Final weekly blog – A farewell, not goodbye.

On June 1^st 2011, I wrote this in my first blog journaling our move to Africa: “Once we move to Africa, 365 short days from today, we hope you will continue to follow our adventure as we begin to bring in abandoned babies, work with orphan headed-households in the community around Project Canaan, grow and export tons of food and so much more.  Of course, that will all be dependent on us having electricity, internet access and a few other basics like fresh water.  You see ... the journey REALLY does begin today. People have asked me when I am going to write my next book.  My answer is that this blog is the next book, and you get to read it as it happens.”

 

One year later – on my blog dated May 31^st, 2012 – I wrote: “The 365-day countdown has come to an end.  Today is the day we get on a plane and move to Swaziland, Africa.  This year has flown by, but this past week seemed like it took another year.  Transition is hard and I can't say that I have handled it well…there were many tears, too many times snapping at my family, and then more tears.  But today is the day I have longed for since 2003.  It is time to move and serve the Lord whom I love on a continent that I love.”

 

Just the words electricity, internet access and fresh water bring up memories of the challenges we have overcome, and how God has provided in each and every circumstance. As I write these words, it’s May 29^th, 2021; we have lived in Africa for 9 years, which honestly has flown by. Today I am writing my 489^th weekly blog (not missing one Saturday in nine years!), but today will be my last WEEKLY blog. This move has had a significant impact on the entire Maxwell family, and we have all LIVED through the highs and the lows, the joy and the sorrow, the reward and the sacrifice of serving the Lord. I thought you, my dear reader and friend, would like to hear the voices of Ian, Spencer and Chloe in this final weekly blog as you have heard my voice a lot over the past ten years.

 

Here are a few questions that we thought you might like to hear the answers to:

 

What has been the hardest part of the past 9 years for you personally?

 

Chloe: “There has been a lot of “hard,” from the stories of each child and the fires, to saying goodbye to my sister Nomsa and people betraying us. The hardest part though, I would say, is being so far away from each of my family members for so many years and figuring out how to manage a long-distance family.”

 

Spencer: “I would say the hardest part (that I have come “a long way” on) would be knowing what I should tell my folks, and what I shouldn’t. For example, if mom starts the call with “we received a new baby that was found in a pit latrine” it’s hard to say that I am struggling with school or a friendship because how does that compare to a baby being found under such circumstances? But at the same time, we are each going through life and have struggles. We can’t say one is worse than the other because not only is it relative, it’s personal. So being able to hear what my parents tell me is going on and still being able to process my own circumstances was challenging, but liberating.” 

 

Ian: “Thinking I screwed up my daughter’s high school years by enrolling her in an international private school in Eswatini. It didn’t work out and she lost a full semester. She ended up graduating from Morrison Academy in Taiwan, that turned out to one of the best decisions we made as parents.”

 

Janine: “The hardest part for me was not being able to “be there” for Spencer and Chloe when I felt they needed us most, but having to try to help from afar. The second hardest was hearing the harsh criticism of people who were telling us from afar how we were doing things wrong and how to do them better.”

 

What has been the best part of the past 9 years for you personally?

 

Chloe: “Seeing the plan unfold and all of the parts working together so well. It surprises me every time, but somehow Project Canaan is more amazing, more developed and more inspiring every time I go home. Also seeing the number of people that have been a part of this crazy journey, even if only for specific times, each person that has played a specific role in Project Canaan being what it is today.”

 

Spencer: “Knowing that even though it’s hard on all of us, we believe our family was called to this mission. We all believe God is in control, which alleviates so much stress in my life- a serious example would be when people ask if I’m afraid for my parents getting bit by a snake. I can honestly respond that I am not worried because if that’s a part of Gods plan, so be it. I know they are protected and are called to this mission, which makes it easier to explain to friends (even those that wouldn’t be on the faith spectrum).” 

 

Ian: “Being in the front seat witnessing God develop a vision. He uses people who are available, to bring wisdom, skills, finance and prayer together to bring the vision to life. From African bush, Project Canaan has emerged to bring HOPE to Eswatini and I have had the privilege to see it all.”

