Tears that don't stop

Today I went Visiting Teaching. We had been given a new assignment.  I had sat next to this sister once in church and her children played with Orin's crayons and coloured in.  Well today I went to visit her in her home.  I was immediately so humbled.  Her husband and herself and two small children are living in a room about the size of a double bed plus maybe another metre on each side.  Everything was so neat and clean and each item had been assigned a specific place.

We chatted for a while as we sat on her bed, playing with the children.  After my companion had given the lesson she stood up and started dishing up two plates of food for us.  She said that she had eaten already and I wondered if she was going without lunch so that we could eat as it was only eleven o'clock.  The food was simple but delicious and I could barely keep my emotions in check as I ate.

I have spent the whole afternoon thinking of ways that I can help her and her family to be more comfortable.  They are both such nice people and always seem so happy at church.  And I think they ARE happy, but what can I do to change their lives.  I got to thinking about the heaviness I feel, so helpless to provide a bigger room for them.  Will we feel such strong, painful feelings of empathy for those that suffer once we pass on.  Logan's Dad told me that he thinks we will.  Heavenly Father weeps for us as we make mistakes and as He sees His children suffer.  I think maybe we will feel less powerless to help those that need us and that will make all the difference.

Happenings in August

August has flown by at lightning speed.  At the beginning of August I took photos of my good friend Becky and her mom.  Becky's mom had come over to South Africa to visit with her after the birth of her baby.  This photo was taken a few days before she flew back to England.

On the fourth I took a few pictures of the Holmes' new grandson.  They are away on a mission in Ghana and I thought they might like to see a few pictures of the little man.

Blessing day of Becky's little one.

Then for the big event of the year:  Snow day!

Relief Society Women's conference in Benoni.  I was asked to take pictures.  The light wasn't so great but it was a wonderful conference.  Left feeling very inspired.

We had our yearly dose of coughs and colds.  Orin got very sick compared to the others ( I always wonder if it is because of being born prematurely.

Kyle had a birthday.  We combined the day with his uncle's birthday.

My mom made me a new set of bedding.  She is such a star!

We said goodbye to my little brother Jeremy.  He left to go on a mission in London, England.  I felt so proud of him and was glad my boys could see some of the process.

Here is the huge gathering to see him goodbye.  This is just siblings and parents.   Two of my brothers are missing.

Seminary ended.  This was a sunrise picture I took on the second last day.