Saying Hello Is Much
Better, Except.....

The goodbyes have been said, the tears have been shed, and now it is time for saying hello!  But before I tell you about the trip, I want to share a sad hello with you. 
On the way in from the airport, Mark and Nancy, the ones for whom we will be filling in, needed to deliver something to an orphanage run by Jefferson and Helena Zeon.  This isn't just any orphanage; it is named in honor of Darrell's mother (Darrell's folks had a big impact on Jefferson's life). 
Jefferson and Helena have a real heart for ministry and want to honor the Lord with their lives.  During the civil war they cared for many orphans and children who had been separated from their families.  They have some real horror stories to tell but they also have more stories of God's provision and protection. 
We were very happy that Mark needed to stop there because we knew Jefferson was not well.  He was recently sent home from the hospital because there is nothing more they can do for him. He was at least sitting on the edge of the bed which was an improvement from the last time Mark had seen him but, apart from God's healing touch, Jefferson will soon be with the Saviour he has served so faithfully.  It was a sad hello to see him so sick; we have known him since he was a teenager years ago and last year when we were here, he is the one who drove us to Zondo.
We don't know God's plan for Jefferson, Helena, their family, and the orphanage and school they run, but we do know the testimony they have been of God's goodness and grace.  Even last night as several of us prayed for them, Helena asked the Lord to make Jefferson a testimony of His goodness.
So, yes, it was a sad hello, but we rejoice in God's goodness and the peace He gives.  Anyone who knows Jefferson knows he is sure of being in Heaven some day, so it's not a sadness without hope.  God is so good!