Yikes

So as I sit, exactly 5 months and 5 days after I arrived in this beautiful country I have but one question...where did the time go? Where did the months and weeks go? I look back at my time in this country and see that it has not been without adventure or thrill. Things have been happening left right and centre in all aspects of everything and I think time has finally caught up. My months here have been brilliant. Working with the kids again, being involved more intimately in their day to day lives. And this is not the end. I see this as but a start to a relationship between myself and the kids, the staff and friends here in south africa.

Leaving will be bittersweet. I will be loving the country I love, leaving the job and the kids I love. But where a chapter of my life closes, another will open. God will open the pathways and the doors I have to go through. I am not alone in this new chapter of my life. I am trusting in God every step of the way.

So what have I learned from my time here? Its the old cliche. you have a life changing experience and so the obvious question is what did you learn? What have you gained. Well apart from a newly found knack of the zulu language, this question is hard to answer. I guess it boils down to a new respect. Ive learned a new respect for the gifts God gives us. to often we take for granted what we have, from our shiny new cars and abundant christmas presents, to our mere mortality. We take for granted that we are alive. I did. I took for granted that I would live until 85 playing golf every week and sitting with my slippers in front of the fire. I took for granted my life and I got one heck of a kick up the backside. Viewing the pictures from my car accident, one sticks in my head. The sight of tyre tracks mere inches from a tree that if hit, might have been tickets and bucket kicking time. Life is not an obvious or freely given thing. Our lives cost dearly so we need to realise that we better use them properly. Walking from a smashed up car I realised that i had to make my life worth something. To often people live within a boundary they set for themselves, calm and secure within the limits of what they deem comfortable. Thats not what life is about. Russell W Maltby said this;

Jesus promised His disciples three things: that they would be entirely fearless, absurdly happy, and that they would get into trouble.

So that is why things are bittersweet. Yes, I am leaving when I probably would rather stay. But I know that when and wherever i go, My God will be with me, encouraging me to be entirely fearless when I get into trouble and absurdly happy when he delivers me from it.

I would like to apologise for the lack of a blog while I have been away. I dare say some may be annoyed that I havent kept you up to date with what Ive been up to. But I see it this way, we will have plenty to talk about the next time I see you.

God bless.

Robbie

Blogs and bookcases

Hi guys. Firstly apologies for the lack of contact in recent weeks. One reason or another has made it so getting my blog done has been an almost impossible task. My internet in my room that I used last year has infuriatingly ceased to work for unknown reasons. And then the internet cafe I use to update my blog has decided to shut down. So updating has become some what of a mission.

The past month has been nothing if not eventful both personally and for Rehoboth. At Rehoboth we have just had a group from Canada leave after staying with us for a week. They were such a blessing. They came and just got completely involved in Rehoboth, helping out wherever they could. They got extremely involved in the planning for the next Rehoboth, something which really seems to be getting off the ground now. Very exciting times. My work has produced some suprises recently.

I had the task of making two bookcases for the offices. Now,one would be fine, because you can make one and it looks ok, but when someone asks you to make two exactly the same, problems arise. I am not a carpenter, let's just get that out of the way early. I can barely hammer a nail without breaking fingers or use a drill without splintering the wood. But, against all the odds, and fortunately, I have today completed the two exact same lookingbookcases. Quite an achievement I think. And they now stand in the offices and haven't fallen down yet.

The homework class has gone from strength to strength, children are making progress by the day. To see children learning to write and count really uplifts me personally. It's such a nice sight. One of my main objectives has been to try and get the kids to use their imagination. they have so much potential but are never really given the freedom at school to express how they feel. So we did an exercise where we banned the words "nice" "good" "bad" and "Ok" and they had to write anything they were thinking. The results were amazing. It really gives you insight into how the children think when you allow them to just go for it and just think freely.

My promotional work is going really well too. I have just finished a new video for our child sponsorship program, so expect to see that soon. It's very moving but really grips you and urges you to make a difference. Or I hope it does.

The children are all doing well. Sports is going well with the children,although I am strictly in watching and advising as its still a bit too sore to get involved since my accident.(After someone ran out in front of the car, but thankfully wasn't hit.)

Since my accident things have been ok, physically. My back is still the most toublesome thing. So I'm going for physiotherapy on Tuesday and have organised to see a chiropractor after getting some x-rays from the doctor. Just rather be safe than sorry.

And finally, I am coming along quite nicely in my learning of Zulu. I really started learning properly a few weeks ago and Its coming along well. So much so that some of the staff ask me to tell people what they are trying to say when they can't say it in English. I just hope I can keep it up, because it's such a nice skill to have and means you can really relate with the children as well as the staff.

If you could please keep all the children in your prayers and all the staff
and management of Rehoboth.

