There's a foot in my stew. . .

. . .and other mysterious things.

Have you ever watched one of those commercials for fabric softener where the white sheets are billowing in the afternoon breeze in front of a row of daisies? You can almost smell the floral scent of the soft fabric as the sun warms the soft laundry.

Okay, hold on just a minute.

Have you actually ever washed your laundry and hung it out on a line to dry? Trust me, the producers of those commercials have never line dried their clothes before. They come out more like sandpaper than a fluffy bunny’s tail.

And here’s another odd thing I recently discovered here. Food packages should be marked buyer beware, because what you see on the package isn’t necessarily what’s inside.

Take for instance, the sausage I recently bought so I could make some beans and rice. I opened the bag, which had a yummy looking photo of beans, rice, and sausage on the outside. Now my Portuguese isn’t good yet, but I did understand that the package didn’t include the beans. That was fine. So, what was the first thing I pulled out? A half a pigs foot!

Now wait a minute. I don’t remember seeing that on the picture! Another peek into the bag reviled some normal looking sausage, but by now I was worried. Especially when I pulled yet another strange piece of meat. Scott asked me what it was.

“A large flap of skin?” I volunteer.

He laughs. I don’t.

“No,” he tells me, “it’s a pig’s ear!”

You can guess what didn’t make it into the pot that night!

So we've made it though our first week of in Brazil, started language school (no English!!), started homeschooling, managed to find the grocery store and Pizza Hut, and everyone is still smiling. The kids are doing fantastic, which is a real answer to prayer. I can't thank you enough for your prayers and emails. We're still having email problems, but I'll post as often as I can.

Coming next. . .move over Richard Simons, there’s a new exercise program in town!

Blessings,

Lisa

Moving in. . .

Saturday:

After a restless night of squealing breaks, loud music that seemed to rock the walls of our house, and dogs barking, I was awake at four, up by five, deciding I might as well catch up on some of my writing. Love the jet lag!

I’m almost done with my December deadline, a romantic suspense that deals with internet scams, but have had little time to write the past two weeks. If I write a thousand words a day I can finish it by next weekend, so that’s my goal. Waking up early might not be so bad after all.

It’s been raining a lot here, canceling our plans to walk to the park. So far, though, I don’t miss having a car. It’s been nice to walk around the neighborhood and explore. So while Scott waited for the man who was coming to install our internet, I made my first solo outing to the grocery store with Gabriel. I walked through the aisles slowly, trying to see what things I missed the time before, feeling very nervous about checking out. As we got to the last aisle I glanced down at my cart. It was half full of food and kitchen items we needed, and at that point, I realized that we had to walk home!

Ever the optimist, I decided we could carry it all home. Or so I hoped. I got to the check out area and scoped out the nicest looking clerk. I greeted her in Portuguese and she, of course, started chatting. Somehow I managed to communicate that I don’t speak the language and no, Gabriel was not my interpreter. I handed her my credit card and showed her my ID when asked. So far so good. Well sort of. I have this terrible habit of freezing up with languages, but when I was finished, I was determined to use my little Portuguese and say thank you. At that moment, though, I could have said thank you in French, Eve, Afrikaans, but not Portuguese. Oh, the joys of language learning!

(In the end, I was able to say good-bye, and yes, funny sight that it must have been, we made it home with all our bags!)

Sunday:

It’s been a long but good day. We called a friend of our co-worker, Bia, who used to live in the neighborhood we’re at now, asking her if she knew of any churches in our area. We ended up going to hers this evening and enjoyed it so much. The Brazilian people are so warm and welcoming. Even the kids jumped in and went to class and made some friends.

It's been exciting to watch the kids. Gabriel especially has not been keen on learning another language. His experience learning Afrikaans wasn't very positive, so we were worried that he wouldn't try while he was here. Instead, the exact opposite has happened. He's always asking how to say something, or telling me a word he learned, and even using the few words that he knows.

Tomorrow we start back to school with the kids, and it's late here, so I'll save another experience--There’s a foot in my stew--for tomorrow!

Below are some photos of our house. We brought comforters for the kids beds and posters for their walls, so they could feel more at home.

Blessings,

Lisa

First Impressions

Internet is finally up! Here's a look at our last two days.

Thursday:


After a long, ten hour trip, we arrived in an overcast, balmy Sao Paulo, Brazil. Over a dozen big screen TV’s greeted us, ensuring no one in the passport control line, security, or those waiting for passengers missed a minute of the live soccer broadcast.



