Pastor’s wives tea

On October 19, all of the missionary ladies hosted a pastor’s wives tea at our home. We had an amazing time of fellowship together. We had Mma Chitogwa from Old Naledi Baptist, Mma Kalaeng from Molepolole Baptist, Mma Thokwane from Calvary Baptist, and Mma Kabika from Gaborone Baptist Church.

So much is expected of these ladies and we ask that you pray for each of them. They each have taken at least one of us missionary ladies under their wing to teach us and love on us. We are so thankful for strong women of the faith!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Bradyn

On October 12, our baby turned 2 years old. I remember 2 years ago when this little bundle of joy was placed in my arms and what love I felt for him right then. He is filled with such happiness and loves to laugh. Love this boy!!!

Mamaw and Papaw sent Bradyn money so he picked out some guns and trucks at the store. What we didn’t know is how loud the guns were, we might have to lose the batteries.

Mickey Mouse was our party theme…thanks Grammy!

Above: Like father, like son. TERPS fans!

Below: Pin the tail on the donkey

Had a great time with all of our party guests!

Always be ready

On Saturday for our usual bible study time only one of the ladies was able to study, so I (Amanda) went to her house instead of our usual place to study. I took Taylor with me and took a brand new roll of coloring sheets that had just arrived the previous day from my parents (Mamaw and Papaw) for the kids. It had 15 pictures and I had just planned on letting Taylor pick one and color while I did bible study with my friend. Upon arrival, my friend asked if she could go and get all of the kids from around her house as they were waiting to come. I was totally not prepared for a bible study for the children, but couldn’t pass up an opportunity to teach the kids a bible story. So I ended up teaching the story of Jonah and the whale and the kids had never heard that story. The kids listened so well and then we had just enough coloring sheets to share with all the kids. So, mamaw and papaw, I know your intention was for your grandchildren to color those pages but the children loved it so much. Thanks for sending those coloring sheets!!!

There’s also a video of the kids singing a Setswana song below. It tells how the Lord is ever shining.

Here’s a video of the kids singing a song called “O ya galalela”

O ya galalela x4, Jeso o ya galalela, o ya galalela x2  s                    He is ever shining x4; My Lord is ever shining, He is ever shining x2

Wedded Bliss

This past month we have had the privilege of attending two beautiful weddings. The first wedding was actually a renewal of vows for a couple in our church who have been married for 20 years. It was such a blessing to see two people who wanted to celebrate their love and be a true example of marriage to so many around them.

Our second wedding was for two youth from our church. When I say “youth”, you are considered a youth until you are married so this couple is in their late 20s.

Have you ever watched “The Office” when all of the people dance into Jim and Pam’s wedding? Well, African weddings are very similar to that but everyone does the same dance down the aisle and then after the ceremony they all dance out. This is probably my favorite cultural experience and whenever we renew our vows one day there will be dancing!!!

Above: This is the Jongman’s celebrating their 20th anniversary.

Below: Smile (the guy) and Siamang’s (the girl) wedding

Above: The bride and groom sit in the front at a table with their wedding party all around them. There was also a full praise and worship band for the service.

Above: Taylor actually made her way to the front and took this picture with her camera phone. She was so excited!

Below: Dancing out of the ceremony…awesome and so much fun!

The ceremony did take 3 1/2 hours which is a little different from an American wedding. Things here are definitely events and no one is in a rush to get things over with. It’s so nice!