I stated at the end of my last blog that our team is flying home Monday. Yes this is earlier than planned but sometimes God has his timing. I have realized that more lately in the past three weeks than ever before. When I got the call that Sarah had died (I was in Swaziland at the time) all I could do was ask- why? I mean she was over here serving the Lord and doing great things, how could God take her? But over the past three weeks I have realized that God knows all and turns tragedy like Sarah dying into something good. I know that people will know Christ thru this more deeply. I can honestly say it has already made me pray more.
The week after Sarah died three of our students were sent home to have time with their families. They were hit hard by everything and we as their leaders and team couldn’t give them what they needed most. Now with a team of nine, 6 students and 3 leaders we were all at a loss of what was next. So with some advice by friends we took the next week and went to Cape Town for some debriefing time and relaxing with God. Tom and Cindy Sipling opened up their house and poured into our team. It was a good time to get in tune with our dad and see what he had for us in the coming weeks.
We came back from the week and had a team meeting complete with Tag (our leader in the office) on skype to see where people stood and what the Lord had for our team. In the end we all felt peace that our time here in PE is done. That we have come and done what the Lord has for us and now its time to go home.
So the past week has been packing and sorting and giving away and cleaning. We fly back on Monday. I will be in Ga for a few days to see my friends at AIM then on the 1st I will make it back to Michigan. I am excited to see everyone but please be patient with me and know that it will take me a little bit to settle in and be ready to see people.
Yes, God knows all and understands the big picture. It is easy to question and whish things are different. I myself struggle with this whole thing and reading your entry gives me strenght to to tust more in God and to have faith that good will come out of a very hard thing to deal with. Thank You for your great faith and service. Remember that this year was clouded by a great storm but your team and you did many awsome things to make this wold a better place. LOVE YOU VERY MUCH! Look forward to your safe arrival home!! Mom
Please know that we love you very much, because He loves us very much. And while we agree totaly with your mom that this year was clouded by a great storm, it also was cleansed by that same storm because the Master does many things at once.
Hugs and holding all the way home
Gary and Kadra
MAn I love you so… Can’t wait till friday at the airport…i really pray that you are enjoying your time in Georgia and well flying too. Love you and see you soon. I know you are strong through HIM above!!!