July 2017 Update

Hi All :)

It's been a while since I posted here, but here is an update on what's happening with my visa.

My volunteer visa that I submitted last month was denied; however, after speaking with a lawyer, I decided to appeal the decision, as we believe it was wrongly denied. The appeal is sent to Home Affairs in South Africa for a decision, so at this point I'm not sure when I will hear back. 

I was originally scheduled to arrive back in South Africa today, but for the moment I am still in America. My lawyer has a Plan B which we will be a waiver process where we apply directly to home affairs in South Africa for a waiver. Basically they will advise on what type of visa I should apply for and will waive certain requirements that I don't meet. 

While it is not an ideal situation, God has shown His faithfulness in many ways. 1.) Leading me to an amazing lawyer who loves the Lord and believes in the work of The Hidden Place. 2.) Allowing this to happen at a time of year when I have the time to deal with it, and it doesn't overlap with a camp. 3.) The airline working with me and giving me a flight credit which I can use whenever things get sorted out, instead of losing my flight or having to change it to a date that may or may not be the correct one. 

During the last month, God has truly given me such a sense of peace and confirmation over my calling to South Africa. I truly believe that He will work all of this out for His glory and good, and I will be back in South Africa with a visa in His timing. This season has not been an easy one, but He is teaching me so much. 

A friend of mine sent me a messaged yesterday that said this-"Where you are is not who you are." 
It's easy to feel like this situation defines me. Like the season I have been in for the past year is who I am. But it isn't. I am a child of God, and He is reminding me every day of how that defines me. 

Many of you have asked how this will affect The Hidden Place. We have no intentions or plans of stopping the ministries of The Hidden Place. Camps will go on as planned. The hope is that I will have a visa long before October, but if not, I will go back in on a 90 day visa, have camp, and then continue with this battle. 

Thank you so much for your continued support during this season. Your prayers and interest mean so much to me. Please continue to pray that God would make a way and that His plan would prevail in this situation. Pray for the ministries I am involved with in South Africa and that I would be able to do as much as I can from this side of the globe. 

Courtney 

Camp #6--Rooted

Camp #6. 
It’s hard to know where to begin sharing about it. It was different from other camps, and yet similar. Camp number six was filled with new experiences, but with the same kids. It was our first time ever bringing back a group of past campers. It was so incredible seeing the kids again, and seeing how they have grown physically and spiritually. 
While it may have looked quite similar from the outside, so many of the inner workings of Camp #6 were different. We had the largest group of kids ever at 82, and the largest group of volunteers ever at 30. The team we had with us was phenomenal. They were keen to help in any and every way. With such a large team, I was able to spend more time connecting with the kids and leaders, which I was so thankful for.

Our theme for this camp was Rooted. Since most of the kids that came to camp had given their lives to Christ at a past camp, we wanted to take the opportunity to dive into the Word with our kids. Through looking at Colossians 2:6-8, along with many other passages, we were able to share with the kids what it means to be rooted in Christ—to walk in Him and bear fruit and share the gospel with others. 

In the build up for camp, as well as at camp itself, we heard so many stories of how the gospel impacted the lives of the kids. Ten of the kids that came to camp were from a community centre in Tembisa, one of the local townships. These kids, after hearing the gospel at camp a few years ago, went and shared with more kids in their community. The group of kids made copies of their devotion books from camp and were leading bible studies with other kids who didn’t know Christ. 

I have moments where I wonder if what we do is enough. When you see so many needs around you, you feel like you should be doing more. And we should be. However, it is amazing to see that God is using The Hidden Place to touch the lives of kids, who are in turn touching the lives of other. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to be a part of it all. Thank you all for the continued support and encouragement. 

I believe that God has great things in store for The Hidden Place in the coming months and years. I believe He is going to take us to new places and open doors for us to do new things. Please join me in praying that we would be open to where He is leading us and listen to His direction and guidance. 

Timing

Hi everyone--

The past few months have been filled with highs and lows. As many of you know, we have been raising money to purchase a piece of land in the township of Alexandra, which is where many of the kids we work with live. In July, after two years of searching, we put an offer in on a piece of land. The excitement was overwhelming--the dream God placed in my heart a few years ago was finally being fulfilled. However, a few weeks later we realised that there were some issues with the purchase. Long story short, it looked like the deal was going to fall through. It was honestly heartbreaking. I felt so many different emotions in those unknown months. A couple of weeks ago, I heard final word that the deal had fallen through. I didn't understand why God had brought us here just to tell us no.

