January 26, 2025
We had a couple of eventful weeks to start off the New Year. The clean-up after the cyclone is still ongoing, but everything is up and running. Dries has almost completed the work on the new roof of our balcony. He is paying extra attention to make sure that it stays attached in the event of another cyclone.
The two girls, Annika and Anne, had arrived a little more than a week ago and was overwhelmed by the new environment and culture. In fact, it was an intense culture shock to them. So much so, that they doubted if they would be able to remain here on the island. With the intervention of their parents and also mediation by Thesi who you will remember came here as a volunteer a few years ago and who was the ideal person to encourage and advise, God touched their hearts. I think that the final turning point came when they visited the school for the first time and were able to look beyond the difficult circumstances. As is the case with children, the girls were immediately accepted by all. Both of the girls are very talented. They have been in the Royal Rangers since they were little children and can really contribute a lot to our Rangers. Anne is good with sport and Annika is artistic. Sounds to me as if we have the perfect duo to help us in the ministry for the next three months. It is also the perfect opportunity for them to grow in their faith by being completely dependent on God as their helper and provider. As they are in the process of deciding what they will be studying later in the year, it will also be a good time for quiet reflection and prayer. Please pray for the girls, because we are excited about what God will do in their lives. We have seen countless times how the mission field changes hearts and minds.
Dries took it all in his stride as the girls think the Land Rover is simply the ‘coolest’ car on the island. That observation seemed to be enough for him.
