The Ring...

Samantha has asked that a better photo of my ring be made available for my fan club . . .

this is my fiance's hand btw :)

Got engaged...

So how's your week been?

I tried to post this yesterday but the internet disconnected, I thought I had lost this but I found it again! I'm so thankful!

Mine has been utterly hectic! I had to fly out of the country urgently on Sunday morning, so I missed doing music at church that I had prepped and practiced for . . . landed in Botswana where Andrew and Sandra Freeman were graciously waiting for me! They were so sweet to have me stay with them last minute for a few days. It was a really refreshing time, I enjoyed talking with Sandra. I should probably mention (which I probably should have said firstly - if you know what I'm alluding to here you get a prize) that they are a missionary couple from Australia. Sandra's parents and my parents go to the same church so it's always enjoyable to see them and be reminded of home (AND they always have vegemite, so I get to have vegemite on toast each morning, yay)! I had the privilege of seeing their bookshop/library. The books in the library needed to be sorted, so my numerical skills were sufficiently tested (I probably should have mentioned my numerical dyslexia, there might be a whole section of 284's between 222's and 237's!! Hopefully I was a help not a hinder. It was really quite nice to just shelve books, it was a bit of a break from the business of life. That said, I'm glad to be keeping busy, there's nothing worse than boredom, all I do is eat when I'm bored.

I arrived home on Wednesday morning and had a list of chores a mile long, including phoning this Sunday's music team and organising songs and people etc, as well (of course) as a nap, 5 am starts aren't my favourite I must admit, laundry, cleaning the house, calling for visa things (as always) etc etc and the list goes on. I had lunch with Lyle and he dropped me home. We had a bit of a chat at the front door, and he had to go back to work. While we were chatting I told him a few things that I'd been contemplating over the days away. I had time to think about how lovingly he responds to me in every situation and how much he constantly tells me and shows me how much he utterly loves and adores me. It's so special, he's basically awesome bloke. We said goodbye and he got in his car, then he came back to my front door to give me a magazine I'd left in his car. When I got to the front door, he'd dropped the magazine on the floor next to him which I thought was weird, then (and this all happened in about 46 seconds) he got on one knee and said "will you marry me?" while pulling out a beautiful ring from his pocket. I was SHAKING, I was so surprised I literally staggered backwards, and when I gained the strength and my lung capacity was restored I said "YES!" and that's about all I said for the next 10 minutes. I think we were both in shock. he actually decided to do it about three minutes before it happened. He later told me that he had picked up the ring on Monday and had an entire day planned for next Monday but couldn't wait that long - I love that he couldn't wait! I'd been back in the country for all of 2 hours.

So yes. I'm getting married . . .

This is the ring. It's very beautiful.

btw, what I was alluding to was Mr Collins. I know you won Tashy :)

Puppy Dogs and Tim Tams

OK SO....let me fill you in on the last two or so weeks. (I’ve finally found time to move my photos from my camera to a computer!!)

I found a Gloria Jeans coffee shop. HOORAY. It eases the homesickness slightly.

One Saturday afternoon we had a few of Lyle’s friends over for a Braai. Alistair (Lyle’s old housemate) and Jo’s wedding (in the back) was the one I attended when I first arrived. Jaco and Jacqui are sitting in the front. Note: TIM TAMS!

Kerry’s Birthday was at the end of August and we had a birthday week for her (she was away on her actual birthday) so Monday last week we went to s sushi restaurant – this is Josh Barnes, his family is the one I stayed with when I first arrived. Please pray for Joshy’s salvation!! We love him dearly and we’re waiting on the Lord to smack him lovingly up the head...we don’t seem to hit hard enough.

Last week was SA Fashion week. Amanda Cherry is a lovely lady in our church and she is also a fashion designer. As her show was displayed the background music was by her daughter Raqel! So Raqel and I went to a recording studio and she very cleverly recorded a couple of her songs for the catwalk. I love Raqel. She rocks. (get it? get it?!)

Last Sunday afternoon Lyle and I went to Kloof Gorge for a little hike. It was really fun.

Hiking with Lyle is like this...

He was scared of heights...

Then he got over it and very bravely stood on the edge to get some loverly photos.

On the way home we passed an “Interpretative Centre”

And apparently they don’t allow Cocker Spaniels.

THE END

Ugly face competition . . .Lyle wins!

God's creation

Lyle has decided that he needs to make dates with his camera so that he actually uses it these days. So he went outside the other day and snapped a few of my garden . . .of course these are just close ups but I have to tell you it really is quite pretty when you see it with your own eyes.

I also have a few more of my wonderful nephew. I'm amazed at God's creation. From flowers to babies, He's involved in EVERY intricate detail, it's humbling to know that such an amazing God loves me.

I've written a song for him too, to the tune of Michael Finnigan:
(ahem, as I clear my throat)

There was a baby called Mungo Finn Ingham,
His mummy was the lovely Bin Ingham,
His father was the happiest Chook Ingham,
And that's the story of Mungo Finn Ingham.

