Singles, a Wedding and a Get Away

View of the ocean from our B&B room

I wish you could hear what I am listening to right now.  I am sitting on the deck of the B &B we are staying at and it is about 50 meters from the ocean …or sea as they call it here.  There are not really words that can describe this beach called Wilderness Beach.  It is miles long and soft white sand and waves that just roll continuously in…I know most beaches have waves but they don’t roll in like here…just one right after the other….so much so that you don’t hear the waves as they crash on the sand but you hear a continuous crashing of the waves…that sounds tiresome…but it is the opposite in my opinion.  It has been so totally refreshing to be here.  

Wilderness Beach

And why are we here….??  We were leaving the Edwall’s and moving back to the Elliott’.  The Elliott’s daughter Sally had her wedding yesterday (Saturday) and so we took the opportunity to have a little getaway.  After the wedding we came to this beautiful bed and breakfast on the beach (which Roger booked and kept a secret from me :) ).  ……I think I need to get back to the blogging part, as I am a few days behind again.  I had every intention of writing a bit every day but the days are full and they slip away to quickly.

So backing up to last Thursday (January 27^th)….We had  talked about “taking the day off” and hanging around the house but wanted to go into Options for a bit.  Roger had a few more things on the list of repairs he wanted to finish off. Including repairing the blinds, replacing a facet and cleaning an umbrella.  I ended up talking to the “cardies” in the morning.  They make such cool cards and are fun to talk to.  About noon there was a tea time break for someone’s birthday and then I went to an intercessory group.  What a privilege to pray with the women there.  After intercession time I asked one of the ladies her story and she shared it with me and again it was HIV that brought her to the Lord…But it was an awesome story of God at work.  Then we were getting ready to leave and I started talking to another lady who had wanted to share with me another day but had not had time so we spent awhile together….again…amazing testimony!  I have been so encouraged by hearing what God does in the lives of people who surrender to Him.  I know it in my head but to just hear the diverse ways he works…so cool!! 

YFC Singles work Conflict Resolution Exercise

We got home about 4 and we were reminded that at 8AM on Friday we were to do a presentation to the singles that work for YFC since they did not get to come to the marriage talk.  We took our “marriage” talk and revamped it a bit and made it more about communicating with others and resolving conflict.  There were 24 people there and they seemed to respond and participate quite well considering it was first thing in the morning.  Again I was relieved to have it over but it was fun to do.  I just ask that the Lord takes what we share and uses it in their lives…even if its one little thing that helps them. 

Putt putt and view of mountains

18th Hole at putt putt

Friday afternoon we (Dean, Laurie, Jason and Jesse – student worker staying with the Edwalls') went to putt putt golf.  It was a lot of fun.  It was such a beautiful day (do I keep saying that again?).    The golf course was all based on different locations in South Africa that was unique and at the end the last hole was a cross with verses written around  it and a sign explaining the gospel…each hole had a sign telling about the thing it was about in SA.  I thot that was cool to end up that way.  After that we all went to a restaurant here in Wilderness that is called Sails.  It has a beautiful deck out side where you can see the ocean forever.  The sunset was amazing.  It was a relaxing way to end a busy week.

Sunset from Sails

Saturday….Another beautiful day….the weather here is ….picture perfect….in the sun its nice and hot but not too hot...with no humidity to speak of…. and in the shade even on the hot days... its cool and pleasant.   Occasionally you get a rainy day…where it’s a soft steady rain all day.  Kind of day you want to curl up with a good book….but most days have been nice since its actually summer right now. 

With Dean and Laurie picking Strawberries

We decided to go pick some strawberries (Dean, Laurie Roger and I) and take some to some friends we wanted to see again before we left.  The strawberries were easy picking and delicious…red and sweet all the way thru…  It was strange to not have children along when picking strawberries.  That just seems to go hand in hand in my mind.  We went to see our friends and take them strawberries… had tea of course and then came back home.   Harry had had open heart surgery about 10 days ago and was in the process of recovery and it was good to see how well he was. 