Our ride arrived in a 16 passenger van, plenty room for the five of us and our ten suitcases. This is my first time in South America, and I have to say, I had no idea what to expect. One of the first things we passed, surprisingly enough, was a Sam’s Club and Walmart. But beyond that, the poverty surrounding us surprised me. As we sped down the freeway, it reminded me more of the South African squatter camps than your local Walmart neighborhood. Dozens and dozens of shacks lay stacked on top of each other on the hillsides, the population, dense. Beyond that laid contrasting beautiful areas of vast green forests with mist suspended in the valleys.



We stopped for dinner at a fast food restaurant, which only continued to remind me how little I know here. Everything is a new experience, leaving me feeling like an uneducated toddler who has to be taken from place to place. From buying things with an electronic card they hand you at the door, to ordering dinner--each step becomes a monumental task. I know how to say good-day and thank you. Beyond that, it’s a helpless feeling that leaves me in a panic when anyone addresses me.

The kids have done incredibly well today, and we arrived at our new home happy, but exhausted. The wife of the director of the school we are to attend met us with the key to the house, a pot of flowers, and food for breakfast in the fridge. That’s a real blessing considering my kids are going to wake up hungry and I don’t know where the closest store is. Quickly dragging the few essentials from the suitcases, we crash around ten o’clock--two in the morning South Africa--to the sound of cars zooming by, dogs barking, and the fan buzzing as it blew away the heat.

Friday:

With our body clocks off, we were all up by five-thirty, but with ten suitcases to unpack, and a village (as they call it here) to explore, there’s plenty to do. The house is large and breezy, three bedrooms upstairs, two living areas downstairs. Knowing we were going to home school, I brought the kids books, hoping we’d have a place for them to work. God is amazing. There’s not a lot of furniture in this house, but there are five desks. Yes, five! I’d call that a miracle.

So this morning we unpacked the suitcases, then began rearranging the furniture. We moved four of the desks into the small living area, along with a wooden shelf from the kitchen and we have a school room! I couldn’t have asked for a better situation. And the kids are already begging for school to start. Let’s hope that continues.

With our things pretty much unpacked, we head out to explore the neighborhood. The director of the school had already graciously stopped by to give us a map as well as pointed out a number of places. The first place we head to is lunch--Pizza Hut. We were all excited as this isn’t something we have in South Africa. Next we walked down the street to a supermarket (our only transport is our feet from now on!) and went down the aisle, one by one, to see what’s available.

My impressions today:

1. The people here are incredibly friendly. We have been so blessed with both the school and the owner of our rental house going out of their way to help us as we get set up here.

2. We discovered that food is very expensive. Surprisingly, meat isn’t bad, but most other things are.

Small jar of Jelly: $4
Cereal: $5
Maple Syrup: $24 (Thankfully, I make my own syrup!)
Milk: $4 gallon
8 tortillas: $8

I thought packaging was small in South Africa compared to the states, but things are even smaller here. The cereal boxes are probably a third of what you’d buy in the states, and I don’t think there are more than a dozen to choose from.

No peanut butter on the shelves. No macaroni and cheese. I’m struggling to figure out what to cook. I went through my recipe book and came up with nothing. I feel as if they have much less available here than South Africa which surprises me, but it’s all a matter of figuring out what is available, something that will take time. They do have wonderful bakeries (still need to go to one) and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. We went to one fruit and vegetable store I really liked with a wonderful selection that isn’t too far from our house. Tomorrow we will go to a weekly vegetable and fruit market that’s held on one of the streets to see what we can get.

3. One of the biggest things for me to get used to is the fact that you can’t put the toilet paper in the toilet. Instead you use a small trash can. Scott says that at least people won't go through our trash here like they do in Africa.

4. No hot water in the house except for the shower that uses a heater to heat the water as you run it. This means water to wash dishes must be boiled on the gas stove first.

Tomorrow. . .photos of our new house and more on adjusting to Brazil.

Blessings!

Lisa

Final Snapshots

Standing outside in the late night air, crickets chirp, frogs croak. An unexpected summer rain comes quickly, showering the already green grass with moisture.

So this is it. One last day amid palm trees, banana plantations, and the bright blue African sky. One last day hearing the buzz of voices walk past the house, early misty mornings, and the colorful array of flowers dotting the countryside.

For now.

The prayers and encouragement from friends from both sides of the vast Atlantic have overwhelmed us, comforted us, and humbled us. God’s miracles have surrounded us like a shield, covered us with His grace, and reminded us that the journey we’re about to embark on is worth it.

