Hoping and Waiting

So, for those of you who saw my updates on Facebook about trying a different avenue for leaving the country it looks as if this avenue will not work out. We will be re-grouping on Monday to see if there might be some more options but at this stage it doesn't seem as if this will be possible and we'll be exploring new ways, or just wait for the original ways to work.

I've been reading through Psalm 139 daily because of a suggestion from Sandy VanZyl (Thanks Sandy!). It's been encouraging, as scripture can often be. Specifically verse 16:

 "Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;

 And in Your book were all written

 The days that were ordained for me,

 When as yet there was not one of them."

God has my days ordained, as well as the days of my children. I can't see what all these days look like at this point, but God is holding them in his hand.

This week Scott has been at Timberlake with Shalom and Calvin. They were also able to spend time as campers. I'm excited to hear what their experience at camp has been like. We pray for them every night and look forward to the day when we can be reunited. In the meantime some friends here in South Africa invited us to come to a camp with them for the week. It has been a very relaxing, refreshing time. We have been able to get away and be surrounded by God's beautiful handiwork. For me this is one of the ways to most quickly be encouraged and feel closer to God. 

My sister Eva reminded me of something that my dad says often, "Utilize every opportunity." I think it's often said in relation to physically taking advantage of every opportunity for exercise, but in this case I'm using it in relation to our current circumstances. I plan on utilizing this opportunity to get closer to my two youngest daughters. This is a perfect opportunity for Busi and I to bond in a way we wouldn't be able to with everyone else around. I plan on utilizing the opportunity to learn more about God and His purposes for His children. This will also be a good opportunity for Scott, Shalom and Calvin to be able to do some bonding and growing together that they wouldn't have with the three of us around. So, even though this is not ideal, it is what God has given us right now, and I want to utilize this opportunity!

We love you all and covet your prayers!

Hannah