Lockdown 165

Lockdown Day 165 - 7 September 2020

Apart from cleaning house and mountains of washing not yet all done, today was a day of reflection and thought. About losses and gains and moving on from the debris of life. And about blessings that come once we bury the debris. 

The loss of a pet is a sad situation. Even though we know they don't live as long as we do, they still play an important role in our lives. For many of us they are not only family members but very close companions. 

Someone to talk to at the end of the day. Someone who accepts us for who we are and always happy to see us, whether we are in a good or less-than-good mood. 

Physically burying a pet that left life is difficult and painful, amplifying the pain our soul feels at the loss. I heard these wise words today, "It is necessary to bury that which has no life anymore and to go through the pain of the buriel in order to be done with it and leave it where it should be: in the past." 

To deal with something that is no longer reality or alive, one needs to bury it. Whether it is a marriage, a friendship, a loved one, a life you once had or dream of, or a pet. The same principle applies. You can only move forward when you bury it. You can only expect blessing if you cut off the stone hanging from your heart. That is when you no longer look down, but up. 

So tonight I give a shout out to all who needs to bury that which has no life in it anymore. I give a shout out to my friend who spoke those wise words after having to bury what's lifeless and decaying from her life. The heavens have a star just for you tonight, N! 

As I stand under the beautiful Free State sky tonight I thank God silently for His unending Grace and unfailing Mercy and Love for us. 

I leave you with the words of Isaiah 40:26, “Look at the night skies: Who do you think made all this? Who marches this army of stars out each night, counts them off, calls each by name —so magnificent! so powerful!— and never overlooks a single one? "

Lockdown 164

Lockdown Day 164 - 6 September 2020

We left Jansenville this morning in cold and wet conditions, driving north through Graaff Reinet and Middelburg, all the way in cool rainy conditions. 

The temperature dropped to 8°C on the Lootsberg pass where we drove through dense mist. Between Middelburg and Colesberg we went through heavy rain too, all the while thanking God for blessing the dry earth. 

It felt as if the earth was literally breathing a sigh of relief out loud. 

A quick stop in Colesberg to feed the need for caffeine saw me with a Seattle double short latte in hand. 

As always, driving home isn't as much fun as having a journey ahead, and the 220km to Bloem felt like 500. 

Not to mention the large number of trucks and traffic on that strip of the N1 on any given day or time. 

We arrived home, grateful for the safe trip and rain hovering on the horizon. We unpacked and had tea together while reflecting on the past few days away. To be home is great, but to leave grows our spirit. 

So tonight, while the first spring rains are pelting down on the roof, I am content. We went, we saw, we experienced all God had on offer, whether it was work or leisure. 

And tonight we dream of the blessings too many to count, past and future, grateful for a tired body and satisfied soul in this moment. Knowing we are in God's hand. Knowing God's got this.

Lockdown 163

Lockdown Day 163 - 5 September 2020

Last night we stayed with André and Riëtte, our forever varsity friends. They are born and bred Port Elizabethans, salt of the earth and the most alternative crazy people I am fortunate to call friend. 

They make us feel alive, special, royal, their own people and make us laugh. To us they are all these things and more! We are kindred spirits who enjoy weird humour, intelligent jokes and of course exquisite company. 

We were spoilt rotten and ate 'till we physically couldn't anymore. We laughed untill our bellies ached and drank Nespresso coffee to the fill. This is how forever friends become family. We just carry on where we left off as if no time went by in-between. 

We left with heavy hearts until we are once again afforded the opportunity to see each other again. It was a cold morning and the sea grey and choppy as we drove out of Port Elizabeth on our way to Jansenville for one last stop before heading home. 

Tonight we enjoyed lip-smacking oxtail prepared on a slow fire all day, and the hearty Eastern Cape company of a lifetime brotherhood friendship I became part of when we became Mr and Mrs. 

The dry earth was crying out for water and as we reached the farm, soft rain started falling. This is an incredible blessing for all these farmers who are in desperate need of rain. 

So tonight as I retire, I speak a blessing  over this land and pray for ongoing rain through the night as a sign that God is alive, and walks among the heart's desires of His people. Because He's got this. Gbwy.

Lockdown 162

Lockdown Day 162 - 4 September 2020

This morning we left early after saying goodbye, thanks Neels and Juanita from De Old Drift, you are heart people 🤍. It's a privilege to have you as friends. 

While driving to Port Elizabeth I kept looking for the sea, and what a feeling when I saw it in the distance and later in full view. That feeling never fades. Driving on Settlers Way, I could enjoy the view from my window, seeing all the ships waiting outside the harbour. 

The sea was blue as ever with artsy clouds dancing on the horizon. PE is well known as the windy city, but this morning the sea was calm with little to no wind. 

After dropping hubby off for work and our stuff at our overnight destination (more about that tomorrow), I meandered to Remo's Italian, a wonderful restaurant in a shed called WERK_space in Baakens River valley where a couple of artisanal shops are housed together with the restaurant. WERK_space offers good coffee and a lot of creative vibes and inspirational musings. A special mention also of Invictus Leather: Clint and Naz you guys rock! And of course it is great to see artists at work again in a public place. The world is a better place because of them. 