Location of Sally's Wedding

Wedding 

Roger and I headed to the wedding about 3:30. We were not sure exactly how to get to the location so we gave ourselves plenty of time.  It was a good thing too.    It was in the mountains and forest area and a gorgeous location.  Someone had made their farm into a place for events and weddings etc.  It was fun to see people we knew there…old friends and new ones.  After the wedding there was a time where sandwiches and lemonade were shared with the guests.  Roger and I wandered around the grounds enjoying the view of the mountains and the indigenous forests around there.  About 7:00 PM the guests who were going to the reception gathered around to cheer the bride and groom and then went in to a beautiful hall to have dinner.  And of course speeches and toasts etc….it was so fun to be there!  Who would have ever thought 17 years ago that Sally would be grown up and getting married and we would get to attend the wedding.  Amazing.  It was fun to see her brother Keith as well and his wife.  Keith and Lucas were good friends when we were here…man…more memories!!!  Roger also told a story about Sally and some words of encouragement.
When we left the wedding…quite late …we came to the B&B and crashed.  We had decided to go to Victory church (where Elliott’s go) this last Sunday.  We were so glad we did.  We will miss the fellowship of those people we have gotten to know these few weeks.

After churh we went to eat at a little place near where we are staying and then came back to relax.  We went for a looooonnng walk on the beach and then came back to go to Sails (where we went on Friday nite) because I had a hankering for the delicious spicy prawn soup that I had eaten on Friday.  It was just as good this time as before.  We each had a bowl and some samoosas (I know it’s a strange combination but it sounded good) . We were just finishing up our meal and we spotted dolphins swimming along the surf in the waves.  I saw 8 of them at one time just cruising along thru the waves...way cool!!   

Love you Ms Cleo (Wonderful Person)

It was early  (as in not yet sunset) so we went for a little walk around the grounds.  While crossing the parking lot we saw a car with a license plate that reminded us of a dear friend.  We love you Ms Cleo.  We thought about going down to the beach but it is up on a hill and there had to be over 100 steps down…which of course meant over  a 100 back up so we wimped out. 

Another sunset picture while blogging

So….back to where I started…can you hear the wave? Did you see the amazing sunset ?  I wish everyone could see this amazing place 
God created called wilderness beach!!  

Waves at Wildness Beach

Another Sunset from Sails

Jan 25 - More Exciting Testimonies

I want to try to write more often…its to hard to keep up and we have been busy everyday so its also hard to just sit down and chat to my computer (aka the blog).

Jewelry made by HIV support group

Having Fun at Travel Bug

At Travel Bug

Today we spent time catching up on emails and the blog till about 9:30 when we walked into town to go to Options and hang out.  There was a support group for HIV positive people meeting and we joined them just to share our story and to hear some of their stories.  It is so cool to hear how HIsG works different in each of our lives to bring us to Himself.  What was kind of interesting was that a few of them have not given their lives to the Lord totally and shared that openly…. just saying they enjoy the group and it helps them and they hear about the Lord and they are thinking of giving their lives to him but just are not at that point yet.  One lady said she had become a christian but was not praying yet in response to a lady who shared how she prays about everything and trusts the Lord to care for her.   Their openness and honesty was so touching.  

My favorite story was a man (leader of the group) Mawanga who was living in sin big time when he happened to hear a preacher on the radio talking about Jesus and how he could help change your life etc.  He asked the radio (which he thot quite humorous to be talking to a radio) “But can Jesus help someone like me?” and the preacher responded by saying “Jesus can help anyone…even you…no matter what your life is like etc.”  He was blown away…knew he needed to leave his friends and life where he was and asked a friend where to go to fellowship…and he was saved and totally changed.  Godcan use anything…

Lunch at Travel Bug

Roger has been doing some odd jobs and repairs around the Options building and I was helping with the food pantry the rest of the morning.  Then we went to lunch at a really cute place called the Travel Bug.  It was connected to a travel agent’s office.  They had a shelf full of travel books that you could look at so we took the one for Thailand since that is where we are going next… not that we saw anything new we had not learned about things to do in Chiang Mai.  We sat outside at a table that was kind of secluded surrounded by bushes with fountains around…very nice …. and the food was great to. 

After lunch we walked further in town and Roger bought some things he needed for repairs and when we got back to Options all the rooms were totally full of counselors and clients.  So he worked on the shade umbrella but was not able to fix some things he had wanted to because the rooms were occupied…. so we decided to walk on home.  It’s a really nice walk and when the days are so pretty we can’t resist.

