Bitter Sweet!!

Just when we were beginning to feel as though we were getting our home in order we experienced an event that shocked us and left us worried & stressed. Early on wednesday morning, while the twins were playing close by, our electricity fuse box produced a couple of bangs and a few huge flashes of light. This was rather disconcerting. Then almost immediately after, our TV belted out a huge puff of smoke and the lighting flashed a few times before all the house went out. We had no clue why this had happened until I was leaving the house and discovered that the supply cables feeding our house were lying across the garden. It seems that the branches of a coconut tree had worn its way through the insulation on the wires which then caused electricity to jump or conduct across the wet branch from one to the other. It seems that some form of power surge or back feed caused the explosions, flashes of light and smoke. When we investigated we found out that the tv, a fan and two air con units were all damaged. Below is a photo of the burnt overhead cables...

We feel we have taken two steps forward, three backward. Tv and air con units have since been repaired but not without cost. Other items are still in for repair. All the stress and hassle has made it a really hard week. We would really appreciate prayer for our safety and for our sanity! To be honest we have just felt stressed, frustrated and homesick. Pray for peace and that we will find rest amid these stressful circumstances. This morning, we have been listening to a sermon online from our home church which has ministered to us. We realize how much we need God and His whole armour! Satan has used the circumstances of this last week to distract and discourage us but with your prayers and the whole armour of God we can know victory. Pray that God will help us to stand firm in God!

It is also frustrating because just last monday we got connected to DSTV which allowed us to get a couple of world news channels and some english TV. Prior to this we felt that we were cut off from the outside world. It is now not working! I need to return to DSTV tomorrow to see if our DSTV decoder has also burnt out or if it just needs re-programed. Another time consuming task!!! However we are thankful that no-one was hurt or killed in the incident. Material items are repairable!!

On a more positive note, on the same day as this incident, the purchase of the Boa Nova property was officialized on our veranda at our weekly prayer time. We praise God for this! On Friday we started purchasing materials to start the construction/remodeling for the school due to move here in Aug 2011. Progress!

This coming Wednesday we travel to South Africa for a team retreat! Our Irish friend Valerie who works with Iris Ministries, has agreed to accompany us to the retreat to mind the twins while we meet with our missionary colleagues each morning Thank God for her. Pray for a time of refreshing as God ministers into our hearts!