Today is the best day....

...because today I became an Aunty to Finn! My very clever sister-in-law Belinda gave birth at 12.29pm today and I'm sure Steve (my brother) has the most massive smile that won't go away. He was born today at 12.29pm. His name is Finn Gabriel and he's 3275grams (7lbs 2oz in the old language) and 52 cm long! and has a LOT of black hair. I reckon his ears are exactly like Belinda's and Lyle and I both said "it's Steve" when we saw these photos... yay. He's the coolest kid EVER :)

Church Camp

We had church camp this weekend. I was really looking forward to it, but I have to admit I was more exhausted than refreshed at the end of it. The speaker is from Westminster, in Pennsylvania, USA, he taught at RTS, in Jackson, Mississippi (just a quick plug for you Katie) and was totally Presbyterian. He spoke on Ezekiel and I have to admit I didn't get heaps out of it on account of being so tired! I was a bit sad about that but the parts I paid attention to were encouraging. Sunday night when he spoke at church was great though. In fact, you can hear it at http://www.baptistchurchhillcrest.com/ :)
I have a few pics of the kids playing on the trampoline at camp, it was great fun to watch them, although I have to admit I had to turn my head away on occasion because of the fear of bones breaking - but the worst was that Harley Rose lost a tooth! I think it was on the trampoline but I'm not sure. She was excited nonetheless...

Harley Rose on the trampoline.


Dane revealed his secret super hero identity, Superman.


And I still had time for guitaring :) Kim has graciously leant me one of her guitars to use, it's been fun to play more again - and to play more than just Twinkle Little Star and Baa Baa Black Sheep.

Photos

This was the Comrades run in June - I'm SO sure I saw Steve Moneghetti (spelling?!) the aussie marathon runner. it was fun to cheer on the Aussie runners when I saw them.

Lyle and I at Clint and Kims house after the evening service. The Americans made us pancakes!

Youth on friday nights - Justin (one of the American team) did a talk about being the light, as you can see I'm assisting very effectively :) (Yes, I'm the one sitting on the left looking at Kerry and Justin!! but Raqel's on the FAR left, helping even more effectively I'm sure hehe)

Patty, Rachel, Kerry and I at the Cornerstone retreat sitting around the camp fire.

This beautiful shot is displaying my excellently straight arm while bowling to an American at the BBQ we had in July at my house.

Work

So, it’s mid August, and it looks like I have a job! Well, at least a potential job that will lead to a work visa.

I received a call last week on Monday from Winston Park Primary School saying they were desperate for a computer teacher... and of course this has been my lifelong goal so I jumped at the chance!!! Kidding. Kerry (another Cornerstoner) works there in the mornings, shadowing an autistic boy and she gave them my number.

I have discovered that teaching computers can actually be quite fun. In fact, classroom teaching in general isn’t that bad. The kids at this school are quite well behaved so that makes it easier. I went in on Tuesday last week and taught a class or two. The hours in SA for early primary are 7.30am - 12.15pm and I must say it’s quite nice! I’ve gone in again this week and am in the process of figuring out exactly what I need for visa requirements. The school has written a letter saying “we need this teacher, get her a work visa!!” but it’s going to be a matter of time. In the meantime I’m basically volunteering my time from Tuesday – Friday mornings.

There’s a ladies Bible study that I really love on Monday mornings, and Monday is Lyle’s day off, so I figured I’d skip going in on Monday’s to do b’study and hang out with Lyle. It’s also a nice recovery after the weekends which are usually quite hectic.

I am so thankful for the Lord’s provision in a) staving off boredom; b) giving me a potential work visa and c) giving me this without me lifting a finger. Hehe. He spoils me. (What was that mum? EVERYTHING falls into my lap?? Yeah, I know. but I must add that I don't take it for granted, I am very thankful.)

June and July

Here's a bit of an update from when I first arrived 2 months ago...sorry it's taken so long to get this posted, it's partly my new technology not agreeing with South African not so new technology, lack of internet access and sheer laziness.

So my first week consisted of doctor visits. I arrived with a flu (gotta love international travel) and stayed with the Barnes family. Caitlin Barnes is one of the girls in Cornerstone (the young adults groups) who I met when I was out here in December/January. I discovered monkeys at their house. They’re so bold and have no hesitation in coming into the kitchen windows through the burglar bars to steal any food they can eat. They’re quite intimidating because they don’t blink. They just stare. And you can imagine what is going through their evil minds. I did however summon up much courage within the day and by the time one was coming through the bathroom window I was brave enough to scare it away all by myself. Josh (Cait’s younger brother) decided that a shotgun would be an appropriate tool. Personally I prefer banging pots and pans together.