 

Janine: “Feeling the presence of God every day is a wonderful thing and knowing that He is directing our steps is so assuring. Seeing Grace walk, noticing that Miracle can now see, discovering that Holly and Ivy are no longer deaf, watching Phiwa skip into a hospital for reconstructive facial surgery are all proof that Jesus is alive and well and present here.

 

What would you do differently if you were to move to Africa again?

 

Spencer: “I would prioritize internal communication between our family. In the last year we established a weekly family phone call on Sundays that is something I look forward to. Sure, before I could call my parents anytime (before 9pm their time) but having a designated time schedule (even though it may sound “corporate”) is really important in creating a structure for our family to have consistent communication.” 

 

Ian: “I would have bought a bulldozer. No really… I would have bought a bulldozer.”

 

Janine: “I would get more advice on how to stay better connected with Spencer and Chloe and I would also be more intentional in planning family holidays that were not in Africa.”

 

What do you wish people knew about this journey that they may not know?

 

Chloe: “I am so grateful that my parents said yes, because if they hadn’t, I wouldn’t have 289 brothers and sisters that I love, I wouldn’t have the confidence to fearlessly travel the world and absorb new cultures, and I wouldn’t have the extremely personal example my parents have left to show my children one day of what it looks like to literally be the hands and feet of Jesus.” 

 

Spencer: "I think people would be surprised to hear all the junk people say to us about our mission. The critiques left and right, people sharing how they think we should run the organization, as well as the straight-up ugliness people show us is kind of surprising. Which makes it all the better when people truly support us with words of encouragement!

 

Ian: “The journey over the past decade+ has had its highs and lows but through it all the Lord has given me an inner peace which has filled me with joy in the “high” time and sustained me during the “low” times. This journey is an adventure, every day I get to see some of what the Lord is doing, (just a peek under the tent), and I’m filled to the brim.”

 

Janine: “I think sometimes we make living in Africa look easy, but it’s not. It’s all hard and it’s heartbreaking. We are human. We hurt, we bleed, we feel­­­­­­­ pain and lonliness. But God is with us always and even in our darkest hours He has never left us nor forsaken us. This is the good news of the gospel that we share daily with our Swazi brothers and sisters.

What are you most thankful for about the Maxwell’s moving to Africa story?

 

Chloe: “I am most thankful that I am a Maxwell and that this is part of my story. We only get one life – At 24 years old, I’ve had the opportunity to see the world, understand poverty, truly understand and experience the impact that one person can make and because of this, I believe both Spencer, my 288 brothers and sisters and I can change the world.”

 

Spencer: “Umm isn’t it obvious? That WE were called to this mission?! How many times have we heard “I could never do what your parents are doing” when really, anyone could pick up and move to anywhere to do anything. I am so fortunate that not only did God call my folks to Africa, but that they said YES. My life is forever changed by this project and it has exposed me to things I will carry for the rest of my life. I am also so thankful for all the people that have encouraged our family from the start, and have stayed with us through this process. You know who you are and I can’t thank you enough.” 

 

Ian: “That our whole family said “Yes” when asked about moving to Africa. Our lives would be dramatically different if we had said no.”

 

Janine: “That we did it. Fear did not hold us back. People did not hold us back. We put down our nets and followed him with abandon. The impossible became possible because God was with us at every step, and our children were able to experience it first hand and our children’s children will be blessed because of it.

 

Thank you for taking this journey with our entire family.  Thank you for supporting me each week by crying with me, wiping my tears from afar, joining with me in prayer and cheering us all on from a distance. Thank you to those of you who serve with us every day here in Eswatini, or elsewhere in the world.

 

Thank you to everyone who has sent me words of encouragement about how much you have enjoyed my blog, but also words of understanding of why it is time to take the next step in the way this blog is shared. Nine years ago, as I wrote in that blog before our departure for Swaziland, “It is time to move and serve the Lord . . .” – that declaration still resonates! Every step of this journey has been taken in faith, and it’s time to invite you to share your journey, your experiences and the manner in which God has invited you into this story. There are still stories to be told, chapters yet to be written and it’s time for them to be shared by those who’ve said “yebo” to this call.

