Hi precious friends and family,
Oh my goodness, where has time gone???? I am so sorry we have been so quiet. Thank you so much for all the e-mails wondering how we are and how Haven is doing. Life has been a little bit of a whirlwind. I feel like I need to come up to breathe a little.
Where have the last 2 weeks gone? Four days after getting home from China Anthony had to go to Minnesota on business. While he was away Hannah-Claire got chickenpox (we had a feeling at least one of our kids may get it….shingles is the same virus). She actually did petty well with it, other than the annoying spots she had very few symptoms. None of the other kids got it, I was kind of hoping they would…then we would be done with chickenpox! Kellan did get a very sore throat which we thought may become chickenpox, but it did not progress into anything more. Thankfully Hannah-Claire is well and doing great now.
Anthony got home from Minnesota and a couple of days later he and I, together with Haven, flew to Virginia. My dearest Dad looked after our other four kiddos–he is the best! We were flown out there for a potential job that Anthony was interested it. To cut a very long story short–it was a disaster! Not something we would ever get ourselves into. BUT, it was such a God-ordained meeting. Anthony and I came away from it with clearer direction than we have had in years. The Lord spoke so clearly to our hearts about our future and the the plans and purposes He has for us. We came home with a vision and purpose, not discouraged in the least. Doesn’t God just love to use every opportunity He gives us for HIS glory? And, I got to see my very special friend Rachel and her family. She has a daughter from China whom I had not met yet…so I guess the trip was worth it 🙂 I will share more about the things God is doing in our lives as things unfold.
So here we are this week. The carpet in our living room got ruined so we had to have it replaced. My house has been a complete disaster for the last 2 days–oh my, and no internet! How could I ever survive without it????
Thank you to everyone who has asked about Anthony and his Shingles. He is doing okay. He spent a lot of time at the doctor last week. He has made some major diet changes. We have really had to take a look at what he eats and his lifestyle. Some serious changes have taken place. It seems that this is the only way he is going to build his immune system and beat this thing. Thankfully he is feeling a little better. He still has the chronic pain, but it seems more bearable. Praise God.
Needless to say not much school has been happening in the Salem house. The last month has been way too crazy, but oh so blessed. My Dad flies home to South Africa on Saturday. He has been with us for five weeks. My children are already crying because their Bampie is leaving. Breaks my heart.
Haven is doing well. She did great on our little adventure to Virginia. She is so sweet. She absolutely adores Hannah-Claire, she follows her around all day long. It is so precious. Hannah-Claire has been so kind and so patient. I have so much to share about Haven, and lots of pictures to post. I promise to do it tomorrow.
Thank you for all your love and support!