I took a drive down to Something good, a roadhouse in Summerstrand. Took my camera and strolled onto the beach, enjoying the sun, sea water and salty air. I then got myself a spot on the verandah where I spent half an hour watching the silver bling on the water as the sun moved into the afternoon. 

I retire tonight, tired from the fresh sea air, listening to the sound of the ocean, carried in with the PE wind. God gave me the blessing of a perfect day in the windy city. I am grateful for the breath of God, feeding my lungs and for the life running through my veins. And I know God's got this.

Lockdown 161

Lockdown Day 161 - 3 September 2020

I woke up looking forward to a day of unwinding and most enjoyable girl talk. We had a lazy cuppa in our pj’s after which hubby left for a work day in PE. Our friends live directly adjacent to their guest house called De Old Drift, just outside the town of Addo. 

We walked through the beautiful gardens my friend planted herself, all the while aware of the silence between the endless rows of export lemons (the fragrance is intoxicating) and the beautiful coral aloes dotted throughout the natural vegetation garden. Nature always gives a free spa treatment I call O2R (Oxygen Rejuvenation).

After the O2R we left to pick up the grandkids at school and stopped at a local lodge for lunch (amazing gesture towards supporting locals, even if they are competition). 

What a pleasure to meet such wonderful kids, loved chatting with them and picking their brains about school and how they see things. We enjoyed tasty sushi, including fabulous deep fried tempura rolls. The double shot cappucinos were the perfect size and strength. 

We spent what was left of the afternoon on the verandah with tea in the sun untill the cold South wind came in, signalling the cold spell is far from over. 

I kept on thinking how time just has a way of passing quickly when you don't want a good experience to end. But also how the end of one good thing can lead to the start of something equally as wonderful. 

So now I need to leave, using new memories made as catalyst for the blessings that lie ahead for the rest of the journey. 

I believe this is how God teaches us on our life journey to store our treasures in heaven, by giving of ourselves and storing up eternal jewels of joy, love, peace and hope. 

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. " (Matthew 6:21)

God's got your heart. God's got you. 

Ggt.

Lockdown 160

Lockdown Day 160 - 2 September 2020

Today, while the wind was howling through the country, we were on its tail wind, hitching a ride to Addo. Diesel consumption: excellent. Company: outstanding. Coffee stops: satisfaction. Scenery: cloudy and electric, inspiring and photogenic. 

Our first stop was at Colesberg Caltex's Seattle Coffee company. A quick visit to the restrooms revealed squeaky clean ablutions after which we picked up our double short latte (Seattle language for flat white) and hit the road again. 

Thereafter we took the N10 past Middelburg to Cradock, stopping at Karoobrew where the aroma of their own freshly roasted beans met us in the street. 

We met vibrant new manager Liza who made me the perfect flat white and directed us to the shed a couple of blocks away for lunch. 

I had their lunch harvest of parmesan chicken with roast veg which was succulent and very tasty. Hubby had a homemade burger which hit all the right notes, from a flat bun and generous patty to hand cut chips. 

The next town, Cookhouse, took us down memory lane and I got to take a picture in front of the little church. Although Middleton's farm stall was closed I got another picture with the little church there as well. 

God sent us flowers on the way in the form of millions of little aloes flowering in the countryside. He also spoilt us with a herd of elephants in a camp across from Addo National Park. What a wonderful sight! 

After arriving safely and spending a wonderful evening with our friends, I retire with a grateful heart for God's provision and protection, looking forward to see what tomorrow holds. 

Ggt.

Lockdown 159

Lockdown Day 159 - 1 September 2020

Spring day. This is what 1 September has been called in the past. Even those that were cool and rainy. Because you could feel the winter has packed its bags. Normally this is the time of year you could feel a slight humidity in the air, with a constant smell of fresh green and rain, you donned those interim shoes that don't require socks, and the squishy jerseys suddenly feel like old dirty wool. 

Most of all you wanted to be outside, walking, playing, braaiing. Feeling alive and the sun on more skin than clothes. Not today, though.

But, as you know, South Africa and even Namibia and other neighbouring countries are caught in the icy grip of what seems like winter's last. But today I heard of a young man's utterance of wisdom. He said, "This weather is God's way to bless us with rain." I suddenly felt guilty for complaining about the wind and dark, cloudy conditions (fortunately the cold is my friend, it doesn't grip me, we just 'high five' 😅 ). 

As I am typing this blog, the wind is howling outside while the news reports come in of rain in Gauteng and parts of the Western Cape. I also hear of snow on Table Mountain. Now that is something out of the ordinary. Just like God.  He is out of the ordinary and can change even the seasons if it pleases Him. 

And that is why, we should maybe consider another approach.  In stead of uttering, "This weather is really bad", we should say, "Thank you God for what you will bless us with."

Our extraordinary God has even got this extraordinary weather in His control. 

Tomorrow, we will be driving to Addo and Port Elizabeth. I am very excited and can't wait to see what God will show us on the way (and of course I will also see the sea! 🤩). So for the next few days you will travel with me and 'see' a part of our country through my eyes/words. I hope you will join me on this road trip. Sleep well!

Gbwy. Ggt.