Songs and Syringes

Hello Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Friday morning came and we prepared for our last day at the stump farm.  When we got there Steve began to cut wood as though he was slicing a hot knife through butter.  If you have ever used a chainsaw, you know the difference a new bar and chain can make.  He was so Happy!  I was able to work through much of the smaller pieces while Deb, Denise and the local helpers moved the cuttings onto stumps for burning at a later time.  Unfortunately, the bar on my chainsaw was not new and was unable to be used after lunchtime.  So, I was able to help move some larger logs with my friend Obe.  Jako took the ladies back for the bible study in  the Land Rover and the guys were left to take the Hi Lux (Toyota).  Halfway back we got a flat and had to figure out how the use the South African jack to change the tire.  Steve was head of the pit crew and we only lost about 30 minutes (which would have been much longer if I had had to figure out the jack).  After more welding of the roof support for the bunkhouse, the guys headed into the pasture to work out a solution to a stantion locking mechanism for the cattle run (a long chute to funnel cows into a tight space for vaccinations, tagging, and tick control.  A plan was made and the welding began, but we lost daylight, so it would have to wait until Saturday.

Friday night we had a special dinner prepared by Ba Ennie, one of the house mothers at the children's home.  We had meatballs!  Of course we had nshima and relish with them, but they were delicious and totally unexpected.  Twalumba Ennie.  We then spent some time singing songs for the children and housemothers.  Elizabeth handed out some rhythm instruments to the kids while Briana played ukelele and I played a little harmonica.  Joshua and Steve provided back ground vocals while Deb, Denise, Elizabeth and Briana sang a compilation of children's and Christian songs.  I tried singing,  but it sounded terrible through the harmonica (LOL).  We were then treated to a few local songs.  The melodies and call and response are so beautiful, it just makes you thankful to be able to listen to it.  And, of course there is the loud trill of gratitude that comes from Ba Belita when the Spirit moves her. 

Saturday was cattle day.  Joshua, Elizabeth, Deb, and Steve joined Jako to go to the cattle farm where Obe tends cows and goats.  Cattle needed tagging, vaccinations, and dipping (tick control).  It was completed before lunch since all the cows cooperated nicely.  The cows at the MOL pasture were not so cooperative.  Having never had the pleasure of being herded into an enclosure and run down a chute, they were all a bit shy.  The stantion worked on the bigger cows, but the little guys were able to slip right on through.  After much coaxing (with a home made electric cattle prod), all the cows got tagged, syringed with vaccine and dipped (just a tick agent poured down their spines.  Jako did get both of his feet stepped on and I think they are a bit sore :(.  He is not so bad off that he is preparing a Brie for us (South African BBQ).  What a busy and blessed time we are having. 

As I sit in the Jouberts office and type up this blog I am looking out over an orchard ripe with Citrus fruits.  The oranges and lemons may not look like the ones we might pick out at Giant or Safeway, but they are still beautiful fruits.  It reminds me that the harvest may look different all over the world,  but since everything belongs to God, it is our duty to do what we can to help it return to Whom it belongs.  You might have guessed I am not only referring to produce.  We may never know the impact of the work we have done here, but we have tried to be faithful in the tasks we have completed.  We have served to the best of our abilities and since this was our last official workday, our impact will be limited to our interactions with the local people and each other.  One of the songs we sang last night to the children was "This little light of mine".  You know the song.  Sing it to yourself right now and imagine you were with us as the melodies echoed off the orphanage walls.  In fact, you were with us.  Just as you have been from the beginning.  Thank you for being partners with us in this kingdom work.  We rely on your support and prayers.  Leza Amaleleki (God Bless YOU!)

YBIC,
Ed

Team quotes so far:

Steve, "All is well"

Deb, "Overjoyed and little sad because it is almost over"

Joshua, "I haven't been this dirty in a long time, but it is Good dirt!"

Denise, "At one point I wanted to be a vet, and this week I was.  I got to perform surgery on a sheep and a calf"

Elizabeth, "Played with Jesus' little flowers this week at the orphanage"

Briana, "I have never been this dirty, but I've never been this happy"

Ed, "What a blessing it is to be a part of God's plan in this place"