I have to be honest; my first night here was not pretty.
My last 4 days of travel with Alexis, Emily, and Noah was, well…a nightmare. Cancelled flights, long lay overs, lost luggage, and standing in lines for hours that eventually equaled days.
Noah was sick on the plane, we were hot, tired and desperately missing the men in our family.
We landed in
South Africa
only to wait in the immigration line for over an hour.
I batted my weary eyes and flew right through customs and into
Gary
‘s arms. I held him tight and let the tears flow; I did not have to be strong any more, reunited with my husband I could take a deep breath, and let him take care of everything.
Jet lag makes you a little loopy, and the emotions of the reality of a whole new life added to that made me slightly weepy.
Michael, Tyler and Caleb were taller, bigger and more like men than boys when they hugged and kissed me.
They are experts on African living after only a month.
The fella’s know everyone it seems, from gardeners to restaurant owners as well as all the missionaries.
They are thanking their dad daily for bringing them here and are now rugby and cricket experts. They were falling over themselves to get to us, and we welcomed their embrace.
Caleb saw me from a far, “Mommy!” he screamed and nearly knocked me over.
We spent the night in
South Africa
and headed out early the next morning for
Swaziland
. We stopped for lunch and stocked up on groceries.
By the time we crossed the boarder it was dark, foggy and raining….hard.
We arrived at our friend’s house, where we are staying until our house is ready.
It was late, and everyone went right to bed.
Laying there in a strange place listening to the dogs barking, I felt the sadness I had been avoiding for months.
I could not just pick up the phone and hear my daddy’s, mothers’ or my sister’s voice, my nieces and nephews would continue to grow older in my absence.
I could not meet my best girlfriends for chips and salsa and soak up the wisdom and love that I desperately need from them. Or meet my in-laws and great-grandma for Sunday lunch.
I felt like I did when I was a little girl on my first night at summer camp, I was homesick.
I spent most of the night praying instead of sleeping.
I woke to hot coffee and a kiss on the forehead from my favorite man in the world.
I didn’t have to say a word to
Gary
; he had experienced it all weeks earlier.
He smiled at me, told me to read
Matthew 25
with the kids and then get dressed…I was instantly reminded of our purpose and our future.
Gary
put the kids and me in the car and drove all of 4 minutes up the road to show me the house we were to live in.
Interesting that my boys all know me well enough that they can pick the house I will love.
They know the kitchen is the heartbeat of the house for me, cooking and entertaining is the center of my ministry to friends, and most importantly, my family.
The balcony off the master bedroom over looks the entire city…”this is where we will pray every morning for this place”…. “what do you think?” he was waiting on pins and needles for my responds….
“I love it, this is it, this is our home”…..
I’m proud of you Lisa. You chose the road less traveled. While it will be at times be very hard, it will never be boring. And you will learn, as you are, a whole new definition of love. Hang in there we are praying for you.
Love,
Karen
Very well written – I felt as if I was there. Can’t wait to talk w/ you – I miss and love you~
As heartbroken as I am that you are gone,it is obvious that you are where you are supposed to be. I miss you and love you so much!! Give the family my love!
Alaina
Oh sweet Lisa…I just cried and cried when I read this…I feel your grief and sadness…your weary mind and emotions of carrying this load..I also feel your joy and purpose. God knows…He sees…He can embrace all of your reality…and bring you untold joy.
I am so glad Gary is such a support of strength to you.
I am so proud of you and your wonderful family. We all miss you…
xxxooo
tam
I am so proud of u and Gary you are where u are suppose to be I know you all will here welcome home my good and faithful servants we love youall and thank you for your ministry while you were here I miss you bad will wants to change his name to Noah Rod and I cant get over how amazing and wise your girls are .
Mama Black!
I miss you so much, i cryed when i read this too…
I can’t wait to come and see the whole family this summer, i am looking forward to that.
I Love You…
tell the family i say hi.
xo
-Kiah
Gary & Lisa,
You have jumped into a kingdom adventure of a life time. That is where you will most encounter Jesus. He is with you every moment.
We love you and want you to know we are on this journey with you.
Tim & Janet
and the whole Rock Tribe
Hey guys! What a great article. Send our love to your kids for us. Send us some pics when you can. Love you guys,
The Kubi’s
Tears and joy again Lisa Girl . The Blacks have arrived . Be great to see you soon . xo Andrew.
Wow!! Great stuff. Thanks for sharing.
i can’t wait to stand in your kitchen and make chips and salsa from scratch 🙂 see you soon!
THANK GOD YOU ARE HOME. I CAN JUST SEE THE BOYS FACES,BIG BOYS OR NOT, WHEN MOMMA COMES HOME. TELL THE KIDDOS TO E-MAIL GRAN.
thanks for the update, Lisa, and the raw honesty of your first days in Africa. bless you guys, and much grace! say “hey!” to Caleb, Michael & Tyler for me. looking forward to the future updates and testimonies!
love,
paul
ROCK, KC
Dearest Lisa, You are one amazing
woman…I miss you so much…I cannot
even express the emotions I felt reading
about your girls visiting their father’s
gravesite…it brought back a flood of
memories of the few times I visited my
parents grave…God has amazing things
in store for you guys! I love you
What a beautiful picture you’ve painted of a husband and wife ministry serving together and leading their children into the abundant life. The intentionality of preparation you have all put into this journey is far more inspiring than just one day picking up and leaving. This is your destiny, and it is so very obvious by the way you tell the story. Bless you guys.