 

I promise to write to you monthly in the Heart for Africa Share HOPE blog, so please be sure to sign up for it.

 

I have two final requests, and I hope that ALL of you will participate in both;

1.     Would you take a moment to write an email to me at janine@heartforafrica.org or leave a comment on the social media platform where you read this blog? Please share a favorite blog, story, or why you continued to read this blog for as long as you have.

 

2.     Would you make a small (or large) one-time gift to the children of Project Canaan, which will go towards special needs that arise (like emergency surgery, special staff gifts etc.)? While the blog was free, raising nearly 300 children is expensive! Every gift you make is another step towards raising the next generation of leadership for this country we all love so much.

 

In the U.S. Please click here.

 

In Canada Please click here.

 

Lastly, please know that Jesus is securely on the throne, even in the country in which you live. I have readers from all over the world, and while every nation has suffered during the past 18 months, Jesus is still alive and He is with you always.

 

My new book HOPE LIVES HERE is now available for pre-order so please be sure to order yours today!

 

In the U.S. you can order it directly from us at Khutsala by clicking here.

 

In Canada you can receive it now as it is available as print on demand on amazon.ca.

Just click here!

 

Live from Eswatini … may the Lord bless you and keep you and give you peace.

 

Janine

 

 

P.S. A few facts about my blog that you might find interesting: 

 

My top 3 most read blog articles were:

 

1.     Just Tears https://janinemaxwell.blogspot.com/2018/04/just-tears.html

2.     7 Babies in 7 Days https://janinemaxwell.blogspot.com/2018/10/7-babies-in-7-days.html

3.     What is a “mushroom Daycare”? You might not want to know. https://janinemaxwell.blogspot.com/2017/06/what-is-mushroom-daycare-you-might-not.html

 

Most of my readership came from 18 countries as seen below:

United States	571,547
Canada	84,698
Russia	21,679
Eswatini	15,132
Taiwan	12,423
Sweden	9,654
United Kingdom	9,412
Germany	6,903
France	6,387
South Africa	6,298
Ukraine	5,257
Kenya	1,140
Netherlands	897
Japan	884
Australia	863
United Arab Emirates	802
Brazil	749
Belgium	735

 

 

I have had 818,493 all time blog reads.

 

Thanks for spending some or all of the last 10 years with me!

Much love,

Janine

Children feeding children

 

I can’t begin to put words to the happiness that I am feeling having Chloe home after 16-months apart. Just to hear her in the kitchen in the morning, or seeing her sit on the patio with the puppies makes my heart leap. Being able to go with her and our older kids to ride their bikes through zebras, impala and other African animals was simply the best. And to know that she will be here to celebrate Mother’s Day with me here for the first time in many years is the best gift of all.

 

Chloe was recently hired as the Marketing Coordinator for Heart for Africa (Canada), which is one of main reasons we were able to get her home at this time. She has spent the week with the marketing team from Heart for Africa US and it’s been really interesting to see her look at Project Canaan through a new lens – one of work rather than family.

 

Yesterday the team went out to do homestead visits so that the new marketers could experience rural Eswatini. Chloe has been to homesteads all over Africa since childhood, but this was the first time going as an adult woman, AND we sent  six of our older children out with them. When she came home she was visibly shaken. For perhaps the first time she understood what it meant for a young girl to be at home with her father, brothers and other men in the family. She also had a deep understanding and awareness that our children might have been suffering like the children that she met had they not be placed with us through Social Welfare.

 

She sent me this photo of four 9-year-old boys, the two on the ends are ours, the two in the middle live at that homestead. Our boys are not unusually tall, but the difference between well fed children and children who often go without food was evident.

 

 

While everything she shared was interesting and insightful, it was her comments about our kids that brought me to tears … tears of joy. Our children have not been out to do community visits since January 2020, but they know that people are suffering from hunger because we talk about it frequently. Yesterday they got to see it firsthand, and it made them sad. When they were back in the van they shared that they were very sad to see Gogo cry, and to see how hungry the children were. What made them happy was being able to bring food and clothes and to see how happy the children were to put on their new-to-them clothes.

