Whit in South Africa: March 2014

Happy New Year in March! This year sure has started off with a bang.. Literally. I will now go down in Refilwe history for being the volunteer that burned the car.

On January 7, I drove to work at the baby house in Nicole’s car at around 6:30 am. There has been problems in the past with the car short circuiting as we drove on the dirt roads to and from Refilwe. As I went over a small bump, the car died and I thought it would restart like every other time but it didn’t. Instead, the car started to smoke and I couldn't get the key out or even put the car in park. After I made a couple phone calls and lots of smoke, my dear friend Kate yelled at me to get out of the car. I quickly grabbed my bags and got a safe distance away. I turned back and saw flames coming out from the bottom of the engine. Some people pulled over to help me and my friends (really family now) from Refilwe tried so desperately to put the fire out. The car was so hot nothing was helping so we just had to watch the car burn until the fire department arrived. Since nothing happens quickly here in South Africa the fire brigade didn’t show up till most 7:30am! To start my morning off right I had to throw a party so I invited the fire brigade, two fire trucks,and 4 police cars. I wasn’t injured but was pretty shaken up and cried many tears.

God gives and He also takes away. The car was His beautiful gift and He took it back, I believe for His glory. With much prayer, God provided another car at the end of February. The Refilwe Holland team, who supports the baby house, raised enough money to buy the baby house a vehicle. Such a blessing.

So many things are happening here on a weekly basis it’s hard to capture it all. Our prayer in the baby house has been that we could have 12 babies in the house. So since January, we have grown slowly to a house of 11 and prayerfully waiting for that last spot to be filled soon. Our house now includes Rockstar, 18 months, Giggles, 17 months, My Sweet Girl, 11 months, Baby T and Baby J, 5 months, Baby S, Baby E, and Baby L, 3 months, Baby K, 4 weeks, and our two newest additions Baby H, 6 weeks, and Baby A, 3 week.

six of my nine children

Bongiwe and I

As I’m sure you can imagine, a house with so many babies can be a little crazy. I would like to give a shout-out to my partner in crime Bongiwe. She is the newest member of our Auntie Team and I have enjoyed getting to know her as we tackle the tasks of making sure every baby is fed, held, loved and that every nappy is changed.

Two toddlers makes everyday an adventure, then add 9 small brothers and sisters and you can imagine the non-stop activity that happens. I cannot tell you how many times I have had to play referee,or body guard. They’re so observant, and if in the mood, want to be awesome big brothers.

Their favorite song right now is Old MacDonald and they both walk around saying E-I-E-I-O E-O. It’s very cute! Rockstar is a master climber and as soon as he hears the Aunties leave to gather babies from nap-time, he springs into action. Within 10 seconds, this kid can climb up on the couch and balance on the arm to look at himself in the mirror. Trouble is what I call this...

My Sweet Girl is still so sweet. I fully acknowledge that she has me wrapped around her little finger. I love our night-night routine for her nap and bedtime, the sleepy cuddles are the best.

All of the small babies are developing their personalities and I will be posting some new Baby Profiles soon. The Joe Slovo community is still one of my favorite places to spend time with people. God is moving significantly in the way Refilwe is able to be involved within the community and it’s such a blessing. We have been neighbors for so many years and it is incredible to watch God tear down huge walls between us.

Some of my precious community Kids

It’s crazy to think that I have been here for almost 9 months. In most ways it seems like the time has gone by very quickly then I look at the calendar and see that it’s March and I look back to June, when I arrived here, and it seems like forever ago. God is so evident here in South Africa. I can see Jesus which makes me all the more excited to be here. I still very much rely on your prayers for me. I have never experienced such a place that stretches my strengths and highlights my weaknesses.

Baby E

I am coming home in May for a month to attend the wedding of my best friend and to spend time with my family and friends. It will be so good to see everyone and to catch-up on what everyone has been doing during my absence. It will be so nice to hug, laugh, and have long chats again.

I will return in June to Refilwe to volunteer for another ten months.
My monthly expenses are approximately $500.00 a month and I have raised half of the funds I will need to support me until April 2015. If you are able to donate to my support, I would sincerely appreciate your help. As always, your prayers mean so much to me.

If you would like to support me in this journey please send checks to:
Whitney Eitzen
6140 Kavala Court
Pleasanton, Ca 94566

Please Make Checks Written out to Valley Bible Church
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May the God of Hope fill you with all Joy and Peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with Hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13