ADDITION TO THE FAMILY

Kara got a little pup today. Her name is Jewel. Needless to say Kara is over the moon and very busy following the pup all over the show. SMudge and Jamie are pretty put out but sure to settle into the new status quo soon. J has decided he's not ready yet for his pup but his very focussed on making sure the other 2 animals are happy.

HUGOS SCHOOL BREAK...

Barb is keeping busy this school break by supervisiong the trrops, making sure they are fed, trying to get some curtains done for the house and working in the garden.

Jamie is supervising JJ while he takes a snack break while helping Mark build the veranda roof this week. One cannot do without such dedicated supervisors....:)

Kara is learning to sew on the machine. Its not her first time... but a definite improvement in straight sewing and ability to sew for 2 hours at a time. She's making a tablecloth she hopes to raffle to raise funds for some of her gym expenses, then, she plans to help me with curtains for the schoolroom and craftroom/spare room. She is also doing a 2 day gym camp today and tomorrow.

ANIMALS RELOCATION...

Hopefully Jamies relaxed posture is an indication of how the whole move and time of construction will feel for everyone...:)

Even Smudge has made a smooth transition to her new home. Tho very stressed on the drive over, she settled down within days.
I don't think that Marble, the guinea pig, really noticed the difference:)

KIDS BIRTHDAYS...

How can it be... that our babies are 13 and almost 11!

BACK IN BOILING KZN...

After returning to SA, Barb flew right away to Cape Town to be with her mom during her surgery. All went well and the Lord has graciously allowed her cognitive skills to return so she is able to live alone independently while waiting for a place a a retirement village.
Otherwise we've tried to have as much of a normal schedule for the kids as we could muster, inbetween packing, preparing to leave Sunbury, sorting out the house in Durban to move to and then actually moving.


School has stated in a normalsih way. JJ is reading chapter books.... jay. and Kara added gym to her schedule right away. We're so thankful; since moving to Durban, for the shorter commute in getting her there. Her one coach lifts her 2 days. PTL.

Our last visit to Zinkwazi Beach (the closest beach to Sunbury). Marius, who takes over from Mark at Sunbury, joined us..

BOURNEMOUTH, UK

Friends and missionaries to Malawi, Dennis and Sheila, are hosting us presently. Here we are at the village of Swanage.
Corfe Castle

Mark, J and K peering out at the English channel.


Please continue to pray for Barbs mom... latest news is that the doctors don't want to operate on her carotid arteries until her speach improves a bit more. The therapists are suggesting assisted living and no driving. Pray for Kevin, Barbs brother, who is trying to sort out arrangements for her. Pray also for us as we leave for SA tomorrow (arriving teusday), as we decide what to do and when.

ALASKA IS AWESOME

A good friend from Multnomah, Marc, hosted us in Anchorage. It was great catching up with him after 14 years and with his daughter Anna and her husband Luke. What a joy to share in their world.

Anna, organised a ice climbing trip. What a incredible experiance ice picks, cramp ons, hand warmers under 2 pairs of gloves. Alaskans say 'theres never bad weather, just bad gear'
Kara and J enjoying the joys of snow and ice... tho this time only at -13 celsius.




The shop at the Alaska Wildlife Sanctuary. An only in Alaska comment I heard there ... sorry the toilets are frozen, the closest toilet is 15 minutes away.

Game viewing is a little different to what we're used to at -25 celcius. Awesome tho.



The kids made snow caves in the back yard.