In the evening we watched the movie “Faith like Potatoes” which we had not seen before.  AMAZING story and true and takes place in South Africa…

Wed ....

Teaching Leadership Class

Today we were up and going earlier than normal and went with Laurie to Options to join their staff prayer time.  We sang some songs and Roger led a “devotional” and we prayed … .then from 9-10:30  Roger led a discussion on leadership…he did a great job!!!  I was impressed.  The responses of the people (staff) were great.  We got home about noon and after lunch borrowed a car and went to the mall.  There was not a mall here when we lived here and it was quite a good sized mall.  We walked around looking at things and then went in one of the stores where they had some hardware stuff he needed …. on the way home we stopped to get biltong (like jerky).  I can’t believe it’s the first we have had since we arrived here. 

Jan caring for one of the clients babies

We got home about 4 and then I headed out with Laurie to the grocery store about 5.  I have gone about 3 or 4 times with her to shop and we find it the best times of sharing and talking when there are no other distractions in the car and even the store. 

After dinner we all decided to go play ping pong in the garage and were playing round robin with 5 of us.  Jason (their son) was the over all winner of the 5 rounds we played…and he just had his wisdom teeth removed yesterday…its amazing how well he has done with that!

It’s been a hot day but now cooled off and raining…that’s George for you!

January 21st-24th Time with South Africans

Jan and Ada

Today (Friday) we had a surprise!   Laurie said she was taking us somewhere and would not tell us where.  It turned out we went to see Ada…the lady who was our house help when we lived here.  In the 4 yrs we were here we developed a close relationship with her and her family including having a Christmas party for her family.  She is a strong Christian so we had that in common…other than the fact she adored my kids we did not have much else in common.  At that time she lived in a “shack” with husband, daughter and niece…and 2 grandkids…a simple life most of us would not “get”.  It didn’t matter.  We loved her family and visa versa.  

Ada, Nothemba and Jan

When her home burned down our family got some wood to make another house and made sure they had water to their home as she had been carrying it about ½ mile.  Not to say we did great things for her...we didn’t…but there is so much we could do to help and we were glad to.  It has been hard to stay in touch with her due to poor mail service and after a couple years we had lost touch with her.  Well Laurie had recently found where her niece worked and so we picked up Notemba and she took us to see Ada.  She lives in Temboletto…. it used to be called black townships but they are now communities.  What a fun and sweet reunion we had with her.  She is now in a very small brick home that is warm and has more than 3 rooms instead of 2 (the shack was 8ft x 30ft) The shack is still behind her house (providing a home for a relative) and they still don’t have indoor plumbing (as in toilets).  We believe there was water in the Kitchen.

Roger showing Ada's grandson some pictures

It was fun to show her photos of our kids grown up and talk about the things that happened when we were together and the things that have happened to them since then.  It is hard to wrap my mind around the hardships of their lives…health issues that are put on hold due to crowded hospitals…daughter dying of cancer, likely a result of AIDS…a son in prison for what seems to be a false accusation etc.  It’s must be rough.

Ada is caring for the 3 yr old grandson from her daughter who died.  Ada has diabetes and heart problems...most likely has had a mild heart attack from what she described…she is older than I am…not sure how she does it. 

Ada and some of her family

So I cried as I left but also rejoiced that we could say if we don’t see each other again here…. we will fellowship at the throne of our God together in eternity!!

Victoria Bay

When we got home we decided on the spur of the moment to head to the beach.  We had a couple hours till we would be going out for dinner.  Laurie came with us and we had a great swim at Victoria Bay.  The waves were great fun.  Of course it took a little while to brave the cold water but once we were in it was great.  So nice to be so close to the beach! 

We had decided to go to an Indian Restaurant owned by someone Laurie and Dean know.  Wow ….it was good.  We all had different types of curry dishes and really enjoyed it.

Saturday…. It was raining all day and we had a low-key day.  We were able to Skype with Eileen and Lucas and Jamie.  The time difference to the states is trickier to connect but hoping to catch up with Ben and Sarah soon:)   I have been missing my kids lately more than usual…I think it’s the familiar surroundings and they were part of our life here before so. …lots of memories.  