And then a couple of days later, my estate agent called me with news. The owner of the land right beside the first one was willing to sell! After putting in an offer, we found out a few days later that it had been accepted. We paid the deposit on Monday, so it seems that we finally have a home for The Hidden Place!

The last few months and years haven't always been the easiest. I've always known that the dream for the Hidden Place wasn't just camp. The camps were always designed to be the springboard for discipleship and relationship with kids and families in the townships we work in. The vision has always been much bigger than 2 camps a year. And now, that vision is beginning to become a reality.

The next few months hold lots of unknowns. The process is really just beginning. First of all, we have to raise the remainder of the money that is needed to buy the land. Then, we have to clear the land and level the land and put up fencing. Only then can we begin to build the centre that I hope will greatly impact the community. It's an exciting time, but it's also a scary time. The truth is, I feel in over my head. But I'm pretty sure that's a good thing. It is in moments of discomfort and unknowns that faith is developed. That relationship is developed.

I ask that you will come alongside the hidden place and join us on this amazing journey. You can join us by contributing financially to the purchase of the land and the ministry that we will continue to be involved in during this process. You can support us by praying and spreading the word. I believe that God truly has something great in store. He is faithful. And His timing is perfect. 

Greater Things to Come

The news that I’ve been longing to hear came today--the offer to purchase on the land in Alex was signed today! I’ve been reading through newsletters and blogs from the past year and a bit, remembering the journey that has brought us here. So many hopeful moments, meetings, and land viewings--so many times that I got my hopes up just to be let down. And all the while, God knew the exact piece of land that was right for us. And He has finally led us to it.

Today brought lots of excitement, as well as some fear and anxiety. The desire for a place to grow the vision of the Hidden Place from has been a deep rooted one. One that I am thrilled to be watching come to fruition. However, today also comes with a new set of challenges. The first of which, is raising the necessary funds to secure the land. We need close to $100,000 in the next 2 months, and the truth is, those numbers really overwhelm me.

While I could continue with the list of challenges that will come, I’m fighting myself to do so. I’m doing my very best to take this one step at a time. The vision of The Hidden Place is an exciting one. One that goes far beyond 2 camps a year. It is a vision that desires to reach the children and families of Alexandra and other townships in Johannesburg with the gospel, and journeying with them on their walk with Christ. I believe that God has awesome things in store for this ministry. Things that are far greater than I initially imagined. And buying land is just a step in the process.

I am asking that you will partner with us, and prayerfully considering donating in order to help us purchase this land. It is a big dream, but one that I feel is from God. One that He is orchestrating step by step. If you would like to donate, you can go to www.thehiddenplace.org and click on the pay-pal link OR you can make checks out to The Hidden Place and mail them to 26575 Johnson Ln. Toney, AL 35773. All donations are tax deductible and will go directly to making the dream of purchasing land for a center in the township a reality.

We appreciate you all so much. And we can’t wait to see what God is going to do.

the way you should go

If you know much about the Hidden Place, I would assume that you know where that name comes from. Two nights ago, as I was experiencing such anxiety around decisions that needed to be made, I felt led back to the verse where this all began. Psalm 32:7--"You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble. You surround me with shouts of deliverance."

And then my eyes drifted to what comes next, if I'm honest, I had never really paid much attention to the next verse. But in that moment, I couldn't have imagined words any more perfect. "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you."

I still can't figure out why I'm shocked when God speaks. But for some reason, I am. And on Tuesday night I was reminded that while I may not know all the answers, or even get a yes or no from God, I can be sure of one thing--His eye is always on me. He will instruct me, and if not with audible voice, than with the voices of those around me. He is a good Father, and He never leaves us on our own.

Today was a special day. Today I put in an offer on a piece of land in Alex--the place that has my heart, the place that feels more like home every time I go. It was a day that I've been longing for and dreaming of. You see, this has always been the dream. It was never just to have camps. It was always for something much more than that. The dream is to journey with children as they walk out their faith with Christ--their true hiding place. And if this offer is accepted, that dream will finally have a home.

Today I've been reminded that this dream is so much bigger than me. In my mind, it can become overwhelming. It presents many questions which are difficult to answer at the moment, and many hurdles that will have to be jumped over one by one. It isn't a quick easy process, so as I sit and wait for the answer to the offer, all I know to do is pray.

