Hammond Family News 2020

The COMBS
CORNER
—
A lot of reflection has
taken place this year.
Everyone has been forced
to reevaluate their lives,
their priorities, and how
they use their time. I’m
encouraged by this quote by C.S. Lewis, “When we lose one blessing, another is
often most unexpectedly given in its place.”
We’ve all lost something too - some far more than others. Whether it
be our jobs, loved ones, security, a sense of routine or familiarity, 2020
has taken from each of us in unique ways. It has also, however, given many of us something precious:
perspective.
There’s joy amidst the sorrow and contentment despite cancellations. As a family, we are so grateful for the
(imposed) slower pace. We needed it far more than we cared to admit, and I believe much of the world did too.
While postponed plans left us frustrated, the mandated time of “quarantine” simultaneously left us rested.
As a family, we grew closer and became far more aware of how quickly our boys are growing up (and out
of all their clothes)! Hunter and I also grew in our love and appreciation for one another. (After all, if we
can make it through Level 5 Lockdown restrictions with two busy boys, we can make it through anything!)
Our desire to be more intentional with the way we spend our days has carried us through this year. We
realized how little we truly needed and were reminded how much God had blessed us with.
Hitting the Ground Running
Our annual Biblical Worldview Seminar (BWS) began in January, days after arriving in Cape Town from
our two-month stay in Arizona! The two-week long Great Commission Course (GCC) followed, with an
intensive schedule focusing on putting feet to your faith in outreaches and practical sessions. This actionpacked,
practical, mind-stretching course is a highlight of each year. Hunter was essential in the running
of both and thoroughly enjoyed meeting and ministering with many young and eager believers.
Don’t Panic: It’s a Pandemic
It wouldn’t be an accurate recap of 2020 if we didn’t mention the infamous pandemic that has plagued our
globe this year. Although our occupation as missionaries was greatly impacted by the national Lockdown
we endured, there was a serious shift in focus that may have never come to be had we not taken the time
to reevaluate our focus here in Cape Town.
Once our lockdown restrictions were loosened, Hunter began to minister more intentionally in the
unreached community where he had been building relationships for the previous two years. Although
Joshua Turns Two! Feeding goats with Daddy 9