Whirlwind of fun!

What an interesting weekend! It all started with us skyping about 6 different people on Saturday. What a great time to catch up with family and friends. At one point, we actually had two skype sessions going (one on Anita's laptop, and one on mine) and we also received another call at the same time. Unfortunately, we had to decline the call, but we were able to catch up with them later. Skype has really helped us to keep the worries about our families and friends at a minimum, plus I think it helps us with home sickness. We have not had too much home sickness yet, but it has only been a week, and it still feels like a vacation!
Saturday also brought us our first "red clay dust storm". The wind picked up and carried all the dust along with it. It got so bad that the kids came screaming inside. I was able to take a quick picture (on my Facebook page). The mountains in the background were gone!
Sunday, we went to a CRC church here in Maseru. Sorry, CRC stands for Christian Revival Church, not Christian Reformed Church :). It was a hopping service...literally. Faith really liked the jumping and dancing that took place during the songs. And Elijah had a wonderful time at the Children's service. And today, we found out that his Childrens church teacher is a volunteer at Beautiful Gate! Once we got home from church on Sunday, it began to storm the rest of the day. This caused random power outages and the internet was down all day. It was a good thing that we skyped with so many people on Saturday. That also meant that we missed the Haven Christmas program online. We heard that it was good and that the kids dedicated it to Elijah, Faith & Mercy. We are anxious to see the service, when able. Anita and I are both touched by the thoughtfulness of that dedication.
Monday, I was privaledged to sit in on my first management meeting at Beautiful Gate. This is something that will become one of my primary responsibilities, and I look forward to the challenges that this will present. I was taken by surprise, that during the meeting, the Lord gave me a strange sense of "peace" and I felt that the Lord was truly confirming that I was right where He wants me to be. And, I believe that I have come to Beautiful Gate at just the right time! I didn't hear any voice, but I just felt that. Sorry for all of you who want me to have a terrible time and come home sooner (you know who you are.)
Today, I spent some time in the office getting ready for a meeting that we will have tomorrow as well. Then Anita, the kids and I were given a tour of downtown Maseru. It is nice to be able to "soak in" all the cultural differences. Many of the Basotho people have been very friendly and just stare at us. (We are definately the minority here). Most of them stare at Faith's hair. But, all in all, we are having a great time! We visited the Shop Rite (the other grocery store in town) and had fun exploring that.
I am starting to get used to driving now. I am much more confident in my abilities to drive a stick on the left side of the road. And I don't turn on the wipers (instead of the blinker) nearly as much anymore. It is amazing what you can adjust to.
We ask that you continue to pray for our family in these transitions. Also pray for Beautiful Gate, as the finances continue to be tight. Thanks again to all of you for following our adventures. Please remember that we could not do this without your support. We cannot express how blessed we feel to be able to help these kids!
What a mighty God we serve!