Kruger National Park

Our family is taking a much need vacay to Kruger National Park (KNP). It's one of our most favorite places on earth. Below is just a taster of the animals we will see. These pics were taken on another trip to KNP. And we really are this close to the animals...

Reasons to love KNP:

1. God's nature on display

2. Miles and miles of open space

3. Very limited cell coverage

4. Lots and lots of family time

Heritage Day-National Braai Day

Heritage Day is just what is sounds like....

It's a day where we celebrate all heritages across South Africa. South Africa is one of the most diverse countries in Africa much less the world. We have 11 official languages with many many people groups represented. In America on an official school or government form, you would get Caucasian, African American, Hispanic, Asian or other....here in South Africa the list is LONG. 

A braai for us Americans is simply a barbecue. But the art of the Braai is a long standing tradition passed on from grandfather to father to son. Us and our friends all have sons that are becoming of age where they do the braaing, which the fathers are all grateful.  Basically, you light the coals and let them burn down to a certain temperature then put the meat on the grill. 

So, we met friends and celebrated a friend's 60th birthday and the kids got to canoe and play in a little offshoot of the Vaal River. 

We are so so blessed to have friends, who are like family, here in SA. Blessed.

Koolaid dip dyed

Grace had been 'dying' to try this Pinterest project out and since it's school break for 2 weeks, why not? So, we boiled a cup of water the and 1 pack of cherry Koolaid. We just used the pan from the stove and made sure it was cooled a little, placed her hair in the pan for 6 minutes.

Voila, the hair is done. It's suppose to naturally rinse out over 2 weeks which is perfect because we start school again in 2 weeks; we'll let ya know.

She just voted me coolest mom. :)




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Rollercoaster Ride

As a kid, I loved loved loved roller coasters and STILL do as an adult, even though it's been ages since I have been on one. Six Flags at Christmas might be a must this year. This week has been kinda a roller coaster for me. My 15 yr old, Matthew was officially diagnosed with hypoglycemia. Which we have known since he was little he struggled with keeping his sugar levels from being too high or too low. The roller coaster comes when I feel bad that he doesn't need to eat sugar or high carbohydrate meals because it will spike his blood sugar and then go lower than it was to begin with.

We were recently at the doctor for a totally unrelated thing (stye in the eye) and "randomly" the doctor decides to check his blood sugar. It was too high for what he had eaten. Immediately bells start going off and I have already googled in my mind what could be wrong with him. I know, i know...don't get me wrong, I want nothing better than a healthy teenager. It's a fine line between a "normal" teenager who is hormonally imbalanced and moody and someone who's sugar is out of whack. So, thankful that it's something pretty easy to deal with, but having to remind Matthew over and over that sugary drinks, refined sugar and chocolate (his favorite) are out except for on occasion, which is what we try and do anyways. You want them to have what they want, but you also want whats good for them. The never ending parent story, I guess.

So for now we are trying to level out his blood sugar with diet which means a slight change for the whole family. I say slight change because what needs to happen is a balanced diet with protein, carbs, and fat.

We'd appreciate your prayers for Matthew and our family and we transition back into a more healthy way of eating.

J-Life Uganda Team leaders

Country Leader: James and Miria

 (purple chevron and man to the right)

WHAT NEXT?

We are totally teasing you with the line, What next? No, we aren't moving back. No, we aren't going to grandparents, yet...And no, we aren't adopting. BUT, we want to let you know some ways that you can be involved as our partners in this great adventure. 

1. Pray- I know it sounds so cliche (especially as a missionary) to tell people to pray. But seriously folks,. seriously, we feel your prayers! Especially in times when the enemy is trying to steal our joy or bring extra stresses into our lives. Seriously, pray. We need it ALWAYS!

2. Come- We would love to have a group come to minister with us here in South Africa! We love for teams to come and get a glimpse of what we do. We will cater to the skills and gifts of the team. There are always kids to love, training to be done, and building/construction to built. But if you have an idea about what skills you have and would want to use by coming, then just reply to this email! We would LOVE LOVE LOVE (did I say that enough?) LOVE to have you here! 

3. Give- We would love for you to join us by giving to our support. You can do that online at fbcmckinney.com/give and we are account TYW 01. Or you can always drop a check off at church, just be sure in the memo line or designate on the envelope TYW 01 The Evens.