Hot Chocolate and Flip-Flops

First of all...

Happy 4th of July :) 

I’ve only been able to say that to two other people today because the vast majority of people around me couldn’t care less that it’s July 4th. I can’t say that I blame them; I don’t celebrate their nation’s birthday either. I’m trying to remember if I ever said “Happy 4th of July” when I was in America. Hmm...maybe. 

Last 4th of July, Todd and I had red, white and blue pancakes for breakfast, and then spent most of the day “partying” at the pool with his family. Then we went to see fireworks in Johnson City, and just generally had a really great day. You can check it out here.  

This 4th of July is only the 4th of July. There’s no celebration, no cookouts (oh, excuse me, braais), and no fireworks. I’m also wearing a hoodie instead of shorts and a swimsuit, or bathing costume as they call them here. Bathing costume! Ha! 

This isn’t really unique to July 4th, of course; it’s the whole northern/southern hemisphere thing. It’s July, and my flat is freezing. It’s July, and I wore a coat in to work this morning. It’s July, and how many marshmallows would you like with your hot chocolate? 

But for all of the wintery things we’re doing in ZA right now, I need to let you know that every single day of this short winter has been beautiful. You can count on the sun being out, every day! Most days are cloudless and I don’t even remember the last time it dared to rain. It might be freezing cold inside but I’ve not had so much as a frosted windshield to scrape before I can pull out of the driveway, and I take afternoon jogs in shorts and a T-shirt, no problem. 

It’s really only being indoors that reminds you which season you’re in. The mornings and evenings are cool outside, but all day long our flat is like a refrigerator. I’ve found, though, that I’m really quite prepared. Growing up (and for crying out loud, she’d probably even say it to me now if I was there) mom used to tell us that if we were cold, we’d better just put on more clothes because the thermostat was on 68 and she was not turning it up. It was good preparation. Todd and I bundle up in sweaters, wool socks, and a very fluffy pink house coat (ok, I use the pink housecoat) in the mornings and evenings, and when we’re at home during the day, we open the front door to let the warm air in. It’s the craziest thing.

To illustrate this concept for you (and I mean literally “illustrate”), we have an artist’s rendering of a real South African winter, done by my very own resident artist :)

First, here's an idea of what you could be doing outside on, say, today, for instance, minus the clouds:

And, here's what you'll want to do after your walk:

Yep. That's about right. Note Todd's earmuffs and my hooded head :) 

 We hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July, remembering the God who made it possible and the many men who sacrificed much.