Organized Chaos

Hey Family All Over the World!

So much has happened in the last 6 weeks! Feels like a whirlwind of people coming through, emotions, new babies, adoptions etc.. to say I have handled it all with Dignity, Beauty and Grace would be a huge overstatement. More like just barely keeping my head above all the chaos.

In the middle of IA i got to return to Refilwe on June 30th for my little Princess’ Birthday! It was a great day full of cuddles, kisses, and smiles. The day was perfect and so refreshing for me to have a day at home. We had a Minnie Mouse themed Birthday. This girl loves her Minnie Mouse : )

A Happy Birthday to this little Spitfire! She is extremely strong willed and is so mischievous. C is very clever and determined. Most people would look at her small size (6 kg and in size 3-6/ 68 size clothes) and think she was a small baby but she is right in middle of her big brothers and sisters causing all sorts of trouble. She is not one to be cuddled but those rare moments before bed when she does, I wish time would stand still. We are practicing blowing kisses and her kisses are more full face kisses. It is so cute! I don't know why, but i am so thankful that God picked me to be her special auntie!! <3

In July we received two new babies! Little R and S are cute and developing their personalities quick! They are both around 2 1/2 months now and giving lots of smiles! They are the sleepiest babies and cant seem to stay awake during their bottles. Sometimes I wonder how they sleep at night because it seems like they sleep all day.

Little R

Construction is FINISHED!!!!! Having 12 small children and trying to paint the inside, redo tiles and getting new counters has literally been an experience I dont ever want to have again. The expression you tell your kids “Your giving me gray hair”? Way past that, more like my hair is falling out lol. In defense we were not suppose to be in the house in the beginning plans. We were also suppose to have our roof redone plus much more renovations but when the roof plans were put on hold we decided to continue with some of the smaller renovations. On some rough days it was hard to see past the dust, paint fumes and screaming babies to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The baby house looks incredible now and I am extremely grateful for the team that donated the money to help with some remodel. We are so Blessed. We were also very thankful for the crew of guys that came in to do the renovations. They were super polite and understanding of the little people’s needs. The crew of guys that came in are definitely welcome back anytime (just maybe not anytime soon : )

My Dear friend Bethan went back home to the UK. She came to volunteer with the Big kids on the Refilwe side for 5 weeks. Since it was just the 2 of us in my house we became quite close. miss her lots.

H and A looking Dapper

On July 22nd, Mr. K went to his forever family! He is an only child to a couple in Finland. They are very cute first time parents and the whole placement seemed to go very well.  K is Nicole’s “special baby” and it was a hard experience personally for me to watch Nicole say Goodbye to him throughout  his last couple days. I know that feeling well and I hold a lot of anticipation in the next couple months for my little princess and her placement coming soon. I definitely feel like all the aunties have a certain Empathy and Compassion on each other during these times.

K in Nicoles arms right before he met his parents

The Last Day of July City Life Church ( My SA Church) put on a Benefit Concert for the Baby house! Loyios Bala a famous Singer here in SA did a concert. All proceeds went directly to El Roi. R32,895 ($2,600 was raised!) We are so Thankful!

Auntie's with Loyiso

Nicole, Bongiwe, Karabelo, Evelyn and I

In August we received another baby from Impact Africa. Little E is just now 5 weeks old and already has quite a temper. She knows exactly what she wants and does not care to wait. : )

Little E

Happy Birthday S!!!!!! This little man turned 2 On Aug 4th!

 

 On Aug 19th two volunteers from my California church went back home. They came and went in these last 6 weeks. Lauren and Caitlin are so sweet and it was such a joy to have them around. It was a little piece of home for a short time. The three of us even got to go to Cape Town! 6 days, just us girls, it was amazing. God’s provision was all over the trip in the crazy and littlest ways.

 Last Week we received some very special updates! We got a current update from Giggles in the Netherlands and the first update from Rockstar in Sweden! Updates that actually get to us are very rare and few. It is so fun to see giggles really happy. He was pretty Grumpy with us and it makes me happy to see him happy. I really think that he just needed a Mommy and Daddy! They Sent pictures from Christmas and his presents from Sinterklaas. Also a sweet family picture on their first anniversary! I wish I could post ‘face’ pictures so badly!
I read Rockstar’s Update with tears rolling down my face. I miss him very dearly. I never expected him to be anything else but very happy. Apparently he is starting to grow out of some of his allergies! And, I am not surprised at all that he has picked up Swedish very quickly. I would love to be a ‘fly on the wall’ in their house and watch them as a family. P has never been a little brother before  so I'm sure he is learning a lot. The pictures they sent, are pure joy on their faces. <3

Mom update: She is struggling a bit. Generally when kidney’s fail, they can be left in the body and they dont have any more functions nor do any harm.  Of course my mom is once again, one in a million. Her body is attacking her transplanted kidney causing some trouble. She has a Dr. appointment tomorrow at UC Davis Hospital in Sacramento to hopefully get a surgery date. Hopefully they will take the kidney out so she can start feeling better. She is on a strong medicine that has some rough side effects till then. ( this in no way effects the dialysis. Her kidney hasn't been functioning for months)

We potentially could have three more adoptions this year! We really have no control over this side of the adoption process but its exciting to think that we could have three more kids with their families. Lots of prayers for social workers, government officials, the new families and the Aunties as we wait in anticipation.

