From home to TLC...

My life is forever changed. Each new thing in life that God gives me to do gives me a different perspective and a new way to live. God has brought me safely thus far and will be faithful to carry me home. So, I've arrived safely here at TLC in Jo'burg, South Africa! I traveled for nearly two days from Saturday night when I left home until I arrived in Jo'burg early on Monday. I spent a night at the guest house with two other volunteers to rest. We were taken out to lunch and then served a delightful dinner at home that night. Us three girls, each from a different country, but all children of God, bonded and talked a lot that first night at the guesthouse. Then a day of training at TLC, and Wednesday I was put right to work in the nursery. There are 34 babies between the ages of 12 days and up to 3 1/2 years! There are 15 other volunteers, but have only about 9 or 10 on duty at a time, so we keep busy. There are four age groups to divide the babies into smaller groups. The Nest has the premies and newborns; the Fledglings are 3-6 months; Grubs are 7-12 months; and finally the Creepies 1-3 1/2 years. The creepies are by far the most tiring to work with, but also the most fun. They are so responsive and pick up on everything we say and do. The work in the nursery is tiring...fun...joyous...lovely...rewarding...familiar...yet everchanging...
amazing...enjoyable... yet hard...and I love it! I thank God for this opportunity to serve Him by loving and caring for these little helpless ones. Earlier this week I witnessed two adoptions and two new arrivals as well. It was great to see, right away, what this work is all about. Tuesday thru Saturday we stayed in a cottage at Warren and Joanna's and then we moved into a cottage at TLC. It's nice to be settled in now...afterall this is my new home...at least for the next 6 months. I have been missing home and family and friends...but life is good here and the people are loving. Today was my first day-off from nursery duties. So two other girls and I went to lunch with some local friends from the church and later will attend church here. Tomorrow is a new day and I look forward to watching the babies grow and develop. I hope life is going well for you and not a day goes by where you don't stop to "smell the roses"...really I mean it, don't let your life just rush by. Enjoy the love God has given you...before it's gone. Love the little ones in your life. Look up Joshua 1:9...this verse has brought me new encouragement. Until next time, Cil