Saturday evening we went to some friends for a braii…Des and Sue Mueller.  They were one of the first people to show us hospitality in George and have us over after we came here.   They don’t remember it clearly but we do.  They have now moved out of town so were a 30 min drive away.  They live off of the Brak River...someone said they live at the end of the river…or the beginning…not sure which…I think it seemed to be a stream off the main river…guess I should research that a bit:)  The river flows into the ocean but winds thru marshlands and tidal pool areas so the river they live by ebbs and flows with the tides.  It was a beautiful spot!  Dean and Jason went on a long canoe ride before dinner…. we sat and enjoyed the view and talked, catching up on 17 yrs!  We were treated to an amazing sunset and as it began to get darker we were wondering just how far Dean and Jason had gone but they got back before darkness really settled in (about 8) and began cooking the meat then.  

With Des and Sue around the Braii

The braii they had was so cool…in the center was the metal part where the fire/coals go and there was a grill on top that could be lifted up and down on a pole…and around the outside was a “table” about 18-24 inches wide….perfect for sitting around and eating at.  The whole frame was on wheels so it could be moved around even with a fire going in it…maybe these are common but I had never seen one…I thot it was genius…after the meat was cooked and we were all seated Des put more wood in the fire pit and so it was like camping and sitting around the fire while we ate.  It felt good since it was getting chilly.  We had potato salad, baked veggies in a creamy cheese sauce…bread…and lots of meat…several types of sausage (wors) and steak and chops and bacon wrapped chicken livers.(ugh!) etc…they love a variety of meat when you have a braii.  It was a wonderful evening and we stayed way to late but the hospitality was just as good as I remembered:)   They are a very special couple.

Sunday we went to Patria fellowship.  There were several people we knew there and the fellowship was refreshing.  The rest of the day was low key and relaxing.  We played games and just sat around talking….some more…you would think we would run out of stuff to talk about.

Preparation Time at Edwalls'

Monday…Roger and I spent most of the morning going over the marriage presentation we were going to be doing in the evening.  It was fun actually to work on something like that together.  We walked to town in the afternoon (it only took about 7 min) and went to get some copies of the handout made and also we got prints of photos we took at Ada’s house so I could give them to her.  We easily found a store that did these things and it was very busy…nonstop people coming in for various needs.  That is because it is not as common here for people to have their own computers, copiers and printers at home so they go to the shop and have them done.  So it took awhile…then we walked to Options which was nearby and met Laurie…we all stopped by the pizza place to put in an order for dinner and picked it up and hour later.  Pizza delivery is not a common thing and when it comes…its on a bike or scooter.

Presentation on Marriage

So we ended the day with the presentation on marriage.  There were 12 couples which was a nice size group…the most that they said would come would have been 22 couples.  That would have overwhelmed me for sure.  We had a good time sharing and after I got over the initial jitters I was able to talk with out shaking :)  It was a very informal time and the couples seemed to enjoy it and opened up and shared when we had discussion time.  At the end people came to say goodbye and there was one man who had obviously not really wanted to be there at the beginning who came and said he was glad he came and now “he knew his marriage could work”…not sure if that was due to the info or seeing us having been married 33 yrs and still working on it...or both:)  That touched my heart and made it worth it all.  There were couples married only a short time and those with many years of marriage and the group included people from different ethnic groups. There was one lady who had come alone and during the couple breakaway time she was left sitting alone so I went and asked her what her story was….she has been married 12 yrs…her marriage is in a bad way and she and her husband were about to break up when she got pregnant.  He never wanted children but the first reaction was to stay married because of the baby but now he is saying why bother since the baby will suffer due to their poor relationship etc.  She became a  Chistian not to long ago and her life changed so much that it was hard for her husband to accept and so he now rejects anything to do with the Lord and spiritual things etc. (please pray for them).  I was able to pray with her but my heart was also breaking for her …so much pain in this world.  But we know that our Lord is in the business of changing lives so we will continue to pray for her as well as each of those couples we shared with.

As much as I enjoyed doing the presentation…it also totally wore me out and I came home and crashed…I used to call it post group leadership syndrome when I first started facilitating women’s Book study groups…But I loved it even tho it wore me out!!

Meeting YFC

Walk in forest

Monday evening...Roger and I went on a walk on a trail on the mountain that goes through the forest on the side of the mountain.  It started at the end of the street we were on.... I can't believe we did not learn about it sooner....it would have motivated me to get out and walk more.  It was such a pretty walk and a nice path.  We were gone for about an hour and half...on the way home the sun had started to set and the full moon came over the mountain ....gorgeous!!