Ill be heading to California in 5 weeks! Going to Soak up the California sun for the whole month of October. Really excited to meet with people and eat a lot of everything American : ) If you would like to have coffee with me, could you shoot me an email ( whitinafrica@gmail.com) or message me on FB?! The time will go by very quickly and I want to make sure I get to see everyone’s beautiful face while I'm home!

Would you Please start praying about possibly financially supporting me for next year? Ill be starting new again next year for funds and I could really use your help!
Thanks!

Whew…… I think that's everything that has happened in the last 6 weeks…..

Love, Whitney

Be Still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth! Psalm 46:10

toddlers at auntie whitney's house

S

Small Queen bee E

Impact Africa Missions Discovery: Debrief

Hey family all over the world!

So I have returned from my internship with Impact Africa, and I'm exhausted. I want to be honest here, it was a really tough month for me. I was trying to convince myself that I was happy to be there but I wasn't. Instead of happily going where God asked me to be. I dragged my feet and went with a bad attitude. Basically told God, I'm here, I've listened, but I'm going to be happy about it.

I felt like my attitude was fine during ministry but as soon as we were done in the communities my sassy and sarcastic self would return. Ever look at yourself and just say, ick. I didn't like myself but I wasn't doing much to change it.

The Team

Ya, this lasted for the first week and a half till I decided I was done and asked God for my Joy back. He brought me to Colossians 1:9-13 specifically verse 10 "so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."

Ya was so not doing that but I wanted to be "fully pleasing to him" = attitude change

Kaya Sands

Despite a rough start, I did have a good time. I got to witness people being healed and people giving their lives to Jesus. 

Most of the month was spent walking through the communities, talking to people and sharing Jesus. I got to pray with a few women who wanted to give their lives to Jesus and got to see God heal aches and pains as we prayed. I loved getting invited into shacks and hearing people's story. They want to share so badly but very few people want to listen.

I think one of my favourite parts of doing shack to shack ministry is watching God "allow people to hear truth" for the first time. We didn't say anything special or have any special prayers but it's the work of the Holy Spirit moving in people's hearts.

For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. Romans 1:19

In Zandspruit Praying for Thabiso

Praying for Michelle and her Son

  We did a kids program which I had done before in a different capacity. It was super intimidating because we all got roles and mine was the gospel. I had to show a water and oil illustration about our sin and God, then review the Gospel, and lead a prayer at the end.  Talk about an embarrassing moment when the first time we put on the program I got the microphone and totally blanked on the story of Jesus. I don't remember what I said but apparently it turned out okay lol. After that, I prepared what I was going to say. Funny how much better things go when you actually plan ahead. It was really cool to hear a new curriculum and get some ideas for some 'potentials' backs at Refilwe.

First Day Kids Club

Last day Kids Club

I had a special moment in Diepsloot. We were walking around and we saw a women carrying a little baby. She let me hold Bryan, who was only 2 months old. Holding him in the middle of the squatter camp I had a moment in my heart of " this is what I'm good at and this is what I love." It was a conformation moment of being at the baby house. Isn't it a great feeling to know what your doing is right!?
   

Bryan

I could just continue typing about the things I learned, all the little moments and amazingly cool things that happened however, my blog post would be incredibly long. So one last thing I want to share then I'll close it up.

I love discipleship. I really enjoy getting to speak truth into teenagers lives, share my testimony and help figure out life together. A lot of the girls were much younger than me so it was cool to get to connect with the girls in my cabin.  On that note, I want to give a shout-out to Dilcia. She is a missionary in Nicaragua and someone I know I will be forever friends with. I honestly don't know if I would have made it the whole month without her. We discussed life, testimonies, shared laughs, encouraged one another and got extremely honest. We were able to process our days together since our views were a bit different from the rest already being in ministry full time. It was amazing to learn from her years of wisdom in life and in sharing Jesus. Watching this women share the gospel was amazing and inspiring.

Dilica and I at the Lion Park

Dilica Sharing Jesus

Night Safari!

Thank you to everyone who made this journey happen. Through helping me fund this project, all the prayers and those who sent words of encouragement during the internship. Even though it was extremely hard, it was SO worth it. I feel like I learned a lot about my Heavenly Father, myself and How to Share my faith.  I don't think I would have learned all these things if I would have stayed Home.

Standing on the Bridge to Diepsloot Extension 2

Thanks for Reading,

Whit

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