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…