And just like that, 365 sleeps in South Africa is over…well almost… 5 days to go before we GO! this was our third furlough since we left for PNG in 2007 and it was by far our best one yet!!!

I want to mention 4 things that stood out for us as we reflect over the past year of home assignment…

Your generosity

I think my budget and yours has lots in common! There is never enough. Ok- I guess it depends… but can it be that we can get to the end of this year in South Africa and say that we always had enough, we had in abundance! And this is because of your generous giving! God was so faithful through you all this year… whenever we made a request known to him, there was a child of him somewhere, who listened, ready to obey HIM and who then gave. This year we met, face to face for the first time, some of our financial supporters. People who blessed us over the years, and we were not even able to put a face to the names. Thank you for your giving friends, for many it is sacrificial giving. We are overwhelmed and thankful

God has amazing children

As we toured our country and met many of you and caught up with old friends, we stand amaze about the variety of quality people God have in his church. And you thought we are the heroes! Here are many friends doing their part inbeing faithful where God has planted them. Right here in South Africa. I am convinced that this pleases God.  You say, “wow Lauretis, I cannot do what you guys are doing!!!” And we say, “Yes! We cannot do what you are doing either!!!” So, let us stay faithful where we were placed.

Madeleen

Last night I spoke with Leen over the phone. It is 2

weeks now since her visit here with us in JHB. And she continues to do sooooo well! I thought that this transition back to Camphill, after seeing us will be hard, but NOPE. She was VERY excited to see her friends again.

Did I mention that I found her crying on her bed the first night back in our house on her break here? She was crying, longing for her family at Camphill!  And that is how we wantit!!!

I stand amazed at this! My autistic daughter fitting in and thriving. Thank you, God, for this and thank you all

for your continued prayer for Madeleen

God working in our lives.

As always, God deals with us on furloughs with different things in our lives. Different things than what he would while we are in PNG. God is faithful to finish the good work that he started in us. Thank you to friends and pastors who came alongside us in this journey…

We feel ready to return, physically, spiritually and emotionally

A few other highlights since I last wrote…I last wrote…

-Naomi and Marlou had an amazing time on their Smash outreach to Port Shepstone! Such a good experience for them… thanks to everyone who contributed to this

-their braces came of this past week and we are leaving with retainers only…

-our time in Mozambique was amazing and disturbing at the same time. We were challenged with especially the 10/40 window… How about finishing of in PNG one day and then help tackle our unreached Africa neighbours???

Please pray with us for the following:

Few logistical things need to fall in place this week, and one needs wisdom

• We are saying hard goodbyes this week…
• We begin travelling Sunday night… no sleep, many flight connections etc., lots of suitcases… this can because for an interesting time ahead, but we hope it will be uneventful!
• Then after a week in PNG, we are saying good bye to Naomi that will be attending the NTM school from now on… lots of prayers needed for this goodbye and adjustment…

Thank you again for EVERYTHING! From a bunch of excited Lauretis

–Would you consider supporting us financially?

• Click on the following link. Supporting the Lauretis

PLEASE specify if it’s for Madeleen.