomplished. And through all of that the Lord is with me. 

I have a always will be comforted and spurred on by Joshua 1:9.  Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.   I was just recently given a simple reminder of this from some friends and they didn't even know that this is a verse that always speaks to me. Especially when traveling and doing missions. 

So here goes. I know that it will be a great year. And it will fly by. 

Next blog will be from my new home. 

In HIS time.

So today was to be the day.
I said my goodbyes, got my bags packed, drove to Detroit with Dad, did the last goodbye, then got in line.
That is where the day took a change.

I was told that my first flight was delayed and would not make my second one. That is the one that would get me to Africa. So the next hour and a half or so I stood there while the lady behind the desk figured out how to get me to Joburg. The problem: I checked into my flight last night and they couldn't get a hold of that airline to get me off that flight and on another. So long story short. My dad drove back to the airport and I put my bags back in my car and now I am sitting in my living room yet again.

I will be leaving tomorrow morning. I will just be delayed a day. I was told that that flight always has problems.


LESSON LEARNED TODAY: Don't check in online the night before when flying internationally. Its just as easy to do at airport.

Last Day.

Im down to less than 24 hours.
Bags are basically packed.
All that is left is goodbyes and family dinner.
Oh and a ride to the airport.

It's a GIRL!!!!!

The day has finally come. After waiting 9 months. The last few weeks especially hard. And I'm only the Aunt. 

World please meet my niece TESSA ABIGAIL DONAHUE.  She is Perfect.

 

Born @ 12:45am this morning (9-3-12(Labor Day)). 8 lb 8 oz, 21 3/4 long.

 

I met her this morning and couldn't take my eyes off her. It's going to be hard to leave this family on Thursday.  What a blessing they are to me. I couldn't ask for a better friend than Sarah. Even though we are at different places in life we are still close and I think always will be. And her three kids are shining lights in this world. Sophie with a "I can do anything" attitude, Deklan with sweet heart and now Tessa. Can't wait to see what a beautiful girl she grows up to be. Can't forget their daddy, Matt, who has always been like a older brother to me. I love you all and will miss you each very much. 

oops, Aunt Becca used flash baby Tessa didn't like it.

Soph is going to be a GREAT big sister.

More info.

Here is a great blog entry from the Lady in charge of TLC.  I thought that it gave a great overview. It's a little old but I found it informative. 

Go to Mom's Mosaic to read more about where I am going.

Time is disappearing

Yesterday marked one week left in Marshall. In Michigan. In The United States. 

Which means that today is my last Friday here in for a year. 

Next week I will be stepping off a plane back on to South African soil. I have waited for this for a while. 

I am excited. I am getting more ready as the time gets closer for this next season in my life. It will be a great adventure. I will gain many new friends, life lessons and wisdom. I would lie if I said I am nervous. So many questions run thru my head daily. Will my co-volunteers like me?  Will I be any good with the kids? What am I doing?  So you realize how long a year is, What if you don't like it? What will you do after the year is up? Am I packing too much (How does one pack for a year, anyway?)?

But I refuse to let those questions squash my excitement.

 In just over a week I will be holding little South African babies who people have "thrown away". I will be the one to show them love. To show them that they are wanted and will grow strong and make a difference in this world.

In just over a week I will be joining a team, no a family, of people from around the world who have signed up to do just what I have. People who I know will be my family before the year is over. Who will cause me to cry for days when a year from now i am saying goodbye to them. Who will be there to give me a big hug when I am having a bad day and to laugh and smile with me on really great days. People who will help me to learn all there is to learn to take care of the babies. Who will remind me how to do something that I have forgotten. 

Each time I get nervous, I remind myself that there is much more to be excited about. The lord has called me to this.

 He said Go and I am going.

Turtle.

So while watching Psych tonight I made my favorite niece, Soph, a pet turtle. I found it on Pinterest and the pattern and directions ( found here ) were easy to follow.  I think that he came out really cute.  I used scraps that I have left from other projects.

14 days to go...

 
Two weeks. 
Two weeks and I will be boarding a plane. 
A plane back to South Africa. 

So much to do.