Houses along Victoria Bay

Tuesday was a fun day!  The Elliott's were all heading in different directions and so they generously offered the use of their bakkie (by now you should know it means pick up truck) for us to use to go whereever we wanted. We were quite excited at the idea of date day.  It has been quite awhile since we had a date alone.  We headed toward one of our favorite beaches, Victoria Bay.    It is a small bay with nice beach but small area.  The waves are normally quite high and they hold world surfing competitions there.  The tide was low when we got there and the water quite chilly so we just sat and enjoyed watching the waves crash on the rocks.  Along one side of the bay there are some vacation homes so we walked down the road there to the point and sat out on the rocks and watched surfers.

I love the beach and just watching the waves and it refreshed me inside and out.  At one point tho I got quite teary eyed and could have gone into a full blown sobbing session I think if I had let myself.  I was simply sitting there remembering the many times we came to that beach with the kids....or one of the many other beautiful beaches with the kids when they were little and the fun we had there with them and i started missing them all...we are so spread out right now and it made me homesick to be with each of them...ahhh memories.  We are so proud of them all being grown up and all but every mom who reads this will know how I was feeling :)  I did not let the homesickenss for my kids ruin the day tho because...hey...I was with their dad and my best friend....and on a date .....and in a gorgeous place on an even more gorgeous day....so i soaked in the beauty and the blessing of being there with him...something I never imagined I would get to do again....

Waves at Victoria Bay

 prawns cooked in beer and peri peri sauce

When we felt we had had enough sun...or maybe too much sun....we decided to drive on up the coast and see if we could find an interesting place to eat lunch.  Before we knew it we were in Knysna!  We found a restaraunt that said it had Mozambiquan ( not sure how to spell that but its food from Mozambique) food so we went for it...how often do you get that opportunity?  It was very good...mostly sea food on the menu...cooked in peri peri sauce which is hot pepper sauce...so you had the choice of mild, med and hot.  the waiter encouraged me to get the mild and i was glad i did as it left my lips burning for quite awhile but was delicious.  I had prawns cooked in beer and peri peri sauce.  I did not realize it would still be in shell with heads so i had to pick it apart...but it was worth it.  Roger got a sea food platter that he enjoyed as well.....so basically...I  think food from Mozambique is different...cause its spicy?

Moon rising over George Peak

We headed home after that because I had a tea date with the American ladies in George.  When we lived here we all would get together on a regular basis to have tea.  There were only 4 or 5 back then.  There were 12 at this tea and a couple more who were not able to come.  It was fun and for some reason they were giving me credit for starting the tradition...I don't remember being the one to start it but ...who cares...i was glad they had continued on all these years.
Wednesday was transition day again but really not as difficult because we are still in George and will still be seeing the Elliott's again at the wedding so it is not the same as leaving the country...THAT is still to come!

Busy making cards

We came over to the Edwall's house in the morning....about 9am.  They are the ones we had tea with last week and work for YFC (Youth for Christ)  here in George tho Dean is now director of YFC in SA.  We had tea first (of course) and then Laurie took us to Options which is a crisis pregnancy center she was involved with starting.  Options is under YFC and provides counseling for those in crisis as well as  provide HIV testing, counseling and medical assistance.  There was a group of single moms that were working on making beautiful greeting cards made out of natural materials like feathers, sticks, leaves etc.  They were so cool...they sell them and make enough to support themselves.   They call themselves "cardies".  There also were   HIV positive women who work in making bead jewelry.  Its quite an amazing work.  When we went in to meet the "cardies",  they were sinigng praise songs...if you have never heard a group of africans singing...you are truly missing out...I don't know why but it touches my heart so deeply and brings tears to my eyes whenever i hear them sing...They were thrilled to sing for us and all wanted their pictures taken when we got the camera out.  Sweet sweet ladies...all loving the Lord..many coming to the Lord because of the role Options played in their lives.  Options has expanded and grown through the years and they are praying for funds to buy a house that is behind the building.  They need more rooms and they are waiting to see how God will provide it.  The stories of how God has opened doors for the work there are so cool to hear.

