these are the days

introducing...

2011-06-07T20:55:00.001+02:00

it's time to say goodbye to this blog. a little sad.

and hello to the NEW WEBSITE

www.lankfordlife.com

go check it out.

subscribe to our blog.
change/update us on your own blog site.
whatever you do follow us!

come share this journey.

Finally,

a place where

you can go to follow

both

Joey

and

and our family

on our adventures

as we

serve Christ

South Africa

and live the crazy life

of 2 parents

4 kids

living abroad

where there is

never a dull moment.

who is 7 ?

2011-06-03T21:19:00.000+02:00

who is 7?

we have been counting down the sleeps

since back at around 21 sleeps.

today JUNE 3

was FINALLY the day.

BRAXTON is 7.

his birthday requests...

a skateboard!

and

a rock climbing trip

with 2 buddies

and

of course his big sis and lil bro

tagged a long.

(the littlest sis didn't make the cut)

the 4 climbers

concentration

what a cool place!

what a fun birthday!

brax...

you make us so proud.

you are an amazing boy

with BIG plans.

you have blessed us

these past 7 years

molding your mom and dad

into better parents, people, Christ followers.

you keep us on our toes.

you never cease to amaze us.

we love u buddy.

beautiful

2011-05-31T10:19:00.000+02:00

we have had an abundance of rain lately.

just a few moments ago i looked out my window and saw this...

a rainbow landing into the ocean!

i had to grab the camera and snap away at this little blessing for my day.

oh my goodness!

is this beautiful or what?

wow!

2 things that...

2011-05-30T21:53:00.000+02:00

2 things

that

make me

feel

warm

and fuzzy

inside

when it

cold

rainy

windy

outside

....

watching the downloaded BRENTWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH service
and seeing all the familiar faces (including our own Poppi)
and hearing Pastor Mike preach it! and oh.... the music!

smores...who doesn't love ooey gooey yumminess around a hot fire?!
family time at it's best

stay tuned

2011-05-28T15:15:00.000+02:00

soMetHing BIG on thE wAy

sTay tUNed

yOu don'T waNt tO mISs...

Living Hope "Open Day"

2011-05-28T15:11:00.000+02:00

Last Saturday

Living Hope

opened their doors to the community.

They showed their services off to the public.

They ministered to all who came by.

Joey,

Mrs Gilda,

Wayne,

Vuci,

and

Itai

did their

Living Way

presentations

along with the sewing class

and driver training.

It was such a blessing to see

all their hard work being showcased.

So proud...

Mrs Gilda and one of the baker Wayne

Bristol and her buddy Itai

cucumbers and yummy cucumber relish

bakery biscuits and breads

joe and his wild boys

bris taking her turn running the table

God continues to blow us away with His blessings on the happenings of Living Way.

rugby this

2011-05-21T17:58:00.000+02:00

rugby has started around here.

and let's just say we went from being totally clueless...

to being a rock star!

this guy loves him some rugby.

and his american parents are pretty darn proud.

one of the cool parts of growing up in a culture different from your own...
learning new sports, games, and rules.

the reunion...

2011-05-20T09:39:00.004+02:00

8 months ago...

we took these pictures

with these friends.

in 1 month...

we will be back in TN

taking new pictures with these friends

that we miss so very much.

oh how i can't wait to see how all have grown

and to watch and soak in

the joy

of spending time with those we love.

we appreciate now, more than ever, the bonds of family and closest friends.

and the sweetness of that reunion

and precious time spent together

will be treasured deep in our souls...

would you believe?

2011-05-19T22:03:00.003+02:00

would you believe?

that my life

was

just a little bit

wild, crazy, hectic

and goes right with

the quirky little motto of...

never a dull moment.

i'm sure you know this.

anyways,

lots happening.

all

the

time.

....and

that's

all i've

got time

for

now.

wildlife and life...

2011-05-14T19:58:00.002+02:00

our life this week was...

spent with these guys

that Briley always enjoys

preaching to...

blessed by "uncle Steve"

coming from TN

to check out our ministry here

and to follow God's call...

this girl grew up even more...

wildlife was abundant...

there was a man-size baboon

amongst many others...

a snake farm visit

made the older 3 want a slithery pet...

absolutely a "No"...

this

horned beast

stopped us in our tracks...

and the greatest treat of the week...

this little life

was welcomed into our family....

though we are thousands of miles away

the proud parents

gave us a special surprise by

skype-ing us

immediately after his birth

so we could be the

1st ones

to hear

the announcement

"it's a boy!!".

you made us feel so apart of the celebration

even though we were so far away.
we were so blessed.

congrats uncle rich, aunt dana,

and sweet sis

jadey-bug.

bristol's masiphumelele

2011-05-10T13:31:00.000+02:00

someone thinks they are too cute with the newest word she can say...
masiphumelele. (accurately pronounced... masi- phum- e- lele)
yep, just a short, easy to say name of a local township.

moms

2011-05-07T21:06:00.009+02:00

If you have a mom, there is nowhere you are likely to go

where a prayer has not already been. ~Robert Brault

Mother love

is the fuel

that enables a normal human being

to do the impossible. ~Marion C. Garretty

A mother is the truest friend we have,

when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us;

when adversity takes the place of prosperity;

when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us;

when trouble thickens around us,

still will she cling to us,

and endeavor by her kind

precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness,

and cause peace to return to our hearts. ~Washington Irving

Children and mothers

never truly part -

Bound in the beating

of each other's heartCharlotte Gray

A man's work is from sun to sun,

but a mother's work is never done. ~Author Unknown

When you are a mother,

you are never really alone in your thoughts.

A mother always has to think twice,

once for herself and once for her child. ~Sophia Loren

There is an instinct in a woman to love most her own child -

and an instinct to make any child who needs her love, her own. ~Robert Brault

and to this most special mom,
bristol's birth mom,
you have given us the greatest gift
and our hearts are bonded forever.

All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.
-- Abraham Lincoln

She never quite leaves her children at home,

even when she doesn't take them along. ~Margaret Culkin Banning

Because I feel
that in the heavens above
The angels, whispering one to another,

Can find among their burning tears of love,

None so devotional as that of "Mother,"

Therefore, by that dear name I have long called you,

You who are more than mother unto me.

~Edgar Allan Poe

Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while,

but their hearts forever. - Author Unknown

This Mother's Day

I am thankful

Joey and I were blessed with

amazing, beautiful moms.

And that God chose me

faithful enough

to give me

perfect blessings

to hold, kiss, love,

wash, scold, teach,

juggle, provide for,

counsel, hug, drive,

read to, cook for, wash for,

clean up after, stay up all nite with,

comfort, carry, spank,

learn from, cuddle,

eat sweets with, play games with,

and on and on.

May I be to each of you,

the greatest Mom you could dream.

a baby

2011-05-06T21:41:00.003+02:00

There is a baby.

Not near us,

but actually quite a journey away.

A baby whose Mom lost her life in childbirth.

A baby whose first moments

and each day since

are missing the Mom who carried her.

A baby whose family has tried to keep her alive...

giving her the milk of a goat

to sustain life.

A baby so loved

by her uncle ...

that he has made sure that,

(while he lives far away from her

but very near to us)

the nutrition,

the formula she needs

makes the journey to her.

On his visit 2 months ago

to his homeland

he took the formula

we had bought together.

It had been all I could do

not to send

a store's worth of this precious nutrition.

But

that is just not the way things work.

Upon arrival

she was not well.

Not good at all.

By the time he left

a month later,

she was thriving

on the formula we sent.

Praise God.

And now,

almost 2 months later...

another member of his family

is making the long journey home

and taking with him
more of

the life sustaining formula.

And so

I found myself back tonight

staring

at the boxes of formula

and dreaming of this

treasured babe.

And wanting to buy

every box.

Just to make sure she has enough.

Because

what if she doesn't?

What if she runs out?

Gets hungry and weak again.

Is it possible to get it to her another way?

Where she is...

I am not sure there is another way.

And so,

I send my boxes.

All that will fit in his bag

on the long trip.

a life so precious.

a face we have never seen.

a baby we love

and will always be in our hearts.
One
whose life has forever bonded to mine.

a nice destination...

2011-05-06T21:01:00.000+02:00

in case anyone needed a reason to come visit us...
check this out

www.tripadvisor.com/TCDestinations

well,
what do you think?
should we start planning adventures for you?

i am not sure there is anywhere else in the world
with as drastic differences between rich/poor, wealth/poverty, beauty/ashes.

i do know we are blessed to be here.
in every way.

overwhelming views

2011-05-03T14:50:00.000+02:00

my heart,

no wait,

my heart and my mind

can not

comprehend

the devastation

for thousands (approx 6000)

that we see

just a few miles from our house.

LOST.

everything.

clothing

dishes

beds for their babies

food

treasures

IDs

shelter.

as i lay down at nite

as i go thru my days...

so many

are trying to rebuild,

to gather food,

to find items to survive.

the part that i struggle with me most,

that rocks me to the core,

is those moms and dads

trying

to find a safe, dry place

to lay their children at nite,

to make them feel secure,

to feed them.

as i look at my kids

i can only imagine

the burden felt so deep and painful.

i thank God for my blessings and protection

and i pray for these who have lost.

overwhelming views.

overwhelming thoughts.

an overwhelming need for Jesus.

officially longer

2011-04-27T19:13:00.000+02:00

this wild
and crazy,
silly
and beautiful,
loud
and funny,
smarter than the average bear,
Ethiopian princess
has now been with us
LONGER than
she ever was without us.
(just shy of 10 months)

closer...

