Josh's Party

May 30, we celebrated Joshuwa's birthday with his friends.  He turned 7 on the 21 May, but his favorite restaurant was booked for parties that weekend.  I say that it is his favorite restaurant, but not because of the food.  He rates it #1 because of the video games!  In fact, he calls it "The Games" instead of its real name, "Spur."

Josh had a great time with his friends.  It was a great day, so I don't think he minded waiting a week for the party.

JK

Second Saturday in Soweto

The second Saturday of each month our team and members from 3 other Baptist churches make a trip into the township, Soweto, to share the gospel, hand out tracts and pray with people.  This month (May), Ruth Anne and her friends, Chene and Tammy, went with us.  This was Chene's and Tammy's first time into Soweto!  They were a little nervous at first, but ended up having a wonderful and eye-opening experience!

It is my prayer that many more suburban South Africans will desire to reach their neighbors in Soweto and other townships/settlements throughout South Africa!

New Job, Old Home

The week after Easter, we had our Annual Missionary Training Meeting.  Missionaries from all over Southern Africa, Angola to Zambia, met together in Johannesburg for some training and to talk about the new, huge changes that are happening in our organization.  It was a wonderful time of worship and it was great seeing friends we don't get to see often.

On Friday night, Kurt was asked to be the Urban Associate Cluster Strategy Leader.  Big title which means he is overseeing missionary teams in urban centers around Southern Africa.  God has gifted Kurt with the ability to administrate.  He has a vision to reach the cities we love!

But the best news...we don't have to move!  We can stay on the West Rand!  Kurt will have to travel, but there is a small airport he can fly out of easily.  

God is so good.  His plans and His ways are perfect, if we just have the patience to wait on Him!

4 His Glory,

JK  

School holidays started on March 20th.  We started full-on!  Kurt's parents came to visit us.  They arrived on Friday the 20th and we headed out Sunday for Cape Town.  We stayed 4 nights and the weather was perfect (which makes you want to live there...until you remember it rains 200 days a year and most of that in the winter! Yuck!).  Our family had been there before, with my parents.  But we did a few different things this time.

We went to The Castle of Good Hope.  They have an art studio there and we met an artist that wanted to paint a picture of Joshuwa!  They shot a cannon off...it was really tiny...but made a HUGE noise (sounds like me)!!

We went by ferry to Robben Island.  Our tour guide through the prison was an ex-inmate.  We saw where he stayed and where Nelson Mandela stayed.  Long before apartheid, the island was home to many lepers.

We also went to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.  We had a picnic and enjoyed walking and looking at many different plants.  My favorite was the medicinal plants.  There was enough of a variety to cure almost anything you have!

As with my parents, we made it down to Cape Point, to see the penguins in Simonstown (the Boulders) and to the V&A Waterfront.  The kids visited the aquarium.

We didn't get up Table Mountain this time, but we got some great pictures of the "Table Cloth."  It was my first time to see the clouds just covering the top.

After our trip, Kurt's parents were able to see Ruth Anne ride in a dressage show and his dad saw one of Joshuwa's gymnastics lessons.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time together and so glad they were able to visit us!

JK

Update

Well, the first term of school is coming quickly to a close as well as summer.  So I thought a quick update would be in order.

Ruth Anne competed in the 800m race for a chance to go to the district level competition.  She came in 2nd place.  Two weeks later, she ran in the district competition and came 3rd!  This did not qualify her for provincial level competition but we are very proud of her effort.  She ran against girls that were a year older than her!  As far as horse riding goes, she will be moving up to novice level dressage with her horse Roxy.  She is very excited about that.  School is going fairly well.  She has several new teachers and is getting used to how they teach and give exams.  She is also loves her youth group.  We are so thrilled she has found a group of friends who love the Lord and have fun together.

Josh is doing great in school.  We kept him in grade R (kindergarten) and the report from his teacher says that he is right on track.  He loves gymnastics...of course...he gets to do lots of flips!  Today, he played in the sprinkler and even turned the hose on his slide!  He had a blast.  As summer fades, so will the times of playing outside in the water!

