I have written, deleted, rearranged, rewritten and deleted this blog so many times. Im not sure what to say, or how much to say, to say how I really feel or just the short version.
Its been an Emotional last couple weeks for myself. I have had so many transitions and changes its been a bit breathe taking.
I have said goodbye to 2 precious children and a short term volunteer who have deeply impacted my life, all in a week. Rockstar and E are finally with their families, and my Partner in Crime, KJ, went home to Memphis. Plus on top of it all, getting streams of information about how my mom is doing.
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| The Princess |
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| Today is Auntie Whitney's Day. Every Girl has a bow in their hair |
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| Rockstar being led into the Guest House by his new big brother |
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| Last Kisses with P |
When I first heard about Rockstar’s adoption my heart hit my stomach and I felt like I had been sucker punched. (not that I know what it feels like to be punched in the stomach but I'm sure it would feel pretty much the same) Normally we have months or weeks warning. We had two weeks.
Rockstar is a very special little boy. He was the first baby at El Roi, arriving at 7 days old. He already had been through so much by the time Nicole picked him up. P, since the day he arrived at Refilwe, had drawn everyone to his smile that reflects God’s light in Him. I have never seen a baby so famous. lol Everyone in the office loves him and always asked about how he was doing. Even in the Joe Slovo community, people know him. They always would stand at the gate and talk to him. This kid couldn't leave the house without a “hey p, you look so cute” or “P, how are you today?” from what seemed like every direction. Rockstar really loves people and they love him back.
It truly has been a great honor to be his auntie for almost 2 years. It was quite hard to say good-bye. He had been my shadow for so long, I have felt a little lost without him. From the deepest part of my soul, I know God is going to do something amazing with his life. I cant wait to hear about it in heaven.
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| E and Her Daddy making silly faces in the mirror |
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| E looks so sweet in her Pink Dress |
We had been praying for E’s adoption, not just that she could be with her family, but for her poor sensitive heart too. E is very soft hearted and a little anxious. She doesn't like tickle time, any stuffed animals or real ones for that matter. We were a bit nervous for her hand off. March 9th was a day full of answered prayers. She did so wonderfully and drove away with her new mommy and daddy without any tears. God is Good!
P and E will both head to Sweden with their new families after their three week stay in SA.
(Cool little story. We found out that through the adoption network in Sweden, E and P’s parents became friends when they found out their new children were both coming from El Roi! So essentially P and E will know each other as they grow up! This really makes my heart so happy and I hope yours too! There are few things that are better than knowing my Kids will have a buddy as they go through life together.)
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| KJ and I with some tigers! |
Over the last year I have learned an important life lesson in relying on God to provide. Now that I am here more in a full time status, it is different than being a short term volunteer. As a full time volunteer we are expected to supply more of our individual needs when it comes to getting along on our own. A specific need that I have been praying about is a car. A car would be an amazing blessing with my work here; a good step in the right direction going into full time ministry. I want to be a good steward of what God gives to me and I trust that in His time He will supply the funds.
Will you please join me in Praying about this need?
Speaking of funds, I have been asked over and over about online giving. I have finally set up a PAYPAL account! If you would like to give directly to support me, you can now do so by finding me on PayPal through my email. Whitinafrica@gmail.com
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| C and E |
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| I kinda love these shoes and I dont care that they are too big. Too Cute. |
- 2 open spots here at the house. Prayers that our new babies would come to our house quickly and feel how wanted and loved they are.
-We are in desperate need for volunteers. Baby House (6months), PreSchool (6Months), Refilwe Foster Kids (after school care, 12 weeks), Clinic (3 weeks) And so many options in-between. If you want more information please email our volunteer coordinator Megan Strydom at volunteers@refilwe.org
- Nicole is in America till mid April. Protection and rest for her stay and a uneventful baby house while she is away : ) Cindy and I are holding down the fort and making sure everything is running smoothly till she returns. Just some Teething and crankiness ect right
-This is a multipart prayer. (Short Version) 1. My mom still isn't doing well. After the hospital stay, all the treatments and continued dialysis she is right back where she started. The Dr.’s are going to try a new and stronger drug hopefully in April-ish. She is feeling better and stronger which is good for the next round. The Dr.’s have said that this will be the last try and if this drug doesn't work than they will let this kidney fail. I know God’s plan will be done but lots of prayers for “The Peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus.”- Phil 4:7
-2. Im really struggling with this… I am very restless and I wish I could be home right now. There is nothing I could do whether I was a mile or over 16,000 klicks away. But just to be close would be nice. I believe in “All things work together for good..” Romans 8:28 My heart knows it but, sometimes my logical brain needs to remember. So until I am blue in the face and cannot go on… God is Good. God can ONLY do good. God loves my mom. God loves my family. and God loves Me. On a day like today, sometimes i just need to repeat such things until my heart and my head believe it.
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| Our Current Auntie Team |
Bertha, Bongiwe, Cindy, Myself, Evelyn, Karabelo, and Lorraine
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| Little S getting to ride on the tractor |
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| Big S thought he had gone to heaven. He was so happy! |
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| Basically my Dream came true. I got to pet a Tiger! I was very tempted to pick her up and bring her home :) |
