Back in the swing of things

We are back from Johannesburg, South Africa. We had a good time visiting some places in Joburg that we have not been before.

One place was Monte Casino. Yes, they have a casino inside, but it's a really neat place. It's the neatest mall I have ever been to. You feel like you're walking down a village in Italy. The ceilings are painted with sky, stars, birds, etc. They have a Bird Garden outside that we went to and watched a bird show. We are not really big bird fans, but it was very interesting to watch the birds and learn some new things about each one. They also had other animals like mongoose, snakes, frogs, monkeys, but the kids really liked feeding the parakeets. One got on top of Austin's head and started pecking at his hair.

We also went to Gold Reef City, which is similar to Six Flags/Carowinds. The kids rode some rides twice because it wasn't very busy. Then it began to rain, so they shut down the rides, and we left. Unfortunately, no rain checks are given out during the rainy season.

Upon returning home we have been getting lots of rain. On 19 November we had 74mm - I think it rained all night. It really cooled things off, and we had to pull out the blankets for a couple of nights. Now, we are getting ready for a busy time at the guest house. The 40/40 training has just ended today and we have a group staying this weekend, then next week all of our missionaries come in for a prayer retreat rom 28-30 November. We are looking forward to hosting everyone here at the guest house in Lusaka. I have gotten a couple of ladies to join me in doing an interpretive movement, and I will be singing a solo for one session. Pray for our time together as a team that we may hear God speaking to us. We will be praying for our people groups who we serve in Zambia - Bemba, Nsenga, Tonga, Lozi, just to name a few.

Also, we encourage everyone to take part in the week of prayer for international missions 30 Nov-7 Dec. The simple truth is that we couldn't be here without your gifts to the Lottie Moon Christmas offering. Those gifts are the means by which we devote ourselves to full-time ministry, providing us with a place to call home, food, medical care - even schooling for our children. It is both a humbling and exhilarating experience to live life dependent on the faithfulness and generosity of Southern Baptists. Thank You! Please know that many people around the world are truly celebrating Christmas for the first time this year because of your sacrifice for God's Kingdom.