AweZim God

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Continued prayers needed

A quick update on our friend Tim & his family as well as a request for continued prayer.

After much prayer, Tim's tumor was removed in South Africa 3 weeks ago. The subsequent test results showed that Tim had a carcinoma of the adrenal cortex, which is a rare cancer.As the doctor / oncologist in South Africa had not seen it before, they are still to determine final treatment, and where it will be done. Chemo as a precautionary treatment is definitely on the charts though and will start in March. As you can imagine the operation, waiting for results and being away from home has been emotionally draining on them. Tim has also been experiencing a lot of pain and discomfort.

Tim, Felicity and Natani are currently resting, recuperating, "reloading" in the beautiful town of George as well as traveling on to Durban for another family visit.

"Lord we stand in agreement with Cherry's prayer

- we pray for healing of body, soul and spirit;

- our hearts and prayers are that Tim will not have to have any chemo at all;
- many thanks & praise to Jesus who has enabled the cancer to be removed;

- we praise Him that Natani is there;

- we praise Him that the costs are being taken care of;

- we praise the Lord that He will do a complete healing, body, soul and spirit.

Thank you Lord for how You are using this precious family to bring people to You.

Thank you Lord for their lives and the plans You have for them."

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Yvonne @ 15 - a young lady

Hard to believe that 15 years have passed since Yvonne's unexpected arrival 6 weeks early.

In the days just following her birth many people prayed

for her lungs to develop (she was on a ventilator);

for her to grow & remain strong

( @2.3kg she was our biggest baby, but not big enough to the pediatrician's liking)

and above all to grow up as a child of God, a blessing to her family.

And here she is today - a young lady of 15 that has fought her fair share of "battles".

We are so proud of you.

Yvonne's first birthday in Ghana was a rather sad birthday.

We arrived in Ghana late Monday, 16 February 2004.

She had no friends, was heart broken about being away from all our extended family & friends . The only people apart from us to wish her well on the 18th, was Claire, Mike & Iain

- we only met them that day!

Yvonne's last birthday in Ghana was also the girls' farewell party to friends

as our house was being packed up the next week.

So again many tears for 18 February 2009.

This being her first birthday in Zimbabwe, she was apprehensive,

those who know her well knows how she can worry.

BUT WOW did they have fun!

Despite having started the day with cross country standards at school (which she did not like) and lots of swimming when we got home, the girls still managed to stay up till after 1am :)

Yvonne trying to jump clear of the waterhole.

Swimming at anytime is great fun.

The birthday girl surrounded by friends.

Yvonne cutting her cake - a delicious, glittered, bedazzled heart.

"Thank you Lord for Yvonne's life;

she is fearfully and wonderfully made;

she is precious in Your sight.

Thank you for the daughter & sister that she is;

her place in our family is special."

Vonnie we love you so much!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Our little stunt man :)

George came home on Sunday after being "down south" for 4 days, to find Samuel looking like a boxer. Adorable, but so scary when it happened.

Samuel started experimenting with different styles of walking, it so funny to watch him.

He will walk fast with little steps, so it looks like jogging; then he switches to big, slow steps almost like an elephant walk in playgroup; then there is the old man walk where he stands with his hands on his knees & tries to hold onto his knees whilst walking. He also sometimes refuses to walk until we say "ready, steady, go".

On Saturday he thought he could "walk on air" whilst trying to chase a ball...... well enough said.

After tumbling 3 steps, he first sat up & looked very annoyed at the whole situation, then of course with 4 "mommies" all rushing & wanting to comfort, he took it to the next level.......
The girls were so upset and when the cheek / eye showed signs of swelling, they went into complete over-protective mode ( Mommy was not far behind though), he was carried for the rest of the day!!

Of course Daddy came bearing birthday gifts from the family. Thank you Oupa & Ouma for my guitar and Auntie Gretch for my books.

Welcome home Daddy

Don't I look handsome in my Ghana gift for my 2nd birthday?

Doing what I love to do, making music with my guitar

Yes, I do have toys. BUT it is more (much more) fun to play with things that mess!!!! (Especially if I think Mommy or Lucy is not watching)

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Prefect camp

Marina never knew that 3 days could be soooo long, yet so short. The past week Marina spent 2 nights away from home - ALONE for the first time ever!! Yes, I know I should be less like a mother hen wanting all her chicks under her wings :)

The camp was held at Mwanga Lodge about 30min drive from Harare and the children were so privileged to spend time in such a beautiful setting. They had game drives, nature walks, canoeing, elephant rides and evenings around a bonfire. On top of this there was a leadership course and various sessions with pastors to equip them for their position of authority.

Needless to say they were exhausted when they arrived back at school late Thursday afternoon. But the experience was awezim!

Some of Marina's photos:

Marina in front of the girls' chalet

Only God can create something this beautiful,

taken from the top of a hill they had to climb as a team building exercise

Marina on the back of the "baby" elephant ready for their ride

The king of the jungle

Some of the animals at the lodge

"Thank you Lord, for all our "riches"

- that our children are blessed to grow up in this beautiful country where we are free to worship you;

- that You are part of all the "baby steps" & giant leaps in their lives;

- that George & I have the awesome privilege to be parents to 4 of Your precious children. "

Monday, February 8, 2010

Crossing borders

Our sermon on Sunday was all about crossing borders. Living in Zimbabwe we cross the border regularly to neighbouring countries for groceries (not as much as in the past), medical services (definitely) and "time out".

Pastor G focused on the crossing of "unseen" borders that require us to "take a leap of faith". God clearly promised his people that he would lead the way to the promised land, they only had to obey and trust Him. This sermon touched my heart in so many ways, especially after celebrating Samuel's life the past week. Adoption, what an awezim border to cross.

Crossing borders with God :

- means getting out of your comfort zone;

- leads you into unknown territory;

- can place you right in the firing line - there where the action is, where God wants you to act;

- will cost you something, it already cost Jesus everything;

BUT crossing borders with God will also bring you untold joy, peace and so much more.

Again I want to share the words of a song. This song was written last year at a Women's conference here in Zimbabwe after one of the visiting pastors received a prophetic word for Zimbabwe. Every time our congregation sings this song, you can feel the Spirit moving.....

Arise Zimbabwe, turn to God

From the ruins

A beautiful building arise,

Tabernacle of the Most High

And the wind on our faces

Is the presence of your Spirit

Creating out of pain New Life

As the word of the Almighty

Thunders over this country

Arise Zimbabwe, turn to God

"Lord, give us strength & wisdom to cross the borders

that will lead to the healing of this country.

Lord, open our eyes, fill our hearts with compassion & a desire

to cross borders and reach out to those in need.

Thank you Lord that You are already on the other side of each of our borders."

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Birthday Party

We were so blessed to have our friends over today to celebrate Samuel's birthday.

As we have had more rain than usual, we converted our lounge into a play area for just in case. However God provided a wonderful sunny day and we were even able to spend some

time in the pool.