My last week in Africa

Well, my time in Africa is coming to a close this week. I can't believe how fast the summer (well winter here!) has gone. I've been praying that God would give me a way to say goodbye to my kids and to the friends I have made here....so far I don't have any idea how I'm going to leave. In some ways, I'm ready to come home and be with family and friends. But I'll be leaving such a huge part of my heart here in South Africa. Update on what's been going on. The team from my church arrived last Sunday and God has been very good in meshing our personalities really well. They have been a blessing, especially to have connection with home.

The first day that they were here, the primary school did a program for us that included lots of music and dancing done by my Grade 7 students. School was finished at 11:30 a.m. that day and the kids were thrilled. They treated us to dramas, music, dancing, a net ball game, and a soccer game. They wanted to say goodbye to me and thank you and it was one of the most beautiful days of my life. I came to South Africa to love 30 kids and got to meet and love a 1,000 more.

The team has spent time teaching at the school as well and the kids love it! We have been painting playground equipment, attending teenager bible studies, and anything else that the kids are involved in.

To be honest, I've been a bit of a basket case here. So many emotions, and God has just been working me for the last few weeks and I've cried more than I've ever cried before; laughed more than I've ever laughed; and have been sick for most of it! Please pray for healing of my body...I've been fighting bronchitis for 3 weeks, and now it has moved into my ears...not good with the many hours I will spend flying this weekend. You can also pray for healing of my heart. It has taken a battering here in many ways and I'm having to surrender everything to Jesus every blessed day. I listened to a sermon by my Pastor a few days ago about faith and if you aren't hurting and growing and suffering, how can your faith grow. This morning I told God that I needed a bit of a break from all the growing and hurting! I hope He's listening!

I start the long trek back to the states Friday night. Would appreciate prayers for safe travels and looking forward to seeing all of you when I return to Seattle. I'll be spending a few days in Los Angeles and then heading up to the cold, yucky weather. Sorry you all have had such a wet summer! But I had to have 2 winters this year!

Love to you all. Enjoy the newest batch of pictures! Dianne