1 YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow, 1 year. Sometimes it feels like it flew by. Other times it feels like we have been in Lesotho for such a long time. But it was exactly one year ago that we were in the airport for the agonizing good-bye to our family and friends. I still remember that I was "okay" until all of them circled around us and began to pray for us and then the tears flowed freely...I actually think it was when my mother-in-law, Mary blessed us that I cried (thanks mom, it was a special blessing). Mercy was shocked to see me crying so she walked over to the chair where her stuffed animal Kody was and handed him to me. She asked why I was crying and I said it was because I was going to miss my family and friends and then like only a 3 year old can, she said, "Mom, I'll be your friend in Africa." And she has ;)

Today, as we remembered our feelings of last December 4, I decided that we should make today a fun day. We have begun to call ourselves American Africans and so we thought that we would celebrate our first year as American Africans and take the kids swimming. We went to the pool at the Maseru Sun for Faith's birthday last year and surprised the kids by taking them back today for some fun in the water! They were very thankful and thought it was a great way to spend the day.


The hotel also had an outdoor chess game board that the kids thought was super cool. What kid wouldn't love to play with chess pieces that are half their size. Elijah and Bryan will have to play against each other sometime, but today it was a bit busy at the pool and by the chess board.
Thank you so much for following our journey this past year and feeling empathy with us as we have gone on many ups and downs, and for your many heartfelt prayers during some struggles that just took our breath away. Thank you for your comments on this blog as well as countless emails. We have felt your love and support carrying us through and encouraging us along. Also, many of you are sacrificing financially by supporting us each month, quarter, or annually. We are not yet fully funded for our next 4 years, but because of your love and dedication to us and Beautiful Gate, we are confident that God will provide for us. If you have only recently begun to follow our blog and would like to contribute to our fund, we would be very appreciative. We are missionaries/volunteers here at Beautiful gate and are not paid which is why we are in the process of continuing to raise funds to cover our next 4 years.

Mail the funds to:
AFBGI
C/O Danell Czarnecki for Geurink Missionary Fund
6950 Edison Avenue
Chino, CA 91710

Once again, thank you for the role you have played in making our first year here in Lesotho at Beautiful Gate, an unforgettable year. Our family has been very blessed!


Blessing to You,


Anita