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Transitions are something we all go through in life.  Some are major and others minor.  In recent months and years, we have had our fair share.  I was reminded again recently that transitions just take time but sometimes I wish I could fast forward through some of the steps. :)

Culture shock is typically divided into four stages: the honeymoon, frustration, adaptation, and the acceptance stage.  According to the graph below we, as a family, are in the adaptation stage and on most days this is true.  However, we would value your prayers as we navigate this season.  We are just trying to take one day at a time and see how the Lord leads.

 

Simon

Simon has continued his travels back and forth to Africa, specifically, Guinea and Liberia.  He returned two weeks ago from helping in both programmes.  In Liberia he was able to put his mechanic skills to the test as he helped the engineering team with some maintenance on the Guinea aircraft.  There was some time pressure, but an extra pair of hands was gladly accepted.

He heads to Uganda next Saturday for two weeks to get his license renewed.  As you can imagine there are a few hoops to be jumped through to make this all work but hopefully not too many obstacles.  This will then enable him to help both in Uganda and in South Sudan.  Due to the conflict in Sudan, many people have fled into South Sudan and surrounding nations.  MAFI is involved in helping with this crisis with flying other humanitarian organisations into affected areas especially the refugee camps in Renk.  Having an additional pilot helping with these flights would be advantageous.

Joshua

We give thanks that Joshua’s housing situation is almost resolved.  He has moved into the spare room of friends who once served with MAFI – thanks Thomson’s 😊.  This is a temporary fix but gives him some breathing space to find a place in the same area, closer to his friends and church and saves him the commute.  He just needs to find someone to move into his old room at the student accommodation, so he doesn’t continue to pay rent until his lease runs out.  We give thanks that he is getting more settled and into a routine.  We are looking forward to seeing him at Christmas 😊.

Zara

Zara is continuing to work during her gap year, and she has almost completed her online studies in Wildlife Management.  We are looking forward to seeing what God has for her next. In September she plans to travel to the States to visit her friend, Lauren in South Carolina. Simon and I are not jealous at all – haha!  I am sure she will have a few stories to share on her return.

Pam

I have been busy with my MAFI People Care role and I had the privilege of attending MAFI’s Orientation Course.  It was great to meet some of the new staff coming into MAFI and to help facilitate some of the training.

  

In September Simon and head to Switzerland for two weeks to visit with supporters and catch up with family.  We would normally have longer but due to caring for my Mum we will split this home assignment and do a further two weeks early next year.

Thank you for continuing to pray for us as a family.  We appreciate you all.