At the moment, I'm sitting in my house surrounded by candles. Often times the power being out annoys me, but tonight, I am thankful for the quiet. I'm thankful for the time to think and to dream, to seek and to thank.

Today is just the beginning. If the answer is yes, the next few months will be filled with more steps and decisions than my mind can process. We will need more support than ever--emotionally, spiritually, and financially. But I have no doubt that God will provide more than I could ever imagine as He always does. So here is to instruction, here is to counsel, and here is to God never leave us on our own. 

inbetween

I will admit, it has been more difficult than usual to find the correct words for this blog. Words that I felt to be true and honest. The truth is, this week is one of the hardest for me. After the excitement of camp and having people around, the silence of this week is often deafening. It is in this week when I ask myself lots of questions--what is the next step for The Hidden Place? Where is God leading us? What more does He have for us to do? It's a week filled with prayer, a week filled with emotions, and a week filled with longing--a longing for this, and my life to make a true difference for His Kingdom.

The theme for camp #4 was "Not Home Yet"--which was birthed from a personal place. You see, as much as the last 6 months have been filled with excitement and joy in my own life, the lives of people around me seem to have been filled with pain and tragedy. I found myself broken over the loss of people in the community where I was raised. And not only that, but broken for the people who loved them. I've been broken over accidents and illnesses which affected the children in Alex which I have come to know and love. It's seems like all around me people are hurting. In those moments of brokenness, God reminded me that the only true hope we have as people is found in Him and a life with Him. "Not Home Yet" sought to be about how as believers we do not belong in this world, which is why we often experience pain and loss and hurt and loneliness. God had something different in mind, a world where we could walk in perfect communion with Him, but we messed that up in the garden. And nothing has been the same since.

With that being said, I didn't want it to be an "accept Jesus so you can get to heaven" kind of deal. You see, if heaven just for the sake of heaven is the goal, we've got it wrong. Our hearts should desire heaven because of the presence of God. The fact that we will get to one day sit around His throne in awe of Him, singing praises to Him without distraction--that is what I wanted these kids to know. And I can tell you, it was amazing to see. To see kids asking questions and wanting Jesus--not just what He could give them, was incredible.

Here is my personal struggle--the inbetween. I'm incredibly thankful for the promise of being at home with God one day. However, I have to remember that I'm here for a reason. You see, I have the opportunity to experience God now. I have the opportunity to talk with Him and love Him and live for Him now--that isn't something I have to wait for. But more than than, I've been commanded to love like Jesus loved. To care for the orphans and the widows, to make His name known to people who have never heard it. I've been commanded (not asked) to love my neighbour as myself, no matter who that neighbour happens to be.

You see, as Christians we can't just walk through this world longing for our future home. We must walk through it differently than other people--making the most of every day, and experiencing God now. Let us not get caught up in either extreme; rather, let us live in the in-between, living for God today, experiencing God today, loving people today, while clinging to the promise of our future home with Him.

Cook Book :)

Hello Everyone :)

Here we are just 2 weeks away from camp, and we have some very exciting news! The Hidden Place will be publishing a cookbook! The cookbook will be compiled of recipes from people like you, and will be sold to help raise money for The Hidden Place!

We would love to have you share your favorite recipes with us, and there are a few ways you can do that!

1.) You can go to www.fundcraft.com and use the WEB ID: 419-15CT to access the recipe center--just enter the WEB ID in the top right corner, no password necessary, and click login-here. When the page comes up, click on Short/Cut online and you will be brought to a page where you can type out your recipe! There is even a Traditional South African recipe section, so all my South African friends please join in the fun!

2.)  Holly and Michelle will be giving out forms at Wooley Spring, First Baptist Tanner, and Mars Hill Baptist--so if you are not comfortable using the website, you can submit your recipe this way.

The deadline to submit recipes is April 10th--so please make sure you get yours in before then! And please pass the word on so that we can get lots of people involved!

Thanks so much for your support and a HUGE thank you to Holly Tiemann and Michelle Richardson for heading up this project!

the Almighty

I have moments in life, more than I would like to admit, when I forget who Jesus really is. Sure I "know" Him. Sure there are attributes in my life that say I follow Him. But there are numerous moments in my life when, in my hopelessness, I forget who He is.