2011-04-27T18:43:00.000+02:00

so random to be living closer to the South Pole than to the good ole US of A.
actually looks like we are closer to there than anywhere else.
hum?!
just sayin'!

Easter singin'

2011-04-24T18:02:00.002+02:00

this is one of our favorite songs and today,
Easter Sunday,
we wanted to sing you a little bit of it!

(forgive the dark and shaky video
we had one little angel who couldn't keep
her hands off the computer
during our quick filming session
before church this morning.)

and share this line our Poppi in TN
shares each Easter...
"WE SERVE A RISEN SAVIOR"!

may you remember this today
and every day.

Happy Easter!
love,
the lankford's

prep for Easter

2011-04-23T22:13:00.002+02:00

we didn't make an egg hunt this year.
first time ever in Briley's 9 years.
but, ironically enough, no one ever asked.

special thanks to our "aunty danielle"
who shared her from the States egg dye
with us the other nite as
we prepared for Easter.
one prob though...
they only have brown eggs
which mess with the dye colors
and so
we tried these flawless looking
white candy coated choc eggs
that started off perfection
and then commenced to releasing their chalkiness
into our dyes.
nevertheless
fun was had by all!

also, from "aunty danielle",
Easter craft paper, stickers, and all that jazz.
we now have a fab Easter banner
of the kids pics
to decorate the place.

we have read the Bible stories each night leading up the the cross
and I had brought
those fun resurrection eggs from Lifeway
that we do each year and love
but
can't find the cute story book
that goes with it
so we used the much better alternative of
the actual Bible
and can you believe it?
it worked out perfect.

today we shared Easter love with a little family
we are getting to know...
(and no, these aren't all her kids).

tomorrow we will do the same for Joey's friend Itai.

it seems as if every year
I am more impacted by the stories
of Jesus' death and resurrection.
this year Joey and I are both the same age Jesus was when He gave Hs life.
grasping this is not even possible...

a Savior, a Redeemer, a friend, my Father...
He gave His life for me

how am I loving Him in return?

yes

2011-04-20T21:13:00.005+02:00

yes
we are still here in south africa.
yes
we are still up to our ears in cucumbers.
yes
we are still trying to find the "best" way to convince young moms to join our support group.
yes
we are learning and coaching a boys rugby team.
yes
we are loving people in our home, the local McDonald's, the townships, everywhere...
yes
we are praying that flight prices drop so this family of 6 can fly home to TN for a visit.
yes
we are reading the Bible stories leading up to the death of Jesus and His resurrection.
yes
we are selling bread, biscuits, chelsea buns.
yes
we are realizing that the summer is ending here and it is getting colder and rainy.
yes
we are pinching every penny.
yes
we have the most amazing group of friends and missionaries loving on us here.
yes
we overwhelmed at the opportunites God is blessing us with.
yes
we have no heating or cooling system in our home (or most any home here).
yes
the banking here is an experience of patience to say it nicely.
yes
we have heard the voices and stories of those suffering.
yes
we are learning daily about how life is lived here; differently in each township.
yes
we hand out rand/money to beggers when our eyes can't bear to look away.
yes
our car window is broke again (at least it is just that).
yes
we say "no thank you" over and over to men at the robots, in the parking lots, everywhere
trying to sell us something or beg from us.
yes
we will miss the hundreds of people we pass walking up and down the roads every day
whenever we leave this place.
yes
we see men carrying little pink girls backpacks like it is nothing.
yes
we (only when Joey is with us) give rides to strangers
yes
we see Jesus in the hearts of many.
yes
we see need, we see hope and hopelessness, we see suffering, we see loneliness.
yes
we are overcome with the discrimination and segregation that is still so evident.
yes
we see beauty that is beyond explanation and description and can only be witnessed in person.
yes
life is totally different than it was when we lived in TN.
yes
it is harder than we could have ever imagined to move our family to africa
but God provides daily for us and gives us hope, joy, love, peace...
yes
we will stay here as long as God calls us here.
yes
this is the hardest thing we have ever done.
yes
some days we are overwhelmed in every way.
yes
we miss family, friends.
yes
we have amazing visions for work/missions here
yes
we are so grateful and blessed by those who support our ministry.
yes
we feel your prayers.
yes
we can not wait to hug your necks, hold your hands, feel your kisses
read your letters, open your packages, get your emails, sit at your kitchen tables...
yes
we are so busy.
yes
we wish we didn't just have 1 car.
yes
we spend a staggering amount of time in the car delivering kids and ourselves to where we need to be.
yes
everyone we meet has been incredibly kind to us.
yes
balancing the old life and our new life can turn us over and back up.
yes
our children are in a most brilliant school.
yes
the kids love life here.
yes
we love working with living hope, way, grace, care...
yes
we are learning and growing
in faith, in family, in life experiences.
yes
joey wants to be mayor here.
yes
we play with kids who have more than us, less than us, or literally nothing.
yes
we now have gardening, baking, ministorial, and evangelical skills to attach to our business and nursing resumes.
yes
we are losing some of our southern tennessee accent.
yes
some people around us sleep on the dirt and in places we wouldn't dream as fit for humankind.
yes
some kids have no blankets.
yes
we miss american customer service.
yes
the global/world view we are experiencing is stunning.
yes
we sometimes look at each other and say...can you believe we live in africa?!
yes
real life, real struggles are seen on the faces of those we see daily.
yes
we are excited to do more for Jesus.

and yes
this post is long:)

celebrating at tea...

2011-04-15T20:52:00.002+02:00

this afternoon

a few sweet friends and i

went to a most wonderful hotel

the mount nelson

in cape town

to experience

high tea

afternoon tea

fancy tea

whatever you want to call it

it was all we could have dreamed of and more...

the teapots

amy and i
with the tea menu
(more tea choices than i could have dreamed)

amy and i both came all the way from tn
almost same town, same church
only to meet here in SA

one side of the our table

and the other side...

the buffet
from sweet treats to savory
the yumminess is too too much

my dessert plate
and
oh yes
i went back several times

laurel and i in the beautiful garden
(laurel and i are also both nashville folks
yet had to come to SA to meet)

lord nelson, me,
and my very own special
don't eat here but take home
so your kids will dig in to it the second you walk in the door
birthday cake

the beautiful ladies who celebrated with me!
thank you girls for joining me
on such a perfectly scrumptous afternoon!

referral-versary

2011-04-15T11:37:00.001+02:00

1 year ago TODAY

April 15

we received THE CALL

that FOREVER

changed our lives...

we were introduced to

a 7 month old beauty

ASKEDECH AYELE...

and oh the joy

she has brought to us.

we love you baby girl!

a birthday

2011-04-11T21:19:00.003+02:00

today
i had a birthday. my first one on the continent of africa.
my first one with the most incredible,
only God could have dreamed up this,
beauty.

today
i missed my mom more than i thought i would.
and my sister.
and sis in laws.
and well, my family....all of them.
and my best buds back in TN.

today
i opened a present
sent with love,
back in february,
and still managed to remain wrapped
with the
"do not open until april 11" note.
it was from my mom
and
i LOVE it mom!

today
God gave me the most beautiful, sunny, warm day
and those who know me best,
know how happy this makes me.

today
i took a long walk and soaked in my
year behind and year ahead.
i thanked God for both.

today
my oldest 2 kids brought me the most precious gifts.
gifts my very own mom told me about before i ever had kids of my own.
gifts that i had shared with my mom when i was little and ones she told me meant more than anything.
she was right. i couldn't understand then,
but i understand now.
gifts that they found, created
made straight from the heart and
all on their own.
these treasures i receive at various celebrations and they always make me teary.
today
i got 3 wooden animals, a 50 cent piece,
a porcupine quill, a red heart silly band, to name a few...
and 2 of the most precious handmade cards.

today
God painted the most beautiful sunset we have seen yet
since being in SA.
pink, pink perfectly wrapped present from Jesus...
a sunset
that we gathered upstairs as a family to watch.

today
i received the coolest
metal,
handmade,
bought from the street vendors,
been wanting for quite some time
fish

today
i am so thankful for the birthday wishes
by so many
who took time to send me sweet, inspiring, thoughtful
words.

today
my birthday
was blessed
and so am i.

break

2011-04-09T23:20:00.001+02:00

feels like i have been a bit on a break from blog world.

no real reason.

except,
well maybe,

it has something to do with
the 3 pictured above
and the 1 below...
(who will join this pallet fun as soon as she possibly is allowed)

the 3 have been off school this week
and they,
along with little miss
have kept momma quite busy.

love our time and all our adventures.
so blessed by this zoo crew.

there has been much merrymaking ...
hikes, beach, aquarium,
waterfall, game nite, sleeping all together on pallet,
and more...

but after something like 10 days
(whose really counting, right...)
this momma is tired
and ready for our routine again.

changed

2011-04-04T21:26:00.001+02:00

this beauty has changed me. she has changed our little family in the most incredible ways. her uniqueness and personality. her smile and laugh and puckered kisses. her adoration of her sister. her bonds with her brothers. her friendliness. her attachment to her mommy. the precious love she and her daddy share.

she is a flower unfolding from a not-so-easy beginning. and she is beautiful.

a breath of joy and love from the heavens.

and she keeps me on my toes.

never a day goes by that i don't sit in awe and gratitude that we were chosen to be her parents, her family. watching her as she giggles with barron as they hide under the covers. or as her biggest brother sneaks in to get her from her nap. or sissy arranging neatly a mini nail salon where nails and toes are painted along with smudged polish all around.

we can't remember life before. life before 9 months ago today when she quietly, seriously, hesistantly first came into our arms.

bristol pistol. you have changed us.
and we are blessed.

one of those...