Hold onto Him who is able to do more than we are even able to imagine.

(Internet is too slow for my final photo snapshots.)

Blessings,

Lisa

Day to Rejoice

We had a special day of rejoicing on this side of the world. Gabriel and Mariah were baptized after church, committing their lives to God! We invited some of our friends to join in the celebration and enjoyed eating together.

Enjoy the slide show!

Lisa




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The countdown begins!

We're down to five days until the big move. I'm not sure that the reality of where we're going has really sunk in. There are moments of excitement and moments of tears, but overall, I'm ready to go. Living in Allen and Janelle's guest flat has worked out perfect for this last week, but I'm ready to get settled in to our new home in Brazil.

I've spent the past two days trying to decide what to take and packing our suitcases. Have I mentioned how much I hate to pack? The good thing is that for the most part, will finish tonight.

God also continues to answer prayers. We found a home for all our pets which was a major concern. Our indoor dog (the last to find a home) and cat, who are also best friends, will be staying with the new owners of our house who have an eight year old boy. And we sold our car today which is a major blessing! We are having to replace it with a sturdier car from Mozambique that we've already found and will pick up once we are back in Africa.

We have one last special event planned before we go, but I'll share that in the next day or two.

Time to finish packing. A storm's coming which means the power is bound to go off as well. One of the things we are planning is time back in South Africa from time to time so the kids can keep up with their friends. It's nice not to have to say good-bye for forever. Enjoy the slide show.

Blessings!

Lisa


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Quick Update

Life's been hectic here. So hectic, in fact, that I haven't had a chance to even turn on my computer since last week. In the mist of packing, we had to drive four hours to Joburg this past weekend to meet with our South African board for our AGM, a requirement by the SA government. Not the best timing with us having to be out of our house this tomorrow, but we enjoyed our time with the board who are all close friends.

While there, we enjoyed staying with some other friends we met when we first arrived here. Gabriel and their son Jesse, were best friends in first and second grade and we've kept in touch since moving away.

























It seems there's been lots of goodbyes lately, including one of the former members of the cell group we led while in Joburg who died suddenly. We were able to attend the funeral and visit with her family. Scott then preached on Sunday before we hurried home to continue packing.

The past two days have been spent doing more packing and moving boxes and furniture to storage while we are in Brazil. The photo below doesn't do it justice, but our driveway is very steep, adding a bit of difficulty to moving. The truck had to park on the street while furniture and boxes were carried up, or transported in the back of our truck. God has blessed us with so many people who have helped out with moving trucks, trailers, meals, and muscles!

With one day left until we have to move out, we'll be up early tomorrow to finish clearing out the house. Scott's uncle wisely told us to wait a week to leave for Brazil after moving out, and now we are so thankful. This will give us time to pack for Brazil and finish up all the last minute details!

Thanks so much for your prayers and emails! They mean so much.

Blessings!

Lisa

Making a list and checking it twice

We're down to the final countdown, with only a handful of days until we have to be out of our house, one week from today. I declared it a school holiday, as it's impossible to do serious packing and monitor schoolwork at the same time. The kids didn't mind at all even though it rained all day. A perfect day, really, for packing.

The school we will be attending in Brazil has been wonderful. They even offered to pick up a few groceries so we'd have something to eat the morning after we arrived. That had been one of my late night additions to my list: Buy something portable that can be taken on the plane so my kids aren't hungry before I can find the nearest store and manage to buy something in a language I can't speak or read. Something else crossed off my list!

It's something to remember. God really does care about every little thing in your life that's happening right now!

Our house is looking very empty. Boxes line the front of the house, the kids are all sleeping in one room on mattresses, and the last room to pack is the kitchen.

These photos are of the view across our back yard. Even in the drizzling rain it's beautiful. I'm definitely going to miss this part of living here.


Blessings,

Lisa

Orphan Relief Praise!

What an exciting journey it's been to see how God cares so deeply for His children! Many of you have been a part of the effort to take food to our orphans in Zimbabwe through both prayers and financial support. The response, in fact, was so overwhelming, that we now have enough money to supply food for them through most of next year. Already, they have received 7 tons of maize, and we are getting ready to send high nutrient food packets that can be prepared as a soup. These packages have been specifically manufactured for food shortage situations.