When I arrived back in South Africa after a wonderful time in America, I felt an overwhelming sense of hopelessness when it came to The Hidden Place. I was expecting non-profit paperwork to be back so that we could move ahead with purchasing land. I was anxious about the small number of volunteers we had just 2 months before camp. And as I mentioned in my last blog, on two different occasions in one day, God reminded me of who He is.

You see, often times I go to Jesus as my comforter when things are going badly. I ask Him to give me wisdom. I ask Him to direct me. All of those things that we ask Him as His followers. However, there is one thing that I often don't seek Him as--the Almighty God.

I was striving to accomplish all these things in my own strength, and when they didn't happen, I went to God in my sadness and distress. But instead of initially asking Him to take care of these things, I just sought comfort.

When I finally began to put things in His hands, He showed up in a powerful way. In less than a month, we had 6 more people join the team for camp in March/April, and we received our non-profit company paperwork in South Africa.

Let us not forget who our God is. He is not only our comforter and our rest, not only our Saviour and our hope. He is also the Almighty God. The God who is capable of all things, big and small. Today, let us not only go to Him in our times of sadness and frustration and ask for comfort. Let us go to Him, give our situations over to Him, and ask Him to do something great--something that only He can do. And then, let us have faith to believe that He is capable of more than we can ever imagine. 

None like Him

Arriving in Johannesburg on Friday morning was a bit more overwhelming than I expected. A rush of emotions and memories came flooding over me. I remember the first time I walked through that airport, not knowing what to expect, and definitely not knowing that this would become my home. I have walked through that airport at all different seasons of life, each one God used to bring me closer to who He created me to be. I look back over the past four and a half years of my life, and I am so thankful. I am thankful for God's grace and for His redemption. He chose to use me--a normal, sinful, messed up girl, and for that I am most thankful. I'm amazed that I get to be a part of His story. I'm constantly amazed that He uses people who are far from perfect, people who struggle, people who fail--and He entrusts these people with making His name known. May I never let my fear of inadequacy, the fear that I'm not good enough to stand in the way of what He has called me to.

Returning to Edenvale Baptist yesterday was incredible. I felt like I was home--Carl and I were welcomed by our friends and congregation with such joy and excitement over our marriage. Richard, our pastor, is going through a series studying 2nd Chronicles, and I can honestly say his sermon hit me like nothing has in a long time. He spoke about the life of King Asa, and through that he spoke about seeking God, relying on God, and leaning into God. 2nd Chronicles 14:11 says this " And Asa cried to the lord his God, "O Lord, there is none like you to help between the mighty and the weak....."

You see, in the past few weeks I've become quite anxious about things with The Hidden Place. Land is not happening as quickly as we would have liked and the team for March is much smaller than we need it to be. For the first time in a while in this role, I feel like I'm not sure what to do. I don't know who else to call about land--I'm struggling to know what to do to make it happen. I'm not sure how to get more people to be a part of camp. I've felt helpless. And as I sat next to my husband yesterday and  shared where I was at, he encouraged me to push into God. He reminded me that His timing is perfect and His plan may be different than mine. He reminded me that God is the one I need to be seeking--the one I need to be relying on. And then Richard shared the above verse. My mind was blown. He is the one that will help me. And there is none better than Him to help.

With that being said, I ask you to come alongside me. I ask you to ask God to help. Seek Him--push into Him. I don't often do this, but I want to ask whoever is reading this to consider seriously coming to camp in March. I won't beat around the bush---we need you. We need people to join us in what God is doing here. I ask that you will join us in what God is helping us to do. Let's let go of what we think is best--let us let go of what we think is the right way to go--and let us beg God to help us. Let us seek Him and truly know what He is calling us to in each area of our lives and ministry.

A look back at camp #3

Camp was incredible. Once again, we were blown away by all God did in the lives of the children and leaders. Each year I am blown away at God's faithfulness. It is amazing to me that He takes a group of people from different cultures and backgrounds, many of whom have never met, and does such beautiful things through them--things that will impact His Kingdom for eternity. I am so humbled to be a part of it. It is truly an amazing thing to watch. 

Walking into the worship room on the first day, there was this strange silence as 61 kids stood around not really knowing what to expect. We started out the week calling them our first quiet group, but believe me that didn't last long. After only a few hours, they came out of their shells and were loving every minute of it! Our leaders did an amazing job making the kids feel comfortable and loved very quickly. Before we knew it, the teams were playing games and doing cheers like they were veterans. 

