Lockdown 796

Lockdown Day 796-31 May 2022

After a sleep deprived night with an ill dog, we drug our tired bodies out of bed to face the day. Dolly Parton's 9 to 5 was playing over and over in my head.

The vet concluded Roxy has a case of viral enteritis with secondary infection of the gut. Two injections and hefty feeding and medication instructions later, Roxy and I both fell asleep, totally exhausted.

At lunchtime, things started looking up and the sun was out. We went for a stroll and had some tea. The rest of the day I bogged down and focused on the unpacking and reorganising of our chaotic, semi-unpacked bedroom, finishing just before dinner time.

Thankful for an early start on dinner with my slow cooker, I sat down to enjoy lamb knuckles braised in a Mediterranean sauce with pickled shallots, baby carrots and mange tout. I also slow roasted Kara Orange sweet potato in the oven.

We go to bed, praying for good REM sleep, Roxy's healing and rain for the dams. Because God's got this.

https://youtu.be/UbxUSsFXYo4

Enjoy the song!

Lockdown 795

Lockdown Day 795-30 May 2022

I started the day with plans to finish unpacking the main bedroom. But that wasn't what happened.

First, the washing machine just expelled all soap and water as it came in, then the tap it was connected to leaked profusely. To top it all, the whole garage was under water and it took up more than half my day to do damage control.

Over and above that, I had to spend a long time at the "old" living space for handing over of keys and the obligatory walk through.

The ray of light in my day was Annelea, and the delicious cuppa and banana bread she blessed me with. My ouma always said, "you can't be you if you don't feed you."

So tonight I am offering up a prayer of thanks for God who forced me to stop and speak to Him. Who showed me how to be grateful in spite of....

Because He is in control. Always.

#Godsgotthis

#thankyouGod

Lockdown 794

Lockdown Day 794-29 May 2022

Time for some funnies on this post-moving rest day. Enjoy!

#Ggt

Lockdown 793

Lockdown Day 793-28 May 2022

Move number 3. Last Day.

We actually did it. Everything is done. One month, 3 moves and lots of faith, doubt, hope, despair, laughter and tears. The rollercoaster of packing and moving.

At the end of this day, I get into bed in my new surrounds and realise something. With every move we have ever done, there is always a point where I can't believe we're going to get it done, and also a point where I walk through the vacated house, amazed that we actually did it.

The song I had in my head all this time, is Don't worry about a thing, by Bob Marley. So, without further ado, here it is:

https://youtu.be/F4sNi2PUiWM

#thankyouGod

#Godsgotthis

Lockdown 792

Lockdown Day 792-27 May 2022

Move number 3. Day 3.

I started off feeling lethargic and ready for bed. But as the day gathered speed, I too felt stronger and up to the task of moving the matchbox stuff.

After we received the keys and the news of the estate agent bowing out of the contract following the owner's lack of a spirit of compassion and invasion of privacy (sent a friend with keys into the house, who took pictures and videos of our stuff), we decide to let it rest in God's light and pray for all involved.

My heart goes out to the agent with the golden heart, who, out of her own pocket, paid for the cleaning of the house and carpets because the owner did not want to. Really?

After driving up and down with the last things, we settle in for the last night in the matchbox. I thank God for His provision and picking me up off the floor this morning. For looking after us. And for being available no matter what.

Because He's got this.

Lockdown 791

Lockdown Day 791-26 May 2022

Move number 3. Day 2.

We wake up to welcome rain which came down steadily all day with a break at lunch time. I busy myself with packing up the matchbox and once again building a jigsaw puzzle in my car with all the little containers and a few large items.

After a couple of hours everything was offloaded and stored around the drying carpets. I returned to start prepping all our remaining clothes and kitchen for loading tomorrow when we receive the keys. The evening is cold and I decide to call it a day.

I wonder if the catchment areas got rain, and decide to find out. In the process I learn that Mpofu and Churchill dams are the two main suppliers of water to PE and surrounds.

However, all the dams can supply the city with water. The Kouga is primarily for Langkloof farming, but cannot supply the smaller dams. Their catchment areas are close to each other. Mpofu is near Humansdorp, where it also rained today.

So tonight, as I lie down to rest for the last two busy moving days, I am excited. For the full dams we have been believing God for. For the new living space waiting to be inhabited and for me to unearth its character. But mostly because the three moves are at their end. At last.

#thankyouGod

#Godsgotthis

Lockdown 790

Lockdown Day 790-25 May 2022

After a quick swim I was ready to start transporting all the small things to the new pozzie. Turns out the landlord has all kinds of reasons why the estate agent is not allowed to hand over the keys.

Being on both ends in this one, and as a landlord and owner of an empty house, I really am surprised at how ridiculous people can be.

Speaking of which, two ships in Algoa Bay transferring fuel oil spilled in excess of 30000 L into the Bay close to St Croix and the Marine Protected area where the Addo Park reaches the ocean.