Playing "jacks" with stones

Another part of YFC is called Kids Stop.  This is a place that provides care, love, teaching and food for the kids who live in difficult home situations that spend most of their time on the streets unsupervised.  We went to visit in the afternoon about lunch time.  There were about 100 kids (it  varies from day to day because the kids choose to come).  They were fed lunch, played some group games, had a devotional and then had some time to play on a field which is part of the property or play on the pavement.

Kids Stop

Dean told us the amazing story about how YFC aquired the property they use for kidstop.  They needed to move out of downtown and wanted something in one of the communities where these kids live.  The realtor asked Dean to look at this property with him and Dean indicated YFC couldn't afford it so why are you showing it to us.  Dean said YFC's offer would seem ridiculous...the realator said make a ridiculous offer.  They did but didn't heard back and then learned it was up for acution so they went to bid on it.  There were several others there to bid on it and when the bidding opened no one bid so Dean bid 100,000 Rand ( about $15,000) and no one bid against him so they won the auction.  A miracle  really.  There were some back taxes to be paid so they bought the whole property for 300,000 Rand... a fraction of the ridiculous offer!  The main building had been a disco and bar called club paradise (appropriate name for His followers)  There were indistructable tables and kitchen which is just what is needed to feed the kids on...a big dance floor...perfect for activiities for the kids and a whole wing that is redone now and ready to house street kids.

Kids listening to devotional

Another thing they do is get kids that all the schools have expelled and teach them to a point they can get back in school...Of course all this is done in Jesus' name  and many kids are coming to Him because of being shown the practical love of Christ..

thursday -  This morning we went to meet the third part of YFC's work which is called Connections.  There were about a dozen young men and women who work in the schools here connecting with kids on many different levels.  The government funds HIV education which gets them in the school and they have developed such a good reputation with the school and are allowed quite a bit of access in the schools to share on a spiritual level.  We really enjoyed hearing some of the hearts and stories of these young people and how God used YFC in their lives and how the Lord is now using them in YFC.
It has been interesting as I think of how we were hoping to be an encouragement and blessing to those we visit but to be honest...it has been such an encouragement and blessing to us to see how God is at work wherever we go.

More Adventures in George

Dam on farm and Jan with haircut

Friday Jan 14 - Hair cut day!!  Yeah!!   You know the feeling when you can’t stand it another day and you just have to get it cut….i was a good week past that feeling!!  Trish made an apt and I must say the lady did a good job…it is always scary going to someone new…especially in another country.  I feel like a new person.

Knysna Heads

In the afternoon Roger and I went to have tea/coffee at a cute coffee shop with our friends Dean and Laurie Edwall.  They work with YFC here in George and we got to know them when we were living here.  They had come to the airport to greet us when we arrived but we had not had a chance to see them because their kids were visiting….which I totally understood how that is…each day is cherished before they leave.  We had a really great catch up time with them and look forward to more time with them later this week.  (We are going to stay with them on wed and will be there till the 31^st when we come back to say goodbye to the Elliott’s and be with them for a few days after the wedding)  We are looking forward to learning more about the work Dean and Laurie are involved in as we have been been praying  for them for years!   

Friday evening we had movie and pizza night…a  fun “American” thing to do. The pizza options are a bit different than the states…

Just to name a few ….

New Orleans- Bacon, banana, avocado and fresh garlic

Chicken and Mayo- chicken, mayo and spring onions

Chicken fajita – Thai chicken, peppadew peppers (small red pickled pepper), avocado

Nachos Grande – crispy tortilla chips, bolognaise mince, chunky cottage cheese and avocado

All the pizzas come with cheese and tomato sauce…

Those are just a few of the interesting combinations…Roger and I went with the vegetarian pizza (cherry tomatoes, spring onions assorted peppers, mushrooms and pineapple) It was delicious…maybe we should have been more adventuresome?  Maybe next time.  In case you wondered…we watched Four Feathers…excellent movie.