We are all looking forward to Kurt's parents coming for a visit over the school holidays.  We will be going to Cape Town with them.  I know they will love it!

Until next time...

JK

Trust in the Lord

Within the last two weeks, four very close neighbors were robbed.  Two weeks ago tonight, the two houses directly across the street from us were robbed.  Three nights ago, the neighbor two houses down from us was robbed, then the next night, the house next door was robbed!  All were robbed in the middle of the night while the families were at home sleeping!

Needless to say, I was very nervous about going to sleep last night after our next door neighbor's house was broken into.  I wrote about it on Facebook.  I had several people pray for our safety.  I do appreciate it so much.

But this morning, I read Psalm 33 for my quiet time.  This is what I read when I got to verses 16 & 17, "The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.  The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue."  

Wow!  I began to think, "What am I putting my trust and hope in?"  I put up a picture of our house so you can see how I changed the words of this psalm to fit what I was thinking.

This is what I wrote.  "This wife is not saved by my strong husband next to me; this mom is not delivered by the strong bars on the windows.  The palisade fence is false hope for this family's salvation, and the guns of the security company cannot rescue."  Verse 18 concludes, "Behold the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine."

We did find someone who is going to put brighter lights around our house and add security bars to windows that don't have them.  I called the security company to learn how to leave one motion detector on in the house at night.  Yes, I was putting my trust in people, iron and technology.  But ultimately, if robbers want in, they can get in.  I need to trust in the LORD my God, who is my refuge and shield and strength...and get a good night sleep!

May His name be glorified!

JK

Horse of the Year

This week my daughter, Ruth Anne, took her horse, Roxy, to a "beauty" competition called "Horse of the Year."  She showed off her horse in four competitions.  Roxy did very well and Ruth Anne enjoyed the shows.  She didn't let her nerves get the best of her!

She finished 2nd in Show Riding and 8th (out of 16) in Potential Dressage.  She also got some very good comments about Roxy's potential as a dressage horse.

On Friday, Ruth Anne showed her horse at 12:20pm then travelled and hour to run the 800m race in an athletics competition.  She came in 3rd!

Oh...I got to drive her everywhere!  Taxi Mom!  But what a privilege watching her compete!

Blessings,

JK

Obama!?

If you are wondering, like me, how can I be excited about our first black president when he is soooo liberal, whose values seem to be nothing like mine (as I've seen already)...

then John Piper's article on his website is a MUST read.

I can be proud of our country for electing Obama as our President.  I can also be excited for Americans of African origin.  And, I can always remember that God is ultimately in control!

http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/TasteAndSee/ByDate/2009/3520_The_President_the_Passengers_and_the_Patience_of_God/

Enjoy the read!

For His glory,

JK

POLICE!!

A traffic stop...this is where the police set up road blocks, sometimes using cameras, to check your drivers license, the roadworthiness of your vehicle and to see if you have any outstanding traffic fines.

Here in South Africa, we try to avoid police traffic stops...at all costs!  Mainly due to the fact that no all police officers can be trusted.  Many want a bribe and will threaten jail time if not paid.  I don't really need that kind of stress on my heart...so I pray often that my car would become invisible if there is no way around the road block.  I must say, God has blessed me richly.  I haven't been stopped in over a year!

However...I'm sure you can guess where this story is going!

Last week, Friday, I took the kids to school.  The police were setting up a road block on the other side of the main street we were traveling on.  I thought to myself, "Good.  I won't be coming back on this road."

I dropped the kids off at school, then spent some time running at the gym; never giving the road block and the police another thought.  On the way back home from the gym, I turned the corner and got on the road running next to the main road...and there...were the police!!  They were stopping "cheaters" trying to avoid the road block.

Yes, my heart was beating fast and my mind was praying..."be invisible, be invisible!"  But our big, bright red Toyota Condor stood out.  A woman police office pointed at me and waved me over!