Thanks a lot.
Rob

Reaching out

Hi Guys.

Since my last blog entry, things have been busy busy busy. After the death of Samke, Rehoboth was on a bit of a low. But we couldn't stop or rest as there is always so much work to do. Since then, I have been busy in all areas of work at Rehoboth. Manual work has seen me outside, sorting out storage rooms, filing equipment, generally tidying the place up. My promotional work has been stepped up aswell, burning new dvds and making new pamphlets on a weekly basis. I also have the joy of helping in the baby creche every day. It is so much fun being with the kids. The energy they have puts me to shame most days and they can just go on and on and on, running circles around me and talking absolute nonsense (something we have in common i think). Homework with the kids is going from strength to strength aswell. They are really starting to get to grips with the work they are doing and they are all responding really well. They are really proving themselves to be very clever children. (absoultely nothing to do with the teacher!).

I have also been trying to branck out and meet more people in the church. Over the weekend of the 11th september, myself and 24 other guys from the Norweigan Settlers Church went down the wild coast to Mkambati Nature Reserve. We spent 3 days there on a fishing weekend. I was a little apprehensive to go at first as I didn't really know anyone but they all made me feel so welcome. Wake up was at 5 and then we had coffe and started our days fishing. It was my kind of weekend as we had coffee and rusks at 5, brekkie at 10, snacks at 12ish, snacks mid afternoon, and then supper in the evening. And in between that we did some fishing. I fished quite well for my first time sea fishing. I caught 3 shad, 2 Keranteen and an Eel and won the prize for the most improved fishermen. I had a brilliant weekend. And to cap it all off, on the friday night, we had a real caveman dinner. Just a pig on a spit! My kinda weekend.

This last weekend, I also had a weekend away to a bible camp not far from Rehoboth. we spent the weekend there with 14 leaders ( me being one of them, i know, don't laugh, me a responsible adult!) and 74 children. It was an awesome weekend of music, games, fellowship and unfortunately constant rain. It was brilliant however to see kids come to Christ, see kids openly praising God and not being bothered what their friends thought. It was an amazing weekend. I look forward to hopefully being involved again.

And that brings us to today. Heritage day in South Africa means a public holiday so a day off from work. Nice time to relax and just enjoy the south coast.

Until next time.

Rob

Times are hard

You may be sitting at home at work or wherever you are wondering why I have entitled this entry as times are hard. Well, yesterday, one of our school children who had been in hospital for almost a month, gave up the fight. She died at about 10 yesterday morning.
She had been in hospital diagnosed with TB. Now, this is hard on so many levels. Firstly, it was avoidable. Samke (the little girl) had her white blood cell count taken in march and in july. Both results were lost. It came back that when they were found she was critically sick. She had been susceptible to so many diseases during that time.
Secondly, Rehoboth has never had a school child pass away. I had to inform the school yesterday which broke my heart. The teacher broke down, knwoing she had lost one of her pupils.
Also, this housemother of Samke also lost another child in January. She said when she was told of Samke yesterday, "they're going to take all my children!" I have never experienced the loss of a child and I never want to but i felt the very real pain.

Despite this, we know our God reigns supreme. He took this little girl and gave her life eternal.

Death is not the end, it is the beginning of a new, vibrant story bursting with an eternity of happiness and joy.

Apologies for the lack of news. I will update tomorrow. But hopefully you will undertand its a bit of a tough time just now.

Please hold Rehoboth and everyone in your prayers.

Love and Blessings.

Rob

Hey Guys

Well, after a month, I am finally getting sorted with my blog. Due to the problems the internet has nowadays I am having to write at an internet cafe on saturday mornings.

The first month has been nothing if not eventful. Having arrived in the middle of july, and that being the middle of winter here, I had envisaged cold weather, wind and rain but one month on and its only now we are having our first rain.

When I arrived the team were very happy to see me but work got started staight away. We have had two teams from an organisation called exodus in the UK. There was a team from Scotland and Northern Ireland. They helped decorate some houses. They were a real blessing and I got on so well with them. The last team (the Irish team) left last week but they left lots of happy memories with the kids.

My work has been hectic, trying to get all the promotional stuff together for Yvonne and Alfons's trip to Australia (they left on monday) And now I have a big list of things to do when they aren't here.

A big difference is now that I can drive. Its so good and so useful. Im really enjoying it, even the double overtaking from the taxis.

Socially, I played my first round of golf yesterday at Port Shepstone. I only played 9 holes but it was just nice to get out and get some exercise in the fresh air.

Please email me if you want. either at robert_the_hobbit87@hotmail.com or at rehoboth.info.org.za.

Thanks Guys.

God Bless

Rob

Finally Back

Hi Guys.

