Out of Africa

As a year’s adventure draws to a close I reflect back on all that has happened. I have travelled through Asia, India and Africa, covering seven countries, learn snippets of several languages, adjusted to various currencies, local foods, customs and climates, struggled with visa applications (one of which never eventuated).  I met scores of people many of whom have become close friends, kept in touch with friends far and wide through different social media.  I wrote thousands of words and posted over fifty five blog pages (not including the twenty two written in Australia) keeping people up to date with all my adventures and experiences. I have been so blessed with people’s generosity, kindness, friendship and hospitality.

God has also been working in my life. He had laid bare my heart, shown me things about myself which are not pleasing to Him. My faith has grown through His constant out flow of grace as I learn to trust and rest in His presence, protection and provision. I am overwhelmed with all that God has taken me through I really feel so spoilt and privileged to have had this opportunity and these experiences.

Now that I face a new adventure in the Great South Land of the Holy Spirit (the first name given to Australia by De Quiros a Spanish explorer “La Australia del Espiritu Santo” or literally “Southland of the Holy Spirit.) I am reassured of God’s presence which will continue to lead, guide and empower me for all He has installed.

My stay in South Africa was just as I had hoped, a time of rest and preparation for my flight back to oz. Saturday afternoon, after being picked up from the airport, Marenè, the two younger children and I walked to her friend’s home to collect her house keys. Marike was the one who was going to pick me up at the airport, she had been given the house keys so I’d be able to let myself in. Marike and her husband Thinus had lived and worked as a vet in South Australia for some years.  The first of their children, Tharina, was born here and still calls herself an Australian. So much so that she supports the Australian rugby team even when they are playing against the South Africans to the horror of her younger siblings. She and I just clicked (must have been the Aussie in us). We both had purple rimmed glasses, loved horses and Australia. It was Tharina who suggested I joined them at their church, Maranatha, as unlike Marenè and Josua’s Afrikaans church Maranatha’s service was in English.

SA is an hour behind Uganda which I was grateful for as I was exhausted by the time 8pm came. I hadn’t slept properly for nearly 38hours! I didn’t like to sleep during the day no matter how little sleep I have had as I find staying awake till bedtime is the best way to reset my body clock. I was now ready to crash!

Sunday I was up early getting ready for church as Tharina and family were coming at 7:45am. I had a lovely time with them both at church and chatting around their kitchen table afterwards. The message was on communication or the lack there of, with three things that hindered – tiredness, ticked off (too angry to respond), timidity (not speaking up for injustice). I thought the points discussed were very relevant.

My stay with Marenè and Josua was once again a family affair. I was welcomed as a family member and felt quite at home helping around the house, with tidying up, sewing and mending as well as activities in the garden. I also joined in with some of the kid’s activities and Marenè and I exchanged tips for all sorts of things. I learnt how to make an easy face mask, dye my eyebrows which were just about invisible and strengthen my nails. I procrastinated over writing my last blog, Entebbe, consequently it’s lateness in being posted. I watched movies and generally had a relaxing time. It was lovely.

I also finally caught up with an old friend I had met on my first visit to SA in 1985. A lot had happened in that time including them having children one of whom is in the UK working.

The very last leg of my travels brings me in a great circle back to Australia. What an adventure! It started on the 15^th of February 2015 and now draws to a close with my departure out of Africa, Saturday 27^th February 2016, bringing me back to where it all began, Perth. I touched down just after midnight on Monday 29^th. What amazing memories! A lot has happened and I’m certainly a changed person to the one that left over a year ago.

I took a taxi back to mum’s home where I was greeted by her new dog Suzie (Jack Russel cross Chihuahua) who barked and growled at me till I introduced myself. She quickly accepted me as part of the family I think due to the familiar family smell. Once she had settled down I was able to greet my mother who of course had woken due to the kafuffle. It was 3am so I quickly showered and crashed into bed. I had set my alarm for 9:30am so I didn’t over sleep and to try to reset my body clock to Perth time which is 5 hours behind SA.

Next blog, I start a new chapter in Sally’s Adventures, having come out of Africa I return back to where it all began in the Great South Land of the Holy Spirit.

Photos:   1. Flying into a new dawn   2. Marike, Thinus & family   3. Josua & Kids   4. Marenè, Josua & kids     5. Desert flying into Dubai       6. Dubai by air     7. Suzie     8. Mum having breakfast

Prayer & Praise Points:
Praise the Lord for a safe return to Perth.

Praise Him for a restful time with my Afrikaans family in Johannesburg where I feel right at home helping out.

Praise the Lord for watching over me while I travelled around on my adventure.

Please continue to pray for sponsors for the children being helped through Operation Uganda and for all the work at Wakisa Ministries.

Please consider also supporting the Wakisa Ministries birthing centre/clinic which God willing will be built this year. Donations can be sent through World Share.

Please continue to praise Him for His protection, provision and my general good health as I head north to Broome this week.

It is wonderful being home with Mum and catching up with all that has happened while I’ve been away. She is off south with my youngest sister this week will I go north. Please continue to pray for her physical health especially for her memory.