Friday, March 12, 2010

Lots to Celebrate!

I feel a bit distant from the blog world…not for lack of interest or even time as I’m not any busier than the next person. I think it is more along the lines of starting a new season of life and trying to find my footing. With my 3 kiddos in school 5 days a week I am venturing into the “working moms” world. And just when I feel I am getting in a rhythm something inevitably comes up and throws it off. All that to say, it is not for lack of blog fodder as there is plenty of excitement happening with the Franzenfam.

As a matter of fact, I awoke this morning feeling like a bottle of champagne. Not necessarily drinking it although I quite enjoy a good toast and good champagne.

But more of being able to relate to it…I know it is a new one for me too. I’m actually feeling quite full lately so much so that if the cork is removed I just might burst with good stuff oozing all over. I have much to toast about. I feel God’s goodness in this season of my life and am very grateful. So in keeping with my bubbly analogy I’ll take the lid off and share a little of the good stuff….

March 4 marked our 6 years of residing in Africa. Here's a look at the Franzenfam pre-Africa...you'll notice the littlest member missing from the photo; Victoria was still in the secret place.

I hold this anniversary dear as it marks the beginning of a new venture, of a dream becoming a reality and a new level of faith in my God. Weekly I am asked, “Don’t you miss America?” (South Africans find it strange that someone would leave the ‘land of milk and honey’). My reply resolute…I dearly miss my family and friends that the many miles separate but SA has become home to my whole family and it is the place where the Franzenfam belongs right now.

So I raise my coffee cup (grab whatever you have at the moment) and toast to this wonderful country that honestly irks me at times yet has brought forth such meaning and dimension in my life. “cling…cling”

Stick with me there is more bubbly to pass around….

This week, March 10, dog-eared another special place in our season of life and journey here in Africa. After 2 years of plowing and waiting and plowing and plowing and PRAYING….a grant was approved and THREE containers were added to the Impact Kids' property giving us a nice office, huge kitchen that will feed hundreds eventually, and another classroom.

Our 7 little ones that started in Feb have grown to 19 and with this additional container/classroom that number will double when we open class for ages twos and threes, in April. Will post pics at http://www.impactafricablog.blogspot.com/ this weekend.

A toast to the many prayers, generous giving and faithfulness of the Provider to bring such a wonderful thing to fruition! We trust a community will be touched in a very tangible way as a result.

And my final toast…..To my man! Today marks 16 years of walking this road together. It hasn’t always been an easy journey but I’m grateful to have walked it with Rich side by side. (A more recent picture)

Babe, here’s to many more years of doing life together. God blessed me big time when he gave me you! Bring on the bubbly!

Thanks for letting me spill over a bit and share these highlights with you. Now take the lid off and share what you’re celebrating…

11 comments:

Just Mom said...

Wow, you do have lots to celebrate.

I'm just celebrating the fact that I have yet to get a headache from my Lenten fast from coffee. :-D

Happy Anniversary!

Anonymous said...

Kudos, kudos, kudos on all phases of your bubbly! You are an inspiration and a marvelous daughter and you are blessed to have a wonderful life partner like Rich - Congratulations to you both!
Too bad I'm not 20 years younger as you know 2's & 3's are my specialty - would it be great to teach them!
By the way, I love the new picture of you and Rich.
Mom

michelle said...

That is a biggie JM...I did a 2 week fast from coffee and did not exp. headaches either...was very grateful.


Mom I soooo wish you could oversee the new class. I've actually been a bit nervous feeling like 2's and 3's are not my area of expertise.

You don't recognize the pic?...it was from the cruise.

Momma Roar said...

Yes, lots to celebrate and thanks for sharing it here with us too!!!

I'm celebrating that it is Friday! :)

Susan said...

Lots to celebrate for sure. I remember your speaking to me about that work when I was blessed to meet you 2 summers ago. Wow, time flys.

I know how you feel about the over flowing feeling. That is what I, too, am experiencing in these later years of life. Our God is so good and so faithful and He continues to bless and pour out and into His own.

Bless you guys ane the wonderful work you do and the place HE has placed you.

Michelle said...

This was a beautiful post Michelle.
You truly have lots to celebrate!

Vern said...

Great blog "bubbly" daughter! You're wonderful, Rich is wonderful, the kids are wonderful, the blog is wonderful, the ministry is wonderful, S.A is wonderful all because we have a wonderful God!
VJB

Anonymous said...

Such a blessing to be able to share the riches of our God!

Yes, you are more than blessed my friend!

Heidi Jo Comes said...

what a story. what a journey. what a legacy. what a love.

GOD BLESS YOU BOTH.

Lisa H said...

Congratulations on all your celebrations! Many wonderful occasions to mark...God has so richly blessed you all!

Anonymous said...

Great to see what you guys are doing there in SA. It has been about 18 years since I saw Rich last but he looks about the same as he did back in our ORU days. I see your son has taken up soccer like his dad. May God continue to richly bless you guys!

Timothy Leder