Boring Random Stuff Really.

Summer is here!

I cannot actually express in words my absolute joy at that statement. It felt as though it took an eternity getting here, but when it arrived it did so in style with a week of temperatures between 33 - 39 deg, which is unheard of here.  Even I, who like a lizard love the sun, began to think some rain would be a relief. Today will go to about 31 which, although hot, is still do-able!

I am going to just list a couple of things that are making my days right now (in no particular order):

Summer Evenings.... the best!

Summer: Late sunsets & outdoor concerts.  Last night I packed a picnic and met My Man in the city. Complete with fresh flowers from our garden, we found a picnic bench in the Petrusse Valley and enjoyed our supper and a shandy, under the shade of the Viaduct and green leafy trees. When we left around 19h30 the sun was still shining brightly and we stopped for an ice-cream in the square and wandered around like tourists on the way to the bus home.

Working in the garden: We have bought so many flowers and shrubs, been working hard to make the house, home... as well as the garden. Sometimes I wonder why we spend so much money on a house that is not ours, but we can't help it. If we want it to be home.... we can't just live in it, we have to make it ours.

Loving gardening and the fresh flowers

Our dogs:  Their presence here made our transition so much easier - especially mine! I hope that I am not the only one who speaks to their hounds and basically would not be surprised if they did answer! In fact, I am sure that I see in their eyes that they totally know what I am saying. They are a source of great companionship!

My Sacred Space

Learning French: We just signed up for the Autumn class and I can't wait to begin again. Not that I want summer to be over - but there is something to look forward to.

The forest: The forest has become my "sacred space" - it's where I feel most connected to The Author and where I feel my story unfold. It's where I hear him loudest and me least.

The Family WA Thread: A moment of genius and created by my brother that makes me feel not so far away!

Short hair: Am really enjoying the change!

Short for summer

Masterchef:  Yes, I know. But it has inspired me to try new dishes. I have made pork chops with apple and maple syrup, and duck with a plum jus, next is pork chops with pear and blue cheese! Who knew?

Reading: I have not had the chance to read "for pleasure" as opposed to "for study" for years. I have devoured books in the past two years and am loving being able to do so again. I am especially happy that I have so many nice places to go and read.

My Favourite Reading Spot and the book I am about to finish.

Scrabble: My Man surprised me and bought Scrabble in SA for me. It's wonderful sitting out on the balcony in the evening, having a glass of wine, snacks and a game. I really don't miss TV at all - it really guzzles one's time... unless of course you are watching........................cricket. ;-)

Cricket: Lots of cricket coming up - that's all I can say about that!

Gratitude: My Man and I have been talking about how privileged we feel and wondered how we would have felt if we hadn't take this opportunity. A normal reaction would be to think that at 53 you don't just pack up and start again in a new country - especially when it may not work, and you would have to come back to find a new job. Had we decided not to come, we would always have wondered "What if we had taken it?" Sometimes one just has to make the leap, and I am so glad we did. Although there is a price to pay that we are aware of daily, we do feel grateful for this opportunity which brings us so much joy.

Last, but actually first - is My Man, my partner-in-adventure. Thank you for being a great balance of practicality and risk-taker.  Always with us in our adventures (via Skype!) is Our Girl - our gift.
 Love you lots Chickenwing!

My Man and My Girl  -  They Rock My World!

Not everything happens "for a reason".

Further to my last post, a friend of mine posted this link yesterday which shares my belief far more eloquently than I did.

An excerpt:

"It’s exhausting enough to endure the dark hours here and not lose our religion, without the addition of a Maker who also makes us bleed. Instead, I prefer to understand God as One who bleeds along with us; Who sits with us in our agony and weeps, not causing us our distress but providing a steady, holy presence in it."

Read the full article here if you like.

Sh!t Happens

It's always difficult being far from family when one moves abroad albeit for a short while. One considers the things you will miss out on and all the "what ifs" that could happen, but when something DOES happen, then it's really difficult.

About 3 weeks ago my brother-in-law was diagnosed with cancer and has begun his chemo. It's a scary path for him and his family, and a journey that the whole family travel together. I have been so moved by the love and concern of their friends for them - the meal plans, helping with lifts for the children with sport and hobbies, the just-being-there-when-you-need-them friends, and all those far and wide who are praying for them all on a daily basis and sending so much encouragement.

Family is sometimes more than blood, it's all those who care enough to take time off from their life to help you get on with yours. 

One thing that I am finding a little difficult in this process is seeing/hearing some of the things that posters / music (etc) say about God in this situation.  Some of these seem to suggest that God SENDS sickness to prove something about himself, as though our sickness is part of his plan.  He doesn't send sickness, just like he doesn't send earthquakes, famine or any atrocity to punish anyone or prove any point. He is not the originator of any evil or harmful thought against us. He loves us. What Father would make their child ill to prove that they can "help" them?  Not the God I know and love. 

