We feel ourselves held in God’s hand as we write to you from the beautiful beach in Muizenberg, Cape Town. It has been a busy, full, and productive first month back in South Africa, and we are grateful for the many ways the Lord has been with us already.

Caleb’s First Flight

Early on the morning of the 1st of January, as the sun was beginning to rise, we boarded a very significant flight. This was Caleb’s very first time on an airplane, the culmination of months of waiting, paperwork, and perseverance to make it possible. It was also our first experience flying with a toddler!

Armed with a car seat, stroller, and all our bags, we boarded with no idea how Caleb would react. Much to our relief, he was thrilled—especially by the airplanes themselves—and happily climbed on board. Thankfully it was a short flight, and he remained calm throughout. He did cry a little during landing, but overall he was a very happy and excited little boy.

Durban Reunions

As we landed in Durban, my mom was there to pick us up, along with my youngest sister. It was such a joy to see them again after a long time, and especially meaningful for my sister (Nadia) to meet Caleb for the first time. He took to her immediately—we couldn’t pry him off her for anything!

Encouraging Connections

While in Durban, we hoped to spend time with several friends and supporters. The Lord surprised us with some unexpected and deeply encouraging connections, despite the few planned meetings that didn’t work out due to unforeseen circumstances.

One particularly special and unexpected meeting was with the pastor of the NG Kerk in Umhlanga. It was a joy to share our hearts with him and to be mutually encouraged by the mission vision God has given us. We were also given the wonderful opportunity to share during their Sunday worship service about what God is doing in Zambia. This is something we deeply long for—to share the vision and calling God has placed on our hearts, to walk in fellowship with others, and to see them encouraged and blessed through it.

We also had opportunity to worship and fellowship with Christ Church Umhlanga. It was great to catch up with old friends. The CCU missions committee arranged a meeting with us over lunch at the church where we were able to share the vision for growing God’s Kingdom in Zambia and to answer their insightful questions. We trust and pray that CCU will also partner with us in this gospel work.

Overall, our two weeks in Durban were rich and meaningful and we saw God’s Hand in everything as we connected with both old and new friends and supporters.

Rest in the Drakensberg

After two busy weeks in Durban, we were finally able to take a much-needed break in the Drakensberg, thanks to Holiday Club points that had been saved up. During the first week, most of my family joined us—my mom, two brothers, and youngest sister. This was such a valuable time of reconnection, and for many of them it was their first opportunity to meet Caleb. It was precious to watch him bond with them.

The second week was just the three of us, giving us space to truly rest and to prepare our hearts and minds for the next busy chapter of our home assignment.

“Yes, my soul, find rest in God: my hope comes from him.”
Psalm 62:5

Our plans for the next part of our home assignment took an unexpected turn due to Caleb’s visa challenges. What we had intended to be a week long meander along the garden route as we visited friends and supporters, became something quite different. We had to do a necessary quick in and out of Lesotho, followed by a short 2-night stay in Bloemfontein before the long drive to Cape Town.

Our friends in Bloemfontein hosted us so well in their lovely “tree house” guest cottage and spoilt us with lovely meals and pleasant fellowship. They sent us off with some treats too. We truly felt so blessed and encouraged during our time there.

Caleb’s Visa Curveball

We are deeply aware of how many of you lifted us up in prayer during Caleb’s recent visa challenge and we felt truly wrapped in love and prayer.

What we expected to be a fairly straightforward process instead required flexibility, patience, and much prayer. We found ourselves in quite a predicament when we discovered that due to misinformation we were a few days away from Caleb’s Visa expiring with no way to renew it besides leaving the country. Every way we turned brought no easy answers and according to home affairs and immigration, our only option was to fly back to Zambia.

Michael and I crossed the Lesotho border with Caleb and, to our great relief, he was granted a 30-day extension on his visa. The officials made it clear that this was an exception due to our unique circumstances, but we cannot help but see God’s hand graciously at work through the many prayers that were raised on our behalf. Thank you so much to everyone who prayed, encouraged us, and walked with us through this stressful season—it meant more to us than we can express.

Visa Challenges Continues…

While this extension has brought significant relief, there are still important steps ahead. We are currently waiting on a confirmation letter from the South African Central Authority (SACA) that confirms his adoption. Without this letter, we cannot proceed with the applications for Caleb’s birth certificate, passport, and citizenship. We have no idea how long we will need to wait for this letter or for the processing of his adoption registration so we have proceeded to apply for a longer extension of Caleb’s Visa. His visa appointment is on the 19th of February. Please continue to pray with us that this extended visa would be granted and that the document we are awaiting from SACA will be issued soon.  Pray also that the remaining application processes would go smoothly and efficiently.

We remain grateful and hopeful, trusting the Lord to continue making a way as we take each next step.

Looking Ahead to February

As we look ahead, we will be in Cape Town from now till June and will be based in the lovely town of Muizenberg. Stepping back into our beloved home church (Tokai Community Church) this past Sunday felt like moisturiser on very dry skin or water for a parched throat. We didn’t realise how much we needed it until we stood there among our church family and sang worship to our God together.

If you are in the area—or plan to be—we would love to connect during our time here. Please do reach out if you are available to meet up; it would be a joy to see you.

Thankful Hearts

We are deeply grateful for God’s hand of provision along the way. Through the generosity of His people, we have been provided with a vehicle on loan for our travels across South Africa, accommodation in Durban, and a consistent place to stay for our full time in Cape Town. We have even been offered holiday space to ensure that we are able to rest well.

“And my God will meet all your needs 
according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19

Thank you for your fellowship, prayers, and financial partnership with us—even while we are on home assignment. We are truly thankful to have you as part of this team.