The morning of our flight, started with a blessing from God (what better way to start a day).  We got an email from our host family that Stephanie and I stayed with on our first trip to Mamelodi.  We hadn't emailed for at least a year, so to get it on the day we are going was amazing.  They shared with us that they had a baby girl in December.  What great news as we are going to get our new son.  Even more amazing because when we stayed with them both of our families shared that we wanted to expand our family.  Praise God!

On to the flight...  The pictures of all the luggage is even crazier than it looks.  Three people, six large suitcase (each close to 50 lbs), and six carry-on pieces of luggage.  We came prepared and then some (some orphanage donations and stuff).  The flights were all on time and fairly smooth, but even with that 17 hours of flying (just the Africa leg) is long and uncomfortable.  Just have to focus on the reason for the trip and you can't do anything about it anyways.

We were greeted at the airport by our friends Frikkie and Tina Koen and their son Matthew.  They have another son, Josh, who is about Drake's age.  The Koens have been the most gracious hosts.  They have opened up their house for us to stay in.  The kids even gave up their bedrooms.  The food they have fixed has been wonderful.  I discovered a delicious new dessert called malva pudding.  I'm hoping to bring the recipe back to the states.  Today Frikkie introduced us to another new snack call biltong.  It's pronounced "bull tongue".  It's like beef jerkey and tastes great.  One mix of it called "rugby mix" even included some warthog.  I know I'm making your mouth water so I'll move on.

We have been able to spend some time in the township of Mamelodi the last couple days.  The first day at Viva Village in an area called Alaska (because it is way out there).  Viva Village is trying to create a positive "village" that will have a school, green houses, adult education and a parafin (like kerosene) dispensing facility.  By selling the parafin, the goal is to make the village self sustaining.  Tina is going to be teaching kids around kindergarten age.  We helped set up her classroom and seal the wood in the room to prevent mildew (that what's happening in the picture where I'm on a step ladder).

Today we went to see Stoffel Park to meet Biggie.  He runs a spaza (a small shop in the township).  Frikkie has been working with Biggie on how to operate a successful business, through mentoring and finding financial support.  Since Tina and Frikkie had a meeting at Viva Village, we rode along with Biggie and his girlfriend Pinky to buy stock for his store.  First, to a meat market.   Then to a bulk store to buy mielie meal (aka pap).  It's a white corn meal, that is inexpensive so eaten a lot in the Township, but has no nutritional value.  Then to a chicken store, where I discovered you can eat every part of a chicken, feet, heads, hearts, and intestines.  Finally, to fill some 50 gallon drums with parafin.  It was a side of Mamelodi, that we never could have seen on a Crossroads trip, so we really valued it.  Biggie was a great guy and we really appreciate him letting us tag along. 

Last thing for today is something new to pray about.  I'M DRIVING IN SOUTH AFRICA!  That means the cars are on the opposite side of the road.  The steering wheel is on the opposite side of the car and the stick shift (which I haven't driven on in over 10 years) is on the drivers left.  I'm told I did good and no one got hurt, so I think I'll do more of it.  Hence the reason for prayer.

We are seeing God's blessings everywhere and I have no doubt, that is in part to all of your prayers.  Please keep them coming.  Only three more days until we meet Isaac!

Jef