 

After presenting the food to the family they received a large pumpkin from the Gogo. Joshua said a very heartfelt “thank you” to the Gogo, she had a banana tree cut down to give them bananas because Joshua had been so sweet with his thanks. LOTS of tears, lots of proud moments.

 

 

 

These children are the future of this nation. They will lead with compassion and love. Whether they become farmers or nurses or teachers or caregivers, they will serve the Lord with all their heart, mind and body. I am eternally grateful for all of our incredible staff who do the "heavy lifting" in raising each child, and today I give a special word of thanks to our Lower Campus Manager, Khosie Mamba, and our Middle Campus Manager, Gcebile Shongwe-Dlamini, and ALL of the women who are mothers to our 286 children living on Project Canaan. May the Lord richly bless you today and every day.

 

I am a very proud mother of 288 children and can’t imagine my life without each and every one of them.

 

Happy Mother’s Day!

 

Live from Eswatini … I am thankful.

 

Janine

Thoughts from 30,000 feet in the air - what is the truth?

CTV Ottawa with Egg Farmers of Canada CEO, Tim Lambert

On October 16th Ian and I left the comfort of our home in Africa and headed to North America for a month-long journey to build awareness of what is happening in the Kingdom of Eswatini, the developments on Project Canaan and to raise money for the project to continue.

We have flown 26,000 miles (42,000 KM), visited 14 cities (sleeping in 14 beds), driven 1,200 miles (2,000 KM) in rented or borrowed cars, spoken to hundreds of people, answered a million questions,  eaten too many good meals and braved the snow/slush/blizzards of a Canadian winter.

The highlight of our trip was, without doubt, spending time with Spencer and Chloe. We got to see Chloe’s new student housing at Brock University and meet many of her close friends, and then got to witness Spencer graduate from Queen’s University (Smith School of Business) with a double Master degree in International Business and Marketing Management).  I am very proud to announce that Spencer was hired by EY (formerly Ernst & Young) in Chicago, and will fulfill his dream of becoming a Marketing consultant there.  We are so proud of both of our children.

Having two grown children studying marketing, we often find ourselves discussing our past lives in the marketing world, learning lots of new things from them and observing what hasn’t changed at all. The question of “The media vs. The message” came up the other day, and it made me reflect on our 30 day journey. Were people responding to the media (Ian and me) or to the message of HOPE that we were sharing.

In some ways the trip was disconcerting because it seemed that people looked at us as Super-heroes having given up a life of luxury to serve the poor, but nothing could be farther from the truth, and the truth is what we were trying to share.

The truth is, we were called to serve the poor and the oppressed, and there is nothing that gives us more joy than to do that.  The truth is that I was homesick for 30 days and can’t wait to land in Johannesburg in a few hours (we are on our last, 15-hour, flight).  We will stay overnight (the border from South Africa to Eswatini closes at 10PM so we have to stay in SA) and then get up in the morning, grocery shop and then make the 5-hour drive home, with hopes to see the children before they all settle in for their dinner and evening routines.  The truth is, I miss our little ones.

Thank you to my dad's family for coming and supporting us.

It’s not an easy road to travel, but one that I wouldn’t change for anything, but it is hard to straddle between a world of abject poverty and despair to the a land of riches and plenty, especially when many who have plenty still think they are poor.

I am thankful for everyone who came to meet us, greet us, hear us speak, share in our joys and our tears, made a financial gift and/or prayed with us.  You were all a blessing to us and we are leaving North America encouraged that there are some people who DO care about “orphans and widows in distress” (James 1:17)

Canadian friends Leslie and Fraser Wilkinson

Tuesday is my birthday and I have the privilege of sharing it every year with three of our children:  Rachel and Leah turn 7-years-old (their mother died years ago after a long fight with Tuberculosis) and Maxwell turns 5-years-old (he was abandoned on a railway line and came to us with the name “Maxwell” on his health card!). It will be a day of fun, lots of cake and pure joy and I can’t think of anywhere I would rather spend my birthday.

