jail time update

Today was the big day for my gardener, Ishmael. 9:00am this morning, we were to be at the Magistrates Court for Ishmael's hearing regarding his accident. As usual, our arrival at 9:00am was followed by an extended time of waiting. About 11:30am, we were finally called to the court room, where we waited some more. Finally, Ishmael's case was announced, and he was questioned. When the accusations were read to Ishmael, we found that the negligence charge had been dropped, and he was only being accused of speeding and failing to control the vehicle. Ishmael, though he still claims that he was not speeding pleaded guilty to the charges, in order to avoid what could have become a very long and ugly process. The judge informed him that he must change the tires on the vehicle often, and fined him 500 rand ($75). Ishmael requested that the previous payment of 500 rand for bail be considered and applied toward his fine. The judge agreed and closed the hearing.

I was so relieved to have the whole thing behind us! I'm confident that Ishmael's feelings were similar and more than likely even stronger than mine. As I considered how everything had occurred, I realized how grateful I was that the fine was exactly the amount of the previously paid bail. Had the fine been larger, it is likely that we would have stood in line at Revenue for hours to pay the balance. Had the fine been smaller than the bail amount, I would have been anxious to get some money back and spent hours filling out paperwork to get a refund. I really believe that God had his hand on this whole ordeal and brought us the best scenario.

We still have to come up with the $3,500 for repairs to the McKninght's vehicle, but we are trusting God to provide for that need! Thanks so much to so many of you for your faithful prayer and your continual support to us and our family! It really does make a difference.