Sanccob is extremely worried and are preparing for soiled birds. Bunkering operations involve using whatever means necessary to contain the oil while cleanup has started.

Ridiculous people doing ridiculous things. And extremely irresponsible too. How on earth do you attempt transferring oil in a protected area without inspecting the hose.... Really? 😡

On top of it all Radio Algoa reported a main pipe burst that has spilled our precious resource all over the streets. I shall refrain from burying the governing party in a flood of the worst insults I can muster.

So tonight I add the Bay's health to my prayer list for rain. Because God's got it all and He is still in control. I refuse to stop believing He can provide a flood to fill all three dams, clean the ocean and assist the good people in fixing the pipes. And I will keep the faith in His omnipotent power to do just that .... and then some.

#Ggt

#prayforrain

#KougaChurchillMpofu💯

Lockdown 789

Lockdown Day 789-24 May 2022

After almost a month, I walk into a mirror surfaced balmy ocean, no waves, just calm clear water.  Just as I prepare to start swimming, along come the dolphins, not too close, but close enough for me to see their eyes. I dive in, hearing the clicks under the water as they disappear towards the six pack. What a welcome it was.

Some of the other earlier swimmers were lucky enough to have swum between the dolphins. My day will come, that I know for sure.

Later, enjoying a cuppa at Indulge, I saw the dolphins speed-racing right up close to the water's edge. What a sight!

The salty air and the water confirmed I was indeed back in 'paradise', as the Tribe always says. I saw many little silver fishes and other larger fishes, swimming all around the rocks that are normally not so visible on the sea bed.

So tonight I celebrate God's creation and His Almighty hand in all our lives. I think about how, if He sustains those teeny tiny little silver fishes, He is in the details of our life and knows each hair on our heads. And I wonder why on earth do we waste time obsessing about the things of life we cannot control?

Instead of spending our time wisely and productively, doing what the Lord has put in front of us for the moment to do, we choose to entertain the worldly life and let its untrue mantras in.

Rather, choose to believe that He inside you is greater.

Because He is the only one who truly has got this.

Lockdown 788

Lockdown Day 788-23 May 2022

Move number 3. Day 1.

Between getting our vehicles clean from the guest farm's muddy road and getting all the appliances, furniture and boxes clean, the morning sped by.

The movers arrived on time to move everything in the garage into the house. The last two small loads will be delivered in the next two weeks.

I am excited to see my 'new' living room and dining area looking more like home and am expectantly looking forward to the rest of this week. The boxes have been stashed where they need to be.

Tomorrow I rest and Wednesday the carpets in the unit's bedrooms will be cleaned, while I will pack up the 'old place' and prep for move in day on Saturday.

I dream of the ocean and the salty water, looking forward to my first swim tomorrow.  Beginning to see the light with all this moving, has energised me today in a whole new way.

The organisation of every container, box and suitcase rooted my soul and I confirm I am a better unpacker and organiser than packer. Order gives me energy. It brings calm. And causes me to breathe.

As I fall asleep, I am grateful for progress and little things. God is definitely in the small stuff too. And He has got this.

Lockdown 787

Lockdown Day 787-22 May 2022

After a good night's rest, our drive to PE takes about 5 hours, including a welcome breakfast stop at Moo se Lekke Padstal just outside Cradock. Their coal stove and great filter coffee warmed up our day.

Driving into #theBay, the water was smooth and blue, many ships and sailboats dotting the ocean, hardly any wind and lots of activity on the beaches.

We unpack and offload both vehicles at our new pozzie to where move number 3 will go. The Pretoria furniture and boxes are already in the garage, waiting to be moved into the townhouse tomorrow afternoon.

The rest of the day we nap and rest in our original matchbox, re-energising for the hard week ahead. The little place we lived in the past year suddenly feels foreign and empty, with only a bed and two chairs.

As I fall asleep, I thank God for His protection and our safe travels. Because He's our home. And He's got this.

Lockdown 786

Lockdown Day 786-21 May 2022

And so another chapter ends as we leave Pretoria. My heart heavy, and the tears warm from saying goodbye to Lukas, I drive out of Gauteng as a former resident. Next time I'll be a visitor again.

The drive was smooth and with little to no traffic we arrived in Bloem for some refuelling and a very quick rendezvous with Natasha, thanks for meeting us!

We saw the sun go down and drove into an icy drizzle just before reaching our overnight destination.

Dinner was a delicious lamb pie with veg and rice, followed by a mini Malva pudding and coffee. Roxy was overjoyed for some walking space and her own tea and biscuits.

The temperature plummeted to 6 °C at bedtime and the wall heater and electtic blanket was a welcome cosy factor. I thank God for safe travels and upholding us during the trip so far. And for His mercy and grace.

Because He's got this.

Lockdown 785

Lockdown Day 785-20 May 2022

Move number 2 ended today just as a thunderstorm broke out.

