(Written in the early days of my brother, his wife and family�s arrival in Australia, from a very troubled South Africa)
My home has never been so full and busy for so long a period of time. And this is just the beginning! Ha! My family will be with us until they can at least 'get on their feet', - financially - however long that may take. I have asked the Lord to keep me ever-gracious and thankful to Him for all that He has done, and to never loose sight of this miracle. Never. No matter what.
It has been such fun to learn from my sister in law. She has taught me so much! So many tips on the home, on cooking, on different domestic chores. It has been strange to recollect my life in South Africa, as we have sat together and talked about different products that I remembered from our early married life there. So many memories have flooded back. Our life as young parents, before we became Christians. I realise how much I have changed. Again, the heartchange I have spoken about before. From the things I used to like and do, to what I willingly and happily like and do now. Things of the home. Things of the family. I am blessed that I have a sister in law who shares the same interests as I. It is sometimes so overwhelming. To think that the Lord not only gave me my family, but an extended family who is likeminded.
I cannot express how strange it has been to actually accept my sister in law's help. One night I had to use the computer and as I sat typing, my sister in law, was whipping up a storm! A most delicious South African curry. That's the awesome part - I typed, while she cooked for all of us. A task that I usually perform, now in the (very capable) hands of my sister! Not only can she cook delicious meals, but she is such a busy woman. I have realised that I have to just let go and let her get on with it. I know it helps when the feeling of homesick-ness strikes. Today, she washed, pegged out, ironed and folded EVERYBODY's washing! We've had a week of rain and it had piled up badly, so my sister in law became a woman with a mission. What a great example she has set of being busy at home. (I hope to share some of her ideas with you soon).
My nieces are very different to my own children. I pray that I retain a heart for hospitality and be constantly reminded that they are, at this stage, very tender. Young children who are here, by the grace of God to experience a 'better life'. I pray that the Lord continues to bless me with compassion for these people who are in a strange land. Migrants. I was once a migrant myself. Old migrants have an understanding of what new migrants are going through.
Finally, I'd like to tell you about my brother. I cannot believe it is real; to see him working side by side with my darling husband. To pull up at the workshop with a carload of family, to see MORE family working together. To pack their lunches, see them off to work, welcome them home again, feed them, serve them. To see my brother as a wonderful, gentle, loving husband and father.....
As the days and weeks go by, I realise that we may face hardships and strained family relationships. It is for this reason the Lord tells us that a man will leave his parents and cleave to his wife. For the privacy, the intimacy of marriage and one-ness, and further down the track - their own family. But for now, I pray that the Lord will help us, guide us, teach us and bless us, as we continue to take one day at a time.