Back in Indiana

We have been back in Indiana now for a little over 2 weeks. It really only feels like one since jet lag took us over for the first week! Now that I am definitely thinking MUCH more clearly, here is a new post to get you updated:

I have fallen in love several times in my life. When Adam and I were dating, when Ethan arrived, and again upon Caeley's arrival. Last month though, I fell in love again. Hard. I absolutely loved Africa. The people, the places, the work that God has put before us... We are in awe of the many ways that He has so certainly been preparing us for The Fold. It is so hard to think of leaving family and leaving friends, but God has made this path too clear. We can't say no. Some of the main things that we prayed for as we prepared for our trip and as we were there, are that God would speak clearly to us, that we would have no question of His direction, that He would show us any red flags and that we would be open to whatever His guidance for us was, and that we wouldn't make any decisions based on our emotions. He answered our prayers so fully while we were gone and we are so thankful. We know without a shadow of  a doubt that this is His plan for us. Jeremiah tells us Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

We knew that we would easily become attached to the children there, but in His lovingkindness God orchestrated the timing of our first week there so that much of our day to day life did not include the children. We got to know Paul and Micky and gained a wonderful understanding of their ministry. We got to know the kids, just a bit, and enjoyed attending Bible Time as a big group every evening. We accomplished some work projects and just got used to living there and knowing what our roles would be. From the moment we arrived we all felt at home. And I don't say that lightly. I have not felt that at home for a very long time. No matter what, for quite awhile our life has just not felt right. I know that I, myself, have just not felt peace. Being in our apartment at The Fold just felt right - and peaceful. Just a part of God's affirmation during our time there.

All four of us missed our family and friends, but we had such a hard time leaving. We truly feel like we left part of ourselves behind in Africa and we are aching to be back. As soon as our plane touched down in Indianapolis 2 weeks ago, Ethan turned to Adam and said, "Welcome to Indiana. When can we go home?"

We have been busy getting paperwork done and preparing all of our fundraising materials. Paul and Micky asked us to represent The Fold at the ICOM - International Conference on Missions in Indianapolis next week and I am so excited! Well, we all are. But, ICOM is by far my favorite event of the year each year and I am extra excited to go this year and share the story of The Fold and introduce people to the faces of the sweet sweet children that we met there!

We are certain that we will be returning to South Africa and our hope is that we could be ready to go this next summer. We have a 3 week training that we will be taking in Colorado at MTI - Mission Training International as well as a KAIROS - Bible/missions class in Kentucky. This fall and winter we will be especially focused on fundraising. We need to raise monthly support as well as one time gifts that will help us to be able to serve in South Africa full time and to purchase necessities such as a vehicle, appliances, household goods and our airline tickets.

We would love to begin to have people partner with us in this ministry. We are so excited to be a part of a ministry that is raising up Godly leaders that will have a positive impact on society - especially for the Lord! If you are interested in learning more about how you can be a part of The Fold, as a prayer partner, financially, receiving newsletters, etc. please contact us at hayesfamily.thefold@gmail.com. We would love to share more information with you!!!

As always - we would love your comments on our blog!