Glorifying Steps

It has been over a week now since my family left. The two weeks they were here were completely fantastic! We loved getting to show them our favorite places in Johannesburg, our new home in Katse, and letting them see our ministry and meet the children. We jammed the two weeks full of things to do and kept very busy.

I have asked each of them what their favorite parts of the whole trip was – enjoy reading what they liked the best!

Rachel: My favorite part was getting to show them the Care Centers and meet with children, women, and pastors we work with. Now, when I tell them about my day, they will know what places and what things I am talking about. But, I have a favorite moment too. It was the time when Mom and I were heading home and I passed by the house and pulled to an empty lot that overlooked the water. We sat there in the car and just talked for a while. This was the most precious moment to me. Having her here working with me and being able to talk face to face meant the world! Love you Mom!

Tyler: I liked spending Christmas with family, spending time relaxing, grilling out and letting them meet all our friends and the people we work with up here. It was great to be able to talk face to face instead of just over the phone. I also loves some new games we played as a family each night!

Mom: First I’d say seeing you and Tyler, all of us being together, seeing where you live and minister and seeing the smiles on the children’s and women’s faces as the kids played with new toys. Hearing the singing at church. Working along side you at the Centers. Hanging out at y’alls house. Riding around and talking with you! Hard for me to pick one favorite, I loved it all!!!

Dad: Really, the best part was being with the whole family for two weeks. Like Mom said, hard to pick just one. Some other things I enjoyed were spontaneously seeing Star Wars at the beginning of week, and hearing the boys talking about it all week. Watching Tyler and Rachel interact with Care Center kids and adults. Watching y’all take care of the details of your ministry. I really enjoyed the dam tour. I was glad I went on the hike (almost didn’t and barely made it). I enjoyed both animal parks we visited. I Really enjoyed the steaks the boys cooked and the filet in the restaurant. The trout was delicious too. The views were awesome! And the worship service on Sunday was spirit lifting!

Little Brother, Tanner: Probably making sugar cookies for the kid’s Christmas party and other times just hanging out like that. I also enjoyed getting licked by a cheetah!

Big Brother, Hunter: The safaris were great, but I also really enjoyed being there with y’all!

Sister-in-Law, Kelli: My favorite thing about the trip as a whole was getting to be with everyone for so long! My favorite thing we did was either the Christmas party or our nights in Katse making dinner and working on projects at the end of the day, and then playing games!

One of the biggest things they helped us with was the Christmas party we had for the Care Centers. The guys helped to build the Christmas presents, Kelli painted the presents and shared the story of Jesus’ birth, and mom prepared the cutest craft they probably had ever seen! The party took quite a bit of planning and work but it was well worth seeing the kids so excited and happy that afternoon.

With Love,
Tyler & Rachel