Observations

As we come to the end of week number nine here in South Africa, we have made a few observations that we have passed on in previous blogs. Now, understand, we know that we are not experts regarding anything about Africa, South Africa, the Western Cape area, Cape Town or even Fish Hoek, where we have been living and serving since the beginning of November. But, we do see some things that strike us as important to remember.

One...the importance of family. We are house sitting a beautiful home on what they call the "Platinum Mile"...old, beautiful, historic homes along a mile of beach front. It is absolutely beautiful. Right across the narrow road in front of our house is a popular swimming beach called "St. James". Everyday this week it has been crowded to over flowing with large families playing and staying together (See photo above taken from our front window). Fathers and mothers with lot's of kids, spending the day together in the sun (it is summer here). I asked one of the father's who parked in front of our door if this was a tradition. He replied, "It's our family Christmas gift to each other...a week together, doing something everyday, between Christmas and New Year. We set the time aside and just play together. We can't afford to go anywhere or give other kinds of gifts." I told him that I thought it was a terrific idea. He said, "Oh, it's a tradition. My family did the same thing!" I bet those kids will remember this gift long after they leave home. A week of family time, scheduled and planned..great idea and a wonderful tradition.

Two...the value of memories. The other evening Barb and I sat and thought about this past year. When I stepped down from the chair of the board in September, it was the first time I was not involved in the leadership of the mission for the past 25 years. That caused us to look at the before and after of those 25 years, in our lives and in the life of HCJB Global. Man, has the Lord ever been good to us. We just sat and remembered! Good stuff, bad stuff, but here we were rejoicing over the memories.

Then we did they same thing with our family and our lives together. Oh, memories, they will be with us always...and, we can make them good or bad...our call. We made them all good!

Three...gifts from God. Those just naturally popped up as we were reliving our memories. The series I did at the church this Christmas was good for me as I remembered things that came directly from God as a result of Jesus Christ. He has blessed us so much. Each of those gifts is a gift...with my name on it...waiting for me to accept and use it. Wonderful, eternal, life changing gifts. Grace, peace, joy, love...they are all there!

So, as we head for the end of 2007...we are rejoicing in our family and what God has done for us, in the memories of 31 years with HCJB Global and in the goodness of God to us as He gives us all we ever need.

We also rejoice that He trusted us to be here!

Ron and Barb