Since I last wrote, I have flown to the states and have had a little over three weeks living with my parents in Portland, OR.  The reason I booked tickets at this time was because my mother’s health had declined severely and we were wondering if we would have much time with her left.
 
I am ecstatic to report that mom’s health has miraculously improved this month and we are all so thankful to the Lord for more time with her.  Even 6 weeks ago, she was hospitalized 2x and was spending most of her days in a wheelchair.  My sisters had made a plan to come by every day to help my Dad with caring for her.  She still tires easily, and needs assistance with stairs and a few daily things, but all the other things have resolved. To me, she seems more like herself than she has for a long, long time.  Thank you for your prayers for her healing!

My parent’s 50^th wedding anniversary was while my mom was hospitalized, so we were planning to host a small family dinner for them when she was feeling better.  They asked if they could invite a few friends to join us and the party evolved into a bigger affair including many beloved family friends from my childhood and some relatives.  It was so fun to help plan and participate in this very special event.  My parents were overwhelmed with how special it was and how great it was to be with their friends again and us daughters were overwhelmed by the goodness of God with how well Mom is doing and that she felt up to a party!
 
It has been such a blessing to be able to be home and to have a lot of extra time with my parents and sisters.  I have been able to help with projects big and small and have loved the time with each family.  I head back to South Africa in 10 days and am REALLY looking forward to being reunited with my family.  We’ve never been apart this long.   Thank you so much to the families who donated to cover the cost of my plane ticket, I am so so grateful to you all.

Meanwhile, back in South Africa, Dan and his team have successfully launched the Align Ministry.  He had 60 people come to the informational evening, he had 90 people come to the movie night, and there are between 30-40 who are signing up for the year long intensive course.  We are thrilled! 
 
This past week, Dan was also invited to the big school next door to speak to the matrics (the senior class)  and to encourage them as they begin their exams and tests as they finish high school.   

A different public high school in town asked the local pastors to teach a religion hour every week on Wednesday mornings.  Our church adopted the 8^th grade class (since we were already doing the Alpha course with the 8^th graders in the dormitories) and now the staff rotate through speaking to the students every week and teaching them more about the Lord.  What incredible opportunities!  
 
There are also more exciting things happening with the school next door, with the local orphanage, and with our connect group but I’ll tell you more in the next letter.  
 
With joy and deep gratitude, 
Janell and Dan