Cecile writes:

Dear friends and family 25 Nov 2016

You are receiving this newsletter because at some point during the past two years you have supported us; through prayer, friendship, practical help or financially. Throughout the most difficult and traumatic time of our lives God has used YOU to show us how He cares and provides for the widow and the orphan.

During Andries’ illness and death I cried out to God through Psalm 6: “I am worn out from sobbing. All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears. My vision is blurred by grief; my eyes are worn out because of all my enemies.”

...and He reassured me through Isaiah 43: “...Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end— Because I am GOD, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior..."

God has kept his promise. Since Andries passed away in June 2015 God has provided for all our needs, including our expenses that were covered every month through your donations, practical assistance and sponsorships.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Our Recovery Process

The children and I received bereavement counselling, play therapy and grief coaching allowing us to process our loss in many different and healthy ways. The girls participated in 2 professional theatre productions, which gave them something to get up for and look forward to. They also did horseriding and occupational therapy, both proving very therapeutic. Overall they are doing well and their teachers say they are emotionally mature and well adjusted.

Of course the reality of life without their father still hits them hard every so often but then we cry and remember him together. We love to talk about Andries and have found it very healing to share about him in joy and in sadness. The Louw family have also been incredible pillars of support and I thank God for the wonderful extended family he blessed us with.

Many days I wish I could just stay in bed and write, read, pray and cry…but 3 kids and a baby have needed my care. This has been very challenging some days, but a blessing on others as it forced me not to stagnate on the loss. Our little boy Nuach is the apple of our eye and lifts our spirits every day. Where I once agonised “God why give me a baby NOW?!?!” I now praise God that He knew what I would need before I had any idea!!

The Way Forward

Whilst I have done some freelance work here and there, God made it clear to me that my focus must be my children’s emotional healing, my grief journey, and our household for two years after my husband's death. So, next year I will begin to work again. I am praying about opening a studio to paint, teach art, offer art counselling and eventually grief coaching to others going through loss and grief.

I have also been awarded a bursary to be trained as a Proud2BMe facilitator, teaching parenting and social responsibility workshops to needy communities. The organisation and their sterling work was something Andries and I became passionate about many years ago and I'm very excited about this opportunity!

THE BIG NEWS IS THAT ALL THIS WILL BE HAPPENING FROM CAPE TOWN!!!

My mom Susan has already moved from Zimbabwe to Durbanville and God has provided for the kids and I to move into a house on her property. And so a new chapter begins for us, full of promise and life. We are so grateful for this and look forward to being together to support one another.

I will send another newsletter later next year to bring you up to speed as to how we have settled in (do let me know if you would like to pop in for a visit!!). You are also welcome to keep up with us at “Louw Family Support” on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/637792539681789/

Prayer:

Packing up and sorting through 15 years of our life, decluttering, simplifying and going through Andries belongings.

Having everything done and ready for the move in 2 weeks

The girls to settle into their new schools and adjust well

Andiswa’s adoption process to be finalised…this has been a journey of many years

For God to open the right doors for me for income and employment.

For us as a family to continue depending on God alone as our Provider and grow closer to Him and one another

That every one who has supported us be blessed for being a blessing !!

Financial Support:

Should you feel lead to support us financially, we will utilise funds to cover our move, to cover the cost of the private social worker’s fees for the adoption process, to pay new school fees, buy stationary and uniforms and get us through the first few months of 2017 till I can start earning an income.

Thanks to all our international friends who have also supported us through the GoGetFunding online campaign here at https://assets.gogetfunding.com/louw-family-support/.

This campaign is still active and can receive donations.

SA Bank details:

Cecilia Louw,

Standard Bank,

PureSave Account

Acc nr: 023 469 196,

Branch: Greenstone

Read online:

Louw Family Support newsletter Nov 2016

Our only family photo with Andries and baby Nuach (2months).
This was taken in hospital on his 46th birthday, 2 weeks before his death.