Day 12: Cycle for a Cause

Early on in our time here, I made a calendar.  Yes, I have one on my phone, but I wanted a visual at my disposal.  So, I went old school.  Grid lines on notebook paper, people.  I needed a visual so that I knew what day (and date) it was.  When it's 85 in November, I haven't had to go to work in two weeks, and my only responsibility is to hang out with my super awesome kid - I need a calendar to keep track.  Thankfully, time is not racing past us.  While we look forward to getting home, introducing "N" to family, friends and life in Michigan, and getting into our routines (and a snowball fight) - we love being here in SA also.  This time that we have to give "N" all the attention is a priceless gift.  The only thing that makes me miss home would be bugs.  Bugs in my bed.  Yes, I pulled back my sheets to write this post, and there was a mystery bug running across my spot.  I contained my 'freak-out' since "N" sleeps less than 10 feet from us, but thankfully Kevin had a kleenex nearby and swooped in for the kill.  You see, in SA, they do not have screens on their windows.  They have grates (I'd call them bars, but then it sounds like a jail cell - they run horizontally, not vertically) on the windows, but as you can imagine that only keeps people and large animals out.  I have become increasingly good at killing flies with a kitchen towel.  I know you are impressed. :)  Anyway, let me get back to what you are really here for - "N".

If you read the post from yesterday, you know that we were concerned that we wouldn't make it to church because we were parked in.  Just in the nick of time (at 8:25), the car blocking us in left, so we were able to head out for church.  There was a huge bicycle race in Joburg today, sponsored by one of the radio stations.  They had mentioned on the radio that many major roads were blocked for the race, so we were unsure as to whether or not we would have to seek an alternate route.  Turned out that we did not need to.  Church was not as full today as a large portion of the congregation was either participating in or spectating at the race.  Let me backtrack briefly to explain that "N" has attended a Christian school here in Joburg that is a part of New Creation Family Church.  The organization who has been caring for him for the last few years is Oasis Haven, a ministry of the church.  I am pleased to say that Team Oasis Haven was well-represented in the race, working to raise money for the two homes that care for 16 orphaned children.  Its actually quite amazing how many major outreach ministries the church has.  In addition to their support of Oasis, they also talked in the service today about a ministry they are starting in India to help young entrepreneurs get the training and assistance they need to avoid the life that many of their peers face in human trafficking.  They have a team leaving on Wednesday, so please pray for their safety, their ministry, and their effectiveness.

I still haven't got to anything about "N" - sorry about that.  He goes to a children's service during church, so he basically disappears when we walk in the door, will drop by for a flash from time to time, and then doesn't reappear until he's ready to head home fore lunch.  We have met a lot of people at New Creation who know "N" and have loved him and cared for him.  Today, we met Jacky who has helped him with his studies and Carl and Jenny who are missionaries here in SA that are from California and have also grown to love our little guy.  It has been such a blessing to meet so many people who have made an impact on his life, to have the opportunity to say thank you.  Thank you hardly seems to scratch the surface of the gratitude we feel, but I pray that they know how much it means to us, and to "N".

After church and lunch, we did a little reading and, no surprise, headed out to the pool.  He is a fish, getting stronger in his swimming by the day.  He loves the water and splashing around.  He also likes being the shark in the pool! :)

Our meals today were a smorgasbord of leftovers from the last couple days.  I made grilled cheese to add something new.  I am telling you, the key to "N's" heart is grilled cheese.  He LOVES it!  He has a tendency to make a terribly cute puppy dog face when he wants something.  He ate his two grilled cheese squares first, and with a plate still 3/4 full of food, he looks at me with those eyes and said " I love this sandwich.  I wish I could have more."  Oh geez, sure you can have more!  He did eat the rest of his food as well, and we did take the opportunity to share with him that he should not try to use the puppy dog face on all of you to get his way.  I make no guarantees that he won't try it, so prepare yourselves and be strong!

On our evening routine, we did school work after dinner and then had some ice cream and a movie.

It is a beautiful, clear night, so below is a picture of the walkway from our room to the pool.  The photo is taken from the pool looking toward the entrance to our room, which is on the left.  Truly an amazing view.

Tomorrow we are headed to Monte Casino to the bird conservatory.  Have a great night!

Laura and Kevin