Living Way Farewell

Hello Friends,

Today is my last day with Living Way. God has blessed me so much today and given me gifts I will never forget. The LW staff all went out for a Christmas breakfast. I have been so blessed to have worked with such sweet people. When we got back I stopped by Louis' workroom to give him a picture of us I had printed out. He gave me a picture of him and a letter that absolutely melts my heart. I have been blessed to know him. I will continue to pray for him and his business. Of everyone here, he stole my heart.

Louis

Some other special people here that I have had the opportunity to love and pray for:

Vusi and Tommy

Vusi gave me a wire cross that he made as a goodbye gift. He is truly a special and talented man. I have enjoyed getting to know him. Tommy is care free, fun person. He is always singing and dancing around the campus. These two men have made everyday brighter. They always make sure I'm laughing before leaving their workroom.

Khutsie

Khutsie was one of the workers in the bakery. She is getting married on December 22 and has a 4 year old little girl. She is a vibrant woman with a huge personality! She constantly gave me a hard time for dressing like a boy. I was able to pray with her on many occasions and encourage her to keep focused on God.

*Bakery Update: All the bakers quit on Tuesday because of a change to their pay. The only way to save the business was to base wages on commission instead of a set daily wage. Luckily, Richard has spoken with Khutsie and she is open to coming back. Please continue to be praying for her and the bakery. I was so sad that I was not going to be able to say a proper goodbye to my bakery friends! I have been praying that they would come back before I left. Well they all didn't come back, but this afternoon I heard a knock on the door.

Phumzile

Phumzile had come back to say goodbye. God gave me the most wonderful answer to prayer; I got to say goodbye to one of my friends from the bakery. He came to tell us that he got a job as a salesman with Macro (Bulk goods warehouse..like Sams Club.) It's so beautiful to know that he has a steady job and is able to provide for his family. I cried, happy tears, after he left. It was one of those moments when you feel the presence of God standing with you. He is a hard worker and will do well. I am so thankful for Phumzile. He was always honest and reliable. He asked good questions. I will miss his genuineness.

I knew today would be emotional. It has been one of the most beautiful of days here. I have been changed because of the people here. Richard said that 'farewell' isn't goodbye. When you wish someone farewell, you are wishing them well for the next steps ahead. So even though it's still sad, it's not goodbye.