Today I am going to make a bold ask of you the reader. Would you consider making a donation in honor of our birthdays?  We have a year end matching gift of $50,000 right now so any donation you make will instantly be doubled. Many of you knew Rachel and Leah’s mom and perhaps would give $7 for each of the twins or $70 or $700?  You could give $5.00 or $50 or $500 in honor of Maxwell or his very name?  And I will turn 56-years old, so perhaps you would like to give $56?  Or $560?  Or even $5,600?

Click here to make a gift in the US.

Click here to make a gift in Canada.

Every dollar that you give will be matched and go directly to helping us feed more children, rescue more babies, employ more people and educate the future leaders of Eswatini. HOPE – that is what we are all about.

Thank you for being on this journey with us.

Live from 30,000 feet above the earth … on our journey home.

Janine

Tattoos and tears

Let me start this blog by telling you that I have made many epic parenting “fails” in the 25 years that I have been a mom.  I won’t shame myself or bore you with those details today. I would also say that we have been pretty strict parents, and Spencer and Chloe might chime in here, but it’s my blog, so they can’t, but we said “no” to lots and lots of things they wanted, especially tattoos.

Spencer was the first to want a tattoo.  I don’t like tattoos. Well, it’s not that I don’t like them, I have seen lots of tattoos that are really cool, it’s just that I didn’t want them on my child and I would give all the reasons why I didn’t want him to get one “it’s permanent, you can’t erase it, you’ll never get a job with a tattoo (even though he wanted it on his rib cage), etc”.  In the end, we left it at “when you are 18-years-old you can do what you want with your body”.  And he did.

Next, it was Chloe.  My daughter wants a tattoo??  Same arguments were made, same conversations, and at the age of 18 she got her first tattoo.  In fact, Ian and I took her to a tattoo parlor in Cape Town and watched it happen. She chose to get the word “Agape” written in Greek on her foot.  Not so bad, if you have to have a tattoo.

In the past seven years there have been a few others, on both Spencer and Chloe, each time they would tell me they were getting another tattoo and send me a photo asking if I liked it.  Trying to be a loving and supportive mom, I would tell them yes. In fact, they both got really cool tattoos with a world map, which helps them tell their personal stories, in short, when someone asks them “where are you from” or “where does your family live”.  A map on your body that includes eSwatini/Canada/Taiwan and the US is very helpful. 😂

And then this happened.

A few weeks ago Chloe asked me to send her photos of cool African trees.  I didn’t ask why and took photos as I walked around the farm. Then she told me that she was thinking about getting another tattoo. I smiled and asked what kind of a tattoo? 

A tree in our front yard

Here is what she said, “I want to have a cool African tree that represents Swaziland, my experiences and how they’ve shaped me and helped me to grow to be who I am now. I want to include a heart because my heart is in Swaziland and our home there will always be a constant for me, and I also want something that represents Heart for Africa and how incredible Project Canaan has grown to be over the past 10 years. The roots on the tree represent my uprooted lifestyle, but that a big part of me is still in Swaziland.  Overall, I want a tattoo that shows how Swaziland and Heart for Africa have shaped my life and helped me grow, and that I want to continue to support you guys till the end 😀.”

That is where the “tears” part of this blog title comes in.  While I know that both Chloe and Spencer FULLY support the work we are doing here, I also thought that deep down there might be some resentment or regret of the life that they used to have.  The “normal” life of middle class teenager living in Canada or the US that was taken away from them when we decided to pack up and move to Africa (and get them 233 brothers and sisters).   But here she was custom designing a tattoo that represented her love for us, for the mission and for the complicated journey that she has been on.

Chloe sent me a photo of the design, then a photo of her tattoo. I showed Ian (who has more of a visceral response to tattoos) and he said, “Wow, that’s a really cool tattoo.  Who’s arm is that?” 

I paused, didn’t answer, and he looked closer and said, “Is that Chloe?  Well, it IS a really cool tattoo”. 

Yesterday I asked Chloe if I could write a blog about her tattoo and the journey, and it was her turn for tears.