Our theme for the week was a new creation--Promise and Melissa did an amazing job as always. Even though they share the message in a language we cannot understand, it is so clear that they are proclaiming the truth of the gospel in a powerful way! The small group leaders did a great job expounding on what Promise and Melissa taught in the large group sessions. It is wonderful to see Americans and South Africans working side by side to see kids come to understand the message of the gospel. 

We celebrated with baptism on the last full day of camp--Jamie and my dad shared in baptism with 46 kids--3 of which had accepted Christ before camp, while the other 43 accepted Christ during the week! Please continue to pray for these kids. Many of them have now transitioned back into a home where there may not be any other believers. They may even be in a home where they are mocked for the decision that they made. Please pray for them as they persevere in their walk with Christ. And pray for us as we seek to disciple these children in the months to come. 

Our prayer is that this isn't just a one time event, but that it is the start of a new life for these kids. A life where they often have so little, but can now find all they truly need in Jesus. 

With that in mind, please join us in praying for the purchase of land in the township. We have now submitted our paperwork for non-profit status in South Africa, and on approval we will hopefully be able to purchase land where we can build a resource center to aid in ongoing discipleship of the kids that come through our camps. 

In just 2 weeks I will be home for a couple of months! I am really looking forward to this time with my family and excited about all the events that will be taking place! It is definitely going to be a special time. I am also looking forward to being able to share at various churches in the community about what God is doing in the Hidden Place and where we believe He is leading us. I still have a few spots open, so if you are interested in hearing more about what we do, I would love to be able to share with your church or group! If you are interested, please e-mail me at thehiddenplacesa@gmail.com 

Thank you all for your continued interest and support. We couldn't do what we do without you--thank you for being a part of this ministry. 

--Courtney 

3 weeks til #3

Here we are 3 weeks away from camp #3--it's honestly a bit surreal. A year ago preparation was happening for the first Hidden Place camp. My mind is blown when I think back to all God has done during that time.

Preparation is well underway on this side--bible studies are finished, forms are funnelling in, leaders are in place, shopping has been (mostly) done, and stress levels are a bit higher than normal. It as at this time that the fears begin to flood my mind. Will enough kids show up? Will our leaders get along? Will the weather be good? Will the charter buses show up? Will someone get hurt? Will someone be left out?

And as those fears come through, I am reminded that this is God's--I'm just a small part of it. If we have 50 kids or 75 kids, it will be ok. In the hiccups and moments that don't go so smoothly, God is still there. He has something to teach each one of us involved. And as cliche as it may seem, He is in control. And at the end of the day, if one child comes to know Him personally, it is all worth it. All the money--all the resources--all the time--all the effort--all the fears--all the anxiety. It is all worth it. And I couldn't think of anything else I would rather spend my life doing.

A new creation is our theme. And God has been challenging me so much in that lately. At church last night, Richard challenged us to be who we are in Christ. We are holy. We are righteous. We are hidden in Christ.

We are His. So let's be His. Just as we will talk about with our children in a few weeks, being His doesn't mean let's "act" like we are His. It isn't all about behaviour--it's about our hearts. And when our hearts are so in love and in awe of who Jesus is and what He has done for us, we can't help but become something new.

I'm so excited for October 6th to get here. Ever time the first day rolls around I struggle to sleep. I am so giddy just thinking about how incredible it's going to be. The small things are my favourites--seeing our kiddies load onto a huge bus, many for the first time. Arriving at camp and seeing their faces light up seeing the beauty of the J-life farm. Seeing them pile their plates full of food and then being amazed that they actually eat it all. Trying to get them to sleep the first night. Trying to keep them out of the showers ALL day. Teaching them the superman prayer. Watching the first child pray to accept Christ as Saviour--and then the next one and the next one. Watching them laugh at all the white people trying to dance. Watching them learn new things, and teach us new things as well.

I could go on and on.

For now, I sit here expectant. I can't wait to see what all God is going to do. I can't wait to get there. I can't wait to meet each of the kids that will be at camp. I can't wait to see lives and hearts changed by the gospel.

the busiest season yet

I've been sitting in bed for the past 30 minutes trying to will my mind to rest. Today it hit me how insane the next few months are going to be. Just a disclaimer, this blog might be a little out of the ordinary, but I felt like letting people in to more than just the hidden place aspects of life. I just wanted to be me and share a glimpse into this season. 

