Merry Christmas!!!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. (Isaiah 9:6-7 NIV)

This is our fist warm South African Christmas as a family. We miss close friends and families we usually share Christmas with while in the states but are thankful for close friends and family in SA who we are forming new memories with. 

Thank you for your prayers and support this year. Let's celebrate Christ's birth together and remember why we really celebrate Christmas. 

Move

Light

Rugby Game

One thing that I missed a lot from not staying in South Africa is going to a rugby game.We were able to go to the semi-final game of the Currie Cup tournament. Western Province (Cape Town team) won and will be in the finals next weekend. 

Culture Corner

As mentioned before, language barriers occur even when speaking the same language.  Some of the most confusing is words that we use in English that mean something completely different here.  For example, what Americans call Jell-O, South Africans call jelly.  Jelly in the states is only referred to as jam here.  Biscuits are scones and cookies are biscuits!  Also, they eat biscuits (scones) with cheese and jelly (jam) together.  Confusing, but yummy!  Here are some pictures of common South African brands with the words they use. 

House Front

This picture is a glimpse of spring in our backyard!

Well, this month has brought lots of sickness to the Steenkamp household!  Casper had the flu, Zoe had a double ear infection and then an eye infection, and I was back in the hospital for my kidney stone.  But fortunately, everyone is getting better and I officially passed my stone, so very thankful for that.  

Straatlig

We continue to serve and volunteer alongside Straatlig ("Streetlight") which reaches out to the poor and homeless on the streets of Stellenbosch. They desire to love them holistically, proclaiming the gospel,  serving their needs,  and providing a road for those who desire to move off the streets. The biggest lesson that I am reminded of here weekly is to love those who can't love you back.