Many are the Plans

How many ways do we keep our schedules and appointments?

1. On our iphones
2. Wall calendar
3. Evernote
4. Outlook
5. Daytimers
6. Franklin Planners
7. Sticky Notes
8. Google Calendar

We don't do that here.

We do a review the night before, we have a "plan." But we all know, and have come to believe in the - COP - Change of Plans.

Wondering what would happen if our calendars at home were free, available and ready for COPs?

Mxolisi and his uBaba.

The plan was to go visit our friend and brother Mxolisi and his family. Mxolisi is an unbelievable artist. If you have never seen our previous pictures of his work, please take the time to click through to see at PicSpeak Pencil Art.

His mother has passed away recently, and we were going to visit for a service in the home and a tribute to the family. 

Mxolisi's dad - what a beautiful spirit.

What a beautiful family. We finished our time together, enjoyed our fellowship, and were headed back to Ntshongweni.

We were going to spend the rest of the day in the creche, playing with the children. But as usual, God's plans and thoughts are different then ours, Isaiah 55:8-9. Instead we head to Durban after receiving a call that one of our children is in the hospital. He was at university, and was experiencing back pain. Turns out, he was in a taxi accident last Wednesday on his way to school. He was sitting in the back seat, when they were rear ended. 

We finally find him there, and Pastor calls a doctor in Hillcrest who has agreed to see our children for emergencies. We drive there and wait to be seen. Are finally seen, get our prescriptions, drive through KFC, as he hasn't eaten all day, and head back to Ntshongweni. 

Now, though a little late, with some things rearranged, we are back on the plan - God's plan for our participation in James 1:27. So many times, people ask me and I sometimes wonder, "What does God want me to do? If He would just tell me, I would do it." The fact is - He has! Visiting with Gogo Constance, and sharing her burdens and joys is His will. And when you are in His will, there is nothing like it.

Enjoying tea with one of our favorite Gogos. What a special lady!

One of Gogo's grandchildren. What a blessing to be able to meet him! The generations blend together here in a way that is no longer as common as it used to be.   

We were able to share stories, joys, and sadnesses, walk through her garden, and see the new "bathroom" that she built herself. Gogo Constance rocks!

We are so thankful to supporters from home who sent coats, and to all the ladies at Mission Stitches for the dolls. This one was Valerie's favorite too!

Coming back year after year has allowed us to make friends and to have a level of trust and communication that is truly a gift. God's will is to put the lonely into families. So it seems one of the questions is - who is my family? Matthew 12:50

Joyce knows this. It is Susan's first trip and immediately Joyce gives her the biggest hug and says, "You are my sister!"

This is the will of God, and a COP everyday for me. To be reminded of His words, thoughts, and wants, and to in turn, give up my own.

Maybe our new catch phrase should be COT - Change of Thoughts. To take every thought captive - filtered, stirred, sifted and submitted. We will be thinking, adn praying about that today.

How about you? Any COPs or COTs in your life? We would love to hear about them! #loveinactionnow