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| The FREY homestead |
There is certainly no place like home!
I found myself longing for it even more every day leading up to the day
I could get on that plane.
~~~
When I was on deputation, I was constantly going to or from a meeting.
My theme song during that time was
"This World is Not My Home, I'm Just Passing Through".
I spent those 3 years not really "at home", but I was in the great old USA.
~~~
Living in South Africa is not really a hard life, just differant.
After a while, you get a bit lonesome for familiar surroundings,
to feel the saftey and love of home.
Finally, I had a chance to come home.
I have to say, I was getting pretty weary.
My close friend Amy called me with news of her engagement.
What a great opportunity to take a short break and come home.
In anticipation, the days rolled by on the calendar.
Between school and ministry, I was kept so busy,
that the days went by so quickly.
WEEK ONE
First week was the wedding.
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| Mom sewing my gown |
Praise the Lord, I already had a dress at home for the wedding.
It just needed a few alterations.
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| Mom altering my gown |
My mom worked hard and fast to get the alterations done,
so we could enjoy our time together.
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| Me in my gown |
This is what the gown looked like.
Mom did a wonderful job!
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| Amy and bridesmaids |
It was amazing to see how all of the gowns
(which by the way, were all purchased at thrift shops)
matched perfectly!!!
Thank you, Lord!
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| Jonathan and Amy's Wedding Party |
It was a special blessing to be there for Amy's wedding.
She is the last of a long line of my single friends.
As teens, we called ourselves the "old maids club".
We never realized we would be single for so long.
Now the club is over. I am the only member left.
It is hard as a single person to see all of your close friends married,
and still with noone in sight for you.
Makes you wonder what the Lord is doing and why His plans are the way they are.
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| Amy & Jonathan |
I praise God for the wonderful husband that He has given my friend
and in faith I trust that maybe one day, He will choose to bless me in this way.
WEEK TWO
The other special blessing of going home at this time
was for the sending service for my pastor & his wife.
It was so great to be able to be in my home church for a while.
The music and preaching certainly ministered to me.
What a wonderful service as we glorified God by looking back at all He has done
and then forward at all He will do.
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| Randy & Shirley Starr |
The Starrs are heading out in an evangelistic/training ministry.
To read more about what they are doing click here.
To listen to the morning message click here.
LATER THAT WEEK...
I was able to visit the place where I had lived and served for 19+ years.
My brother and I walked around the property together.
I even got to see my cat, Bandit.
She is the "camp cat" and everyone is taking great care of her.
I was happy because she remembered me!
Here are a few other sights from around where I lived-
My brother said, "You are like a tourist in your own country"
and I said, "I just want something to look at to remember".
WEEK THREE
During the third week, my family went to Saxis Island, VA.
We love Saxis, because it is a laid back place.
A place where we can take the boat out on the Chesapeake Bay,...
...go out fishing,..
...or even crabbing.
My favorite week that I was home,
was the time I got to spend alone with my family!
During my time in the States -
While I was home, there were many supplies
I had to gather for the ministry in South Africa.
There were also times that I could do some things to help at home,
play games, and visit with friends.
One way I spent my time while I was home, was in working.
I made peach dumplings - YUM!
I had missed peaches. Ours here are awful!
Mom & I made and canned fresh salsa with vegetables from their garden.
I painted my parent's mailbox.
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| Before I even wallpapered a room in 2 days! |
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| After |
Of course my time was not all spent on work.
I played games with my family...
... and spent time with some friends.
We even celebrated my "little" brother's 17th brithday.
I can't believe he is that old!
What a handsome young man he has become.
We have such great fun together!
Yes, there is certainly no place like home!
~ ~ ~
When I got on the plane to return back to South Africa,
I also had the feeling that I was heading home.
It may not be the place I grew up
or even where "my people" live,
but it has become my home.
I was excited to see "my South African people" again.
Thank you, Lord, for my "home away from home"!
Ephesians 2:19
"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners,
but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;"