Christmas

I thought I would share with you my Christmas decorations. I'm not one to go all out and I tend to keep it simple, VERY simple. This year I did more than normal . . .


like the garland on the handrails . . .


and the bow on the elephant.


Here is my favorite ornament (which is too big for my tree). It is Cracker Barrel my favorite restaurant in America. I'm dreaming of their menu right now . . . . .


My favorite decoration is definitely my Willow Tree Nativity set.


So from my home to yours . . . a simple Merry Christmas!!

Meeting at my House

Friday was our team meeting and this time we met at my house. We talked about working on a master plan for our ministries along the Garden Route. We also celebrated Sharan and Tina's birthdays. (Sharan's was on Monday and Tina's on Friday.) After our meeting we headed to The Bistro for a delicious dinner.

Service in Knysna

Right after church in Sedge this morning, Dave, Julie and I headed to Knysna where Dave was going to preach for a small group of Africans meeting in someone's home. We thought we were early until Dave opened the car door and heard singing. They were waiting for us to arrive.


During the singing time different people testified, shared a testimony. Julie and I were asked to share a testimony as well.


Dave preached in English and it was interpreted into Xhosa by the pastor. I'm so sorry I don't have any clue how to spell his name.


Through some gifts from America Dave is purchasing a small piece of land and a tent to give this group a place to worship. When they heard the news they were so excited!!! Dave will also be encouraging the pastor as he continues this work.


I of course fell in love with the children. What sweet faces!!!


Here is the whole group waving as a thank-you to the church in America which gave the money for their "church"!

Teens Teaching

Today two of the teen girls taught Sunday school. I love seeing our youth getting involved in the ministry! Here is Sarah teaching the younger age group - she had Courtney today.


And here is Charlotte teaching my class - Hannah and Chantel.


I'm so thankful that they are willing to serve the Lord!!

Whales

I posted about my whale experience on my recent trip through Hermanus. I met a lady who had an amazing camera and had caught the breach of a whale. I had gotten some great tail pics so we agreed to email our pictures to each other. I received these today and had to share them with you. Breathtaking!!!

Youth

Friday night we took our Sedge young people to George for Youth. This time we played softball which was a lot of fun. It has been a long time since I have played and I really enjoyed it. It was also a lot of fun trying to explain the game to South Africans who are avid cricket fans. They eventually got the hang of it and some of them turned out to be really good!


After the game time we headed back to the Crane's home and Rodney Poplin shared a challenge on the most important question of all - What will you do with Jesus? There were several unsaved young people there. Please pray that they would allow the truth of what they heard to touch their lives.

Being Decorative

Friday I spent part of the day at the coffee shop helping out. I always give Heidi a hard time about not getting her new blackboard decorated. She told me to do it, so I did. I had a great time putting menu items up on the board.


Here is the finished product:


I also did two of the outside boards - doesn't all of this make you hungry?? I'll take you here to eat if you come visit!!

Thanksgiving Day

Thursday morning I taught at the school for the last time this year. I'm looking forward to starting this ministry up again in the new school year which begins in January. I taught Grades One and Two.


In the evening the Americans (and a few others) gathered together to celebrate Thanksgiving. We had a wonderful meal and lots of great fellowship. We had turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, carrots, cranberry salad, Watergate salad, and a seven-layer salad. Plus all of the desserts! Enough to feed an army!! It was delicious and made the day very special. Here is Bryant carving the turkey.


It was a wonderful way to spend the day - with friends who have become family!

Last Fun Club for 2009

Yesterday was our last Fun Club for this year. We had 40 kids which is probably because they heard there was going to be cake and snacks.


We celebrated Zoe's birthday with the kids. I'm so thankful for her help in Fun Club.


I had lots of teen helpers: Bianca, Chantel, Sarah, Charlotte, and Donovan. Chantel and Bianca helped do the Mosquito song again and Donovan helped me by being a "ballerina" during I Love Him Better Every D-A-Y. It was hilarious!


We did a game review of our past lessons - using it to teach the truths again. The kids were excited about that for sure!


Unfortunately the rest of the time was close to chaos and I wasn't able to get pictures. We set up six game stations and allowed the kids to play in groups. After the game time we gave them a cupcake, bag of chips, cup of drink, and a small bag of candy (called a party packet here). They had a great time and I am looking forward to next year.

Babysitting

Tuesday night I babysat for Shaun and Heidi while they took Courtney to a school concert that she was in. She looked so cute in her red dress!


Gabe and I had a great time - he is such a cutie!!!


And since I have this picture of Heidi and Shaun I'll use it with this post. This was Wednesday at the coffee shop - finally both of them in the same picture!