Health issues and Easter

Greetings one and all.

HE IS RISEN     HE IS RISEN INDEED
We hope you have had as happy an Easter as we had, but first an update on our health. As was mentioned in the last blog, I have had Typhoid fever which has taken its toll on me as I still get very tired each day  but have two more days of tablets to go so I am looking forward to regaining some energy. Marilyn has had a lot of extra to deal with and has coped magnificently though she is now also feeling quite tired. The boys have been mainly helpful over this time too.
Last Thursday was the Easter concert at school which was a wonderful show of music and dance with each class performing at least two items. This signaled the end of term so the children are home until 23rd May.
On Good Friday we had a procession with the cross stopping at different parts of the compound for readings on the way. It was dark by the time we finished and the older children then saw the film 'Jesus' from the Time-Life series depicting events leading up to the crucifixion, the crucifixion and resurrection. It made it very real for the children (and Aunties alike)
Saturday afternoon they painted hard-boiled eggs to be hidden on Sunday for an Easter Egg Hunt.
Sunday morning we had Sunday School as usual, then the egg-hunt, the eggs were used for their lunch, and church in the afternoon. Marilyn had arranged for two of her guitar groups to present items, especially using our newly bought bass guitar for the first time. We also used our new keyboard in church for the first time.
Auntie Ineke had offered some money for musical instruments and we were delighted to be able to purchase both of these items 'under budget'. Thank you Ineke and the folks in Holland who contributed the money.
Monday morning was a clay morning, a huge pile of clay had been dug up and the children had great fun 'playing' and creating things. Unfortunately none of the items survived the drying process, but they had fun anyway. The holiday programme kicked in on Tuesday and we have a great group of volunteers who are running that at present which is great because neither Marilyn nor I have the energy right now, God is good.
Marilyn is next door at the girls house while Marjorine has two days off and it is a good opportunity for her to catch up with them.
Our dear wee Rhode is developing quite character now, she is flirting with her grandad with squinty up faces and big smiles, she is giving us great joy every day, crawling more and standing up but not yet walking, won't be long though...
We have had three more children join us, one named Christy who is 4 yrs old and a bit of a character, then two week-old twin girls, Fleur and Rose. Rose was not doing well so she has spent three days in hospital having some blood transfusions but came home today. Pleasr pray that her tiny body will respond to the treatment she is getting.
Well that's about all for now, it is time to head for bed. Please continue to pray for us all here, there is a lot of malaria around at the moment, Richard and Joshua have had it and Paul needs to be checked tomorrow.....
Till next time
God Bless

Easter3

The roof going up next door
Matthew painting his 2 eggs.
More painting ready for the hunt on Easter morning
Easter Monday-Clay morning. Lots of fun had by all.

Easter2

Piet talking about the crucifixion
One of the readings on the way.
It was dark by the time we walked around the compound.
The family units now have a tramp-great fun!

Easter 1

All performed at the concert
Sarai and Dora dancing
Josh seeing what it felt like
to be nailed to the cross

Richard's B'day

8 years old
Wow look at those presents
Dina who still has a hole in her heart-keep praying!

Happy Times

We love posting pegs My first birthday Maesu and Joshua Jen, Maesu and the family

Great news/bad news

It is with much relief that we write to tell you about Petra. On Friday she came out of hospital and is now back running around Noah's Ark. It really is one of God's miracles as when Pita and I sat with her in hospital last Monday I really did not hold out much hope. She was in a coma and was being tube fed and she was fitting regularly. The doctors were deeply afraid of brain damage as she had been diagnosed with both cerebral malaria and meningitis. But God is good! She came to on Wed night and was transferred out of ICU.  Her brain scan done on Thursday showed no damage and she began bossing her caretaker around that night, so was sent home on Friday. She has lost much weight and will still need prayer to build up her strength.
Warwick got sick Tuesday and went to the Dr Wednesday only to find ....yes you guessed it ...malaria. He was still not getting any better by Sat when he had finished his meds. Another trip to the doctor revealed that he also has typhoid fever. He is now on the meds for that for the next 2 weeks, but is sweating it out and sleeping every day at present. The sheets have been through the washing machine with disturbing regularity. Hopefully tomorrow will see some improvement. Please add him to your prayer list. Thank God for His amazing healing power.
Dora next door has also been having a lot of epileptic fits which have left her exhausted most days, so please keep praying that the doctors can find the right medication to give her a normal life, and the doctor of all doctors can bring healing. Thank you all for your interest and prayers.

Prayer please

An urgent plea, please pray for Petra (6yrs) who was taken to hospital on Sunday in a distressed state and she has been diagnosed with cerebral malaria and meningitis. She is not responding to treatment and she needs all the prayer we can muster. It has all happened so very quickly. We pray for God's will to be done, will you join us please?
We also need prayer for Dora who has epilepsy and is still fitting while the Drs work on getting the right dose of medication for her. She also needs prayer for the healing of memories.
On a happier note, Hannah does not need any further treatment at present as her cancer is in remission which is a miracle in its own way, but we need to pray that this continues.
Thanks for your prayers and God Bless