2011-04-03T15:09:00.001+02:00

it seemed this week,

that once again,

when the knot was tied

and i was hanging at the end of my rope

with no where else to go,

i remembered...

God has got me.

and it was then,

when i turned it all over to Him,

that BAM

peace, beauty, joy, love

all came rushing in.

beautiful.

our weekly fun times at one of the local township kids clubs

beach fun with the precious boy our family mentors

...sorry for the grainy pictures. they are from my phone and well, it was the best i could do...

in other lankford news...

we have finished the first term of school. excelling in our studies and making many school buddies!
there has been play dates and sleep overs.

the tunnels have produced abundantly. and the bakery " tastily". there is awesome, mind boggling details in the making.

we are looking forward this week to a break from the daily school routine to do some fun family adventures when Joe can break away from his duties.

life in Africa continues to be blessed. there is not a day that goes by that we don't thank God for calling us here on this incredible journey.

TINA

2011-03-28T18:06:00.000+02:00

i have been introduced to TINA.
actually we met as soon as we landed here in south africa.
she is the kind of gal that is always involved when trouble arises.
the one your momma warned you to steer clear of
because trouble follows her.

TINA,you see, is actually not a real gal
just someone who gets the blame for inconviences, problems, issues, disturbances, "bad"...
you get my drift.

TINA just stands for
This
Is
Not
America.

If you have ever traveled outside the US,
then TINA has graced you with her
presense at one time or another
and you know exactly what i mean.
whether at the airport,
dealing with overseas banking,
international calls and phones,
service industry differences,
TINA works at them all.

living overseas it feels nice to
name your issue.
and so, when we have an issue
TINA is the scapegoat.
living overseas means things function
differently than you experienced
back home on American soil.
some of this nice and others not so pretty.

i must say that honestly,
TINA is not always "bad".
there are many differences
that are actually
much better than the American way.
but those are happy
and we all smile and carry on our merry way.

it is the so called "bad" different that slow us down and wears on us.
making us want to say...
please, there is a better and easier way.
and therefore,
roll our eyes at TINA.

i share all this to say,
TINA is working with me now on
internet issues.
our once awesome internet is not so cool now.
cutting out and acting up.
and TINA is definitely involved.
she is involved in the issue and also the fixing of the prob.
with that said,
i am not sure how many posts i can keep posting.
i am holding out but...

the other well known acronym answers...
TIA.

joe knows...

2011-03-28T17:23:00.001+02:00

joe knows

tunnels

gardening

watering pools

drip systems

plant feeding

harvesting

CUCUMBERS!

didn't want to steal joe's thunder...

so i only posted a glimpse of the harvest,
the first harvest!

check his blog in the next day or so for the
grand update.

pick and bake

2011-03-25T21:54:00.001+02:00

joe has been amazing
with the bakery
and tunnel work.

God has truly blessed these projects.

brax catching a break on the bakery flour

bri and the cucumber plants that stand as high as she does

the tomato tunnel

joe and "the first fruit"
check out that english cucumber
(for those back in the states...these babies are quite a bit longer than the ones we are used to...as the pic shows)

look on here and on his blog for some cool upcoming posts... regarding picking, baking, selling, tending, feeding, growing, teaching, learning, developing....

i pledge allligence

2011-03-23T21:21:00.004+02:00

i pledge alliengence to the flag of the united states of america...

never truer,
than when you are living away from this great country,
do you feel a more stronger bond with her.

we can spot her flag miles away...
and pride swells in our hearts.

it's easy to pick her accents out of a crowd, too.
crazy how drawn you are to someone who "talks like you".

(from ethiopia to the states to south africa in her first year of life...this girl needs lots of flags)

views

2011-03-20T22:01:00.001+02:00

a few of my favorite views from the past week or so...

from a hike near our home. love the light house.

light house again. this time at sunset.

sun has set. what color.

clouds and a ship passing thru the sunset.

going down.

a new found fave of mine. watching a moon set.
experienced first one soon after we settled here.
this was from this morning when i woke up.

moonsets, sunsets, ocean views...God truly replenshes my soul with these gifts.

stop

2011-03-16T15:10:00.002+02:00

Stop judging according to outward appearances;

rather judge according to righteous judgment.

John 7:24

can you honestly say that you

go through an entire day without

judging someone?

it is a tough question.

at first you want to shout out an immediate yes

but really...

do you not judge someone

by their

clothes, hair, car, finances/wealth,

home, color, job, belongings, ego,

thoughts, words, actions, driving,

spending habits, cooking skills, attitude,

gifts, talents, church attendance, accomplishments,

titheing, style, decorating skills,

cleanliness, smell, lawn...

and the list goes on.

convicting, huh?!

judge not, lest you be judged.

i am learning each day

that there are so many amazing people

throughout the world who are not like me,

not like what i am used to.

who have so much to offer.

who are teaching me so much.

Lord...

give me your eyes, your ears, your heart

for others

and teach me to leave the judgement to you.

watching bikes

2011-03-13T20:33:00.003+02:00

the roads were shut down

and we were shut in.

shut in our place

with some living hope vols

who managed to check in

at our place at 6:40am

before the roads around here were closed.

we made breakfast

watched movies

walked the boardwalk

sat inside

sat outside

went to watch the race

WHAT A COOL RACE!

briley with natasha and amy
(amy happens to be from our church back home
but we didn't meet her until here)

boys in "the boot" riding down the road a bit to see the race

we had a braai

we played games

we hiked the mountain by our house

had

blast...

what a way to end a week of weeks here for us.

momma was sick this week and well...

when momma ain't well

things just ain't right.

thanks to those whose raised up some prayers

in my behalf.

i have been sick

something like 3 times in briley's life

and this was one of them. yuck!

looking forward to the week ahead.

and have a few more fun pics to share...soon...

ask for a fish

2011-03-08T11:57:00.003+02:00

one of the joys of serving near the ocean...

we are all excited when joe goes fishing.

the kids can't wait for the boat to return so they can run up to the neighbors and help unload, wash, fillet, and whatever else you do when a fishing boat returns...

as our lives unfold here, we are required to seek God more than ever before.

so much is different...

we are away from family and close friends,

finances require prayer and juggling,

daily activites just flow differently than they did in the US,

(especially speaking in the business world)

and many of those around us are searching to fill basic needs

like food, shelter, clothing.

the sites the eyes see every time you drive down the road

give no glimpse of our life before

where there was so much of the material property.

and in this life,

we are being taught to go straight to the Father

and ask Him.

ask Him for what we need

and He has given us

exactly what we needed, when we needed it.

Our loving Heavenly Father has provided.

and looking back over the past few months

we stand amazed...

not knowing how it all worked out perfectly

except for the fact

we asked

and the Lord provided.

Matthew 7:9-11

“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?
Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?
If you, then, though you are evil,
know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your Father in heaven
give good gifts to those who ask him!"

sidebar...
nope Joey did not grow out his hair in africa
(though he thought about doing dreads)
in the above pic with bear...
that is our friend and fisherman neighbor who
has been such a blessing>

today ...last night

2011-02-28T20:10:00.001+02:00

today
i walked thru the streets of a local township
the sites i saw were those just like other days
but today
more so than others
my heart struggled.
my mind wondered.

i walked
and peeked into a creche (day care)
with the name of Jesus taped on the walls
with precious children clamouring for my attention and hands to hold,
dancing with me and proudly showing me a colored page.

i glanced at a garden being sown
with rubble used to maintain the bed
and sawed off 2L and pipes to water it.

i noticed more children
too little, so i thought, to be alone
roaming the streets.

i saw dogs. i always see dogs.

there were clothes blowing frantically
on clothesline after clothesline
strung between shack after shack
after shack after...

and oh the wind. the swirly, whirling dust up, down, all around wind.

i saw the largest collection

of glass bottles i've ever seen.

beer bottles to be exact.

sorted by clears and greens.

the familar site of
person after person after person
walking, roaming
always walking,
always roaming,
doing what?
going where?

then there were those sitting.
every corner
sitting.
looking for what?
waiting on what?
work? someone?
food? money?
hope? Jesus!

i went into homes.
homes nothing like mine.
one room homes.
where Jesus and love still live.
where families lay there heads at nite
sometimes on the ground
sometimes on one mattress.
where life happens daily for many.
where community is all around
and silence is not.

which lead me back to the thoughts
i fell asleep with last night...

community...
where neighbors are always out,
kids play all around,
sharing and living life together
is the way.
where fellowship is alive and well.

and how in some ways
these townships have it right
and in other ways more wrong.

and where
in some ways
my "american" life
had some right and
more wrong...

and how
i think we are all
missing out
on the way
God
intended
life and relationship
to be.

and how
we should learn from each other.

and my mind reels
as it tries to soak in
and make sense
of what
i've known all my life
and what i see around me every day now.

i can never go back to the way it was before
because i have seen.
i have lived.
my mind, heart, thoughts, life
will never be the same.
and i am blessed
God opened my eyes.
and He continues to open my eyes, heart, life.

