We arrived back on our island on Monday. I have not posted any news for weeks, so I’ll start with the present and work my way backwards.
Yes, I know that some of you picked up on the plural pronoun in the first sentence. Dries was blessed with a ticket to attend the mission conference of our supporters in Potchefstroom, held in Parys this year. So, he thought it a good idea to keep it all a secret and surprise me on the airport after I had landed in Johannesburg. Well, he almost gave me a heart attack, jumping out from behind a pillar with his phone in his hand trying to capture my expression of surprise. Amidst all the excitement, he managed to mostly film my feet, but nevertheless, a welcome surprise.
The mission conference was hosted at a lodge in the small, but charming town of Parys. All I can say is that we felt very blessed to spend three days at such a beautiful place. We were well taken care of with exquisite meals, a room with all the bells and whistles, beautiful surroundings with the Vaal River never far from view. We were able to spend time with Freda and that was one of the highlights of our time there. The sessions focused on self-care in the life of a missionary and as I reflected back on our time there, it felt as if I have experienced enough care to last a long time. Apart from meeting other missionaries, Dries and I also connected with the faithful business people who support us in the field. There is so much to be thankful for and we departed feeling encouraged, refreshed and motivated for what lies ahead.
Dries was also there to support me when I had to write my French exam over two days. I was starting to wonder why I am putting myself through so much stress…and stressful it was, especially the oral part. God works in wonderful ways and His timing is always perfect. We met the Du Plessis family who serves in Burundi, at the conference. They are working on translating the very successful reading program, Reading Rocket, into French. As we cannot have computers at school anymore, I was informed that we could run the program in a group setting with a data projector and print the worksheets. And then I knew clearly that this was one of the reasons that I had to continue with studying French. So, this is a big project and I am looking forward to work with Eleanor who has already done exceptional work with the lessons. Please pray for wisdom and endurance.
To conclude our time in South Africa, Dries and I had a week’s holiday with our good friends Tobie and Claudia. We did a road trip and passed through beautiful towns like Dullstroom, Sabie, Pilgrim’s Rest, Bourke’s luck and then some days in the Kruger National Park. We felt like tourists and enjoyed it thoroughly.
Saying goodbye to family in Cape Town was particularly difficult this time. My mom had to undergo an operation for skin cancer and surgery at such an advanced age is never easy. She is recuperating well and please pray with us as we are waiting for some test results. Thank you to everyone that made my stay in the Cape so memorable; visiting beautiful places, the fellowship and as always enjoying good food. I am also thankful for the transport provided for the whole duration of my stay. It was once again evidence of God’s provision and love. God bless you all!
We are still trying to get used to the rainy season heat and humidity. We had an unexpected, violent storm last night with such strong wind and rain that the sea-facing part of our house was flooded when the rain was blown through doors and windows. So, this morning it was putting everything out to dry. Welcome back to Madaland!
E-posadres: lynettedj@gmail.com
Bank: ABSA, Lynette de Jager,
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Takkode: 632005