Quick Update

God has a way of working things out in His perfect timing.  

In the months since returning home we have gone for blood tests, stool samples, and a couple of weeks ago I went for my ultrasound.  I went to see the doctor last week on Thursday and I have several cysts in my uterus, ovaries and cervix.  I also have all of the symptoms of cervical cancer, so I have been referred to an GYN/OB.  On Saturday evening the doctor called and asked me to come in this week for more tests, but I have had to postpone them until next week.  

Now why do I say perfect timing?  Well, we have been hoping and praying to be able to bring a good friend over here from Africa, and God has worked it out that she will arrive now on March 4 and stay for 6 months (at which time I hope to travel back with her).  Her name is Ndemufayo and she has never traveled outside of Namibia, so please be in prayer for her as she ventures out of her comfort zone... she is excited and scared at the same time.  I am sure she will be a great help to me if I need to go for an operation... or whatever other treatment I might need.  So although this was not our purpose for bringing her over, it happens to come together at this time when I would need her most!  I am so thankful that God knows ahead of time and that he knows best.  

Pete is still working out in Ft. St. John, BC.  Talitha is back in NB with the rest of us, she is looking into TESL courses, and has her new camera (Canon Rebel XSi, SLR digital) and is ready to get creative!!  Meagan has just finished up exams (and seems to really love biology), she is looking into taking a midwifery program in the Philippines when she graduates.  Trevor and Tavis expect their report cards in a day or two and are HOPING and PRAYING to be moved up a grade (to where they belong).  

To all of our friends, near and far, we would like to say thank you for your prayers, and please continue to pray for us.  It has not been an easy year, but GOD is faithful in sustaining us, loving us and encouraging us.  Please pray for a quick resolve to my medical issues, and pray for Ndemufayo's safety in traveling.  Thank you for praying!

Blessings!

Charlene

Here's what we are up to...

Greetings!

I thought I would write a bit of an update letting everyone know what we have been up to the last couple of months.

Pete left for Ft. St. John to work with a trucking company that moves oil rig equipment. He is hoping to get his class one driving license. He hasn't been as busy as he would like but has made good use of his time by listening to some really awesome sermons.

Meagan, Trevor and Tavis started school in September. Meagan is now in grade 11, Trevor in grade 8 (and hopefully will be put up to grade 9 in the second semester), and Tavis is in grade 7. They have been adjusting. It hasn't been easy but they are learning to adjust once again to NEW and UNFAMILIAR surroundings. I have been a full time stay at home mother! It has been good for me to be here, resting! September I had the flu for a few weeks, then Pete came home for a one week visit, then I had a terrible back spasm and now my hip is acting up... so good thing I am home. I also have been enjoying spending the days listening to sermons, cleaning the house, making meals, and running to town for groceries. I think we have settled on a church to attend, it is called Sovereign Community Church and it is a little lively Presbyterian church 40 minutes from here (like driving to Windhoek on Sundays, except in the winter when there is SNOW).

We are tossing around several ideas as to how this home assignment is going to look. We are not setting ANY plan in stone because we know that God is the one in control and not us. So here are our ideas at the 'moment'! We are thinking we will at least stick around until Meagan is finished school... that is in 2 years... however we would like to go back and forth (the 2 of us) to Africa for a month to three at a time. If the Lord wills I will go back in September next year for a month. I would like to take a couple of my sister-in-laws with me... we'll see how that all works out! We have a friend that we would like to have join us for six months, from Africa... so when she returns I would go with (that's the idea). Depending on how much work Pete gets this year and how much money we can save up, we will work on getting a project started in Northern Namibia. That is why we would like to keep personal contact with Africa during the 2 years...! Now... the other idea that we are playing with, is that we will base out of here until the BOYS are finished school... traveling back and forth for those years, continuing to work with the projects we are looking at starting!

So that's it in a nutshell. We are unsure of timelines in returning 'permanently'... we will return to live one day (if the LORD wills it)... but for now we are going to try to work from here! Once we have something started we will be in touch with those of you who have followed our journey, and see if you would also like to get involved!

WE WILL KEEP YOU ALL POSTED!

Thank you all for your prayers... especially those who prayed me across Canada with the 3 kids (it was a LONG drive by myself)! We also appreciate your prayers on this continuing journey... the unknowns, missing DAD, finances, purpose, ministry, etc!

We love you all and desire to keep in touch!
Love,
Charlene

Deer in the backyard

Eating the windfall apples!

New hair-do

My 40th Surprise Birthday Party

I guessed that my mom and dad were coming up from Sussex, but I had NO idea that a bunch of neighbours, and relatives were going to show up! What a surprise when at 4PM (when I was just about to head upstairs for a nap) a whole group of people came in the door! Yes I was surprised and shocked!

The food was great! I found out later that Pete had made the call from Ft. St. John asking my mom if she could get a bunch of people together for a party on my 40th Birthday. That was 2 big surprises from him this year... a preplanned day at the Spa and then a Surprise Birthday Bash! WOW!

Party animals...

Starlet and her daughter

The crowd (and Pete)

Uncle Don, Pete, my dad and Kelvin

Uncle Don and Jr Stewart

Party Goers...

My mom, Helen, and Leah

Melanie, and my aunt June

Brother Roger and Gene

Grammy Olga

The bonfire!

Warming up before blowing out the candles!

My birthday make-over

Pete dropped me off at a Spa in Newcastle on Friday afternoon around 2:30PM... I wasn't finished until just after 7PM. It was a long day of pampering... massage, facial, pedicure, manicure, hair and makeup! What a day! Sadly we didn't get a picture when I first got home, oh well! It was a nice surprise, and I enjoyed my day!

Fun times with the fox!

This one is a little too timid... doesn't want to come as close as the one below...

The fox and the kids...