I said my first good-bye yesterday. I spent the last 5 days with my sister in Nebraska having sister time. I left her yesterday morning. :( It was a great time of just me and her though. I was able to see what she does on a daily basis and meet her kids. Which got me excited for my own kids this next year.


Now there is packing to do.  I welcome any tips on how to pack for a year overseas. Seems a little overwhelming right now.

Pesto time!

My Basil is in full swing. Well it's not actually swinging but it has grown really really good.

See.

 

So I decided that I should do something with it before I head to Ne for a week.  Besides the garlic that dad picked up at the store on the way home, I had all the ingredients for pesto. I recently gave last years batch to a friend so it was time to replenish our freezer supply.  

For those who want to know how to make this easy sauce.  In a food processor or blender mix 2 cups basil (I always pack it in pretty good), 1/4 cup walnuts or pine nuts, 2 cloves of garlic, some Salt and a pepper.

  Mix it well.  Then drizzle in 2/3 cup of olive oil while mixing. Then add in 1/2 cup parm. Mix again. Then use fresh or freeze.






I use to freeze in peanut butter jars but in recent years have used ziplock bags so that I can break off what I want instead of thawing it all.



My favorite uses for pesto include- pesto cream sauce on pasta, cold pasta salad with chicken and veggies, tomato pesto soup.

Appletizers

So I was sitting in my yard just a little bit ago watching Cheech, Dexter and Yukon (all dogs) play.  My mind got thinking on all the things that will be coming with returning to South Africa.

Besides that orphans.  Which I am most excited about. Even if they aren't "orphans" I can't wait to see their faces and hear them laugh. Because no matter what, the kids of SA always smile and laugh.

Im excited for...

Appletizers. This would be a sparkling apple flavored drink. Kind of like the non-alcoholic grape drinks that can be found here in the states around new years. And I get to enjoy them first on the plane ride to.  

In SA their chip isle in the stores look like our cereal ones. So many flavors. And one of them, from Lays, comes in a light blue bag, Balsamic vinegar and Caribbean onion.  Wish they were sold here but it makes it only better when I get there.

Sunsets.  The always seem brighter and more colorful there.

Fruit n Veg.  Which is only the best fresh produce store ever.  It even sells smoothies and fruit salads.

There are many more things. These make the top of the list.

The countdown begins.

One month.
One more month till my feet, heart, and soul are back in South Africa.
One month to enjoy friends and family till the Lord takes me on my next adventure.

I have my visa, my plane tickets, all that is left is to get my bags packed.  Right now they are sitting in the guest bedroom with a few things in them and a couple piles around.

With a month to go, I’m not sure that it has hit me yet that I will be gone for a year. But, more than that that, I will be back to the country that stole my heat. To the kids that I have felt called to love since I first saw them and heard their stories.

4 of my kids from Jeffrey's Bay.

I got a call.

So I got the call today that my visa was APPROVED.  

I was called because I didn't include a per-postaged envelope with the application to get my passport back.

The visa was my last major thing besides packing before I leave. So I have a month to relax a bit. Enjoy friends and family. To go spend time with my sister for some quality sister time. To enjoy all the American privileges before I become African again.

I was asked today if I'm excited. I am. But its really a mix of feelings. I am excited to be back where I have left so much of my heart. But I know that it will be totally different than before. For that comes many other varied emotions.

Journal paintings

If you have ever been on a trip with me you know that I like to personalize my journals.  Each one is different.  I have made some our of cereal boxes (thanks Kristy), others are covered in magazine pictures. This time I have taken an idea from Sama, a past student of mine.  Last fall I picked up a old book from the book sale at our public library.  I have since then painted over the text so that I can write in it.  

Well I started with white paint. Then I ran out but had over half of the book was left. So I went and picked up come colored paint. Which resulted the second half being better looking. So my solution was to paint some color into the front pages. Well then those looked better. So I may have gotten carried away. As my sister reminded me "You are only going to write in it"  but now I will have some surprises as I journal each day.  Im excited to get it finished and start writing.  Here is a look at some of the pages. Still figuring out what the front will look like.