Tattoos and tears – just a couple of things that I love about my darling girl who I will be seeing next week as we join Spencer in Barcelona for his 25^th birthday.  I am so very proud of both of our children and that adults that they have become, tattoos and all.

Live from eSwatini … I remain rooted in love.

Janine

PS - Chloe's tattoo story happened before she saw our 10th anniversary theme of "Rooted in Love". HOW COOL is THAT?!

Newborn twin girls arrived today

What do you do on your Christmas family holiday?

 This week has been a busy one, but with the perfect rhythm of winding down for Christmas. We picked up Spencer and Chloe at the airport in Johannesburg, did our last minute Christmas shopping in South Africa, hosted a Christmas party with the Project Canaan staff and had our celebration dinner for our Kindergarten and Primary school students who excelled in school last semester (complete with KFC,  Root Beer floats and the Grinch).

Today I planned to do welcome some special visitors, go to Kids Club, do some last minute wrapping and food prep for some family favorites. Mid day I got a call that stopped me in my tracks and reminded me of why we are here.

The caller shared the sad news that there was a set of newborn twin girls who were born on Tuesday at home and whose mother died suddenly last night. The police and social welfare were involved with the case and were dealing with a hysterical old Grandmother who was left mourning the death of her daughter and knowing that she could not possibly care for the newborn twins. She was extremely poor, living in squalid conditions. I was asked if we could take the babies? I said “yes”, and hopped in the car with Spencer and Chloe to go pick them up.

These little ones will be our 9^th set of twins (!).  As they are “Christmas babies” we have named them Holly and Ivy. They will also carry Swazi names, naming them after their mother and Grandmother.  They bring our baby total up to 178 (receiving 32 in 2017).  These two little girls are the sweetest little babies, weighing 2.4KG (5.2 lbs) and 2.2 KG (4.8 lbs). 

Thank you for coming along in this adventure with me each week. I love that together we can celebrate birthdays, new babies, and miracles.  Equally I appreciate that together we can mourn the loss of children, pray for very sick children and share the frustrations of security issues and crime.  In all of these things, we give thanks to the Lord for His provision and steadfast love.

As I often say, it takes a village to raise a child, and I am thankful that you are a part of our village.

PS Please consider making a year end financial gift to help Holly and Ivy and their 176 brothers and sisters.

In the US click here.

In Canada click here.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours.

Live from Swaziland … I am at peace.

Janine

Was your Christmas absolutely perfect?

The "perfect" Christmas brunch.

 

This blog is likely a bit more for moms than dads, but I encourage for dads to read it anyway so that you have a glimpse in to what may go through your wife’s mind during the Christmas season.  I am certainly not claiming to be the voice for all women or moms, but I think I might be speaking for a few of you.

We want every day of the holiday season with our family and friends to be perfect. Absolutely perfect.   Every cookie, every wrapped gift, every cup of coffee, every meal, every light on the tree, every piece of music chosen, every interaction between family members and especially every conversation.  We think about what we can do to stretch the hours in the day so no moment is wasted? How early can we get up so that the kitchen smells good and how late can we go to bed so that the house looks perfect? 

Making the "perfect" brunch for 98 children and 60+ staff.

How do we prepare meals in advance so that we maximize our time with our family and not waste it doing things like dishes, laundry, taking out the garbage etc.

It’s exhausting, and that exhaustion, combined with unrealistic expectations, almost always leads to chaos and tears. 

Our family is not immune to the above picture, and mom is at the center of the dilemma (I am referring to me as mom, not my mom). 

Our family is complicated, as is yours.  Our complication is just different than your complication.  We hadn’t been together as a family since last Christmas and I wanted Christmas to be even more perfect than last year. But here’s the rub.  We have ALL changed in a year. We have all grown older, more mature (I hope), have had more hurts during the year, more joys, more experiences and we all arrive at Christmas, changed. 

What I learned this year at Christmas, despite my inability to deliver the perfect Christmas is that grace has to be at the center of our Christmas activities, and my family exhibited that in a wonderful way.  Grace starts with each of us and as the focus of Christmas is Jesus, we are reminded that Jesus was the ultimate grace-giver.