Knysna Heads

Roger and Jan at Knysna Heads

 On Saturday we decided to go through to Knysna . (said the SA way)  Interpretation…we drove to the town of Knysna (pronounced Nize na) for the day…it’s a beautiful town set on a lagoon by the ocean.  The sea comes in between 2 heads (mountain break) creating tidal pools around the lagoon area.  It had grown a bit since we were here before but still beautiful.  The drive there is along the road we were on before that went by the ocean…gorgeous scenery!  When we got there we spent some time walking around the shops…where musicians played and there were different water sculptures  (the kind of things where they move water around using different types of things…water wheels, buckets, tea pot etc)  It was fun to watch and try to figure them out.  We went to the Heads (where the ocean comes in) for lunch.  Everyone had fish and chips except me:)   I had Thai chicken :)  It was delicious!

Farm Garden

Unfortunately when we were going to lunch the car we were in began to overheat..It’s a 1990 BMW and still in nice shape but just starting having problems the last few years…not big ones…but this day it decided to have a leak in the radiator hose.  After lunch the guys messed with it for a awhile and we decided to drive it home filling it with water…it did not work :)   we ended up leaving it at a friend’s house and Sally came to pick us up in the bakkie (pick up truck).  It is about an hour drive so while we were waiting we walked to the waterfront area where there were some interesting shops and a lot of restraunts.  It was a nice area that has been developed in the last few years.  We were so thankful we were not on the open road where we had been camping…or anywhere else for that matter since we were able to be picked up as well as leave the car. 

Sunday we went to church at Victory church which is the fellowship we attended while living here and Sally was the one to bring the Word that day.  She has been working at/with the fellowship for the last 5 years and will now be moving to Cape Town when she gets married.  It was a great time of sharing and worship… It has grown quite a bit since we met in the theatre and is now in their own building.

For lunch we had roast chicken and our new favorite veggies…I have to back up to thurs…Annalie (the one at the macadamia farm) gave us a huge zucchini…it was one of those ones that was about 13 to 15 inches long and about 5 inches diameter…we were not sure what to do with it so cut it in half…scooped it out…chopped up some other veggies we had, peppers, onion, mushrooms, tomatoes, butternut squash etc…salt and pepper and some seasoning and oil…filled it back up and baked it and topped with cheese…so yummy!  The variations are limitless:)

In the afternoon Roger and Brian decided to drive back to Knysna and drive the car back.  They had talked to the BMW repair shop and got some ideas of what they should and should not do and when they got there they found the leak…used the ever faithful duct tape (and some prayer) and were able to drive it back with continual prayers with no problems!  Yeah!

I have to tell about Peanut , Sally’s dog.  It is a Jack Russell and the silliest dog.  Besides having more energy than the energizer bunny she is persistently loving and keeps wanting to get on our laps…nuzzle our necks…sit draped over our necks if we allow…all while holding a ball in her mouth which she would love for you to notice and grab it and throw.  She darts in and out of the house chasing birds that fly over or barking at the neighbors when they come home …. you know how it is…dogs are funny and have cute personalities…right now she noticed the neighbors playing ball in their yard and since she can see the ball above the fence as they toss it back and forth she is busy tearing after it from one end of the yard to the other…of course telling about it just does not do it justice to describe the frenzy she is in.  She loves playing with Roger and for some reason loves me even tho I am not near as fond of her climbing on my neck etc.   Its always fun to have a dog around…wonder what Liberty is up to?

Monday …

Collage of the farm garden

Bushbuck

Avacado Tree

Today Brian needed to go to the Knoetze Farm (Hardus and Annalie) so we decided to go along and take our camera this time.  It is so beautiful out there.  Brian drove his truck (bakkie) and so Roger and I stood on the back once we were on the farm and enjoyed the ride.  What is it about riding in the back of a truck with wind blowing on your face that is so fun?   Who knows…but it was fun and we enjoyed that part as well as the scenery.  

Bontebok

The orchards are so pretty and we saw some bushbuck and bontebok as well as the cows that roam the farm.  On the backside of the farm is a large dam that supplies water to the farm.  The last few years this area has had a serious drought but this year they have had plenty of rain and the dams are filling up again.  The one there is still only about 60% full but doing so much better than before.  

View over uncultivated part of farm

One of the amazing things about the farm is that when Hardus and Annalie moved there about 7 years ago there was nothing growing on the land…well just wild shrubs but hardly any trees etc.  They actually transported many of the plants in their yard from their old home which was on the other side of this large country.  They also brought a lot of palm trees and some of the macadamia trees with them.  When you see their yard its hard to believe there was nothing there when they moved there…it is gorgeous!!

Macadamia Orhard