The world is not the way that God made it to be, it is fallen, and shit happens. That's how I see it. But always, through all the shit, He is there. 

He is unswervingly, unfalteringly, unendingly holding up our arms and pouring out his love. 

This is the God who I know and love.

A Taste of Summer

Last week we spent the week in Cascais, Portugal. It reminds me of FH inasmuch as it is a seaside town with a walkway that runs alongside the beach - but that's where the comparison ends!

We treated ourselves to a Suite in an hotel at the beach instead of an apartment in Lisbon this time as we both felt we wanted to just chill in the sun and not be frantically trying to see everything.  We slept late, ate 4 course breakfasts, watched sunsets, walked a lot and had wonderful dinners.

Except for the fact that a train strike prevented us from taking our tour to Sintra, it was the perfect break with the weather being upward of 25 deg every day.

We would love to go back and am sure that we will!

To my #ProteaFire

My #ProteaFire guys,

First off, I am not one of those overly emotional, mushy women, I am far more practical and matter-of-fact and I know that there is about a 100% chance that none of you will read this - but I need to say it so I will make it short and sweet.

I have loved and followed the Proteas single-mindedly since we re-entered the world sport scene and to me, this squad, is the best squad we have ever had. I don't only mean on the field either. You guys have something special, individually and as a collective team, and even a blind person can see that.

Your banner says that SA inspire you - but you guys inspire us.  You model lessons for us that are so valuable like:

• Dedication
• Passion
• Humility
• Never give up
• Do your best
• Always be gracious
• Don't make excuses

You guys left SA as our heroes - and you are still my heroes.  Nothing has changed.

While you guys felt heartbroken for letting us down, we were more heartbroken about seeing you heartbroken. For me, losing wasn't what made me cry, it was seeing your heartache and watching you being asked unfair questions. We know what this meant to you, or we feel we do because we feel so "in it" with you. 

The team will probably face the usual tough critics, but know that the country is behind you, and the ones with the loudest criticisms are probably critical about everything in life, so try to guard your hearts and not take it personally.

You guys made us proud, you left it all out there, and as so many cricket-fans from ALL OVER THE WORLD have said on Twitter - you won their hearts. You guys are our trophy. I suppose that's not really a consolation for you right now even though it's true.

Anyway, like I said, you guys are our rockstars. Chin up, vasbyt and I will see you as soon as I can for another great game of cricket! 

With love and respect from one of your biggest fans
(among the millions!)

Lisa

Life is made of moments...

I saw this clip this morning and really thought it was brilliant and so true.

        "There was a man all alone; 

        he had neither son nor brother.

        There was no end to his toil,

        yet his eyes were not content with his wealth.

       "For whom am I toiling," he asked,

       "and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?" (Ecc. 4:8)

We know that work is a gift from God, it gives us a sense of dignity 

and allows us to provide for our families....

"A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see is from the hand of God. for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?"

 (Ecc 2)

but if we work so hard, continuously, eventually we alienate everyone around us 

and find ourselves with a lonely space in our hearts that work can't fill.

So, today - let us live in the moment we find ourselves in, let us be completely present with the people we are with, let's embrace this day.

* * * * *

French Class - Take 2

We advanced to our next level -we feel by a miracle, but we are happy to be making some headway!

We still go three evenings a week for 90min sessions, still hectic for My Man but he is enjoying it as much as I am.

The difference between our teacher from last term and this one is absolute. One is not better than the other.  I really like them both but they are so, so different.

We knew that this term was not going to be boring from the moment we walked into her class. In amongst all the usual first class carnage, she popped around to each of us and proceeded to take a quick pic - the type that never are flattering, but it didn't really matter because the next day we had to make a collage /caricature of ourselves out of it, and then, working with a partner, interview each other about various personal details, write it all down and at the end of the lesson, present your partner to the class. It was a great ice-breaker activity since the class is pretty much all new people.

The other thing that really keeps us on our toes (and makes me feel like a teacher again!) is that she is forever getting people to go up to the board and complete sentences, fill in the verbs, etc - so you can't afford to lose concentration even for a moment. I am pretty sure I look blank as a new canvas most of the time!

She is an artist, very friendly, warm and entertaining, I don't think one could lose focus even if one tried. She talks so fast, that at times I feel as though I need to breathe for her - and she gestures wildly a lot... it's wonderful and kind of reminds me of home.

Yes, French this term is going to be good - even if I only understand every 5th word, I think we will be learning a lot!

Now I have a French thing to write for tonight.... I better get cracking!