June Update

Chestnuts Roasting on an open fire.. jack-frost nipping at your nose..yuletide carols being sung by a choir.. and folks, dressed up like  Eskimos, everybody now, a turkey and some  mistletoe .. helps to make the season bright…
Oh wait, is Christmas not almost here? It feels like it anyway…in any case Christmas Music is always appropriate despite what my father thinks ; ) And since today is my Birthday, I declare that you may listen to Christmas music. Just because its the best lol…….. your welcome. : ) It sure is cold this side and winter is in full swing. I definitely think it will be a much colder winter than last year

Thank you for all the support last month with my mom. My mom is doing okay and transitioning well I believe. I am even in a better head space. I really appreciate God not letting me sit in my own frustrations too long. That following Sunday was a day for restoration with a Celebration Sunday, solid sermon that night and good conversations throughout the whole weekend that were very challenging and encouraging.

Mothers Day Tea with the Girls

LB is getting so big!

J is getting SO Big!!

I am writing super early this month because I leave for my IA (Impact Africa) Internship in 3 days!!!!!!!!!!! Ill be moving about 20 min away from Refilwe to be trained by the IA team for about 3 1/2 weeks (15/6- 10/7).  Ill be joined by 8 girls from all over America. As it gets closer my nerves have really kicked in. I start thinking about all the ways it going to be hard instead of how God can move in my heart.
-How am I going to survive with 8 Girls! ( I get to meet 8 girls who love Jesus and learn how to love and bless them)
-I am going to miss my babies soooo much! ( I get a visit day half way through and they will still be there and love me. I can always call )
-I am going to be put in a lot of uncomfortable situations ( I will be put in situations where I get to rely on my heavenly father and be refined to look a little more like Jesus everyday)

Under all the nerves, I am really excited for this new adventure and It will be cool to tell you in July how silly all my fears were and the cool ways God moved in Diepsloot.

Its been a really slow time here at the house. We still have 2 spots open and so do other baby homes. It is great to think that maybe abandonment is going down? Or I wonder where the babies are being left where they are not being found…

We still have 2 babies that are pending adoptions. We keep hearing these two are next. They are going to be matched. Hopefully they will be gone by _____. Ill I can think about it hopefully they will be with a family by Christmas! 2 more of our babies have entered in a very complicated situation within their adoption process. We need our Heavenly Father to move some big mountains so they can be with a forever family. Lots of prayers please! 

AB got her hair done

K is walking like a Pro

Last week I got to read an update from our first International adoption, S (also known as giggles). He moved to the Netherlands in March 2014. The update was a Year old but all of us at the house crave for any sort of news so we read it with lots smiles and awww’s. Even three months of being with his family he would shout “mama” and “papa” when they would get him out of bed. It makes my heart so happy and that was a whole year ago.

Minnie Mouse and I

K likes sleeping with his feet out lol

 Also this month, on the 19th, I  am celebrating my two year anniversary of being a missionary here in South Africa. I still can’t believe that I can say I am a missionary in South Africa… what?!    I remember having a conversation with a friend, back when I was around 11, about if God asked me to go to Africa i wouldn't mind while she was completely horrified at the idea. I think that might have been a first  glimpse into what God would ask me to do.

I could probably talk for hours about all the things i have learned, all the times I felt like i was on Top of the world and all the times I felt like I was shattered pieces of myself on the floor. The Times that God has literally had to pick me up some mornings and times that God renewed my strength ( Isaiah 40:13).  In December I wrote out some things that I had Learned in the last year and a half about myself, South Africa and My heavenly father called “18 Memories in 18 Months”. Please Check in out! In the last 6 months I definitely could add many more things to that List but, for the length of this blog sake I just want to add just one. I feel like since the beginning of the year God has really been teaching me about John 10. Specifically verses 25-30

²⁵ Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, ²⁶ but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. ²⁷ My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. ²⁸ I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. ²⁹ My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. ³⁰ I and the Father are one.”

What I find ironic is someone has asked me twice about this very thing God has been teaching me about this year and I have given the same very lame answer (I don't know why) so here is my redemption answer: ( I hope he reads this!)

I cant remember If I heard this in a Sermon, book, blog, or article but it was this idea of hearing God when he talks to us. We can recognize our parents voice from across a crowded room because we spend a lot of time with our parents and we love them. We can pull their voices out from dozens of people. Kind of the same concept with God. If we build a relationship with him and spend time with him (quiet time, prayer, meditation etc.) then we should know Gods voices even from our own desires and thoughts. I can’t tell you how many times I would Pray about something and think I get an answer then have to ask if it really was God or just my own thoughts and ask for conformation. Then ask for conformation 5 more times before I would do it. I was always so envious of people when they would talk about their conversations with God like they were talking on the phone with him and get such clear communication. I felt like God was trying to talk to me but I couldn’t always tell the difference between my Heavenly Father and all the other voices in my head. If I am a child of God than I needed to build that type of relationship to be able to hear his voice from across a crowded room. In the mission field there are lots of voices… I feel like this concept has changed the way I approach my relationship with Jesus and the way I hope it to be. 
I am God’s sheep and He is my Shepherd and I know his voice.

