News from South Africa

I published a short account of my phone conversation with Ben today on the Crum Family Blog. If I can figure out how to post it here, too, I will. Until then, let me encourage you to go there to read it. (And if anyone can walk me through the steps of posting it here, please do so. Thanks!)

Happy Birthday to Ben

Yesterday was Ben's 25th birthday. It felt odd all day knowing I couldn't pick up the phone, call him, and sing "Happy Birthday" as is our practice. I couldn't even send him a birthday card, not yet having his address in Africa.

It was encouraging to know that he is there with Michal to help him celebrate, and they are doing just what the Lord has called them to for this time. What a gift to us, as well, that their travel preceeded the recent restrictions! All is in His gracious hands.

We love you, Ben!

Overwhelmed but Motivated

I've just returned home from the second of four days at a Classical and Christian school conference in nearby Millersville, MD. The amount of information has been overwhelming, and very helpful at the same time. I have been motivated to get busier with my plans--on many levels.

Each of the conference speakers has been careful to remind us that our mission is to train and equip the next generation for God's glory. What an awesome task! Which of us is qualified for that? and yet God does call and equip. His strength is made evident through our weakness, so I anticipate seeing a great deal of God's strength this coming year.

I have been using this week as a testing ground of "mothering" through with the additional responsibilities. My morning prep time must allow me to get out of the house to meet a schedule. Dinner is still my family's expectation at 6 pm. The Lord has graciously granted refreshing sleep, the stamina to stay alert in all the sessions, and hot meals on the table. I will be taking some cooking short cuts, I must confess, and have worked out a new 4-week menu with a modified "cook ahead" approach that I hope will streamline meal preparation while still satisfying our needs.