Our time in the States has been both a blessing and a challenge. It has been so wonderful to be here for the year and to enjoy friendships, family, church and all the comforts that America has to offer. On the other hand there is a nagging and tugging at our hearts that this is just not home. Our hearts burst with anticipation to be back in Africa and all that God has for our family as we serve Him there.
It has been so special for us and the boys to be close to family. A huge blessing has been that the boys have really enjoyed hanging out with the Aunties, Uncles and Gram and Gramp. We are so thankful for their love and kindness to us and for their loving extra measure of patience just when we have needed it. As the boys are older now it has been interesting for Lad and I to see through their eyes about their experience living in Africa. They have gone through tons of emotions as their little hearts have processed what our family does. They have had many questions too, voiced their fears about going back and seem to be mourning already at the thought of saying goodbye and in the same breath looking forward to and saying hello again to Africa. It has been good and we are thankful they are able to share their feelings as we talk and pray through all of them.
The boys (Squire and Wyatt) are almost finished with their home schooling for the year and will start a new grade at their school in Africa at the end of January. At the beginning of the year the task seemed daunting to a mom who has never home schooled before and I am happy to say the end is in sight and I think that they actually learned something! The baby, Crusoe is not a baby anymore he is definitely into full-blown toddler life and trying to keep up with those big brothers. The boys had the opportunity to play fall soccer this year and it was so fun to see them running and having a blast being on a team and playing with friends.
The year has been busy and full and we do praise God for our time here. We are getting excited about turning our hearts and hands toward Africa once again. We count it a huge privilege that you are on this journey with us through your prayers and partnership with us. Our family could not survive without you! Thanks for making our time here a good transition for our family and especially for our boys. We look forward to this next term in Africa with you on our team! Love, Crystal
8 comments:
We look forward to seeing you guys here in Africa soon. We have another 5 people who came on board to work with us in Swaziland. The Brennan Family was in Bulembu but because of some circumstances they are on board with Cup. Have an awesome holiday season!
Awh that is hard but man- AFRICA!!! I can't wait to get to hang with you guys out there!!!
crystal you are gorgeous! and the boys are sooo big now! wow :)
hey guys the family looks great!!
when r u going back to swazi? R u already there? I hope to get over there this summer. would love to vist with lad about what you guys are now involed with. hope to hear from you. Merry Christmas
Mike(tampa fl)
popes@verizon.net
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year...we are praying for you guys! Excited for you in your return to Africa. Love, DJ and Allison
Hi Lad and Crystal,
Looking forward to reading some new posts on your blog. Please include lots of pictures too. It was such a blessing to have had you here for 9 months. Love and hugs to all of you.
Does anyone have a 100% guarantee'd way to get ahold of Lad and Crystal other than this Blog? I just found them and wasn't sure if there is a better email or way to do so. If anyone can help me please email me at MopsAudrey@yahoo.com
You are amazing. Can't wait till you're in a spot that allows you to update your blog with lots and lots of pic.s.
www.sharingnotes.blogspot.com
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