She came over as I rolled down the window.  I gave her my best "try-not-to-act-nervous" smile.  We exchanged greetings, then she said, "I don't want anything from you.  I just want to know if you are selling."  "Selling???"  I said.  "Yes," she answered.  "Are you selling your car?  I want one of these but can't find one.  Are you selling it?"

A huge stone was lifted off my chest and I breathed out, "No.  I can't.  It's my company's car."  Then, with nerves semi-under control, I added, "I don't think they make these anymore.  But if my company ever sells one...and I see you again, I'll let you know!"

Then, she let me go.

I drove away, laughing and barely able to push in the clutch!

God is so awesome!  He turned a scary, worrisome moment into delight!

Wow!  I love Him!

Blessings,

JK

Musical Kur 2008

The last weekend in October, Ruth Anne and I entered Riverleigh's Fancy Dress Musical Kur.  What's that??

Well...Riverleigh is the name of the stables where we ride.  A musical kur is a dressage test done with a theme and to music.  And fancy dress means you ride in costume!

Each year, Riverleigh holds this event to raise money for a special charity.  This year the money went to a local children's home.  We all had a great time!  And lots of money was raised.

My theme was disco.

Ruth Anne's theme on Blue (the white/gray horse) was "Blue's Time" (Blues music).

And, her theme on Roxy (the brown/bay horse) was "My Little Pony."

Josh even got to dress up as an alien and run into the arena after one young lady rode to the theme "Men in Black."  He was so excited about being an alien...like in "Ben 10."

OK...I hear you laughing at my picture! :)

Blessings!

JK

Zambia

Hello All!

It's been a while..ok...a long while since I've written.  My parents and my brother came for a two week visit while the kids were on holiday, so I've just gotten back in the swing of things.

While my parents were here, we took a trip to Victoria Falls.  Victoria Falls can be seen from Zambia or Zimbabwe.  We stayed in Zambia at a beautiful hotel right on the Falls.  On arrival at the hotel, we were greeted by tribal warrior dancers.  Josh made friends right away (big shocker).  By the end of our stay they had made Josh their "chief."  The hotel had a gigantic swimming pool.  I was so excited about swimming since it was extremely hot in Zambia.  Plus, we were no longer in Joburg where the pool water never gets warm!  I was in for a huge surprise when I put my foot in the water...it was freezing!  I guess I'll have to visit the Congo...or some place like it to finally find nice, comfortable swimming water.

Anyway...we all enjoyed several different activities while at Vic Falls.  The whole family went on a safari drive at one of the local game reserves.  We saw about 22 elephant enjoying a mud bath.  We saw hippo swimming in the Zambezi River and lots of buck.  We also went on a Zambezi river cruise and watched the sun set on the river.

My dad, Ruth Anne, Josh and I went on a horseback ride through another park.  My brother, Jason, Josh, Kurt and I took a helicopter ride over Victoria Falls.  It was amazing!  Jason, my mom and Kurt went on an elephant ride.  They had a wonderful time.

Each time my parents visit we get to see more and more of the beautiful continent of Africa.  God is an amazing Creator!

Subject Choice??

Tonight was a parents' meeting at Ruth Anne's school.  It is time for the grade 9 students to make their subject choices for the rest of their high school career.  Choose subjects?  Is that like art, drama, typing, home ec, band, etc.  Uh...not exactly.   It is not choosing electives (like in the U.S.)  The students must choose three additional subjects to Maths, Afrikaans, English and Life Orientation.  And, these subjects are not easy!  They can choose from Accounting, Art, Geography (not maps), Business Ed, Biology, Physical Science and History.  When they make their choices, they will have these classes from grade 10 to grade 12.

Ruth Anne will add Geography, Biology and Physical Science to her schedule.  She is excited about those choices, but other students are really struggling to decide.  In many cases, for students continuing there education at a university in South Africa, these choices will determine what you can and cannot study at university.  It can be a huge decision for many students.

Overall, I like the way school is done in South Africa.  But it has been a big mental adjustment for me, coming from U.S. schooling.

