Grace to You: January 16 - Trust in God Transcends the Temporal

"How much time do you spend listening to the nagging complaints of worry? How much is fretting a part of your thought process? When are you most susceptible to letting anxiety rise up within you, stealing your joy and perspective? Pray for freedom from anxiety—and the faith to replace it."

Going to School!

School started again today. Kenan went to Grade 2 and Kayleigh Grade 00. Kenan really wanted to wear his new blazer because he got a scroll for Eisteddfod in Grade 1. It is way too big but we figured rather buy it big so it will last longer. Kayleigh chose her own suitcase with the flowers and was very proud of it. They had a great first day and can’t wait to learn more.

Family Sunday.

On Sunday, 10 January 2010 we visited my parents for a Sunday Lunch. This is something I enjoy tremendously and wish we could do it more frequently, but with our wonderfully busy lives we often do it only once in a while. My mother is a great cook and I always enjoy her different and exciting ideas. This Sunday she had sundried tomatoes in brown rice, pumpkin fritters (pampoenkoekies), roast and olive bread! We decided to take pictures of all the cousins together since we need one for our yearly calendar (a bit late for this year already, but better late than never). It took a few takes (and his parents with toys and gadgets) to get little Ryan (the newest member of the Van Der Westhuizen's, 4 months) to look at the camera.

We also took some family pictures, just because you could never have enough of them. The photos were all taken in my parents' garden. My parents off course avoided the camera, but don’t worry I will get them! Soon!

Vir die van julle wat verkies dat ek bietjie in my moedertaal praat: Daar is net niks beter as 'n lekker kuier saam met die mense wat die meeste vir jou beteken nie en ek is seker baie van julle voel dieselfde. Ek dank God vir hulle almal en hoop ons kan nog baie sulke kuiertjies saam deurbring.

Ngwenya Lodge Holiday

What a blessing it was to get away and experience the wonder of God's Creation!

We went to Ngwenya Lodge on the 25th of December for a week. It is my favourite thing to do! Going to the Kruger Park and for those of you that don't know, it is 5km from the Park's Entrance and have shallots looking on to the Crocodile River. There are also Hides that you can go visit to see if some animals came to drink water at the river. My parents also went with us.

We are all Birders but my parents are way better than us. We don't always stop for every bird we see because the kids get bored but maybe when they are bigger they will also enjoy it? I took this picture of the Lilac Breasted Roller (Gewone Troupant in Afrikaans).

Hennie and the kids have never seen a Leopard in the Kruger Park so we were very happy when we got to see one. That same day we finally got to see the BIG FIVE in one day! It was wonderful. We also got to see Hyena Puppies. It is the only time Hyena’s are cute for me.

Waiting at the Malelane Gate. We had to use this gate because the Crocodile River Gate was overflooded.

We so lots of great animals. Just a pitty we don't have a better camera.

Kids enjoyed driving there bikes. Kenan got a big puncture on the 3rd last day.

Daar is nie fout in Amanzimtoti!

We went away in November 2009 to Amanzimtoti! Hennie's sister Leana's in-laws have a flat that looks over the beach of Amanzimtoti! It is really not my seen - the sea and all but I have to admit it is beautiful! The kids love it and will swim come rain or shine.

This is the building where we stayed. 25 Stories high. We stayed only on the 4th floor and already it was scary and it gets very windy. Hennie and Kenan went to the 25th floor to see what it was like and came back glad that we are staying on the 4th. Apparently Hennie's late grandfather use to say that this building will not be able to stay upright. But it has been years and still standing! The view is amazing!

First Attempt!

This first post is overdue and quite scary! Scary, because I have for the past few years admired many of my friend's blogs with great awe. I do not have many editing and laguage ability and seem to lack a general sense of good humour. But I am hoping that the few poeple that will be looking at this blog will be able to overlook my flaws and use it as a tool to see what we - 'the Van Der Merwe's' have been doing. I will use this opportunaty to compliment the few ladies that inspired me to start my own blog... Anita Biedebach, Linda Russell and Melissa Pienaar. It is always fun to browse your blogs and thanks for keeping us up to date!