"kids can always play"

"bottle collection like i have never seen"

backside baby

2011-02-25T15:21:00.004+02:00

Bristol and C...
one day
i, myself,
will
figure out
how these
amazing
women
here
actually
do this
all the time
and
everyone
looks so
comfortable.

i
would
love to
do it.

i just feel
like
when
i do it,
it looks awkward
and destroys
my back.
hummmm.,..

"see" this

2011-02-25T09:11:00.003+02:00

Chad and Shelley, our friends from the eye team/our home church
made this video about ministering here in SA...
check it out!

what a difference...

2011-02-22T14:42:00.001+02:00

one year ago today 2/22/10

we began our mission adventure

by traveling to Colorado

for training HERE.

we see beauty like this and feel cold cold cold

we meet these amazing folks

who are

now serving all around the world

how cool

*****

and one year later 2/22/11

we see these amazing views and then these...

and meet precious folks like these every day

4 little loves

2011-02-15T10:13:00.002+02:00

4 little loves

and their
treats
from nonni and poppi
and
from mimi and padre

and a little something
from mom and dad.

thank you to the grandparents
for the special love.
we were all so excited about the goodies.
they brought perfect delight!

and they weren't the only ones treated...

brax and bri picked me out the most fab
red necklace and bracelet.
so priceless watching brax
trying to find me just the right thing.

and aunty danielle
kept the troops
(thank u thank u)
so joe and i had
a fab, fun,
only adult convo,
no juggling kiddos,
relaxing,
most enjoyable
dinner date.

and bri,
sweetest girl in the world,
hand made valentines
for each member of the family
(including the dog and cat).
her thoughtfulness
and love
never ceases to amaze me.

yes,
we have bucketloads of love.

word of the day...
beloved.

to those back home...
we love you.
though you are far away,
you are never far from our thoughts
and always in our hearts.

last nite with the tennesseans

2011-02-12T21:08:00.001+02:00

for the last nite

with the extraordinary folks

we get to call friends...

we played tourists

and took in a quaint local town

with shopping, views to die for,

and african dinner and dancing...

girls...i love each one of you and am blessed
by you sharing a part of this life i live here.
you have inspired me, filled me.

your heart and beauty shines to all sweet friend

the "leader" this week
mrs sharon- you rocked it!

our friends serving here with us
who do such great work for every team that comes this way

it wasn't long after this shot
that myself and natasha (seen in pic above this one)
were pulled up for some stage dance time.
let's just say
we are missing some jiggle

what a crowd
view #1

a the other side of the troops
view #2

these guys here
could spell t-r-o-u-b-l-e.

Joey and I are overwhelmed at the support and love we have back home in the States.
Those that made this trip
and those who held the forts down back home while their spouses ventured our way
and those that lift us up daily in prayer
and give of their finances
to support all that we do here for the Lord's calling.

We are blessed. God is good.

To you all who spent the past week plus with us...

Our hearts are forever bonded to yours.
Just sharing a glimpse of what our life is like here with those back home means so much to us.
Just having you come serve beside us fills us with such undescribable joy.
You may never understand
the depth
of comfort, joy,
love, peace,
endurance, replenishment,
laughter
you provided our family.

As I write this,
just thinking of each of you brings tears to my eyes.
My heart is so happy you were here
but goodbyes,
i have learned,
are a way of life for us now
and they are always hard.

Wouldn't trade one second of
our time together.
You each are precious to us.

And,
as I said before,
there is a bond that forms
when you are joined
together
serving
the Lord Jesus Christ.

Love to all,
Courtney

eyes 'r' us

2011-02-11T23:13:00.002+02:00

today was the last day of eye clinics

and,

for the week,

an overwhelming amount (700+)

people from the local townships

were given glasses,

bp checks,

and prayers.

here are a few pics from

PART 1

of the last day...

beautiful children, beautiful people

Rocky making friends...

precious ones getting gum

lined up for eye testing

vision tests and glasses

couldn't resist
this smoosh faced sleepy angel

The inaugural Eye Team was on their game.
You folks rocked!
And we loved hanging with you and feeling that connection to "back home".
Thank you guys for coming around the world
and for serving Him BIG!

Part 2 pics (tourist 'r' us coming tomorrow)

the bear...

2011-02-10T17:38:00.000+02:00

a boy
has never lived
so true to his name...

barron hudson...

the BEAR

from intense to huggable,
grizzly to teddy,
this bearish boy
in one moment has me crazy
and another melted.

and as lately
i have often tagged a quickie at the bottom of the post

today
i will do so again
sharing THIS...

Joey has said for months
that he and Bear
would buzz together.

i have shed a few tears over this thought.

and then today
we went and bought "sheep shearers" for
Joey's crazy- hasn't- been- cut- since- tennessee hair.

and i knew the clippers would end up
on bear's crazy- hasn't- been- cut -since- tennessee hair.

BUT
i was atleast suppose to supervise the project.
nope!
didn't happen!

left these 2 alone for just a sec
and came home to THIS.

joe finally got his wish.
i was a bit disappointed he didn't do the mohawk...
he said he honestly forgot
and we can go that route again as it grows out.

it's hard to be chicken hawk
when you are red necked buzzed:)

for the eyes...

2011-02-09T23:12:00.002+02:00

once again

the theme for the day

EYES.

eye clinic.

and glorious sites for the eyes.

that was our to do list today

approximately 150 people had there bp and eyes checked and were prayed with and loved on.
a site for the eyes...definitely.

next up,
more sites.
sites on such grand a scale the eyes wonder if they are clearly seeing.

next up,
cape point.
the tip tip of africa.

and yes,
there is still more for the eyes to view.
yes.

headed back from adventure full of observation
a family of baboons
frolic and play on the side of the road.

lankford car first.
windows up.
check.

team van second.
one window slid open.
uh-oh.

as the team looks out one side of the van
at the cute baboon family
a sly big guy jumps through the open window
on the other side
for a quick visit.

after what i thought was entirely too long,
the van door opens,
baboon jumps out,
protein bar in hand.

adventure.
a site not often seen by the eyes!

and
can u take a little more for the eyes?
a beautiful sunset devotional.

and then
just because i love this pic from today...

we are gonna miss

uncle rocky.

it has been such a treat having him here in SA.

(thanks teri.)

quick glimpse into...missions

2011-02-08T22:07:00.000+02:00

i had hoped to take amazing pics to share but haven't yet.

and so tomorrow,

tomorrow

i will take better pics to post

of the our awesome

tennessee friends

(aka the eye team)

in action in SA.

here is just a glimpse of today's clinic

where approx 200 people...

had blood pressure checked,

eye exams,

glasses given if needed,

hands held

and prayed for.

amazing.

and after a long days work...
a time of fellowship together with those we love and who love us.
dinner at our place.
oh, how it does a heart good.

these precious folks
i have known getting close to 20 yrs.

wow- when i write that it seems totally crazy.

parents of friends of mine,
sunday school teacher to briley,
and now to us.
treasures to our hearts.
thank you for everything!

1st ever RUGBY

2011-02-07T18:15:00.000+02:00

here we go stormers, here we go!

so seriously,
we have NO IDEA
how the game of rugby works
BUT
we load up our crew

and
a couple of our early bird mission trip buds from Tennessee
and
a few of our friends on the ground here in Cape Town

the bear
couldn't get enough asking many questions like...
why don't they wear helmets?
what are they doing?
when can i tackle?

the game was a blast.
and tickets were cheap.

yep! YEP! YEP!

this
is the
where's waldo
pic
my Briley
said we must take.
turned out
pretty cool.

new family fun has been found!

a taste of back home

2011-02-04T16:43:00.002+02:00

though we have settled nicely here in SA,

this week has been long anticipated as

Joe's best friend from back home arrived....

and he came bearing American treats. this is just a glimpse of the loveliness. oh, how happy our hearts.

we have enjoyed the past few days hanging
with a friend as close as a brother (which Joe happens to have 3 of back in TN) .

and today,
we welcomed 2 more friends from our SS class back in TN
and who are amazing supporters of ours.

and this weekend,
we will welcome a whole crew of friends
as they jump over the pond to serve along side us this week.

exciting. i can not wait to hug me some TN necks:)

God is working amazingly in our lives and we are so blessed.

sidebar:) i have had 2 meetings this week about my role in ministry here and i am over the top fired up!

fire and water

2011-01-29T08:39:00.001+02:00

we were awoken early this morning

(3:45am to be exact)

firemen and neighbors warning of a large fire

on the mountain

behind our house.

only a bit earlier i had awoke to the smell of smoke

and thought...

i should check this out, only to doze back to sleep.

fire seems to come often around here, but this time was different.

the men insrtucted us to gather

important documents, medicines, the children, etc

and be ready if they come thru for evacuation.

joey went out front with the neighbors, firemen

in the street

and i watched the red glow, smoke, and lights from the fire trucks

on the mountain right behind us.

it was eery.

just in case...

and because i'd rather be safe than sorry,

i grabbed one of our famous orange crates

and threw in medicines,

clothes for the kiddos,

clothes for joe and i,

computers, camera,

and other things to help us get by

if the worst was to happen.

by 5:30am joe and i were so tired we laid down

fully dressed and slept

knowing the firemen camped out front would alert us if needed.

