grant us patience, O Lord

Last week I was able to see the inside of a house in a neighborhood called Block 5. I went to see this house two weeks prior with my friend Tracy. But the tenants would only allow us to do an outside walk around the property. I was told then it had three bedrooms, living room, kitchen and dining room and bathroom. It also has a guest quarters. The house seemed very nice from the outside. Its on a corner lot, with chain link fence covered in an evenly tall hedge all the way around the property. It had recently been remodled and painted. After much seeking after the landlord/lady, who's been out of country since Christmas, I was finally able to see the inside. The tenant quickly walked me through each room. Allowing only so much as a glance in each room. The bedrooms are big and are fitted with wardrobes. It is well lit and the yellow walls give the house an array of sunshine. The kitchen is a work area and there is a larger area just on the other side of the wall for a dining room. The bathroom has a tub and sink and there is a separate toilet room with sink. The yard is laid with bricks and everything is clean. Although my viewing was brief...I promptly told my realator we'd take it! :)

So what's the problem? When can we move in?

Problem number 1:
The tenants are supposed to be out end of month, but they haven't found a different place to live.
These tenants are only moving because the neighborhood is too boring for them. I guess they like to party.

Problem number 2:
Landlord won't be home until 2 February. Nothing can be negotiated or finalized until then.

Do you remember a couple posts ago that I had been praying God would show me that day the house he was going to give us? This was one of the houses I looked at that day. I am praying God will grant this desire. In the mean time our realator is having us look at other houses within our price range. Just in case the tenants decide not to move or something happens.

Friday 19 January commemorated 1 year living in Botswana. Time has flown.

On Tuesday 26 January we handed over the keys to the house we'd been staying in since April. It was a sad moment for me to say goodbye to the home we've known for the majority of our time in Botswana. We moved into the two room guest quarters of friends who live close by. We have a bedroom and kitchen. The kitchen room was fitted with sink and under counter storage space. Thanks to the generousity of some friends, we were able to move our stove and refrigerator into this space as well. We also have our own bathroom. They are lovely accomodations. We thank God for once again giving us a roof over our heads and a comfortable bed to sleep on.

Other news...
- David continues to be on a flight/maintenance schedule rotation. He continues to amaze me with his willingness and availability.
- Our friends, Dan and Melissa Parlane, have joined Flying Mission and arrived in Botswana just last week. We are happy to have them here and look forward to being apart of their settling in.
- Stephanie has received another Short Termer volunteer into the program. Andy Robinson from New Zealand arrived Wednesday 27 Jan and will be here until November. Prayer for both she and Andy as they work together to orient him to the program and country.
- Stephanie's mom continue's to wrestle with Lukemia and the need for blood transfusions. Recently mom needed a transfusion just one week after the previous one. This is a new development and test have been done to understand the occurance. We are waiting for the results.

perspectives

"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will act"  Psalms 37:5

over the past few weeks as time was hurrying along and still we had no place to stay we were growing more and more anxious. the questions and concerns were mounting: were we doing everything we should be? are we being picky? should I have negotiated harder for that place? why didn't we know about this before? can we afford a higher monthly rent? do we need to change our lifestyle? how quickly can we commute to town or the airport from this place? what if? when? how?

it's been difficult. but we praise God for his people who have encouraged us. one missionary friend, Sue, came to our door and encouraged us saying "sometimes we need people to stand in the gap for us and trust God for his timing and the outcome", she has been standing in the gap for us. my other encouraging friend from last week, Tracy, came over last night asking how we were doing and seeking an update for her prayers. we also received a card from a friend, Levi, who encouraged us with some perspective. "I'm pretty sure God wants you here in Botswana. He brought you to Africa so why shouldn't he provide a house for you? Its the most easy thing for him!" He further encouraged us to be thankful.

"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God" Philippians 4:6

david and I have been doing a bit of praying together about these things and we are helping each other stay on track with that perspective.

thank you for your continued prayers.

no news is good news

so i will report how the day of house searching went.

It was a very difficult day filled with both encouraging moments and moments of desparation.

Looked at several houses...tried for one...deal fell through...someone else made a better offer.
Some were too small and in an awkward location. Another was an okay size but too far away.
This last one we're looking at is farther south than we wanted, but after all the emotional highs and lows of the day seems like the best house for the price. Don't know what the Lord is doing...trying to trust him and not to be anxious or discouraged. But I was really hoping that today God would show us - signed, sealed and delivered - the house he's prepared for us.

Some blessings of the day:
- had a wonderful friend drive with me around town with her baby to most of the appointments - whose role was to pray and encouarage - God used her to be both of those things for me
- david was at home and was available to look at some of the houses with me
- was given a delicious lunch by my encouraging friend
- a working vehicle to get to each house
- time was maximized and not a minute was wasted.
- many prayers were lifted up for us - Thank you for your prayers....

Please continue to pray. We are still waiting on God's timing and provision.

a day in the country...a night at the club

no we do not go clubbing, but if you could hear what we're listening to right now you'd wonder if you were at a club. Our neighbors are having a party. Its a surprise party for a friend...they came and told us before the music began. They said it wouldn't go for long...but that was at 8...its 12:05 and it sounds like they're having a good time and the end is no where in ear shot.

This afternoon we went to the country for two reasons. The first was to rid our back yard of yard waste. we drove 71 kilometers round trip to take one of three loads to the Regional Dump in Metsimotlhabe. A village west of town. The other two loads will just have to wait until Friday when David will have more time and energy to take them.
The second reason for our journey into the country was to enjoy a visit with Malcolm and Gudren McArthur, patrons of Flying Mission. They are selling their house in the country and are giving us first dibbs on some furiture there. We are blessed to be the proud owners of a refrigerator, stove, microwave, couch and chairs, night stands, short book shelf and coffee table. PRAISE GOD!!!
After our visit, which included tea and german cookies on the veranda overlooking the valley and distant hills, we headed home with a brief stop at a scenic spot compliments of the Gaborone Dam.

Praise God for a beautiful day outdoors and for many blessings! We continue to trust him for a place to live. This week the Advertiser comes out again. On Tuesday please be praying the Lord will show us the place he has prepared for us here.