Storage: sorted

Townhouse: sorted

Last leg: the 2 day trip to PE

The men braaiied pork neck and lamb sosaties just before the rain came. Accompanied by a sweet curry pasta salad, I almost made a glutton of myself.

At bedtime, my thoughts turn to the moment I left the empty house tonight after executing the best packing stunt ever. The jigsaw puzzle in my car was nothing short of miraculous.

I drift off with the rain in my ears, wishing it would just go to the Kouga dam. I thank God for so many blessings and offer up a prayer for my son I am leaving behind. And for a blessed journey. Because He's got this.

Lockdown 784

Lockdown Day 784-19 May 2022

Today Lukas and I went for an Indian head massage he won in a golf day tournament. It was a wonderful break from the packing and running around trying to get everything done.

Hubby arrived just after lunch and we went straight home to assess what still needs to be done to conclude moves 1 and 2.

We also met our lessee for the coming year, discussing the house and all its amenities.

Later, carrot cake at Charline's was heavenly as we celebrated the end of her seven week radiation therapy. Walking home, I realise this is what home is: the people you love and are part of, and being content and filled with peace in the moment.

Yes the physical building has value, but needs to be inhabited by all that before you feel at home.

When Moses didn't want to move alone, God "... spoke with Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend."

And God said "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest,” (Exodus 33)

This passage has been my go to over many years. Never fear because wherever you go, God also goes. Always. He won't leave you or forsake you. He is home too.

#Ggt

Lockdown 783

Lockdown Day 783-18 May 2022

So today, after the remaining furniture was loaded and underway, my friend Lourette and I accompanied a friend to her radiation therapy. She had been receiving this, following a diagnosis and subsequent removal of a tumour. Tomorrow is her last day and tea and carrot cake are, amongst other things, on the menu for a proper celebration.

It was a wonderful catch up session and we reminisced over our days together in Harrismith many moons ago when our kids were tiny. We spoke about things of the heart and things of God and how faithful He has been in all of our lives and trials. Charmiane and Ria, you were sorely missed! What a blessing it was.

Back home, the house smelled clean and fresh after my trusted help had tackled the cupboards and windows. I busied myself with the last recycling bags and old garden stuff that needed to be removed.

A buyer for the last two hunting trophies arrived to load them, after which I finished packing my own personal effects. Roxy and I arrived at the townhouse well after 8pm, bushed and ready to turn in.

Relieved the only things we need to do is remove the last things for storage and pack our own vehicles, I thank the Lord for His favour, grace and provision. For walking with us even if we don't ask, and for mapping out our path even if we lose the plot. Because with Him everything makes sense. And because He's got this.

Lockdown 782

Lockdown Day 782-17 May 2022

Move 2. Day 6.  I left home with everything ready for the final pickup. The last two boxes were a mission and once again my hands are incredibly sore from packaging tape, plastic and paper.

I also finished most of our personal things we are transporting ourselves and plan to be done with the last things tomorrow.

I sat on the stoep just as the full moon rose, watching as the first moonlight touches the treetops. Somewhere an owl's hoo-hoo cuts through the quiet and closeby a jackal calls. I can hardly believe we are in a city.

On the way to the townhouse the moon hangs like a giant shiny ball above the horizon. I become intensely aware of God's presence and also my own shortcomings and iniquities. Walking in the Light means that upon repentance, the blood of Jesus continually cleanses us from all sin. (1John 1:7-9)

#Godsgotthis

Lockdown 781

Lockdown Day 781-16 May 2022

The last of Move 2 is happening on Wednesday and Friday. So with this news, I have time to plan a cleaning strategy and close the last boxes for the last PE pick up on Wednesday.

I also embark on an ad campaign for a couple of furniture items to be sold and after the umpteenth call to dealers and just as many 'turn downs', I turn to friends and family with Pretoria connections.

My cousin decides she would like to keep two of the items in the family, so I'm a happy camper with a lighter load.

Speaking of which, I lightened our house load with a pickup full of things in good second hand condition, by dropping it off at Centurion Hospice. I would like to give a shout out to the amazing help and friendly people, especially Hanlie and Melanie.

So tonight I leave the house with  only our leftover clothing and personal effects left to pack tomorrow, including a to do list to get the house ready. The light at the end of the tunnel is a little brighter and I thank God for being in the tunnel with me. Because He's got this.

Lockdown 780

Lockdown Day 780-15 May 2022

Sunday. Doesn't feel like weekend at all. Even though I had one or two coffee outings, it still feels as if all the days are meshed into one long packing and moving challenge. Like those reality programs on tv, where they have to renovate a house in a set time.

"Eye on the prize", they say. In my case, the prize is getting it done. No more no less. I am anticipating that release on Saturday morning when we drive out of Gauteng. When I see more nature than concrete jungle, the last of move number 2 will be underway.

So tonight I share a couple more packing and moving funnies:

#Ggt