Last week, God put us in touch with a group who has a permit to take food into the country. This is a huge blessing, because without this permit there was always the chance that the government would confiscate any food we took in. They will be taking the food up later this week. Last night, several of our friends came to help pack boxes with the food to get it ready for transport.

Please continue praying for these sweet children we will be taking the food to, as well as the thousands more who are also in desperate need of food.

Happy Thanksgiving

I know it sounds crazy, but it really hit me yesterday that we were moving. I glanced at my bookshelf, normally jam packed with books, and it was empty. My office cleaned out. The thought hit me--We really are moving!

And guess what? I'm excited.

Yes, there are those times of sadness of all that we will be leaving behind. One of those mixed-emotional times came last night.

We invited our life group, as well as two other couples, to celebrate Thanksgiving dinner with us. Yes, it was a bit early, but for us, this was a special time to spend with friends and family and share some of our American heritage. Something we will miss this holiday season in Brazil.

We enjoyed the traditional spread with Turkey (one friend had never had turkey before!), home made stuffing, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie.

Yum! It was fantastic.

As for our move, God continues to work out the details for us. We now have a room to store our stuff in! We plan to start taking things over this week, and should be about moved out by the weekend.

Several have asked about our luggage allowance when we fly to Brazil. Thankfully, the man who told us we could only take 20 kilograms each (about 45 pounds total) was wrong! Instead we can each take two bags that are 50 pounds each. This will make life much easier as we have lots of home schooling books to pack.

Have a blessed day!

Lisa

PS. If you haven't signed up for my newsletter, click here! The next one comes out the beginning of November, and I'll be drawing a winner for my Taste of Africa box. This includes lots of unique things from South Africa as well as a copy of Tara's Gold. If you're signed up for both my newsletter and my blog feed, you'll be entered in twice!

Azaleas and Jacaranda trees

Carol asked if the Jacaranda trees had a scent, and I'm pretty sure they don't, though I read that the wood does have a pleasant scent. Either way, they are gorgous! I'm posting some more photos of the Azaleas near our house that Janelle took. They really are stunning.

We are making progress packing up the house, though just found out that the weight limit for our luggage into Brazil is only 40 pounds per person. Yikes! Their school books weigh half of that.

Other good news is that Jayden is pretty much back to normal, and none of the other kids have come down with any of the symptem. I'll also be sharing some good news in a couple days about our orphans in Zimbabwe.

Thanks for the encouragment and enjoy the photos!

Lisa

Greener Grass

Have you ever noticed that the silly saying, “the grass is always greener on the other side” seems. . .how can I put this? True.

Yesterday was one of those horrible, no good, very bad days, I think I’ll move to Australia. Oh, wait a minute. I am moving. To Brazil.

OK. It’s not at all that I don’t want to move halfway around the world with three kids in tow, to a country where I don’t speak a single word of the language. Because I do. Really, I do. Most days anyway.

So back to the greener grass. The truth is, I have friends in America, South Africa, and in other parts of the world and the real truth is that we all have struggles. It really doesn’t matter where we live. At some point, the toilet will stop up, the hot water heater will leak, and one too many bills will find its way into our mailbox.

So I work to be content where I am by looking for things I can rejoice in.

1 The Brazilian embassy gave us a FIVE year, multiple entry. (We were hoping for three months and having to leave the country and reentering.)

2 We have a contact who has a government permit to take food across the boarder into Zimbabwe and has agreed to transport the food for us, ensuring it won’t be confiscated

3 We sold our house in Dallas!

4 I’ve survived the first week of home schooling.

5 The jacaranda trees are in full bloom.

Paul said we might be pushed hard from all sides, but we aren’t beaten down. We are bewildered, but we don’t lose hope. We suffer and are knocked down, but we don’t give up. Why? Because God raised the Lord Jesus from the dead, and he will raise us up with Jesus. Our troubles are small and they last for a short time. We are earning a glory that will last forever.

Isn’t that awesome!

So, I won’t even mention the fact that we still haven’t found a mover, or a place for our dog and cat, or that I still have no internet, or that Jayden has the mumps. . .

Because I’m hanging onto His promises. And yeah, I’m still smiling.

Be blessed today!

Lisa

Photo taken by Janelle at Cherio Garden near our house

Praise

It's official! Our house in Dallas closed on Friday! Our deepest thanks to those who have prayed for this difficult situation the past few months!

For those of you who haven't heard the 'rest of the story' we first tried selling this house seven years ago, but never had a single bite. At this time, we were planning to move to Japan to work with a church planting group, but the house ended up one of many doors God shut firmly.