Ok...I said above that Geography was not maps.  Well, it's not all maps.  They do some, but more like topographical maps.  It also involves studying atmospheric maps and phenomenas and the weather!  Students study earth's formations, like geology.  And they will study human resources.  It is one class I would definitely choose!  I love rocks and weather!

What classes would you choose??

Blessings,

JK

Spring is Springing!

Ok, Spring hasn't completely sprung yet, but...I'm in a short sleeve shirt!  And, I'm wearing sandals!  I've even begun doing some spring cleaning.  Rebecca, my ex-house worker, came and cleaned the windows.  I washed the bathroom curtains and several blankets before putting them away.  I'm lovin' it!  I haven't completely resigned the cold weather.  It is the beginning of spring and we could get a cold front.  But I'm going to enjoy the weather we are having now to the fullest!

Blessings,

JK

Top 10 "Tag"

I was reading the blogs of two of my friends, recently.  Both of them said they would love to live somewhere else, but are sure that God has called them to the place they are in at this time.  Funny enough, one would love to be in the U.S. but is in Africa, the other would love to be overseas but is in the U.S.!!

Anyway...I got to thinking that I haven't seen a "tag" in awhile.  So I thought it is about time that I initiated one!  So here it is...

Name 10 things you love about the place where God has you right now.

I'm in Joburg, South Africa.  Here is my Top 10.

1.  The weather!  Joburg has sunny winters and almost no humidity all year round.  Temperatures average about 24 degrees C/80 degrees F.

2.  The landscape.  Our side of Joburg is full of mountains and hills.  They can make driving hard, but they make for some beautiful scenery.

3.  The people.  I have friends from many cultures...white, black, mixed race, Indian (from India), Japanese, Portuguese, Afrikaans speaking, English speaking, tribal language speaking, middle-class and poor.

4.  In 10 minutes, I can be at a really nice mall.

5.  In 20 minutes, I can be in the country.

6.  In 30 minutes, I can be at a game reserve and pet lions!

7.  I get to ride a horse whenever I have time.

8.  My kids go to a really good school.

9.  A petrol/gas station attendant fills my car with petrol, washes the windows, and checks the oil, water and tire pressure.

10.  There is a wonderful choice of fresh fruit, vegetables and fruit juices.  And they are cheap, also!

I know I can think of more things...but I said 10...so...

Angie and Bonnie, it is your turn.  I'm tagging you both!  So, what do love about the places God has called you to?

Hey Grant...you and Liesel can be "tagged" as well, since you are now enjoying life in the States.  But, if you say you love having snow 7+ months out of the year, everyone will know you are still new to living in the North!

And to others, thank the Lord for where He has you.

Jeremiah 29:11

Blessings,

JK

Little Drummer Boy

Josh and Kurt began drum lessons at the end of May.  Both are doing well and loving it!  Josh has incredible rhythm, if we can just get his coordination going.  He keeps telling me that he wants to play the drums in church for Christmas.  Hmmmm....we'll have to think about that one!

Back to School

Today the kids went back to school.  They've had a four week winter break!  This was Josh's first day at The King's School West Rand.  Ruth Anne has been at King's since grade 2 (now she's in grade 9).  We were going to put Josh in King's next year for grade 1, but his class is completely full and there are 40 kids on the waiting list for grade 1.  So, when a space opened for the year (grade 0 or kindergarten), we moved him from Little Discoverer's.

Josh was very excited about going to "big" school with his sister.  At 6:30 this morning, while he was sitting at the table eating breakfast, he looked out the kitchen window and asked, "Why is it dark outside?  When is it morning time?"  We got to school, he met his teacher, then he headed to the playground.  Surprise!

He seemed to have a good day.  He saw his friend, Keon, that he knew from Little Discoverer's.  He learned the letter "A."  And his class is making sock puppets tomorrow.

Ruth Anne got her exams scores from last term and did well.  I don't really need to say it, but...she was not as excited to be at school as Josh was!

JK

Josh's New Do!

