The Last Month or So

Sorry it's been soooo long since we updated the blog. We have been really busy lately. Here's an overview of what's been happening the last few weeks.

Deron's Trip

Deron had a hectic but productive trip to Guinea and Ghana. He had a great time with the volunteer group from our home church, visited with lots of missionary families and helped with an annual team meeting/retreat.

(The volunteer team from First Baptist Church Jackson, MS)

(The team traveled on bike and foot to several markets to distribute Scripture)

(Deron ended up flying into Guinea on the same plane as the Ivory Coast's national soccer team! This is a photo of Didier Drogba, Africa's most famous soccer player.)

MB's Life During Deron's Trip

I keep busy with several projects while Deron was away, but managed to have a some fun, too. One weekend my mom and I attended a concert at the botanical gardens.

Another weekend I went to a glass-blowing demonstration and even had a chance to "make" my own glass paper weight.

Less Wise Now Than Before

Deron arrived home exhausted but didn't have much time to rest since two days later he got all four wisdom teeth removed! Here in South Africa it is considered major surgery -- they checked him into the hospital, made him put on a gown and wheeled him in to the operating room on a bed! Fortunately he recovered fairly quickly.


New Teammates, New Colleagues

Over the past several weeks, many new missionaries have arrived in Johannesburg to work at the support center, including Deron's new "boss," Stephen, who is in charge of Member Care, medical support and other personnel-related issues for all of Sub-Saharan Africa; and three communication team members -- Jesse (writer/designer), Ethan (videographer) and Kristen (photographer). Jesse lived and worked with us in West Africa, so we're happy to be back with her again!

Many other new arrivals also moved from West Africa, so it is fun to be reunited with folks from our part of the continent. A lot of our time has been spent helping these new people get oriented and settled in. It's funny, but as some of the "old-timers" now (after all, we've been here almost three months!), we're the ones who know how to tell people where to shop, how to get around and how to survive the cold weather. :)

Thanks as always for your prayers and support!