Update #26

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

South African President & Mrs. Mbeki

The past few days have been busy – we have mapped 5 more business drivers (P’s) for our clients, I attended a state dinner with the president of South Africa and Singapore, and we finished our first week of consulting.

Yep! You read right! My life is incredible! I attended a state dinner at the Presidential Guest House on Thursday night. The dinner was in honor of the Singaporean Presidents visit. Darlene’s (my client) was waitering the event and she asked if I wanted to come see her staff in action – of course I said “Yes!”!

I was expecting to hide behind a big plant in the back and catch the action but Darlene found us seats next to each other at a table…I sat in as the Honorable Ms. MM Mabaso. I was seated next to the Director of the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry who also is a main importer/exporter of Asian food and spices for the country. He was delighted by my American accent and kept asking me questions during the meal so he could hear me talk….Darlene quipped that he wanted to ‘spice up my life’ –good one Darlene – but I haven’t had enough wine for that (as if there was a quantity that would be enough!)

Darlene’s son was the waiter for the head table, so under that pretense I was able to snap some pictures of the Presidents and the Minister of Finance while Nik stood behind them. The picture on this update was taken as the President and Mrs. Mbeki were leaving the hall. The choir behind them is from the Soweto Township.

Indy and Kristen, I took pictures of the floral arrangements for you…so make sure you visit the Yahoo! site below to check them out….I was able to meet the interior and floral designers for the event…wow, could they make a place look magical!

The rain has also stopped and it is beautiful Saturday morning. We, as a team, are off to a braii (BBQ or Grill for you Americans) this afternoon and to a tour of Soweto Township most of the day tomorrow. A bit of fun and relaxation after a hectic 8P week!

Thank you for remembering me in your prayers. Last week was one of the most intense, but blessed, weeks I have ever experienced - and I covet your prayer support. As you continue to pray, please mention the following for me…

Safe travels: As I drive and move around Johannesburg…

Family: My parents are better about the situation, but still not to hip about me being here. My sister made it though her first week back at work but is really tired!
Protection
Computer: I am still having e-mail issues – but am able to work around most of them!
Wisdom, grace, His guidance, etc.
Health: Physical, mental and emotional strength and stamina

Thank you for your support!

Dena

Check out the team photos:
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/album?c=tjsmart1&aid=576460762398180665&pid=&wtok=I.NP82EZLHZtgT3gacG4yw--&ts=1176794898&.src=ph

Check out the team update: http://www.repurposing.biz/gauteng-april-2007