Josh has been dying to get his hair braided (plaited).  He's been asking and asking.  So finally I organized with a lady in my Bible study, Tryphina, to plait his hair.

Friday morning, I took him up to the stables to meet Tryphina.  After several minutes of discussion between her and some of the other groom's wives, and in a language I didn't understand, it was decided that she would sew his hair instead of plait it.  I think, since I didn't understand what they were talking about, that his hair was just not long enough.

Well, Tryphina started on Josh's hair at about 10:45 am.  I went off to ride Ivy quickly while Ruth Anne watched.  When I was done riding, I joined the group...the groom's wives plus their children stayed around watching, as well.  His hair was about half way finished.  It was definitely a painful process...as you can see by the grimace on his face!

Just before noon, his hair was done!  He loved it.  Ruth Anne told him that he was "looking so good, man."  But Josh said, "No.  That's not what you're supposed to say.  You're supposed to say, 'OH Yeah!"

Winter Feet

June, July and August...the 3 coldest months of the year in Joburg, South Africa. And, we are now in the middle of them!
One young lady who rides at the same stables my daughter and I do, said, "I now have my winter feet." I knew exactly what she was talking about. Starting in June (or when the first cold front hits), I get my "winter feet." That is, my feet get cold and stay cold all winter long! Sometimes they are colder than other times...but they don't really warm up until September! I don't go without socks (awake or asleep) until late October or November. Ok...I don't shower with my socks on.
Just so you are not confused...houses in South Africa have no central air conditioning or heating. So, the temperature outside can get warmer than the temperature inside the house!
My two best winter friends are my tea/coffee cup, which warms my insides as well as my hands, and my hot water bottle. As I type, my hot water bottle is sitting on my lap. I usually keep it filled with hot water all day long. My kids put their hot water bottles in the bed to keep their feet warm when they go to sleep!
All this to say...I do actually love winter in Joburg. The skies are a clear blue with no clouds. The sun warms you up and there is no rain! I can live with a cold house when the weather outside is so gorgeous!
Blessings,
JK

Life Boring??

I know I haven't written anything for a while.  I don't know...I guess I feel like nothing exciting has gone on...just the same old routine.  Maybe life is just a little "boring."

And yet, when I got to thinking about it this morning, my days are quite different.  On Facebook, I get a question of the week to answer.  This week's question was, "What do you spend most of your day doing?"  As I thought on the question, I realized that there is not one thing I spend most of my days doing.

I don't spend most of my days working on the computer.  I don't spend most of my days in the car.  I don't spend most of my days grocery shopping.  I don't spend most of my days cleaning or washing or cooking.  I have a really flexible schedule.  Each week has its routine.  And, each week has things on the schedule that can't be changed.  For example, every Monday morning our team gets together and prays about the week ahead.  Every Wednesday afternoon I lead a Bible study.  Every Monday afternoon, I take Josh to speech therapy.  But, other things in my schedule change.  I don't always grocery shop on the same day.  Some days, Kurt and I go out to lunch.  Some days I have to stay home and get a Bible study prepared.  Some mornings I get to go with Kurt to a Bible study in Soweto.  I guess that is the beauty of being a missionary and a mom!

So...I may not have much to write about on my blog that seems really exciting.  But...my life is definitely not boring!!

See you soon!

JK

The Heart of a Child

When Ruth Anne was very young and said really "cute" things, I always said, "I should write that down."  But, I never did!  Now that Joshuwa is saying "cute" things, I'm still forgetting to write it down...except this time!

Every night, I read Joshuwa a Bible story, sing a short song, and then he says a prayer.  This one particular night, after our routine, we began talking about something as I was walking out the door...I don't remember exactly what how the conversation started.  

But, Josh said to me, "Everybody loves Jesus."  I had to reply, "No.  There are some people who don't love Jesus."  To that he said, "Oh!  How sad!  I must pray for them."

So, if you are one that doesn't love Jesus, please know that my son prayed that you would come to love Jesus just like he does!

Blessings,

JK