In Memory of Ella Paulson

It has been a very emotional day, and I am just about cried out. This afternoon friends and family of little Ella Paulson gathered at BBC in memory of this young girl who was called back to heaven just shy of her 10th birthday due to a tragic horse riding accident last Saturday. To Gwen and Francis, when we heard the news we were in shock and had no words other than tears and prayers for your loss, which is also our loss.

Now today, we all wore yellow ribbons as our eyes teared up in memory of Ella. Yellow ribbons to represent uplifting and illuminating, offering hope, happiness, cheerfulness and fun, these are all the characteristics of Ella, sunshine to all around her. Now she is at the feet of God, a sunbeam in heaven, making God laugh with her infectious smile and giggles.

All is well. Nothing is past; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before only better, infinitely happier and forever we will all be one together with Christ.

Until we all see you again in heaven.

Francis, Jenna-Lee and Gwen

Friday didn't feel like a Friday should feel, strange normally I couldn't wait for the weekend but this Friday I enjoyed being at work, strange indeed.

After finally dragging myself out of work, I headed home and got ready for the Alpha get together at the Lonewolf Spur in Randpark Ridge. It was great just winding down with friends, Bob, Liesl, Kelly, Nicholas, Francis, Gwen, Jenna-Lee, Keegan, Lynda, Eric, Gill, Chris, and Natasha. Spur, a taste for life, except for my cold food, it was an awesome get together with friends on a Friday evening. Here is Francis, Jenna-Lee, and Gwen, giving big smiles for the camera.

A Day Off

Today is a public holiday because yesterday was Women's Day and because it was a Sunday meant that the following Monday (today) was a holiday too. Even though it was a holiday, our Malawian house keeper Francis (above) decided to work. We insisted that he have the day off but he wanted to work. It was a lovely warm winter's day which I spent outside having quality time with Matthew. In the afternoon I started catching up some of the work that I've got behind on.

PTS

Johannesburg has been trashed again by the striking municipal workers. Things are getting better on the home front but the stress of it all is taking its toll. At our home cell group Francis and Emmelinah were feeling cold but I was falling asleep due to stress and simply the lack of sleep.

Leigh’s Farewell

I spent the day at Metrorail looking forward for evening as it was Home Cell. We had a farewell dinner for Leigh. She is one of the world’s top research scientists in the HIV/Aids and Malaria fields and is leaving South Africa for a job in Sweden. This is a big lost for South Africa but she is a good friend and I wish her all the best in the land of the giants. In the photo is Francis, Leigh, Jane and Karin.

Mai Ling and Francis

The marketing department of Metrorail gave me a coffee maker as a gift for all the hard work I put into their projects. When I arrived home with this large box, I was surprised to find Mai Ling and her son Francis visiting. Francis is leaving next week to go back to China for good. We will miss him and the great food that he cooks. Matthew wants to go to Shanghai and visit him next year.

Beauty for Ashes

Hey it’s Friday and my last weekend home alone. What can I do? Well to kick it off I had to pick up Thembi, Emmelinah and Francis up after the start of “Beauty for Ashes Women’s Conference”. They had managed to catch a taxi there but had no lift back. While I was driving them home, they were all babbling like young girls, telling me of their experiences that evening. I am sure they will be talking about it for a long time to come. As a matter of fact, they are planning next years one.

The cell

Another rushed day. It seems that I am wanted everywhere. The last visa was picked up today and just 2 more sleeps until we leave for our holiday. In the evening I went to home cell and we took photos to send to Maia in Bulgaria. So here is from the front left to right Denise, Petra, Rob, Leigh, Sandy, Sarah and Francis. In the back you can find Mike, Andy, Karin, Emme and Joanne.

Francis preparing a meal

Matthew and his Great Grand Mother

Bouncing Tiggers

Francis and Matthew

Soba

Matthew and Francis

Francis and Mai Ling