Sorry for the late post. Between busy work schedules and internet problems. I will write about my trip so far tomorrow evening but just wanted everyone to know I am safe if not 100% sound. I am enjoying it so much here. The weather is hot and it hasn't rained more than a few drops since I've been here. Thank you for all your support and prayers. I miss you guys.

Love and God Bless.

Rob

Final Call - Mr Thomson

And so the time has come. As Mr Sinatra once said. Except if t was my way, I'd not be writing this.

I'd thought about this for ages. Dreaded it for longer. The thought of leaving rips me apart. I have found my place. I have found my calling. I know this is the country I want to be in. The thought of exchanging this for the drunken rabble of the bigg market, sends shivers down my spine. I have no idea what I will be like when I come back to England, so for those in close proximity, I apologise if the usual bubbly guy isn't too apparent.

To me, I've only just started. I've only just started getting recognised by people I now class as friends. I've started to establish myself with people, people have come to know me. And it just annoys me that I have to leave.

I am excited to see friends and family in England (don't worry mom). I want to catch up with whats going on but there will always be a part of me lacking something.

It's that something that will bring me back in July. Its the feeling of waking in the morning and not wishing to be anywhere else. Its the feeling of walking and feeling the sea breeze kiss your neck as the sun beats down. Its the feeling of optimism of what this country has to offer and what it can be and the possiblity that you could play a part in that. Its the feeling of being part of the solution rather than merely being the one to point out the problem (isn't that maybe even more apparent closer to home at church perhaps?). Its the feeling of being at absolute peace.

That is what I will miss and what will make me come back.

I always wondered why my dad always wanted and still wants to be home in South Africa and now I know, because I am exactly the same. I want to be here more than anything. I belong here and whats more I believe God wants me here. He has opened every door for me to come back in July so I think he wants me back to continue his work.

I feel like the disciples after Jesus had ascended up to heaven. They all just wanted to stay in that moment of absolute perfection, but had the divine task of spreading the gospel to the world. They had to leave their comfort zones and doing God's work. And thats what I see myself doing. Leaving this comfort zone, this perfect moment and going out to spread what God has done and what he still intends to do through me.

I will be very busy when I get home. I have 4 months to raise the money necessary to return to Rehoboth in July, so if anybody has an ideas or ways to help please contact me. they will all be very much appreciated.

I would like to tell you all that even though I'm at home I will be continuing my blog until I return letting you all know how my preparations for July go. So stay tuned. Your comments have been brilliant and I thank God for blessing me with such avid readers who even though I stray from the point, still stay focused and support me.

God Bless.

See you soon

Rob

Pray Without Ceasing

Firstly apologies for the lack of the blog last week. I wasn't aware it hadn't posted until someone mentioned it today that last weeks blog hadn't appeared. Well as the Guiness advert said, "Good things come to those who wait." So with that you can wait until next week.



Until Next Week

Rob






Just Joking!


"O my strength, I sing praise to You; You, O God, are my fortress, my loving God."

If you remember in a previous blog I spoke about how Mike Macpherson gave his testimony about how we shouldn't wait for something bad to happen before we make right with God. Well that week, those words saw fruition. Last Monday, I had dinner with Ryan and Reece, the management couple at Rehoboth. Tuesdsay morning, when speaking to Reece she said she felt so ill. She had pain in her side and asked me to look after her daughter so she could sleep. She went to the doctor during the day and was told that her gall bladder was inflamed. She got pills to take but had to go back last friday to have a check up. By friday she felt fine so thought that whatver had happened had worked. It hadn't. She was told she'd have to have an operation on Tuesday this week. I went to see her 6am tuesday morning as I was watching her kids. She was nervous but knew it was just a routine op and she'd be home by wednesday night. the whole day dragged badly. Time went so slowly. At 5pm I got a message from reece saying if she knew it would be this painful she would have chickened out. It put me at ease a bit as I thought she was out and just recovering. At 7.50pm we got told that Reece had been rushed back into theatre as they had found internal bleeding and her blood pressure had sunk big time. It was then I remembered Mac's words. I then prayed like there was no tomorrow. I have never prayed so much in my life. I was with Lindsay and Sophie and just prayed and prayed. Thankfully, we got told at 10 oclock that she was out and in ICU. We went to see her yesterday and she was in so much pain. But today she is in the surgical ward but is doing so much better.

Isn't it wierd that when things go ok, God is so far away, but when something goes bad, God's the first person we blame. I am number one culprit. As it was a routine op, I didn't pray nearly as much as i should have then tried to barter a deal when things went badly.

"Don't wait for something bad to happen, to make right with God." Mike Macpherson.

And to top it off, the topic of my devotions this morning - Pray without ceasing!

Until Next Week, technical problems permitting!