Two years later, when we felt God calling us to move to Africa, we still hadn't sold it, but God sent us some renters at the last minute to cover the mortgage. But living halfway around the world while managing a rental house finally became too difficult, so last year we put it up for sale again. After two broken contracts, we are so thankful that the third time worked out and the house is now out of our hands.

Enjoy the photos of the Jacaranda trees! Spring has arrived in South Africa and these beautiful purple flowers dot the hillsides!

Blessings,

Lisa

Home again!

After a very, very long flight, I arrived back in Africa Sunday night, only to hit the ground running on Monday. We stayed in Joburg one night so we could finish everything for our Brazilian visas. This included passport photos, yellow fever shots, picking up our police reports, and finishing all the requested paperwork.

Back home, the rains have brought no internet and power outages, which is why I haven’t been able to blog or email the past week. I’ve tried twice now to go to the nearest town and work on line, but both times the power was out! This morning, they finally got our internet up and running. . .for about thirty minutes. So much for keeping up with things. It’s back on again this afternoon, but for how long is anyone’s guess.

Still, it’s probably a good thing that I’m not able to check email throughout the day, because for the next couple weeks, my days will be filled with home schooling (check out the photo with our news desks, thanks to a sweet friend!) in the mornings, packing in the afternoons, and writing to meet my deadlines at night. Thankfully, I’m loving my latest book, so writing has been a nice distraction. Still, the new owners of our house have requested to move in on November 1st, which doesn’t give us a lot of time to finish the hundreds of little details that have to be done between then and now, but with our flight leaving November 8th for Brazil, we need to be out of here soon.

So despite jet lag, I filled up on some caffeine-loaded coffee Wednesday morning (something I never do) and jumped into things full force. The kids could hardly wait to start school, something I’m grateful for, though I realize it won’t be true everyday. Even I’m excited, though. Our home schooling books arrived while I was in the states, making the whole transition seem more real.

Please keep praying for us during this huge transition. Sometimes it is a bit overwhelming, but I’m trying to focus on one day at a time. In the middle of everything, Bia and Gustavo, our co-workers in Mozambique, will be coming in this weekend for a few days along with three Americans. Scott will be driving up to Zimbabwe next week to leave food for our orphans with other drivers who have agreed to take in more food when needed while we are gone.

We still need a place to store our things while we are in Brazil and a reasonably priced mover to move us into Mozambique. Our Dallas house is supposed to close today, praise God!!!! Please pray that everything goes through.

So, what can I say? One day at a time.

Blessings,

Lisa

Houston

My mom, sister, and I returned from Houston last night after a wonderful trip. I’m really tired, but it was such a blessing to see some old friends and meet some new ones. I spoke to a ladies group on finding victory in God in a chaotic world, something my life has tended to be lately! Several of these women have recently been to Africa to be involved in our ministry, so this made this trip especially memorable. A special thanks to Flo and Darlene, who made our time in Houston so refreshing.

I’m busy today catching up on a few last minute things before flying back to Africa Saturday morning. This is a photo of the house we will be renting in Brazil. We feel so blessed to have found a three bedroom furnished house to live in! God is so good!

A special thanks to those of you who have told me you are praying for us! We are slowly working our way through all the logistics of the move, but there is still so much left to do and it can be a bit overwelming at times! Through it all though, I've been amazed over and over of God's hand in all of this, so praise to Him for His faithfulness!

Blessings,

Lisa

Reflections

I've had several people ask me about the differences between the States and Africa, and I have to say that even for a writer, who is supposed to thrive on a good description, I've had to stop to think about my answer.

South Africa is unique, with its first world veneer. There are shopping malls, movie theaters, Mac Donald’s, and acres of huge estates. Contrast this with miles of squatter camps, high crime, and AIDS. If I look beyond some of South Africa's development, into Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, I see the obvious lack of infrastructure, poverty, and scores of street vendors on every corner.

Yet there’s more to this continent than the poverty and AIDS. There’s something that draws me back and makes me long to return when I’m gone. I see the smiles of the children, and their love for family and learning. The dedication of grandmothers taking care of their children, joy without possessions, and a hunger for the spiritual world.

Maybe part of me wants to fix what’s wrong. Children going hungry. The lack of education, and most importantly, the thousands who still don’t know about the God who wants to draw them back to Him.

For all these reasons, my heart is still in Africa.

PHOTOS: My mom, sister, and I at the symphony. And a book signing at Mardels Bookstore with Vickie McDonough.