7am

loudness.

3 helicopters

are circling above our house

repeatedly gathering up water

from the atlantic ocean in front of us

and flying over the house to the mountain behind us

for water dump after water dump.

and so,

up we were

kids and all

(luckily we never had to wake the kids last nite)

taking pictures,

waving at the firemen,

and choppers

as they put out the fire

that came

entirely to close for comfort.

and so, as i claim every day, there is never a dull moment around here!

thanks to all who prayed for us last nite.
it is such a wonderful blessing
to know those who love and care for you
are calling on the Lord in your behalf.

today we are so thankful.

simple oxymoron

2011-01-26T20:57:00.001+02:00

sidebar....

a post with absolutely no depth or spiritual enlightenment.

yet one that describes our family in a small way.

cheers to another 1st in SA...

have you ever used fast as a description of a turtle?

we have!

joe found this guy making record time across our back yard.

serious business folks. he was halling!

the kids are all up in the wild animal business
and are still awaiting their lion encounter in africa.

for now, we will stick with a new variety of turtle,
though looking similar to our turtle friends back in TN,
BUT would no doubt win the race!

and absolutely not,
did Briley's lips actually touch an unknown species
(atleast to us americans who have never seen a turtle this shockingly fast)
of turtle in SA...

here's to simple joys for the children.

it's time for...

2011-01-24T14:17:00.000+02:00

school!

after 8 months of loving life with mom,
after moving around the world,
playing hard for a second summer,
and watching big bro and sis start school

finally
today

barron got his chance!

it was off to new school
where there is an awesome playground,
ride on toys,
and friends his age.

he has been begging for school for quite some time
and this morning he was sitting on ready.

that was until...
we got there
and he decided he wasn't sure mom and bristol needed to leave him there.

after some true vocalization of his dislike,
mommy left.
and,
lo and behold,
he settled
and had a blast!
of course.

pretty sure the handoff will accompany tears tomorrow
even though he claims otherwise.
but no worries!
because
he only had happy, happy, good things to say about
his day, teacher, friends, fun,
motorcycle, playground,
and well...every part!

hip hip horray for 3 of the 4 munchkins in school
boy oh boy oh boy...it has been a long time coming!

1st day of school~SOUTH AFRICA

2011-01-19T15:52:00.000+02:00

first day of school in 3 months

second time this year to start grades 1 and 3

first time to wear uniforms

first time to attend school in another country

first time to attend classes that were all boys or all girls

whew!

schooling it up south african style.
which means rules and more rules.
rules about clothing=uniforms
rules about boys hair= no surfer hair for brax anymore
rules about jewelry=which is hard on my bri
rules about shoes=new knock off crocs or get this...no shoes at all is legal!

briley in her new grade 3 class...
she loved her teacher,
her class,
her first day.

brax in his new grade 1 class...
only a glimpse of anxiousness
and afterwards we got an "it was awesome"

i love their teachers (praise)
and the smiles (praise) from the kiddos
after their first day of school here in SA!

thanks to all who said sweet prayers for them today.

immeasureably more

2011-01-18T21:21:00.001+02:00

now to Him who is able

to do immeasureably more

than we ask

or imagine,

according to the power at work within us,

to Him be glory

in the church and in Christ Jesus

throughout all generations,

forever and ever. amen.

ephesians 3:20

and so it seems that every where i turn these days. this is the verse i see.
serious business.
it is popping up everywhere.

i first felt the Lord give me this verse when my SS Class back in the States
asked us to share with the class a verse on our hearts for a memorization project.
God led me to this one (and yes, the class did notice it was quite long).

i didn't know then,
well...not totally, that this would be a theme verse of mine.

God keeps putting this verse before me

as His gentle reminder

that He is able to do
immeasureably more than i can ask or imagine.
immeasureably more.

yes Lord, this reminder is what i need.

plus...

and then there is more,
this little comforter of a verse...

and my God will supply
every need of yours
according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
philippians 4:19

do i really trust?
yes, i must. i do.
thank you Jesus.

sidebar.
prayer requests.
*big kids start school tomorrow.
pray for adjustment, teachers, friends, confidence, blessing.
*joe has some crazy eye infection.
pray for healing and that no germs would spread to those around.
*bristol's visa.
pray that we find favor and that finances will work out.
it seems to be more exspensive and extensive than we thought possible.
(yes, once again we are dealing with paperwork on our princess.
she came over on a different visa than the rest of us,
related to us not getting her uspassport until hours before we left the country.)

and praise.
in case you haven't heard...
our car, aka alex rover, is back.
cost us an arm and leg, but she's back.
still got some minor kinks, but she drives.
praise God! one more time. praise God.

seconds

2011-01-12T21:13:00.002+02:00

tonite as i walked home from the market near our house with our milk
my mind was swirling as it often does.

i looked up at the mountain chain in front of me and what caught my eye
was the clouds pouring over it.
blue sky with puffy, stringy, hazy clouds.

clouds rolling along at the pace of a second hand keeping time.
i started to count one one thousand, two one thousand...
and it hit me...

these are the seconds
of my life,
of the lives of my husband, children, and all those around us.

and they are moving at a pace of 3600 seconds/hour.
therefore
there is no time to fret or worry.
God tells us that.
worry is only wasteful.
(and it is something i do so well).

and so
i chose today to praise Him for all that is around me.
praise Him for the blessings He provides each moment.
i chose to find the good.
i chose to love my kids and enjoy each second.

yes, there are worries in our life right now,
there will always be.
each one of us has something they are dealing with at any given moment
but God is over each and every one of them.

and so
i will
look around me
and see God's glory and grace
and love and blessings
His hope, peace, joy.

i will trust in my Saviour.

as spiritual battles war all around,
i take comfort in knowing the battle
over darkness has already been won.

surf's up

2011-01-08T22:07:00.002+02:00

one of the perks of serving by the sea...

surfing.

after months of talking about it
today was the day

surf lessons for 2.

had to put this pic in for the sole purpose of the
chiseled physique in the background
shirt tucked into speedo and all. ha.

Brax has claimed surfing was his gig for months.
he wasn't lying.
up he went on his first try.
semi-professional is the title we shall give him.

Bri would not be outdone.
though he was up first
she stayed the course surfing for 2 hrs.

these guys were awesome and joe and i are fired up
about our surf club we are starting in the lankford household:)

on the bum side...
our day turned a bit hectic as our car key malfunctioned due to ocean water
and a tow truck and entirely too much cash became the end to our day.
please pray we will get the key situation worked out quickly and cheaply
as we are only a one car family and now we are a none
(besides the ones are amazing friends are loaning us for a bit).

two too many (beware)

2011-01-07T14:28:00.002+02:00

our first encounter was with a baboon

that had raided our neighbors cupboards and upon being caught

jumped the fence into our yard to enjoy his treats

while the kiddos were playing in the back yard.

our gardener saved the day by shooing him off.

by the way...he was atleast my size.

our second encounter

came when our gardner goes into our shed (called windy house here)

and comes running out saying snake.

he refuses to go back in.

joey comes home for lunch and they begin

the attack.

it takes about an hour and the total cleaning out of the shed to find

to find the sneaky snake.

joe kills him with a shovel.

out to the road he goes.

only to be picked up by a man and taken up the street

where the neighbor shouts...

he is a cape cobra!

poisonous and so not good.

WHAT?

what's up with the critters today?

two is two too many.

and so the adventure continues...

the VIDEO...bringing bristol home

2011-01-04T08:02:00.005+02:00

6 months ago TODAY
we met our daughter Bristol after months and months of waiting.

below is
the video of that journey
(yes, i know, it's been 6 months BUT...
we have moved around the world since then
on top of adding our precious baby girl to our family).

please take time to watch it,
you will be blessed.
(fyi...click on the 4 arrows in the bottom right corner to watch it full screen)

Bringing Bristol Home... from Courtney L on Vimeo.

what a year

2011-01-01T22:18:00.003+02:00

2010
was a year full of transition,
change, adjustment, reorder,
evolution, transformation...
you name it!

and honestly, i was thinking...
will this coming year be boring
since last year most everything in our lives changed?!

and in my quiet moments with God
He gave me the answer.
absolutely
NO.
if we continue to seek Him
there will never be boring.
because
God isn't boring.
there is so much work to do,
people to love,
world to see,
hearts to listen to and fill,
Jesus to share.

complacency is man made
not God given.

and now for a re-cap of 2010

Jan
welcome a year of following God

Feb-March
spent several wks in Colorado at MTI for mission training
where we learned so much and met amazing folks
it was the first step that made our journey to SA more real
i look back and see how much our weeks there grew me in so many ways

April
received our referral after 18 months of waiting
on April 15
for our 9 month old new daughter
BRISTOL

May
first court date in Ethiopia for Bristol fell thru

June
June 16 passed court...we are now a family of 6
fundraising goes into full force
found out my sister and bro in law are adopting!

