
While everyone in the State was celebrating America's birthday on July 4th, we were celebrating for other reasons. July 4th marked our 6th month anniversary here in Cape Town! WHAT?!?! That is crazy, right? Didn't we just leave but then I feel like we have been here forever. Regardless we have made it to a huge milestone. Many missionary friends noted that 6 months is a hard stage...the honeymoon is over and reality has set in.
Luckily for us I feel like we have made the first 6 month transition very well. Don't get me wrong, we have had days we have really wanted to be back in the states....the longing to be with familiar friends...to be back at our home church.....but the Lord has been with us making our move great!

The month of June went by fast and was full of great memories. Abigail turned 9 so each one of us have celebrated a birthday in Africa. Turning 9 also brought about her needing reading glasses. Poor girl has eyesight like her father so glasses will always be in here future.
President Obama was in South Africa and his motorcade actually passed in front of Living Hope as he made his was to Masiphumelele, one of the communities we work. Regardless of political feelings, it was a pretty cool site to see the President pass right by us. Living Hope used to be funded by PEPFAR (Presidental Emergency Plan for Aids Relief). That money from the US Government was cut when Obama took office. Living Hope was hoping to raise his awareness of an NGO effected by his decisions. It was a wild weekend as Marine helicopters and other US military prepared for his arrival.
President Obama was in South Africa and his motorcade actually passed in front of Living Hope as he made his was to Masiphumelele, one of the communities we work. Regardless of political feelings, it was a pretty cool site to see the President pass right by us. Living Hope used to be funded by PEPFAR (Presidental Emergency Plan for Aids Relief). That money from the US Government was cut when Obama took office. Living Hope was hoping to raise his awareness of an NGO effected by his decisions. It was a wild weekend as Marine helicopters and other US military prepared for his arrival.

School is officially out for "winter break." It still is a weird concept that we are wearing jackets in June and July. We have spent our time enjoying a break from getting up early (and in the dark). Living Hope does holiday clubs in the communities while kids are out of school, so we have spent time each week in Ocean View and Red Hill supporting our LSE's (Life Skill Educators) and the work they do day in and day out. We also had the chance to visit another NGO called Beautiful Gate. My parents church, Byne Memorial, sent over pillowcase dresses that the WMU ladies had made. We were able to distribute them to some of the children. As you will see, the boys did not like being left out in all the fun.
Continue to keep us in your prayers. We have a huge desire to connect with people on a deeper level so we ask you pray God will continue to open doors in relationships. We ask for continued good health as we enter into a little more of the damp, rainy season during July and August. We also just want to be available to anything God has planned for us here.
Below are a few highlights from the month....love you all and your support.
Brooke
Below are a few highlights from the month....love you all and your support.
Brooke