My second week I stayed with a couple who have 2 Siamese cats/substitute children. Siamese cats are without a doubt THE snobbiest of all cats. I have a dislike of cats, but I must admit these two grew on me over the week and a half I was with them. One is Issy Mikyake, the other, Coco Chanel. I went downstairs one morning to see my folded socks sitting on the floor of the living room. I quickly dismissed my immediate thoughts of supernatural actions at play and finally realised that Coco had decided they were a fantastic toy and had taken them downstairs of her own accord. I also found other items floating around the house. I’m sure it’s a ploy for the cats to make their house guests look like careless slobs!

My second weekend here I went to Alistair and Jo’s wedding. Al is Lyle’s old housemate. Lyle was taking some photos of them with the professional photographer (another mate of Lyle’s) and so I was treated to hanging out with the bridal party during the photo shoot which was lovely fun.

A couple of weeks ago we had an American missions team visit from Grace Community Church in LA (John MacArthur’s church – the same one I attended while I lived there). It was a huge blessing to have them visit.

We had a Cornerstone retreat while they were here and Jesse Johnson, one of the Pastors at GCC spoke. He went through Seminary with Clint (my pastor) so they were hugely blessed to catch up with one another as well. Jesse is a truly gifted preacher it was a pleasure to hear him. He spoke on the life on Jonathan Edwards and his life’s resolves which he wrote at the age of 17. If you haven’t heard of his life, I highly recommend finding a biography! We went on a hike that was so beautiful. There were some ‘beware of crocodile’ signs that the Americans were in awe of. Frankly I was just scared and thought it beyond ridiculous that we would even walk near where crocs could be! The retreat was on a nature reserve and we saw a few Impala (antelope looking creatures).

Lyle and I on the hike

They really are beautiful and I get a surprise when I see them because it reminds me that I really am in Africa! At the end of the hike, which was rocky, steep and a little dangerous in parts of it, Lyle was walking along a deceptively flat part of ground and badly sprained his ankle. His story reads “I was busy taking photos and started to run because I saw a buck, and the grass was very high (I’ve noticed that the grass gets higher every time he tells the story) and the ground was uneven and rocky and I thought ‘I’d better stop running before I hurt....’” then he fell. Basically his foot went into a ditch and he kept going.

This is one of the last photos Lyle took before hurting himself....

So he was on crutches for the last few weeks and I’ve had the privilege of driving. Ahem, did I say privilege? Let me share with you driving in South Africa. You’re driving the speed limit, yet there are 8 cars behind you reeeeeally closely; You learn that road ‘rules’ are more like guidelines; Indicators are decorative. One nice thing is that you’re not allowed to fill your own petrol tank. So you have to sit in the car while it’s done for you, suits me fine. They have “taxi’s” here that are actually just vans. Now, taxi’s are a great refiner of the Christian living in South Africa. They truly do believe that indicators are decorative – I say this because they don’t use them for the purpose for which they are designed, rather, they just leave them on arbitrarily while they drive along, swerving from lane to lane, stopping whenever they feel like it to pick up passengers wandering on the sides of the road... sigh.

Anyway, back to the Americans briefly. We had a Braai (BBQ) at my place a few days before they left. It was really fun to have people over. We had some back yard cricket happening, I had to show them some true Aussie form, and of course we constantly yelled at them for chucking instead of bowling, but they ended up learning quite well.

Did you know they have moles in Africa? I didn’t. Which is why my new little house had a rather unusual front yard decoration of what looked to me like ‘mole hills’ when I arrived. THEN, after a few days there were MORE! I was rather intrigued for a day till I realised what was happening. Apparently the only way to get rid of them is to physically kill them. Unfortunately for me the only vision I’ve ever had of moles is the character Mole from Wind in the Willows, so the thought of killing Mole is quite traumatising. I’m thinking of advertising to the kids in my estate to kill it for me and I’ll pay them.I have a dog. His name is Chaz. He is Lyle’s dog. A rather large beast, Mastiff cross Boer bull (a South African breed) He’s about 8 years old so he’s quite settled in his ways and really is lovely. I appreciate his company. Yesterday some ‘hardy-dars’ (brown Ibis) were in the yard essentially teasing him. They were brave enough to come over to his food dish and have a nibble. He finally had enough and launched himself at them. I don’t think that dogs are quite smart enough to realise the concept of birds with wings, they seem quite confused the bird just magically disappears. I do let him inside on occasion, Hillcrest can be freezing in winter sometimes, so he comes in to join me in front of the fireplace. A coal popped out and hit his rear the other day, he jumped up and looked at the fire indignantly, went for a quick walk around the living room and at down again. But not before I moved his rug far away from the fireplace. I haven’t lit any fires since then.

Welcome

Welcome to my blog :) I have a lot of stuff that I wrote the other day . . .but haven't been able to do a simple cut and paste to get it up here!!
I'm working on it. I will try to have it up here soon so you can actually read what I'm up to these days.
As for today I have a potential job. Home Affairs is the South African department that deals with work visa's. They don't answer their phones. This is problematic. I must run. I am currently in the computer lab teaching grade 2's and they need a lot of help.