Navigating the Fog.

The Cabin.

The most common advice you get when hit by a very sudden crisis (such as what happened to us in the past few months) is not to make any major decisions.

I guess the analogy of a fog is a pretty accurate description of our view of life at this stage, and the best response to a fog is to sit down right where you are, while you still have familiar landmarks around you, and wait for the fog to lift. Once things are clear again you can move on without getting yourself lost.

Andrieka and I arrived back in Bellville on the 22nd of October and settled in at Logos Church. There is a beautiful log cabin on the premises which Logos our home church uses for housing missionaries.

This is to be our home for the next few months. We really love the cabin. Andrieka was 6 months old when we used it for the first time. Staying in the Ark with a baby and naturally wood floors was a bit of a challenge at the time, but the character of the place is really special. The kitchen was remodeled a few years ago and the walls inside have been painted white. Though initially disappointed by the white paint, I now love it. It has done wonders for the light.

The Farm.

On the 18th of December we packed and headed out to Hartenbos where our friends have a small holding with some farm animals. The idea of the property is not for raising animals commercially, but rather creating a wonderful environment for raising their children. The farm building has been converted into an office from where they run a specialized business, with clients all over the world. He tells of how his clients from Singapore always ask him to go outside when he's on video calls, so they can also see the open spaces.

The recent unseasonal rains were very welcome because it is usually dry and very hot during this time of the year. It was overcast and raining every second or third day which was a very welcome relief.

Taking care of the animals for a few days while they were away for Christmas was a mutual blessing. Andrieka also got to ride a horse just before we headed back to Bellville.

Life Lessons

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 

In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. 

Proverbs 3:5-6

In recent weeks this verse has been one that I have encountered on several occasions. The fog in our lives has not fully lifted and fortunately there were no major decisions to be made. The Lord has really blessed us with supernatural grace to be able to continue with life in the wake of losing Annine.

The first part of this journey has been very simply; to try and manage the household and to establish new rhythms of getting food on the table, laundry washed, dishes done, and other things. We have been blessed with uncapped internet, but at the same time we find ourselves doing too much screen time. The challenge is always in finding where to draw the line, because we won't be on screens again for another two years when we go back to Tanzania. There are major decisions lying on the horizon not too far away. In the meantime, we are starting to take little steps with the leading of the Lord. We have been blessed with an army of many believers who are praying for us, and at the same time we are walking in submission to the leadership of AIM and Logos church to help us navigate the more difficult decisions.

In conclusion I think it is important to build up a solid accountability base of people who understand our situation, and who have been given rights to challenge our decisions, and who are also able to advise us when life becomes too difficult to manage on our own.