Hodge Podge

So much has happened since our last post that it's hard to decide what to blog about.  We are fairly well settled here in Appelsbosch, South Africa after a pretty grueling few weeks of moving most of our shipboard operations ashore, the details of which I'll not bore you with. 

The old college campus that we are staying at is a bit rustic (water outages, toilet issues, ticks, etc.) but absolutely wonderful.  We are pretty much in the middle of nowhere, which suits us fine.  The areas is a primarily agricultural, Zulu community of rolling hills, most of which are full of sugar cane (photos to come).  The people here are wonderful; warm, welcoming, and kindhearted. 

One of the greatest blessings so far has been that there is so much room for the kids to run around.  There is a gymnasium, trees to climb, plenty of concrete walkways for scooters, roller blades, etc., and all sorts of fun bugs and lizards. 

We also got to experience a first for us - a Mercy Ships wedding.  One of the couples who met during their Gateway course with Mercy Ships has been dating since and had their wedding ceremony here at the campus.  It was a pretty low key but beautiful and fun atmoshphere.

Our first church experience was at the Lutheran church just outside of the campus gates.  It was a high service, which the kids had a hard time sitting through (about 3 hrs. long).  The singing was indescribable.  It was like tangible joy.  Absolutely amazing!

Yesterday we went to Wartburg Christian Revival Church.  It's a small, contemporary, grass roots church set in a picturesque landscape (and the service was only an hour and a half).  We were warmly welcomed by the church family there and will likely be going back often. 

Well, we're all doing well and enjoying South Africa so far.  Please continue to keep us in your prayers.