July
the 4th of July we met our Bristol for the first time and she is forever in our arms
July 11 returned home to the U.S. greeted by an incredible crowd
and introduced Bristol to our family and friends

August
kids start school just for a couple of months
adjusting to being a mommy to 4 (busy!)
felt so deeply the sting of death in the loss of our cousin baby bane

September
pack and clean out (good gosh...what a job)
apply for international documents
Bristol's readoption in the states

October
move out of our house
into Joey's parents
and on October 22
head out for SA
leaving family, friends and all we know
(except for our sweet mamas and some luggage)
via a stop in London
and arrive in SA on October 27

November
find a house in SA for our family to settle in except can't move in yet
drive on the wrong side of the road and car
learn new currency
learn new culture (still learning)
tell our moms goodbye (hard stuff)
start meeting new friends
Joe starts working at Living Way
enroll kids in schools here, but they don't start until Jan

December
after 7 moves since we left our home in TN
we finally moved into our permanent home here
first Christmas ever away from family

is that all?
can i say CHANGE?

God has carried us every step of the way
and blessed us beyond measure.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

We look forward to continuing our journey with Christ,
continuing to build our relationship with Him,
and loving those around us.

May we be vessels so filled with His love that it sloshes out on those He leads us to serve.
May we be the aroma of Christ.

2011,
we plan on making the most of it!

and i must leave you with a pic, of course!

our hearts

2010-12-29T09:40:00.003+02:00

as we have settled mostly into our home,

and joe has had the tunnels erected a couple weeks and is awaiting Jan 3

when he begins the moving of the water tanks and then planting,

and as i await the kiddos starting school so i can dig into ministry opportunities...

our hearts have been touched

daily

by the lives around us.

lives

that our God sent his Son

to a manger

and a cross

for

just like us.

as i look out my window

and i see men digging in my trash

i think...

there is no favoritism in God's eyes.

God loves us both the same.

but Satan seeks to kill and destroy us both.

these men digging in my garbage are gripped by poverty,oppression, and injustice.

we
are gripped by materialism, self indulgence, and guilt.

both are life drainers

and both separate us from all God has for us.

God is working on our hearts and minds

in this place.

we are excited at all the opportunities ahead

to share His love with those around us.

can't wait to share more details as they unfold.

in the meantime

please pray

for us as we seek to follow the Lord

for us to see the opportunities to serve right before us each day

for the people of the township Masi (approx 2 miles from us)

who were involved in the recent fires there (over 700 people lost homes and belongings).

make me know the way i should go, for to you i lift up my soul. psalm 143:8

life size

2010-12-28T22:44:00.001+02:00

i get a message from my mom about

a Christmas present.

one

she had received from her thoughtful neighbor

Mrs Brenda.

i must call my mom (on skype, of course) to SEE

what it is.

i call her

and she pops this thing out!

an almost life size portrait of my kiddos!

no sir-eee! it wasn't supposed to be this BIG.

it was a printing mistake.

but, nevertheless,

now our Mimi

can see these sweet faces

almost

like they were right there with her

life size and all!

both Mrs Brenda

and my mom

were astounded when they opened this package.

as anyone

would be

i am sure!

but for a Mimi

whose grandbabies

are halfway around the world

it is perfect.

(even if we do get a laugh out of it).

oh and joe and i told her when we come back to America

we'd love it to forever be on our wall...we will see if she will let it go:)

how does he do it?

2010-12-26T20:30:00.003+02:00

we now know
how does Santa do it?
the answer: time zones

we were excited to wake up
Christmas morn
and see that Santa found us
way down here in South Africa.
and what made it even finer was knowing
he hit us before
he hit our family and friends back in the States.
the kiddos thought this was very cool:)

excitement!

bristol loved her first Christmas!

And to back up a bit
the pics below are of...
An amazing family that invited us into their home and their Christmas Eve dinner celebration. A huge table was set up and beautifully decorated.
Plenty of yummy food was eaten!
Oh my, it felt so good and so much like being with family.
It was just what we needed this holiday.
We were blown away at their generosity and love.
Such a blessing!

Christmas Crackers- a South African tradition where you pull apart
these wrapped lil gifts and with loud pop you find small treats in them! fun!
above are the kiddos working hard to pop theirs
and below, sis and i trying to get ours!

And the day after Christmas...
We celebrated
by having our new friends
(some missionaries, some south african, all friends)
over to our new place.
All of these folks are away from their families this holiday too!

This is a pic of the girls
(minus Bristol who was napping).
These folks are such blessings in our lives.
We never imagined finding such a sweet group of folks!
God is good!

And so,
though we missed dearly our family (and friends) back home
as we celebrated our first Christmas away-
we have been blessed here
far away from them.

Today We Celebrate Because We Know!

2010-12-25T13:29:00.003+02:00

This morning after the kids opened their gifts from Santa, I turned on CNN Africa to hear of the following breaking news stories.

As I listened to these breaking news headlines, I recalled a line from my favorite Christmas carol which says, "in despair I bowed my head, there is no peace on earth I said. For hate is strong and marks the song of Peace on Earth Goodwill to Men."

I went over to our IPOD, scrolled down, found the song, and listened to my favorite verse of the song which says, "Then rang the bells more loud and deep, God is not dead nor does He sleep. Peace on Earth! Peace on Earth! The wrong shall fail the right prevail. Peace on Earth Goodwill to Men!"

So today we celebrate! We celebrate knowing Jesus Christ came to earth as a baby and conquered sin, death, and the grave on the cross! We celebrate knowing we now belong to His body the church! We celebrate because Salvation is here!

Merry Christmas from South Africa.

a trend of 2's

2010-12-22T20:53:00.004+02:00

view of the sunset over the atlantic ocean tonite

it has been 2 months today

(22 october- 22 december)

since we left family and friends behind in

Tennessee

and headed to South Africa

(somedays it seems like forever and others like it just happened)

what a journey it has been

and for a bit of random info...

we are enjoying our

2nd summer

this year

(which is an added bonus),

and with that we have experienced our

2nd summer solstice

otherwise known as the longest day of the year

(changing hemispheres can do this for you),

and also the kiddos have experienced their

2nd summer school break

(they have summer breaked for 6 months of this year almost...crazy!)

a letter from Joey

2010-12-21T21:08:00.001+02:00

Merry Christmas from South Africa! The family and I have now settled into our final resting spot in Kommetjie, South Africa. It is a beautiful place that is situated literally at the tip of Africa. We are about 10 minutes from Cape Point which is the farthest south you can go on the Southern Peninsula.

God definitely hand picked this home for us. It fits our family so well and the kiddos absolutely love it. We have been here 6 days now and it is amazing how much relief we feel to finally be semi-settled.

This area of the world literally shuts down this time of year. Instead of the hustle and bustle we knew back home, we have been witness to a mass exodus here on the Peninsula. The people who live in the township we work near pack up and go back to their homeland in the Eastern Cape. The thousands of people we would see walking the streets everyday have now become only a few hundred here and there. The other locals go to their favorite holiday spots for relaxation and family time. The children here are on their summer break so most of the people use this time to take the equivalent of our summer vacations. It really is kind of weird! It feels more like the 4th of July than it does Christmas. There are also many who flood this area to spend their holiday time.

We finished the construction of the greenhouses last week. This project was a real learning experience for me. I worked physically harder than I think I ever have. God provided 4 amazing Zimbabweans to help me with this process. I learned so much about life and work from these guys. We talked about our differences/similarities, our families, and our desires. I was truly blessed to share this time with them and love on them as we worked together. Ministry truly is simply loving those around you. God is daily revealing the simplicity of His plan to me! I was able to talk with them about Christ and even gave each of them a new bible as we finished the tunnels. It was like I had given them a $1000 dollars. One of them told me, "This is the only thing I have found that brings me comfort in this life." I was convicted in that moment that I take so lightly my access to Holy Scripture.

On January 3rd, we will start installing the irrigation system and pools. I am excited to start this last phase before we begin planting the crops. We have a soft plant date of January 15th. I can't wait to see how God uses these tunnels for His kingdom work.

Please pray for us and our families back home during this time. It is difficult for all of us being apart on this first Christmas. Also, pray that for continued protection and health for our family. God is doing an amazing work in our lives and we are so thankful for all of your prayers and support. May God bless you all this Christmas!

We love you all!

