Minutia Matters

Often I am asked what a typical day for me in South Africa looks like. Although days can look very different a common denominator comes in being a mom. Much of everyday is spent doing "mom" things. Now that all 3 kids are in school, I am able to engage in more aspects of the ministry but even at that most of it is limited to the morning hours.

Please don't take this as complaints...I LOVE being a MOM; I have the best kids in the world (really I do!...hee) and I'm incredibly grateful that I am able to be so involved with my 3. Just trying to add a framework to my "typical" day.

Today for instance looked very different from my point of view than from Rich's.

Rich and our awesome IA crew, plus 2 guests are in Loskop, South Africa....about 5 hours east of Joburg. Rich is introducing the team to some of our ministry contacts and open-doors there. They are engaging in ministry and instilling hope in some of SA's next gen!

I'm back at the home front hangin' with my Franzenfam peeps...engaging in "ministry" and instilling hope in 3 of SA's (or America's) next gen!

I sent Rich a text this morning asking how things were going and his response came in the form of these pics...




The pics brought tears to my eyes....esp. the one of the kids in wheelchairs, raising their hands in prayer. The thought that came to me was, I so love our "job"!

I thought it would be fun to text back pics giving an indication of how things were going in the Franzenfam world.

This mom spent the morning at Blake's school athletics day....








Took Tori to swimming lessons after school....

and attempted to help Sky with Math (emphasis on "attempted")

more homework, dinner, and soccer practice would follow before my crew would retire for the evening.

One day, Two different perspectives, both REALLY GREAT!!

Bottom line.. I don't know how "typical" my days are and they don't always feel very significant yet I'm experiencing a deepening love for my family and this country! And somehow that seems to matter!

A note of encouragement to all my fellow moms out there...relish in the fact that no matter how mundane your typical day may feel you ARE doing meaningful work! Embrace it, enjoy it and know that God notices your service!!! Your Minutia Matters!

The Ambush

Here me and my big brother enjoy a lazy float down the river.....

little did we know our kids were scheming!

3 kids approach and our upset begins....

They bring in reinforcements, now all 6 are rockin' the boat (pun intended)

Determined to hang on

My Bro bites it

and I'm close behind

Kudos to my sis-in law for capturing the Ambush play-by-play on camera...makes ya think she was in on the scheme....traitor. hee!

The Pot of Gold

There is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow or so the saying goes, well we found it! My first few days in America were spent with the Baumruk families at Rainbow Springs (FL). It was stunning; have a look....

We stayed in a rustic albeit huge house so the 12 of us fit comfortably. These are some views from our balcony.....








We spent 3 full days tubing





Kayaking





Posing for pictures (my Dad and brother are the Baumruk photographers).
This is the "Mama & Kid" picture....Me (in winter white), my 2, Aunt Kelly and the 4 cousins


Making a Splash


After a jump on the rope swing


Not even the rain could stop the fun


Eating lots of good food



Exploring





Playing oodles of card games


And just being wacky


We don't see family much but when we do the time is golden....my rainbow's pot of gold!

Peru 2011

Skyler had an incredible opportunity to go to Peru on a mission trip with Global Expeditions for 10 days this July.

After hearing her numerous stories of fun, ministry, team, new friends, sappy songs, discovered passions, and new found depths in the Lord I will attempt, pathetically I am sure, to share a glimpse of her time.

Sky met up with her team in Garden Valley, Texas at Teen Mania’s headquarters for two and a half days of training.

There they would learn a 16 minute drama called, The Journey, where she would play the part of “Pleasure” in addition to being cast in the crucifixion and resurrection, ending scenes. With drama being a passion, she embraced her new role and despite the 8 hours of practice in the grueling Texas heat (100 + degrees) the team perfected their presentation.

In addition to the awesome worship and various sessions preparing the students for ministry they would end their training time with a special ceremony. 400 torches lit the campus as students (other teams departing to other parts of the globe were there training as well) followed their country flag to an erected cross for a time of Commissioning.



I have been a part of many Commissioning services over the years but this one was extra special as I was now viewing it through my daughter’s eyes.

After our goodbyes (and a few tears) Sky boarded a plane and I would not see her for 10 days. The “Mama thoughts and prayers" began....Would she settle okay?/ "Lord, help her to adjust quickly". Would she make friends?/"Lord, bring her a friend today". What if she got sick?/"Lord, watch over her and keep her healthy"....etc...etc...ETC. :)

While I, along with so many of you, were praying (THANK YOU!!!) she was....