Camp is in less than two months, and believe me that alone usually is a bit overwhelming. I honestly cannot wait--and I believe that we are going to have an incredible team, both from the States and from South Africa. We are going to have close to 10 leaders at camp who have been before--what a blessing! I have no doubt that this is going to make my job a little less stressful, and God definitely knew that this was the time I was going to need that. 

Tomorrow marks 5 months til the wedding. And yes I know 5 months is a long time. But let me just tell you all that is going to happen in that time. On the first of September Carl moves into our new home!! yay :) Which means moving furniture, cleaning, painting, and organising a new home. Thankful we will have time to get his stuff settled and the house decorated before it is officially our home together in January. The next month brings camp and all the things that entails :) 

And during this time I will be studying for my FINAL semester!! Woop! I applied for graduation from NOBTS for December of THIS YEAR! I never thought I would be able to write those words :) 

On top of these events, we are still working quite diligently on finding land for The Hidden Place in Alex. And I'm happy to say we are making progress! I am currently working on getting our non-profit and tax-free status here so that we are able to get a better price from the government. Please please please keep this in your prayers. We are hopeful that we will have land by the end of the year...

I am also still working at the tutor centre 4 days a week. It has been so great in the past few weeks to have extra volunteers join our team--this means I have extra time to spend with my older elementary kids working on skills they really need to develop. 

Needless to say, it is quite a busy time. Please pray for me--pray that I will be able to really focus on my relationship with Christ. Pray that I wouldn't wish this season away, but I would allow God to use it to develop whatever He needs to in me before next year. 

Please pray for Carl as this is also a crazy busy time for him. Also please pray for my amazing family in America. My parents and my sisters are truly going above and beyond to make all the events in this season go as smoothly as possible. I am so thankful for the support system that they are. 

Believe me--I know all of these events are nothing compared to the lives of many people. I just wanted to let you all in and ask for your prayers. My desire is to stay focused on what God wants to do in and through The Hidden Place in the next few months. I truly believe He has great things in store. 

Thank you all for your support. Thank you for your encouragement and love. I'm so blown away at this life I get to live :) 

bye for now! 

Patience

Patience. I am pretty sure that my Father has been trying to teach me that lesson for many years. However, I'm learning that maybe it isn't what I always thought it was. You see, patience isn't sitting around waiting on God to open a door or provide what you need. Patience isn't letting go of your dreams. Patience isn't a command to stop trying. Patience is rest--Resting in the fact that God is completely sovereign over a situation. Patience is an active belief that God will provide in His time. But patience is active. 

For the past 6 months, we have been praying for God to provide land in Alex to build a resource centre/office for The Hidden Place. I honestly had no idea where to begin looking as townships have their own culture when it comes to buying land. Basically, it's by word of mouth. So, I started spreading the word--telling anyone I could that we were looking for land. For a while there weren't really any leads, and then about a month ago something happened. A guy who does some recruitment for camp came to me and had some potential land. I was beyond thrilled. We went and looked at the property and chatted about what would need to be done to create what we wanted. And then I waited. 

I waited on "the man" in Alex to come back to me with an offer. I waited to sit down with him and talk about prices and conditions, etc. And it never happened. 

Earlier this week I found out that the purchase has most likely fallen through as there are some issues between him and the municipality. Not really sure of all the details--I was just told it wasn't going to happen. 

So here we are--back to searching. Back to being patient while knocking on every door we can to find out anything we can about land. I am truly confident that in the right time, God will provide exactly the piece of land He wants us to have--but I still have days when I don't want to wait. I have so many days when I'm ready for this venture to continue to grow--when I am ready to have a place our kids can come to grow in their walk with Christ. I am ready to take this to the next step. 

And then I wonder--maybe God is waiting for me to really be ready. He must know when the right time is--He must know what needs to be in order first. He knows. And He will provide. 

Thank you to everyone who has prayed and encouraged me during this time--please don't stop your prayers! Let's continue to go to God with this and trust that He will open the right door at the right time. 

In other news, we will be having a follow up day with our kids on the 17th of July. We are taking them to a local park for the morning where we will have a braai, games, and worship--after that they will split into their groups from camp and chat about how things have been since. The local leaders will be there to encourage them in their faith and touch base to  let them know we are still here. It will be an amazing day--please be in prayer that all the kids will be able to attend! 

Also, I will be home for a few weeks in June/July so I am looking forward to seeing many of you during that time :) 

lots of love--

Court