We picked up Promise and Lizo from Morningside on Saturday morning, then went shopping at a mall. The idea was to look for a wedding gift that we could leave behind but we ended up just looking at wedding rings and trying on a bunch. Lots of fun to watch Promise's face light up when she found the ring that she would like. And Lizo found one for himself. We enjoyed lunch together and then came up the hill to Hillcrest. Walking house to house, we took Lizo to meet the iThemba parents and any children who were around. It was important to us that Lizo get a glimpse of how Promise grew up at iThemba. He got a tour of the iThemba property when they went to pick up Peaceful and Devan to come spend the night with us. Promise had had 2 opportunities already to meet Lizo's family and this was the first for him to meet hers. He was a bit nervous to meet the fathers but passed muster with all including Danie. iThemba may not be the "traditional" family, but we are none the less a true family. Which is really what we are all about. Making families for children who don't have one.
Lizo passed the "fiance test" with flying colors. He is a great young man and the love he has for Promise is obvious. He cares for her needs and protects her. I just loved watching them together. I feel very contented in my heart and spirit for their marriage. Thank you Lord for putting these two together!
Christopher came over on Sunday morning to go to church with us and spend the day with the gang. The church service was wonderful and uplifting and we came home to a steak dinner, which Promise had helped me choose. A tradition that Paul and I started early on is playing a dice game, Zilch, with the whole iThemba family. We needed to teach Lizo and Devan. So with the looser stuck with doing dishes, we played a rowdy game of Zilch. Promise, unfortunately, was at the bottom after starting out strong but I relieved her of the duty of dish washing. We had a good time and as in the past, we all relearned not to trust advice from Peaceful when playing the game. She is quick to advise anyone else to risk their chance but is a bit conservative herself! Lots of fun!
While the ladies took a nap, Paul and I had a good chance to talk with Christopher. He has many interests and although he is normally fairly quiet, he loves to talk sports with Paul and then politics and public policy and life issues with us both. He related to us the books he has read recently. Biographies of successful businessmen. He was relating what he had learned from them about their philosophy-perseverence, don't say "no" but figure out a way to say "yes" and more. We talked at length and it was fun to listen to him as he is passionate about these subjects and more. I know we say it all the time, but these iThemba children are amazing and we are sure that they hand-picked by God Himself! Chris will go far. He is considering going to college in the US.
Peaceful is just about done with her studies. She has worked so hard and tirelessly to get her social work degree with an added honors year. The social work degree here is 3 years but many students choose to do an extra (honors) year which is more specialized subjects. She has completed all of her class work. Now she just has to do a research paper. She continues to work in a township as a social worker while she finishes. Once done, her salary will go from intern to real. Paul and I are planning to be here by the time of her graduation next May. So proud of her!!!
The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for all allows for us to be grafted into His family. One day, we will all be together celebrating at His banquet table. We had a glimpse this Easter of the joy we will feel. Blessings to you all in the freedom that Christ bought for us!
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| Our Easter family- L and P, Lizo, Promise, Chris, Peaceful and Devan |
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