Being led by her 2 Team Leaders and trying her palate to Peruvian things like Inca Kola.


Being cared for by her sweet MA (Missionary Advisor, aka small group leader)


Growing and having fun with her MAG (Missionary Advisor Group...aka small group)


Seeing and experiencing Lima. She went from winter in South Africa to summer (HOT) in America back to winter in Peru. It was damp and cold and she said they never saw the sun.





She was developing a heart for the people of Lima, especially the children.


Doing drama presentations in schools, parks, markets, and orphanages.


Finding her heart stolen by this little cutie.

Sky said the little girl would cry anytime she tried to put her down.

And making friends along the way....





At the end of each trip, peers vote for the team member they feel best exemplified the core values instituted at the beginning of the trip. Any guesses as to who was nominated as the Peru Jr Trip GEM???.......

Such a proud Mama!

As the trip came to an end and the plane returned to Dallas, TX the wait would be over and I would hear first hand how Sky’s trip went. She would have one final day debriefing at Teen Mania...I was able to steal her away during her free-time; she chattered on and I listened as we consumed loads of chips and salsa, enchiladas, and sweet tea! My heart (and stomach) swelled as it became obvious to me that Sky had a picture perfect trip; one that would leave a mark forever.

I have been on, led and helped devise scores of short-term mission trips and I’ve witnessed the impact on not only those being ministered to but the trip participants as well. I can emphatically say, Sky was impacted!

Rich and I are so grateful to her trip leaders and all of those that helped make this trip possible! You sowed good seed and it is bearing fruit! As they would say in Peru, “Muchas Gracias”!!

Taller & More Particular

After 4 weeks in the States the Franzenfam is all together on one continent at the place we call "home".

Sky had a fabulous time and I have pictures to prove it. Once I can get them organized I will be sure to share.

I did however upload a recent pic from the cute girl I spent WAY too long away from. As the kids were getting ready for bed they were told to "lay their clothes out for school tomorrow." Tori did not disappoint....



Apparently not only did Tori grow taller while I was away she grew a bit more particular.

LOVE being back and enjoying the silly things my cute kids do. :)

Pine Cove- Camp 2011

July 2011 is definitely going to be a highlight for Blake and Sky. Not only would Skyler have an awesome experience with her Peru trip set before her but Blake was afforded the American "summer camp" experience.

The night before camp would begin I took Blake for his "last supper". He chose Ci-Ci's pizza (all you can eat pizza buffet) and consumed 10 pieces of pepperoni pizza. When your coming from Africa you really don't need Disney when there are places like Ci-Ci's...Blake walked out a happy boy and for $3.97 compared to a ticket to a Disney park we had a cost savings of $146. (I'll add that to my American shopping spree)


Sunday afternoon it was off to Pine Cove for 5 days of fun! Blake was apart of the Towers Camp....


We were welcomed by dripping wet (so hot outside) happy counselors, some on foot and others on horseback....


I got Blake settled in his cabin....he was a Trufflehunter for the week. Really nice accommodation!!


After meeting his 8 bunk mates we were off to explore. The lake fun.....


And the pool fun....

With the record high's that week reaching 107 F, those 2 would get a lot of use!

We said our goodbyes and he was off for a week of camp fun!

The following Saturday morning I arrived to fetch him. The room was filled with hundreds of excited (and sweaty) campers.

We worshipped together singing many of the songs they sang throughout the week. The theme for the week was "Rescue"...who doesn't like a good rescue story. We were told that amidst all the fun, campers heard of different rescue stories from the bible and modern day. Of course with the greatest Rescue story being told...that of a Father's plan to rescue His creation through His son Jesus.


After hearing camp songs, and snippets of the week each counselor honored their campers.

Blake's Certificate of Recognition:
"Blake is diligent to complete a task given to him. He is generous, willing to quickly provide for those in need. He is virtuous choosing what is right despite the outcome. "

I found the "near tear" moments with Blake and Sky did not come when saying "goodbye" but when I had the opportunity to see what they were apart of. I was so overwhelmed with gratitude that my 2 have such phenomenal opportunities this summer with 2 such amazing organizations! And for all those that helped make it possible for my 2 to have been afforded these incredible opportunities; I am truly grateful. We definitely will "pay it forward" so others have these same opportunities!

We now await Sky's return and the stories she will have to tell......