Home

"The fact that our heart yearns for something Earth can't supply is proof that Heaven, must be our home."

{CS Lewis} 

This was the view from my train window this morning, before the rain began to pour from the thick grey clouds that gathered over the blue-green ocean of the bay. It made me think of Heaven and going home one day...

It has been an exhausting week, with too little sleep and too much stress, feeling quite a bit worried about the tests and assignments packed into the next two weeks before lectures end and our exam session begins (time seems to be passing too swiftly, reluctantly dragging me along with it). But every night, before I wearily trod up the stairs, heading for my lovely warm blankets and soft feather pillows, I realise that I cannot do it on my own... for in my weakness, Christ's strength is made perfect. 

Well it has been wonderful having my beautiful, big sister home, and we all cannot wait until my mom finally returns from Namibia - my sister keeps deciding how best to surprise her and changes her mind constantly when a new, even more hilarious idea comes along. I will let you know how it all goes :) Needless to say, when she seemed to just magically appear before my completely unexpecting dad on Monday evening, he just sort of stood in shock. When the disbelief melted away, he was thrilled! (We all were!!) 

And now, after nights of pizza, Indian curry and wraps from the amazing Bhandaris, we are off, as a family, to Tribeca for burgers - yay!  

Keep warm. 

Coming home

Now that she's back in the atmosphere 

With drops of Jupiter in her hair...

She acts like summer and walks like rain 

Reminds me that there's time a to change...

Tell me, did you sail across the sun...

Tell me, did you fall from a shooting star...

Tell me did the wind sweep you off your feet...

Did you finally get the chance to dance along the light of day 

And head back to the milky way 

And tell me, did Venus blow your mind 

Was it everything you wanted to find 

And did you miss me while you were looking for yourself out there... 

It is past midnight and so I can say that today my beautiful, both inside and out, big sister is  returning after a year and a half in South Korea!! We are so excited, and what makes it even more special is that it is a surprise - my parent's don't know!! I cannot wait to have her back with us - we have missed her so very, very much. Thinking of her constantly and praying that the hours will pass swiftly until she is safely home. 

A humbled child of God

"No child of God ever found their own way home." 

{John Henderson} 

Afternoons spent with you :)

Every afternoon R and I walk our family dog Nao (except when it rains... you know all about that!) Today was stunningly beautiful - the warmest winter day :) Just before we left I saw fishing boats coming into the Kalk-Bay harbour.

This is home. This is the route we walk, the mountains behind us and the ocean ahead. I love how the colour of the ocean changes each day... We walk hand-in-hand, Nao straining on the lead, the trains rumbling next to us, following the saltly smell of the sea, listening to the gentle crash of the waves on the sandy shore, running up and down, the foam disappearing as quickly as it appeared... (Thank-you Lord - we love living here!)

We walk the monster around the lower Silvermine Vlei. I love the crunch of our feet on the orange clay pathway, and how it turns to a rich, red mud after it rains, patterned with footprints, bicycle tires, dog tracks. It is so quiet and peaceful - I always feel refreshed after one of our adventures around the wetland.

(And the relaxing under the clear, brilliant blue sky, begins)

(Wet feet!)

(Splashing in the river)

Walking between walls of flowers... tall golden rushes, towering high above our heads, the grass swaying back and forth, making music in the breeze, listening to the birds chirp and sing, dart in and out of their nests... the fiery orange and bright yellow fynbos, red tipped aloes, velvety succulents, budding proteas... 

(The wooden bridge flooded)

(Nao eating a flower, of course...)

(My "puppy")

And when we all come home, the dog wet, our legs aching, lulled by the sound of the rushing water, eating orange slices in the warm sunshine we are already excited for the next day's afternoon... where I can spend more time with my best friend (and the naughty Nao), because nothing makes me happier :)

home is where the heart is

"Though the fire of the heart may have withered its core 

Unto ashes and dust--though the head have turned hoar 

Ere its time, as the surfs o'er the breakers that foam 

Still, a tear will arise when we think upon Home."

{Albert Pike}

It has been a week since you have gone. Standing in the darkened doorway, starts far above, coldly shining down on us, hushed and mocking, tears falling without ceasing, body shaking, soul tearing. Breaking as you said goodbye with one last kiss, one last embrace, one last promise. 

Closing the door, watching your shadow disappear through the glass, blurred with unspoken fears and overflowing sorrow. 

Every where I look I am reminded of you. Always in my thoughts, always in my heart. The days have been long and empty. Peace out of reach, happiness beyond my grasp. No purpose. No joy. I am restless without you. Lost and alone, left longing after every one else has forgotten. They do not know and they do not care. Trapped in their own worlds and ignorant of mine. 

But here I am standing, arms wide open, waiting for you to come home. Soon.