Their weakness was turned to Strength - Hebrews 11:34

Well, we are all home safe and sound after an incredible journey. We set off on Thursday morning after visiting the boys, Martin gave them all medals to say that they were all winners because they were on Gods team - even the guard at the gate wanted one! What a re-assurance, however hard things get - we are on the winning team. We sang to them - 'Jesus' love is very wonderful' along with actions! (although from the picture it looks more like a version of YMCA!!) and they sang farewell to us and prayed for us, a very emotional moment. We were planning to be at the airport for 11.30am, but let's remember we are still on African time. At about 12 lunch was ready! although it was lovely our minds were not focused on food but on flights, the last time for boarding was 12.20pm when the gates close as the flight was at 1pm. After lunch we had presents given, some lovely shirts reminding us of the beautiful country we were leaving, and then, just when we thought it was safe to leave....speeches, then more speeches, thankfully Pastor Bonga cut one short, it was now 12.15pm, with 5 minutes to get to the airport we were just praying that the flight would be on African time too!

We set off for the airport, there were police stopping vehicles on the way but thankfully we were not stopped, we arrived at the airport about 12.30 to a very disgruntled staff who said we were extremely late and should have arrived ages ago, we were praying that it was not too late to check in, a notice on the counter reminded us check in was 2 hours before departure (not 10 minutes after check-in had closed!). Our passports were checked, boarding cards issued (praise God!), bags weighed, airport tax duty paid as we headed into the departure lounge, we walked straight onto the plane as it was boarding - with 3 minutes to spare!!!! My heart was in my mouth and i was praying the Lord would not allow us to miss this flight, i can only imagine what was going through Martin & Daves minds after the disasterous journey Into Africa, God was gracious and the flights 'Out of Africa' were to perfection.

Praise God we boarded with all the gang waving from the balcony, i remember the sadness well from last time, i am sure we all had heavy hearts, i had tears in my eyes and in my heart, an overwhelming sadness, but a joy of knowing one day, God willing, i will see our family in Africa again, hopefully in this life, if not in the next, they will be there dancing and singing with all their might, of that i am sure!!
We all had trouble-free flights home and Anne, Ruth and myself all did a bit of duty-free shopping. No cigarettes for me tho, after having given up last year on 'Ash' Wednesday i started smoking again just before Christmas during a difficult time, relying on my nicotine addiction instead of my God. I felt God was giving me an ideal opportunity to quit, i had just attended a funeral 2 days before going to Africa of a friend of mine who had died from lung cancer and i wanted to break the habit. The change of routine was just what i needed, i didn't miss them or have any desire to smoke, nor have i since returning home, i have the energy and freedom back i remember from last time and i just pray that, if tempted, i am able to hand it back over to God. It does not make me a better person or a better Christian because i have stopped smoking, just healthier, i feel sometimes we can be judgemental of those who smoke but we all have our own personal battles but, thankfully, God sings a sweeter tune! of course smoking will not prevent anyone from getting to heaven - they may just get there a bit quicker!!!. On the plane i watched 'The Bucket List' a wonderful film with Jack Nicholson & Morgan Freeman, they had 6 months to live and made a list of all the things they had wanted to do. One was to go on safari and as they did they sang "Whimoweh, Whimoweh .... in the jungle the mighty jungle the lion sleeps tonight", it made me smile as that is exactly what we did and it was a reminder of the wonderful blessings God has in store for those who love him.

I think we all went straight to bed when we got home, then i had a hot bubble bath, what a luxury i felt really clean as i soaked & steamed away, my mind began to focus on New Wine, which i am really looking forward to, doing one week on team and one week holiday, that can be a struggle for some - camping and portable loos and showers - but compared to 2 weeks in Mozambique it is 4 star luxury!!!!!

We have all had a wonderful journey and adventure, as a group we got on so well and drew closer to each other, just bearing with each other and helping each other, to me it was being part of a real Christian family. I must thank Dawn, Ruths' mum,for taking us to and from the airport at early hours - what a star!!!! all of you for your encouragement and support and taking the time to read our blogs and follow our journey.

God has challenged each one of us and not only has it been a fruitful time in the lives of those at Casa Reom, but also in our own personal lives, not settling for less than God has promised us, our weaknesses turned to strenghts as we allowed God to take us out of our frying pans! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!.....FOREVER & EVER....AMEN.

RESTING IN HIS LOVE