Monday, August 5, 2013

Letter to Richard - 5 August 2013

Dear Richard

We got your email today telling about the elections, and your testimony. So awesome to hear you getting stronger and stronger! And I’m so glad you made it safely through the elections. It’s been pretty hectic hearing about everything happening there. Although from what we heard there hasn’t been any violence this time at least, which I’m very glad about with you there!

It was a busy week at work again, with lecturing the second years. And again I didn’t get through all of the material, so I had to do a recording of the last lecture example for the students to watch in their own time. Plus I had to attend a couple of meetings… Lots of admin… But during the one meeting I managed to set a test on my phone while I was listening, and then it synced to my computer, so I just had to spend 5 minutes formatting it right. Technology is amazing! J

Joshua’s teacher came back from maternity leave this week, so we had an emotional few mornings, although he settled very quickly apparently. But my poor boy really doesn’t handle change well L He was a bit better this morning, although he still looks a bit sad. But hopefully in the next couple of days he’ll settle completely and be happy again. He does actually like his teacher, it’s just the whole change thing. But both Hannah and Caleb also tend to be very shy and cautious in a new environment, so I guess it’s a family thing. It does mean that they hopefully won’t be inclined to jump into doing stupid things when they’re older. I can hope!

It was a hectic week for Andrew – he was out on church business every day from Wednesday to Sunday. But the kids were relatively good at least. And on Tuesday he also had to go out to get stuff because Caleb had slipped in the bathroom and cut his chin, and we had blood everywhere! And he won’t keep a plaster on, so he keeps on re-opening the scab and it is going to leave such a scar! Thankfully it’s underneath his chin, so it’s not too obvious at least.

On Saturday Andrew had to conduct a funeral, and Josh had a birthday party at the exact same time. So I took Caleb with Josh to the party, and Hannah went  and had some special girl time with Granny. And everyone had a great time! J In fact Josh stayed after the party to play for the afternoon even! And during the afternoon I even helped dad a little bit with the tiling in the bathroom J

I finally finished watching the Hastening the Work of Salvation broadcast on Saturday, and I’m certainly feeling inspired! I’ve been making more of an effort to be reaching out to the less-actives that are in my circle of influence, and I’ve been trying to be more active on facebook with things that are missionary minded. We fasted for missionary work as well this past fast weekend. We’re trying to be more missionary minded J

Sis Jean said something I really liked during testimony meeting yesterday. She heard Caleb calling "dada" to Andrew on the stand, and Andrew smiling back at him. It made her think about how we tend to lose our earthly parents as we get older, but we never lose our Heavenly Father. We can always talk to Him, and turn to Him. Very profound! J

We also then went to visit Andrew’s family in Fish Hoek yesterday. His mom was away in Joburg the last few weeks visiting all of her siblings, so we were catching up. It’s amazing how refreshed she’s looking. In fact I don’t think I’ve seen such a contrast in her in the 9 years I’ve been in the family! Amazing what a break from the stress and strains of daily life will do for you! Just a pity that the temple was closed when she was there L We’re getting all excited trying to plan a ward temple trip next year. So exciting!

Well keep well and safe, and hopefully you can send us some pictures soon!
Shelly

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