PRAISES!

1. We are still in the process of selling both houses, but both contracts are still on track. Please pray that we can close soon on them without any problems.

2. God has blessed our sweet orphans in Zimbabwe with enough funds to feed them for the next year! Praise God! Thank you so much to those of you who have been a part of this. Because of this we are no long taking donations (though if you are interested in becoming a sponsor to an individual child, let me know) I will continue to give up dates on our Orphan Blog. Scott will be driving up there next week with food.

3. Scott is planning to buy our tickets for Brazil this week, which makes things very real! Once I return from the States, I’ll have about three weeks to pack up our house for the big move. Please pray for a smooth transition into language school, especially for the kids who thankfully, can’t wait for home schooling to start. (Hopefully this will last!)

4. I'm off to Houston in the morning where I will be speaking. Please pray for a safe trip for my mom, sister, and I.

Blessings!

Lisa

Orphan Relief Update

(PHOTO) SUNDAY MORNING AT CREEKSIDE WITH MY MOM, SISTER, JAN, AND LYNNE

God has been doing amazing things in regards to the food relief for our precious orphans in Zimbabwe. It really was a leap of faith when we decided to do something to help, but our prayers have been answered in many ways as we not only raised money to pay for the food, but searched for what foods would benefit them the
most.

As of this week, we have enough money raised to supply the children and their caregivers with food well into 2008!!! To those who have helped in this effort, thank you so much!!

Janelle recently answered some questions that you might find interesting.

1. Who purchases and distributes the food to the children and their families?
Cornelious Moyo is the director of the ministry of Themba Le’Ntandane. He is the one who has been “sourcing” food. He has driven to an rural area about 60 to 70 miles from Bulawayo where he has found a farmer who will sell him maize (the bulk corn that is then ground into meal). He will bring the maize to Bulawayo and store it at his private home. He has prepared a room for it so it will be safe from both rodents and thieves!! :) Then he will be the one to distribute it to the caregivers of the children (grandmothers, mothers or aunts).

2. How and where is the actual food purchased?
Cornelious has found the maize there within the country, although it is a distance from Bulawayo. He is planning to buy enough maize to last the children till the end of March, knowing that the source will soon dry up. But that only takes care of the staple, “mealie meal”. We have found a source of a high protein mix (soya bean based) here in South Africa that is dried and prepared and packaged for long term storage. It is spiced and ready to cook by adding water. We are planning a trip in the next couple of weeks to take up 3 pickup loads of this food for the children. Scott will drive, and there are two other volunteers here in South Africa that say they will drive their trucks up to deliver food. We have called an importer at the South African/Zimbabwe border and asked about taking in food. He says if it is only a pickup load, they don’t give you hassles (but they will probably charge customs!). But he offered, if we had trouble, he would come to the border and help us get it through. So that was all good news.

3. What food will be purchased? How, if the food is secured outside of Zimbabwe, does the food get transported to Bulawayo?
As I have mentioned, the maize has been found in the country, and the soya mince will be brought from South Africa. Cornelious has been looking for cooking oil and beans for the children, but hasn’t been able to find any. He will continue to look, but just the maize and soya mix will be able to sustain the children. The caregivers may be able to find other vegetables.

4. Finally, on what basis is the food distributed to each person, and who actually handles the final distribution?
The food distribution will be handled by Cornelious. It will be distributed according to the children in the program. There are now 158 children, but the food also feeds the household, including the caregiver. Feeding the caregiver is as important as feeding the children. She is often not well and weak, but she is the one who keeps the family together. She provides the primary care and nurture for the children, and her health is so important to how well she is able to do that.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me personally. I will also be updating our blog site where you can get more information.

Blessings!

Lisa

Popping in

Wow! I've had such an incredible week. Running non stop, visiting friends and family, speaking to a women's group, signing books, attending a the ACFW writers conference. . .yes, I'm exhausted, but it's been great.

I left Grand Junction last Monday for Dallas. Spent a great time with my friend Jan, then the next night went to stay with Lynne, writing buddy and friend. Our church had planned a surprise shopping trip and make over for the conferance that left me feeling incredibly pampered and loved.

Thank you Creekside church!!!!!