Rob

And last but certainly not least. Thank you so much for all your prayers and thoughts. It seems I am better and am 100% totally safe if only 10% sound. Thank you so much for your messages and everything. It makes things much easier to get through.

God Bless

Plans Can Be Changed

Firstly I would like to apologise for the lack of a blog last week. I have been ill for 12 days now and finally went to see the doctor this morning. He told me that I had a swollen liver and that I had hepatitis. So he took my blood and sent it to the lab for testing. Not being a medical man, ( i used to think haemoglobin was a monster under my bed) I asked what would happen. He said that if my enzyme count came back and it was very high then I would have a viral hepatitis, but if my enzyme count is low then I would have just hepatitis. So that is why I was unable to write my blog last week.

For those of you reading this blog in Holland, Prudhoe, South Africa or Blaydon you may know the name Mike Macpherson. For those of you who don't know his name you will by the end of this blog.

In June last year, Mac was told he had lung cancer. In January this year Mac was told there was nothing to be done for him. He lay in a hospital bed basically waiting to die. Doctors didn't think he'd see out the week. He was basically told to sort things out because all the drugs were doing was prolonging what life he had left.

Last wednesday Mac went to the doctors again, to be told that from having both lungs full of the cancer, the left lung had almost completely cleared and the tumour had shrunk from 6cm to 4cm.

From being a man ready to die weeks before, he is now a man with hope, a chance of life. And it is all down to God.

Mac gave his testimony at church on Sunday. I sat there feeling horrendous, with tears filling up my eyes at the amazing testimony this fantastic young man had become. He knew he wasn't meant to be here. He knew he should be dead, but as he said, "God had other plans."

He spoke with conviction, love, awe and wonder at what God had done. His words can galvanise. His words can touch those having rough times. His words can change lives. Or should I say God's words through him can change lives.

From being a man ready to die, God has given him another chance. What an awesome God we serve.

And as Mac said on Sunday, don't let something like cancer shake you into getting right with God, walk close to God, so when bad things happen you have the best coping mechanism.

Let us never forget the gift of life. Let us never forget who we should give glory to when things goes well and who we should find solace in when things go bad.

Until Next Week.

Rob

On Gains and Losses

"Celebrate good times, Come on!" - Kool and the Gang

We celebrated this weekend. Rehoboth Children's Village has been completed, by the grace of God.We had an amazing day with over 350 people there. I car guarded then braaied all day which was so much fun. Quite Ironic too. Being told how to drive by someone who can't drive and having an Engelsman braaing for you. The day was brillaint though and the main theme that ran through was that God had made it a reality but we also had to look forwrd to what happened next.

So where to now? Do we kick back and relax? Do we move elsewhere? Is that where God wants us to be? Where would we go if we did move forward?

In 2 John: 8-9, the aged apostle pointed out two special threats to ministry; the danger of losing what we have gained and the danger of making gains that are really losses. All of us, whether it be the leaders, trustees and workers of Rehoboth or you at home need discernment and wisdom to detect the dangers and overcome them.
As to the first danger, John tells us, "Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully." Sometimes we are so anxious to move forward that we lose focus of what we have already. It wiuld be easy for us at Rehoboth to just up sticks and move to another run down area and develop a new village. But then the children we care for at the minute would suffer emotionally as our focus would be diverted.
The second danger is that of making gains that are really losses. Verse 9 reads. "Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God."
To go beyond the fundamental truths that we live by is to make gains that are really losses. We must know the truth, live the truth, defend the truth and share the truth with others. But we must never go beyond that truth.
This is why God's work is so important, and why it demands the very best that we can give it. We are on guard duty for God, staying alert to protect our gains and rejecting profits that are really losses. If you ask, "Who is equal to such a task?" (2 Corinthians 2:16), the answer is clear: "Our competence comes from God" (2 Corinthians 3:5)

As part of the celebration day on Saturday and having mentioned that I write poetry, I was asked to write a poem about a child coming to Rehoboth after being in the community. And as I wrote this poem, I felt myself in this child's position and it just reminded me how privileged to care for these children and throughout the time we care for these children we should never stray from the truth of why we are doing this work. And as the scripture says, even if we ask if we are equal to the task, we must just remember that our competence and our ability to do this work comes from God.

As I type this, the wonderful, magnificent people at Eskom (South Africa's only electricity provider) have decided to cut our electricity in what is known as load shedding, which is probably the worst idea since Abraham Lincoln decided he was bored at home and fancied a night at the theatre. For such a large country as South Africa to have to cut electricity to supply everyone is diabolical. The bright sparks at Eskom cut power to everyman and his dog in South Africa but gives power to Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique for free. Where's the logic in that?

So from the fat cats at Eskom, with their own generators, lighting cigars with R100 notes I apologise and I'll have to post the poem next week, power permitting.

Until Next Time

Rob