a new season

Being back in Canada for 7 months was really an incredible time for us.  Over the years it feels like we’ve missed so many, birthdays, weddings, births, deaths, etc. So, being back for an extended period has been really important for us.   In that time we really reconnected with family and friends.  Being at home to experience those good times and seeing people through the hard things was really special. And having Hayden be born back in Canada surrounded by the family and friends that we love was certainly a huge blessing and a time we will treasure forever. 

But every season has it's end, so on January 6th, we started our journey back to  South Africa. It was exhausting as usual, but Hayden was amazing.  He slept the majority of the two flights and was happy as a clam when he wasn't sleeping. We had dreaded that journey since Hayden was born, so it was such a relief to see how good he did.  

 

After 30+ hours of travelling, we arrived back  home to our family here in White River and felt so welcome as always...everyone was so excited to meet the little  guy!  It  really has been nice to be back, even during the times that questions stir around my head about the choices we have made for our new baby. It was so hard to take him away from our family and friends that love him so much. But  through it all we trust that for this season we are in the right place.  

 

 

I felt like this trip back was the hardest for me.  It just took a long time to get over the jet lag.  But at least Hayden has done well in his short time back here.  His first few days back he even slept right through the night, which he had never done before....so his night as sorted out but the temperature difference is another story.  It's between 30-40 degrees plus humidity, most days so it is taking him time to adjust to the heat.  The last few days have been cooler and it seems like Hayden has been enjoying that.  In addition to all the other adjustments Hayden is making (new smells, surrounding, time changes) we think that he is starting to teethe! There’s lots of drool and he is biting just about anything that comes near his mouth.  Scary to think seeing as he is only just over 3 months. But at the same time his neck is starting to get really strong ...probably due to  being handed off to a million people.  Overall he continues to be a happy and content little boy who gives us much joy and many smiles every day.  

As for us, in regards to work, being back has been quiet.  I think Hands at Work is being intentional in giving us time to adjust to life in Africa with a  new baby. It been great though because we have had time to reunite with friends and settle into life.  One highlight for us in particular has been seeing Phumla again.  As most of you know (we told her story in a post last year), Phumla is a girl we met in 2009 when we first came to Africa and have since become very close with her.  After she graduated we have been helping her to get through nursing school to become an auxiliary nurse, which I imagine is like an LPN.  It is rare to see kids from the community do so well, given their limited support at home, limited funds and sub-par educations system.  But Phumla has done well and we are so proud of her.  She calls us Mom and Dad, which is very special for us.  It means a lot to have someone so impacted by you that they consider you a parent.  We love her and pray for her often. She comes from a story that when I think about it, it breaks my heart.  But she is doing so well and loves her new baby brother. 

So this is life, so far, for us back in South Africa.  Missing people, being reunited with others and adjusting.  We want to be better this year at updating people on how we are doing.  So if it’s been a long time and you haven’t heard anything, you better raise a flag.  Let us know you need an update.  Much love.

- Tyler (plus Alicia and Hayden)