| Physical, Emotional, Spiritual Dear Sisters I'd like to share my experiences with you, concerning my physical, emotional and spiritual life, as we live together with our South African family. The Physical I have been feeling unwell this past week. My sickness started off as I began to vomit. Vomiting is one thing that I very seldom do! Knowing this, my sweet Andre was very concerned. He insisted that I go to the doctor. Now you all know that when you are feeling unwell, the last thing on your mind is to bathe and dress and drive yourself to the doctor! But........ I did. And I am so grateful that I did. I had a severe bladder infection. "Why didn't you come sooner, Helen?" the doctor asked. The truth of the matter is not only could I not be bothered, but that at the back of my mind, I thought my body would heal itself. That I would soon get over it. However, that was not to be. I have had to take antibiotics. The first prescription did not work, and so half way through, I had to start on another, different type of antibiotic. I don't know about you, sisters, but I am not fond of taking antibiotics. They cause side-effects in my body! And so - what I wanted to do was take acidophilus to counteract these side-effects (to replace the 'good bugs', which get killed-off with the 'bad bugs', when taking antibiotics). I didn't manage to take this, but compensated with lots of yoghurt. Needless to say, I feel a lot better now. My sister in law has also been unwell. She has had terrible pains in the muscles of her legs. I took her to the doctor, who ran a series of blood tests. Although he suggested that her symptoms sounded like Ross River Fever (a disease of Australia caused by the mosquitos, prevalent near the Ross River), we will know more next Tuesday, as Teresa sees the doctor again. I am always amazed just how wonderful our bodies are; how our Creator made them. The ability to self-heal? Fantastic! Our Lord gave us a built-in counter-attack against foreign invasion: our immune systems. To think that God heals our bodies every day. Every single day. Our bodies are constantly fighting against viruses, pollution, contaminants and chemicals. If God didn't heal our bodies daily, we would, by now, have passed away. Emotional and spiritual stress can make one sick. My momma always tells me that stress, trauma and shock can often be delayed, and show up later in our bodies - somehow. I know that the mere fact of my family being here with us now is an answer to prayer, and yet an extremely stressful experience - for both families concerned. The Emotional The toll of two families put in a situation of living together for an indefinite period of time is, sadly, taking it's toll. However, I know that this fact is inevitable. My sister in law and nieces are all showing signs of homesickness. My heart is torn for them. I know exactly how they feel; excited, challenged, expectant and yet fearful, doubtful and so very lonely. Lonely even though they are surrounded by people. Lonely even though we have been busy with errands, chores and a lot of driving to make arrangements for their future in Australia. Oh, how I wish I could help their pain to go! And yet I know that the Lord, who gives us time itself is the Great Healer. We are all trying to be polite and kind to one another. By the grace of God, there have been no major upsets. Everybody knows how hard it is when two (twenty-first century) women (and their children) share one kitchen! Sisters, we all have different ways of doing things. Sometimes we need to back off. In fact, often times we need to back off! Hee hee. The Spiritual Although I told you that my family are likeminded Christians, they are of a different faith to ours. They have a different doctrine. They have different convictions. They have different beliefs. A friend of mine, Sue, has always maintained that it is easier to live or talk with an atheist or heathen than it is to live or talk with a Christian of another faith! I now know how right she is! My nieces are very different to my own children. There have been a few squabbles. I forever strive to be in earshot of what goes on, hoping to 'nip' any misbehaviour/ bad attitude 'in the bud'. I have learned that in situations like these, a mamma can not afford to let her children out of her sight or earshot. The children's souls are at stake! God's Word ~ Proverbs 22:15 says- "Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him". Therefore we pray for them AND ACT!! All disputes are discussed, judged and dealt with in the presence of all those concerned - and their mammas! It is a blessing that Tersia is willing to support this. I am grateful! Conclusion I often wonder why we go through certain experiences during our lives, especially when they are unpleasant. I am convinced that the Lord puts us through these trials so that one day, we can be a blessing to somebody else, as we tell them "I understand". With love, Helen |