Cindy and I going to share about El Roi

Prayer Requests:

IA internship 15/6-10/7
    - patients
    - open heart
    - energy
    - humbleness
    - basically prayer for everything lol
Future adoptions
for the short term volunteers this summer (or winter depending where you are)
building friendships outside of Refilwe Community
I am quite sick with a virus. Today I am trying to be Brave for Birthday festivities but I am definitely not well. Really would like to be feeling better before Monday.
Would you Please start praying about possibly financially supporting me for next year? I know its 6 months away from now but I think its good to start praying about such things early. Ill be starting new again next year for funds and I could really use your help!

Birthday Present! After 18month they are finally taking away the car I "burned" Really no need for " " because I did...

Trying to Finish the Day and write reports with no Power

Brotherly love

Tiny T

Counted up the Cost..

I'm saying yes to You
And no to my desires
I'll leave myself behind
And follow You

I'll walk the narrow road
'Cause it leads me to You
I'll fall but grace
Will pick me up again

I've counted up the cost
Oh, I've counted up the cost
Yes, I've counted up the cost
And You are worth it

This song basically sums up today for me. I think there is a cost that comes with serving Jesus. I think there is a cost in being a missionary. I think there is a cost to living in South Africa. Sometimes times I don't notice. Sometimes there are things that I think about briefly and wont think about it for a couple more months. Then there are moments like this week where I deeply consider moving back to America. Is Jesus really worth it? 

 Yes, I've counted up the cost
And He is worth it

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

 John 16:33

 On Thursday I got a call from home that my Mom’s Drs have decided Not to go through with the last treatment. My mom’s kidney is already shutting down and they think the risks don’t outweigh the possibility that the drug will work. They will taper off her anti-rejection meds this week and let the kidney fail. She is not eligible for another transplant... My mom will have a new Dialysis port put in and mom my will go back on dialysis three times a week probably for the rest of her life. 

I cried most of Thursday

Sat pretty numb on Friday 

and now today feeling a bit hopeless 

 Whitney's Personal Thoughts:

For 15 years we have been fighting, looking towards a hope, and always had something that would be next. And now I just feel like there is nothing will make this better.  I feel discouraged,  defeated, and disappointment. Please don't get me wrong, my mom has 10+ years on dialysis, and I am very thankful for modern medicine, but its going to be really hard on her and my family.

Right now my current mood is I'm bit angry. If i had it my way I would be on a plane to California right now. But I believe that God is much bigger than my feelings and what I want. (Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on my own understandings. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight Prov 3:5-6)
In order to go home, I would have to pull out of my internship with IA (Impact Africa) and there is no way I could do both, go home and the internship. I feel like God has asked me to be apart of IA but I also want to go home. My biggest fear always, is to be out of God will. So after many conversations with the Lord..

Ive been asked to stay here

Its a Cost.

Am I happy about this. No. Will I do it. Yes. Will I have a better attitude about it in a couple days. Hopefully.

 I am really thankful I serve a loving God who is completely sovereign and whom I can put my  faith in.  I know that he is a good good father. Being apart of God's awesome story here in SA is worth the cost of missing this time with my family. I want to listen, He is worth it 

Ill be heading back to the states in October for a couple weeks. Not too far away. : )

       Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say rejoice. Let your reasonableness be know to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.       

      Finally Brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely. whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me- practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
      I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at length you have received your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4: 4-13


 

God loves my mom.  God loves my family. and God loves Me. and Repeat

April Update

HI Family all over the World,

So I debated back and forth about writing a blog this month. I already posted my “shout-out” to a very special birthday close to my heart, and it’s been a pretty quiet month anyway….

-Then God started showing me just how much has happened this April.

Sometimes Brothers Make good Chairs

The Big boys playing with Rice

First Off, I got to represent El Roi at my Church’s Annual Easter Event in the Local Park.

I really appreciate City Life’s Statement as a church. “Showing the City of Joburg who Jesus is.”  I feel like a church we try to do just that. This one event takes place at the Local park closest to the church. We put on a FREE event for the whole neighborhood to bring their families to.  There was face painting, crafts, egg hunt, bouncy houses, raffle ect. Any donations and food proceeds went directly to the baby house. About 3,000 People came through and R20,000 ($1700) was raised!


It was cool  to be able to step out and represent El Roi on my own for the first time. : )

 I got to Share a bit with one of the new Aunties about what it means to follow Christ. It wasn't a  huge conversation or more than a couple of sentences really, but I was reminded that “Following Jesus” isn't always what I know it to mean.