Early Thursday morning we left for the American Christian Writer's Conference. With about five hundred in attendence plus editors and agents, this is a great way to connect with other writers and leaders in the business. Beside attending some of the great classes offered, my goal for the week was to connect with other writer friends, my editors, agent, and follow up on some contacts I made last year--which is exactly what I was able to do. Barbour Publishing took their authors out to dinner Friday night which was so enjoyable. Thank you Barbour! I was also able to reconnect with an editor interested in working with me and my international suspense series, so I'm just so thankful for God working things out for me to come.

BOOK SIGNING WITH FELLOW AUTHORS
SATURDAY NIGHT AWARDS BANQUET

I'll be at my moms until going back to Africa next week. Speaking at a few ladies events, signing books, and just enjoying being with my mom and sister. I know I owe several of you emails, so I'll also be trying to catch up this week. Will post more photos as well.

Please pray for Scott and that kids as they make due without mom. Schools out now as well, but Scott's an awesome dad and I know they'll do great.

Blessings!

Lisa

Update from Dallas

Quick update from here. Arrived in Dallas yesterday after a nice time in Grand Junction where I enjoyed seeing old friends, speaking at a women's retreat, and having a book signing. Time was too short, but it was great being with my in-laws.

This will be a busy week in Dallas as well. I'll be visiting some close friends, and running a few errands until Thursday, when I'll be attending the American Christian Writers Conference. This is a great time for me to connect with friends, editors, and learn from the best on writing and publishing. Next week I'll try and post some photos.

Great news on the home front!

I talked to Scott briefly this weekend. Not only has our Dallas house sold (closing October 1st), but we just recieved an offer for our house in South Africa! I've been blown away at how God continues to work out all the details of a moving situation that is completely overwhelming to me. But nothing is impossible for God!!!

Praise Him for His faithfulness!

Please to continue to pray that these deals will both go through. Pray also for my energy level that is pretty low right now, and the next three weeks are going to be very full as I attend the conference, spend time with family, and speak at several churches. Pray also for Scott and the kids as they make it without mommy.

Blessings,

Lisa

Finally made it. . .

450 kilometers to Joburg by car.

17 hours to Atlanta via Dakar.

4 hour flight to Salt Lake.

1 missed connection.

6 hour delay

1 final flight.

Being with friends and family again. . .Priceless.

The Missing Q

The big news from this side of the world is that I’m headed back to the states tomorrow. My wonderful mother is flying me back for three weeks. Not only will I be catching up with my mom, sister and her family, I’ll also be attending the American Christian Writer’s Conference in Dallas, speaking in Grand Junction, Dallas, Tulsa, and Houston, and participating in a book signing in Tulsa for my latest releases.

It’s always a bit of a shock when returning to the States. Driving on the right hand side, seeing a fast food restaurant on every corner, and discovering that, yes, people really can wait in queues (lines). Even after only a year or two away, I always find that so much has changed. From technology, to TV shows I’ve never seen, to music I’ve never heard. And quite honestly, trips to the supermarket always leave me wishing there weren’t quite so many choices of hairspray and shampoo.

What am I looking forward too?

Staying up late with my mom watching British comedies.

Going to Starbucks with my sister.

Catching up with my on-line crit partners, editors, and other friends
face-to-face.

Eating real Tex-Mex--and at least one pizza and a sausage biscuit from McDonalds

Shopping with my mom.

And of course, finding those missing queues.

Blessing!

Lisa

P.S.After realizing how old our most recent family photo is, we took the above photo yesterday so I have one to give to friends and family.


This amazing photo was also taken yesterday of Gabriel reading
Landon Snow (a book that just happens to be published by my publisher, Barbour) And it wasn't even a homework assignment! While I try to daily instill the love for books in my kids, like most ten year old boys, Gabe would rather be riding bikes or playing on the computer than reading, so I was quite thrilled to snap this shot!

Busted

Okay, so I wasn't actually busted, but Scott and I did spend the morning at the police station being fingerprinted. How does that sound for a fun way to spend your morning? Picture walking down a long, narrow hallway, past offices with chipped paint and torn carpet to a tiny room marked Fingerprinting. On the table there's a pile of ripped pages from a telephone book used to blot the ink, a tube of black fingerprinting ink, and a roller used to spread the ink on a metal plate.

Despite the interesting methods used, I have to say that the officer who took our fingerprints was incredibly friendly and made us laugh through the whole experience. That included telling us that traditionally it's believed that our right hands are stronger because they are given to us from our father, while our left hands are weaker because they are from our mothers.

Hmmm. . .I'll have to think about that one.