Chloe, Ian and Jane making home made vanilla ice cream (with farm fresh eggs of course).

Despite my own fears and failures, I had the very best Christmas with my amazing family.  I am unspeakably proud of the young man that Spencer has become as he graduated from Georgia State University and as I watched him working on his applications for his Masters in International Business schools.  I am unspeakably proud of Chloe who spent 35 hours traveling to Africa and 35 hours traveling back to Canada while talking through the decision to change her University focus from sociology to business. 

Both of these young people have navigated their University/College years with our 100% support, but it was from 8,600+ miles away.  We haven’t been there in person to help with buying a used car, getting new passports, navigating an apartment lease, dealing with banking, or more importantly, heart break, tears, fears, anger, joy or excitement that they face each and every day.  That has all been done by phone or Skype, which just isn’t the same as a real hug, a real tissue a real shoulder to cry on.  

Enjoying the first smoked pork butt made in Ian's new Green Egg!

All that being said is that I find myself beating myself up (as I know many of you do) and doing the “coulda, woulda, shoulda”, that moms do.  But then I remember what someone told me years ago, that every parent tries to do the best they can with what they have and what they know.  I know that I am doing that, and I am sure that you are too.

I would never have written my parenting life the way it has turned out.  Afterall, who in their right mind would pack up and move to Africa (period), especially when their children are still in school!  It’s crazy. But God’s plans are perfect (and can appear crazy). Now we have 146 children who are brothers and sisters to Spencer and Chloe.  I can’t imagine my life without them all.

The photo that makes it all worth while.

I am thankful for a heavenly Father who extends grace to me each and every day and shows me that He can use me even through my own fears, anger, frustration and doubt.  I pray that as you enter in to 2017, that you will also feel his love and grace in your life and that you will allow Him to use you, even through your fears, your anger, your frustration and your doubt.

Live from Swaziland … here’s to a new year.

Janine

We got a few days in Durban with the kids before Chloe flew home. The "perfect" spot for us.

Encouragement for you in 2016.

First fireworks for the Emseni Children at Project Canaan.

Since moving to Swaziland our family holiday tradition includes spending a few days on the beach at the Indian Ocean in Durban, South Africa.  The sound of the surf, the never-ending blue water and the private time with family is medicine for my soul.

 

As I watched Ian, Spencer and Chloe play Cribbage by the pool, I was contemplating what I would write in today’s blog. I wanted to write something that would encourage you in 2016 and I felt the best way to do that was with scripture.  First I was going to include Psalm 19, talking about the heavens declaring the glory of the Lord and include a photo of our big kids watching their first fireworks on New Years Eve.

 

Then I thought instead to give you the Message bible translation of Matthew 25:31-46, the story of the sheep and the goats, which reminds each of us of the importance of caring for other people in need. 

 

But in the end, I landed on another favorite promise from God – Isaiah 58:6-9, which reads:

 

“This is the kind of fast day I’m after:
  to break the chains of injustice,
    get rid of exploitation in the workplace,
    free the oppressed, cancel debts.

What I’m interested in seeing you do is:
    sharing your food with the hungry,
    inviting the homeless poor into your homes,
    putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad,
    being available to your own families.

Do this and the lights will turn on,
    and your lives will turn around at once.
Your righteousness will pave your way.
    The God of glory will secure your passage.

Then when you pray, God will answer.
    You’ll call out for help and I’ll say, ‘Here I am.’"

 

Isn't that cool? When we call for help, God will say, "Here I am."  He is always with us.  He will never leave us nor forsake us, even if our parents abandon us or someone else lets us down. He is ALWAYS there and His plans are good.

I hope you are encouraged by this amazing promise, and that you might take the time to look up the other two scriptures over the holiday season.

May the Lord bless you and give you His perfect peace and joy in 2016.

Happy New Year from the Maxwell family and the children of Project Canaan.

Live from South Africa … I am thankful for Ian, Spencer and Chloe, who love the little ones as much as I do and happily spend their Christmas and New Year's holiday with them.

Janine

"The heavens declare the glory of the Lord."