A huge misconception everywhere, but here in SA too, is Jesus+.

Jesus + Good works
Jesus + Ancestry prayers
Jesus + praying to some founder guy (cult)
Jesus +  a blessing from a priest

And thats just off the top of my head of what I see in the communities out here. Jesus+ anything is not the Grace Gospel in the Bible. Christ offers a Free gift with no + and loves us unconditionally. Nothing we do changes that.

    For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one would scarcely die for a righteous person- though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die.— but God shows his love for us in while we were sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are  reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. more than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have received reconciliation.  Romans 5:6-11

On April 15th we had our 12th adoption. Little S went to his forever family with a local placement here in SA. I am going to be 100% honest….. I didn't feel confident with this placement. It was my first time that i walked away from am adoption having to ask God, why? I still don’t know why God picked this family for little S. I look forward to hearing how God used S for his glory with his new parents.

Praying with Auntie Cindy Before Meeting his Family

Handsome Little Man

 We got a new baby! Little T was 6 days old when Nicole picked her up. She is now 11 days old.. Very sweet and very cuddly. Its been a long time since we have had a new baby and all of the aunties agreed that we needed a small and cuddly baby quick. None of our big babies are big snugglers lol

Sweet T

Happy Birthday L

Happy Birthday to you!

Prayer Requests:
Thanks for Praying with me for the things that are heavy on my heart.

- My Mom is still the same where she was last time. Just waiting on insurance for approve her last treatment. Hopefully we will know something soon. I am feeling much better about being here in SA. Thank you for praying for my anxious heart.
- I am still raising funds for a Car. I am hoping for Raise $10,000 USD. This will cover cost of the Car, Insurance, Petrol, etc. Every time I ask God about a car he says be still.. So Please pray with me as God’s timing will be perfect.

Princess C and I

- My Little Princess C is very small little girl. At 10 months old she only weights 5.5 Kg (about 11lbs) Her weight gain is starting to level out so the Drs took blood to do some tests. Every where else developmentally she is fantastic but very ity-bity. The mommy in me wants to smother her in kisses and let my heart panic but I’m trying not to. Something I Pray over her every night before bed is for God to give me wisdom and insight on how to care for her the best. Im hoping as an Auntie team that if there is something wrong we will catch it early and its a simple fix.
- Future Adoptions. We found out last week that some of our babies have some complications in their adoption process. That Ultimately means a longer stay at El Roi. I do realize that there are worse places that they could be but I think a forever home is even better.

Helping Auntie Evelyn Sweep

H Monkey Watching

K Monkey Watching

C monkey Watching

A Monkey Watching

A is rocking her outfit

Mud Play

Love this Kid

Really Proud of my brother learning to drive!

My Awesome Little Brother is killing it at Volleyball. He was moved up as a freshman to varsity. Super huge accomplishment! Surpassing his sister in the Volleyball world lol

Happy Birthday!

Happy 2nd Birthday To My Little Sunshine! 

I can't believe this picture was already from a year ago!   And a year ago I was holding your hand. A year ago I Sent you off to your family. Love you my sweet girl! 

Celebrating in my heart from South Africa! 

☀️🎶you are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me Happy when skies are grey. You'll never know dear how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away.🎶☀️

March Madness- Baby House Style

Hi Family!

    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. 

The Princess

Today is Auntie Whitney's Day. Every Girl has a bow in their hair

Rockstar being led into the Guest House by his new big brother

Last Kisses with P

Adoptions are by far the best things about this job, A close second is when we get new babies to love.  However, I think all the aunties would agree with me that we have to work through some our own feelings with the Lord before we can put on  our brave faces and smile before families.

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.
        

E and Her Daddy making silly faces in the mirror

E looks so sweet in her Pink Dress

 I was way more prepared for E’s Adoption. We knew back in October that she had been matched with her family but, the SA courts took forever for things to be finalized. Every month we waited and waited for news to come and it never did. I felt so bad for her new mommy and daddy, they missed her first teeth and her first steps. I tried to capture them the best I could, but its not the same…
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.) 



                                                                                               

KJ and I with some tigers!

 KJ went back to Memphis just days before all the adoptions. She faithfully served with the Refilwe foster kids for 6 months. I miss her terribly but i know God has great things planned for her in Tennessee.









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

   

C and E

I kinda love these shoes and I dont care that they are too big. Too Cute.

Prayer Requests:
- 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.

Our Current Auntie Team

                           Bertha, Bongiwe, Cindy, Myself, Evelyn, Karabelo, and Lorraine

Little S getting to ride on the tractor

Big S thought he had gone to heaven. He was so happy!

Basically my Dream came true. I got to pet a Tiger! I was very tempted to pick her up and bring her home :)