J. Lankford

the puppy pact

2010-12-20T20:58:00.002+02:00

a promise from daddy.

back when we first started discussing our move to africa
daddy and briley made a pact.

a puppy pact.

when we get in our new place,
and get settled,
she could have her little pup.

settled?
we are mostly.

puppy?
we couldn't resist another moment longer.

drumroll, please!
welcome to our new home...
"tide".

briley came downstairs this morning
already talking of this name
and that was before we even mentioned today might be
THE DAY. the puppy day.
i had hoped we could do a Christmas morn surprise
but
but
but

this precious pup is now a part of the fam.

and oh so loved.

wondering if everyone will feel that way after all the pees and poops and walks? hehe!
wondering if i'm ready for a "5th child"?
doesn't the puppy responsibility
ultimately fall to the mom when the newness wears off?

joey says,
no responsibility, then the pup is fish bait:)
you should hear the raucous this generates.

excitement abounds around here!

the Christmas spirit

2010-12-18T23:22:00.003+02:00

the Christmas spirit.
as of lately i have been contemplating
the Christmas spirit.

and i have been wondering
what one thing
is the cause of my not feeling so "christmas-y" this year.

is it the warm weather and sunny skies?

is it the great distance from family?

or the transition after transition we have been involved in?

or the just getting settled in the new place?

is it the lack of Christmas decorations adoring every corner?

is it the nonexistance of crazy, pushy shoppers fighting for just the right gift?

or the absence of large, loud choirs proclaiming the Christ child's birth we remember from so many years past?

as i talked with a new friend at the Christmas carols tonite,
we decided it was an accumulation of them all.

and tonite, oh tonite
the choir, the instruments, the candles, the being surrounded by new friends (most of whom are not near their families for Christmas like us).
and yes, even the juggling of the kids for hours on a picnic blanket.
finally. finally.
i feel it.
eyes closing, heart warming. fullness.
the newborn babe that came to live with us and save us.
the story we know so well.
the donkey and census.
and no room.
and manger.
and swaddling clothes.
yes, i am feeling it. i am getting in the spirit.
the true reason for the season.
no matter where in the world you are.
it doesn't have to be snowy...it wasn't that nite in Bethlehem anyway.
it doesn't have to be presents and people everywhere.
but songs. songs that sing the true meaning of Christmas.
they strike a chord. literally.
proclaiming...

Christmas is Jesus. His birth. His birthday.
Celebrating Him wherever you are.

briley beth

2010-12-17T22:58:00.001+02:00

9 years ago today my doctor said "it's a girl"
and i became a mommy
to a treasure,
a gift from the Lord,
a child that lights deep into my soul.

i am blessed because of briley beth!

and today, being her day,
we celebrated.
doing what she requested.
opening presents 1st thing.

hangin out as a family.
skype-ing far away family.

eating at her favorite waffle place.

going to the beach.

playing at our new place.
walking to dinner.
going on a mommy/daughter after dinner date
for, none other than...
dessert!
a weakness we both share with giggles!

(sorry for the grainy, second rate pic)

briley. you are gift to all you meet. and i love being your mommy.

the move

2010-12-16T22:25:00.002+02:00

top 3 news this week
tunnels completed Monday (woohoo!!),
move Wednesday,
and Briley's birthday Friday.

and so
yesterday
december 15th
it happened!
the #7 move
(yep, u got it right....
7 different places we have laid our
weary heads, after 7 different moves)
and FINALLY

we have landed in...
our new HOME.
can i say it any louder...??
it feels so good!

and so
NOW
we are continuing the settling process
all while the day we celebrate the birth of
our Saviour
quickly approaches
and while those in this small piece of the world
stop work and go home to family (for several weeks)
or come on "holiday" to experience the beauty of 2 oceans
and sunsets into the sea with toes in the sand and wind (insane-ness) in the hair

and we pause and take in deep
the LOVE God has for us .
so much that He sent His Son to save us,
so much that He provides for us daily
and
so much that He blesses us and forgives us and holds us.

and so,
over the next few weeks
we will have time
as a family
to hang out,
enjoy the new home,
settle in,
build friendships,
seek God's instruction on the next steps He desires,
and celebrate
all with Daddy around
(since things shut down around here).
quite different from the U.S.

then
it will be time for change once again
as Daddy goes back to serving full time,
as the 2 big kids start school
(after 3 month break... otherwise known as their 2nd summer break of the year),
then the bear starts school,
then
mommy can get settled in my place of serving
and oh how i look forward to where God is leading.
and on to a new normal. a routine one. (i think that sounds quite nice- especially since i thrive on routine and well...transition and flexibility have been my middle names!)

by the way...
did u catch what tomorrow is?
our sweet Briley Beth will enter her last single digit year
#9
as i prayed over her tonite and the previous nites
my heart is heavy thinking
in the amount of time she has been here (9yrs)
in 9 more she will be 18
and heading to college
and not living under our roofs (probably)
and well...oh my, can't even handle that!
must stop thinking that!
and enjoy every minute with this precious daughter of ours
who daily
(more than that)
makes my heart swell
with love, joy, laughs,
experiences through a child's eyes,
this daughter who is a gift from above.
my heart is rejoicing.
rejoicing in memories and moments with her.
can't wait to celebrate nine tomorrow!

A Light Has Dawned

2010-12-12T08:35:00.003+02:00

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of darkness, a light has dawned."(Isaiah 9:2) One of Webster's definitions of darkness is, "a lack of spiritual or intellectual enlightenment; ignorance." Webster also defines enlightenment as " the action of attaining or having attained spiritual knowledge or insight."

As I have walked this journey, I have noted that the people of Africa and I are plagued by the same absence of spiritual knowledge and insight. Satan has just been supper creative at using different weapons to bring us to the same place of DARKNESS. On the poorest here in Africa, Satan pulls from his arsenal: poverty, oppression, rape (both women and children), and AIDS. On me, Satan uses guilt, pride, materialism, and distraction.

Regardless of how Satan manages to bring us to where we are, we are in desperate need of the Light of Christ. That is the beauty and blessing of Christmas. God given light to us all! Salvation is here!

"For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever." Isaiah 9:6-7

so far...

2010-12-08T22:46:00.001+02:00

so far this week.

we have

website, tunnels, packages, and...

our story was put on several of our home church's websites this week and the editorial folks did a fabulous job working with the info we gave them. click the link on the sidebar or at the beginning of this paragraph and read it if you get a chance! it is right there on the front page with our pic.

today was a hot one around here and perfect weather for stretching plastic over greenhouses which is just what Joey and his guys did all day.

next step, is the doors on the sides and grading out the floors. the goal is to have this project completed by Friday! we pray that the Lord provides bountiful crops from theses tunnels for years to come and long after us. may it be blessed!

packages...today we received not 1, not 2 but 3 packages. which just so happened to be perfect as the 3 oldest each felt as if they needed one and well, we must be fair:) 1 was from Braxton's SS teacher back in TN (we love u Mrs Seay), another from some folks in my SS Class filled with treasures for the kids, Christmas CD's, and cards! (and let me tell u how much the Christmas music was needed). and the 3rd was for Briley's birthday coming up next week. whew! i must say packages from home feel so delightful!

1 week from today we move FINALLY into our new home

and we were blessed today to find out we can stay here in this place until then. God is so good!

we thought we were going to have to do a temporary move from Sun to Wed, but nope we can stay here until the big day! So that means we will only have made 6 moves since we left our home in TN until we settle in our home in South Africa. wow...that sounds crazy and has been a real adventure...

but we are ready to have our own place to finally unpack:)

hum...have i left anything out?

i'm sure... but really do you want to know it all?!

happenings...

2010-12-05T22:52:00.001+02:00

here's what has happened in our neck of the woods (or the beach) this past week...
some with pics
some without

braxton lost his 2nd tooth and was visited by
not the tooth fairy BUT the tooth mouse.
i am not sure who, here in SA, told him there was a mouse not fairy in charge of teeth.
but no matter
because i am pretty sure he has started a new trend in our family.
as he went to bed the other nite
he placed his tooth
in a small block of cheese,
inside his shoe
and right under his bed.
where the next early morn he found crumbs and some rand (our money here).
quite cute folks. quite cute.

bristol has become terribly fro- licious.

in other news...after a trip to the mall in hopes of sitting in the lap of jolly ole saint nick
mom opted for a random pic in the mall to document the day
as the man in the red suit was no where to be found.
i know he is here somewhere...just haven't found him yet.
pretty weird. decorations up, Christmas music in the background,
yet
where is Santa?
(anyone around here know where we can score a pic with him??)

p.s. the buggy is ours and it is full of the bedding for our yet to be purchased beds
and the mall was fab and within an hour's drive

now for ministry work...
joey and his guys have finished the framework of the tunnels.
this week they are scheduled to stretch the plastic over the tops.
but also on the schedule
is crazy wind.
which has already arrivedin full force (pun intended) today.
and so
once again
i can say the word of the day is "flexibility"
hopefully they will get a calm, sunny day very soon to finish this task
in preparation for the upcoming hoilday break.
(update pics coming soon!)

on a praise note...we are in the month that we will make our final move...
the one into our permanent place here!

and Briley's best news of the week...
Bernard, our elf on the shelf,
has found his way to South Africa
and into our home
he was a bit late
but hey, it is a long trek from the North Pole to almost the south.

and very importantly,
(joey wouldn't let me leave out)
the crayfish
which we were blessed to dine on this very nite.
our soon- to- be new neighbor who just so happens to be a fisherman extraordinare
provided yumminess that to me was like eating lobster
and it was delectable!

after cooking but before cracking in to eat

after cracking open but before devouring

other task to complete this week (besides the tunnels)
order necessary furniture for our new place (mattresses, kit table)
start Christmas shopping (can't believe i haven't started this yet)
paint bristol's crib (which here is called a cot)
finish up car details so we can then mend minor probs on it
(1 being that the alarm blares (and that is a kind word) every time you open a door and 2 being the seat won't scoot up for me to reach the pedals, and 3 ...and a few more...no,honestly we are just happy it gets us where we want to go and we aren't paying rent on one anymore!)

looking forward to an remarkable week of looking for God all around...