Now I'm sure you're asking why the fingerprinting? Why the background check? Well, God has an amazing way of saying no to what we think we want, then showing us what He wants. Something that's always better. A couple weeks ago, we were set to go to Portugal for six weeks to work on our Portuguese before moving to Mozambique, but our teacher suddenly backed out on us.

And we were back to square one with little time left.

After a lot of prayer, fasting, and getting advice from several people, God put us in touch with a school in Brazil. Yes, Brazil! A week later, not only do we have a school that will give us private lessons, but a furnished, three-bedroom house to rent within walking distance from the school! And the house is even set up with internet!

So, we started working on our Brazilian visas today--thus the criminal background check. If everything works out we'll be headed off to Brazil the first of November for six months. (instead of original six weeks).

And speaking of police stations and being busted, we also found out that our visas for here in South Africa were done wrong, and in fact, when Scott flew back into South Africa from Mozambique last week, they told him he could be arrested even though the mistake wasn't ours. Scary. The person who gave us the visas actually gave us too much time! So after the police station, we rushed on to Home Affairs to straight out that mess which hopefully will be resolved by tomorrow--without any surprise trips to the police station for another round of fingerprinting!

Blessings,

Lisa

PS Since they didn't me take a photo in the police station, I thought you might enjoy this sunset from Mozambique.

Montana Mistletoe Blog Tour!

Welcome to the fourth stop on our Montana Mistletoe blog tour!

What is the premise of the collection?

LENA: Four lifelong friends made a pact when they were in college to be married by the time they were 28. As the deadline looms, each keeps busy with expanding career and experiences faltering Christmas spirit. Lori is a major struggling to bolster the small town's economy, Madison runs a Christmas store and often travels to build up stock, Deanna is the town's director of tourism on a campaign to put her town on the map, and Kathy is a writer living in California who has lost her small town faith. When romance arrives in Mistletoe, Montana, in unexpected Christmas packages, will each woman be able to accept the gift?

What’s it like working with three other authors on one story? Challenges, rewards?

KIM: This was my first novella experience, and I really enjoyed it! Sharing ideas with four other writers takes things in directions beyond your own imagination, and you have fellowship and feedback while you're writing. The challenge is getting the stories to "mesh"--making sure they lead into one another with everyone's story balancing the others. But it was great fun working out the "kinks."

Is there a character who you relate to and who made an input on your life?

DEBBY: My character, Deanna, was stubborn about not allowing Anthony back into her heart for fear of having it broken again. Working with her and helping her deal with her fear of being abandoned by her true love opened my eyes to how we need to allow the Lord to work in our hearts without interference.

What is the number one thing you’ve learned from your writing journey?

LENA: God’s way is always better than mine. His ways are higher, as are His thoughts. I need to stay close to Him, so He can reveal His truth to me through the process. And to trust Him to be in charge of my writing business.

Any future plans for your writing you’d like to share? Any specific dreams you’d like to accomplish in the area of writing?

LISA: One of my dreams is to write International suspense, set specifically in Africa. There are a few things brewing in that area that I’m waiting to see which way they go. One of the things I love about writing and reading is the chance to visit different time periods and places.

If you want to learn more about the authors of Montana Mistletoe, check out Lynette Sowell’s blog on September 10th here.

Winners! Winners! Winners!

Want a chance to win a FREE copy of the book and a $30 gift certificate to ChristianBooks.com? For more information, visit our official Montana, Mistletoe blog by October 1st!

Lena's Website Debby's Website

Kim's Website Lisa's Website

Taste of Africa contest!

I’m giving away a FREE Taste of Africa! Full of sweets, sauces, tea, and recipes. Anyone signed up for my newsletter or blog feed will automatically be entered into the drawing. If you’re signed up for both, you have two chances of winning! Drawing will be held around November 1st.

You can sign up for my newsletter here. For automatic blog updates, you can sign up right here on my blog. So sign up today!

(For this contest, North America addresses only please.)

Blessings!

Lisa

Good-bye for now, Kristi!

I met Kristi about a year an a half ago. She's been in Tzaneen now for two years with the Peace Corps and has such a wonderful heart for people. We've enjoyed hanging out together, baking brownies, eating Mexican food, and bowls of popcorn.

Kristi's a lot like me. Once Africa gets a hold of your heart you have a hard time shaking it. So, I expect to see her again somewhere on this side of the world one day soon. For the next couple months she'll be trekking across Africa to see the gorillas and a number of game parks throughout Uganda and Kenya. (Need I say, I'm so jealous?)

We'll miss you, Kristi!