In my head I have written this (long overdue) blog over and over again. But, since I am a master procrastinator and the craziness of the last few busy months got hold of me and the weight of this big news ….  I can finally share with you today.

Today is the beginning of a brand new season for us as a family as we had the wonderful opportunity of dropping Clara off this morning at an amazing little school in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, to embark on a new adventure! It was quite an emotional moment for us and as parents we are so nervous for her, but we know that she is in God’s hands (and the hands of a very capable, God-loving teacher).

So for those who still don’t know or who haven’t heard yet …. Clara and I moved to South Africa in December. I have felt God stirring something new in me for a while now and I could sense that my season in Swaziland was coming to an end. After lots of prayer as a family we decided that this would the best next step for us as a family. Clara (or maybe mommy) needed a better school structure and I want to pursue what God has for me next. Jumbo (Matt) will stay behind in Swaziland to continue leading the ministry and will be traveling back and forth to come see us every month. We know that this is not the ideal situation for any family or marriage, but we are trusting God for this next season. We are unsure of how long this season will be, but we are excited to see what God is going to do!

I have to say that I am not leaving because I am bitter or ‘have had enough’ or because of things that happened in the last few months in Swaziland. My heart will forever be grateful for Swaziland, for the ways it has changed me, for the things I have learned, for the experiences, for the friendships formed, for the ways in which I saw God work. These last couple of months have been extra hard and this was definitely not the way I wanted to leave. I have had to choose daily to not be overtaken by bitterness because of what happened. I couldn’t allow the things that happened in the last few months disqualify all the great things that happened the last twelve years! God has been faithful in so many amazing ways!

I can’t wait to share with you about what God is doing in our personal lives as well as in the ministry. Some big things coming up for the ministry! And I am excited about the new memories we will be making as a family!

PS. Clara had a great first day at school and LOVED it! She is excited to go back tomorrow. And for those who know her really well .... she had to leave Lion at home today. This was a big thing for her. So I volunteered to take him with me for the day. We went to a coffee shop with a friend right after dropping Clara!