Desperation brings Compassion

2010-12-05T08:44:00.017+02:00

"As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him. There were two blind men sitting by the road. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, "Lord, have mercy on us Son of David!" The crowd told them to keep quite, but they cried out all the more, "Lord, have mercy on us Son of David!"

Jesus stopped, called them, and said, "What do you want Me to do for you?"

"Lord, they said to Him, "open our eyes!" Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they could see...." Matthew 20:29-33

The thing that struck me in this story is the desperation of the blind and the way it moved our Lord. Even though they were told to shut up, they knew that the only chance for sight restoration was coming towards them. And when Jesus asked them what they wanted, they told Him without hesitation, "open our eyes!"

I pray that I will recognize my own desperate need for sight restoration and without hesitation ask our Lord for it. I pray that the genuine realization of my blindness will insight a desperate plea to God for help. May He sense my desperation and in compassion restore my sight!

much pleasure thou can'st give me...

2010-12-01T21:59:00.000+02:00

and so today,
the first day of december,
we searched high and low,
for the perfect tree.

the tree that reminds us of all things Christmas
memories from the past,
family,
home,
fellowship,
food,
giving,
hope,
Santa,
presents,
expectations,
and
most importantly
the birth of our Saviour.
who came to us as a baby in a manger
one Christmas day long ago.

as so,
today,
the children gleefully
decorated our very different- from- the- normal tree.
a smallish, live evergreen
strung carefully with lights,
and draped with perfectly- placed- by- small- hands silver balls,
dainty seashells (bri),
and a few edible treats (brax).

much simpler than the normal 10 ft tall
and cut from the tree lot with hot cocoa in hand tree from Tennessee
with
crazy amount of lights,
breakable ornaments galore,
needles all over the floor
and water sloshed from watering,

our tree is JUST PERFECT for us here, this year, in this place.

though Christmas hardly seems 24 sleeps away with the warm weather, sunny skies, and ocean view
we are ready to talk each day of Baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and the Wise Men
and worship God for sending His son for us.
for Christ is the reason of the season.
no matter where you are.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
Not only green when summer's here,
But also when 'tis cold and drear.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me;
How often has the Christmas tree
Afforded me the greatest glee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
From base to summit, gay and bright,
There's only splendor for the sight.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
Thou bidst us true and faithful be,
And trust in God unchangingly.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee! !"

tunnel work

2010-11-30T23:48:00.001+02:00

BEFORE TO TRANSFER TO ERECTING

UPDATE ON THE TUNNELS

AFTER THE INTRO TO YOU LAST WEEK
AND THE LITERAL BREAK DOWN

MONDAY
THE BOYS HIT THE GROUND RUNNING
MOVING OVER ONE TUNNEL USING
A SMALLISH TRAILER
AND NO "TIE-DOWNS"
JUST INCREDIBLE KNOTS TIED BY
THE HARD WORKERS THAT ARE HELPING JOE

TUESDAY
WAS RECONSTRUCTION DAY
THESE GUYS LITERALLY PUT ALL THE FRAMEWORK BACK UP
IN ONE DAY

NEXT WILL BE TRENCH WORK AGAIN
AND COVERING WITH PLASTIC

THEN ON TO TUNNEL #2

PRAY FOR JOEY AS HE CONTINUES TO WORK
TO TRANSFER THESE GREENHOUSES
AND AS HE MINISTERS TO THE MEN AROUND HIM

a workin'

2010-11-30T22:44:00.001+02:00

God is doing a workin' in our lives.

we have been here for a bit over 1 month and well,
God is working.

working on our behalf to provide us with a support group of friends.
working on our hearts as we face the realities of those less fortunate.
working on our minds as we encounter so many different aspects of life.
working on our spirits as we are refueled with the beauty of a sunset over the ocean
or the blessing of a servant's heart.
working on our faith as we are having to rely more on God than selves.

working on us because...
life here is not fair.
life here is poverty.
and
life here is wealth.
life here is laid back.
life here is freeing.
life here is hardened.
life here is blessed.
life here is contrasting and unfamilar.

life here is unbalanced.
which often leads to a struggle of sorts in our hearts and minds.

there is so much
smack dab beside
so little.

here, is different than other parts of africa where there can be a more

overall "separation","nothingness"

here there is plenty. it just isn't afforded to everyone.

and so,

may we not just live beside the poor
BUT may we live intertwined with the poor.
providing,
thru Jesus,
love,
support,
friendships,
trust,
comfort,
healing,
and the list goes on and on...

Joe and I want to share life with people.
live life with people.
and our prayer is God will put more and more people in our path.
opening up doors of opportunities and shining light down new passageways.

here, as in most of the world
giving is not necessarily the best answer.

what is better?

better is working beside, leading by example, loving,
being a light of Jesus.
because here, money doesn't cut it for long
and it creates dependecy.
you know that old adage...
about teaching a man to fish
versus
just giving him a fish.
HERE
is where we are living that adage out.

Here
God is looking for those ready to be used by Him, for His kingdom.
and we are ready.

HERE
Joey is using his gifts of business and leaderships and
of course, friendliness
to make differences
in lives, jobs, communities, friendships

HERE
our children will grow
and learn
and be full of compassion
for those who are like them
but
unlike them.
those whose heads have no bed.
whose homes have no toys.
whose bellies growl for food.
whose shoes,
well...aren't even there.
or who,
at the very least,
have little earthy possessions compared to life in the American dream
and then spend parts of their days here with
those who are just like them. blessed with more than they could ever need.

and so,
God is doing a workin'
on each of us.

changing
the way we
think
feel
love
live.

Lord Jesus,
give us your eyes, ears, arms, heart...
so we may serve you and your people.

birthdays happen in Africa too

2010-11-29T13:01:00.000+02:00

yesterday we celebrated Joe all day. that is what you do on a BIRTHDAY!

and if you know me then you know i love birthdays!

we had a yummy lunch at the waterfront

where Briley secretly told our waiter it was her daddy's birthday and he (we)

were treated to this scrumptious dessert...

then
we enjoyed our first date here in SA
(a special thanks to Danielle for manning the troops)
where we celebrated Joey's 33rd
at a delightful restaurant in Cape Town
with a couple of our fantastic friends

thanks to the D's and P's for the jolly time:)

I think I can speak for Joe and say his first birthday on the continent of Africa was quite a thrill!

turkey and crayfish

2010-11-27T21:40:00.001+02:00

we celebrated thanksgiving again today
with a group of fabulous folks
who included us newbies in their yummy feast.
once again,
there were several
who had never experienced thanksgiving before.
and once again,
there was delicious- over- stuff- your- belly food!

turkey wasn't the only creature we were after today.
joe got an invite to go out on a boat for some crayfish
(looks like a lobster and like a crawfish from Tennesse on steroids???)
he was estatic
even though he told me he felt
a wee bit sea sick
though not enough
to keep him from bringing home
not the bacon BUT crayfish
for dinner on many occasions.

and in other news...
as with all birthdays in our fam
joe began celebrating
a wee bit early with b-fast at a yummy pancake and waffle place
and then his fishin' expedition
(which just so happened to be the 2nd in less than 24 hrs)

Sunday is the actual big day and we will live it up even more

cheers for the time of year that is full of food, fun and all out celebrations!

thankfulness...

2010-11-25T14:05:00.002+02:00

today
we celebrate our first holiday away from family, home, the U.S.
(where we are halfway thru our day and they are just getting up)
today
we are thankful for new friends here who are loving on us.

we have 2 yummy celebrations to attend
the 1st was at LIVING HOPE
with these fabulous folks

there were games, music, food, prizes
and many thankful hearts and full bellies.

later we will celebrate more at a friends house.
pics to come.

and then
AGAIN
on Saturday
we will do it ONE more time at a "Thanksgiving Extravaganza".

the Americans over here seem to unite together and the South Africans are willing to celebrate with us. all in favor of good food, fun, friendships,
and most of all thankfulness.

my heart feels a bit torn today.
thankful
for family and friends back in the States
(missing them dearly and sending love accross the ocean)
and thankful
for the new friends here who have invited us into their hearts and homes
(God has blown us away with community. friendships.
something we had not expected but are so praiseworthy).

may we be always in a state of thankfulness. praising God for each moment, memory, obstacle, challenge, hope, dream, person, friendship, love, part of creation, and day.