A wonderful week so far

I have been having the most wonderful week so far! My obsession with the vibrant protea continues - Ray and I keep seeing them everywhere we go, and I cannot resist but take a quick picture!

On Monday Ray wrote the very last exam for his degree. It has been pure bliss having him on holiday with me! I love it when he asks me, "Love, what will we be doing today?" And anything is possible :) 

Following an end-of-year tradition, once exams finish at BISA, the boys play an intense game of action cricket and then we have a braai together as a college. This year the game played was brilliant, with Ray's team winning the match (I was just thrilled that I got to kiss the captain, hehe!) Like all good South Africans, not even the rain, thunder or lightning could stop us from having our barbecue - we just huddled under dripping umbrellas, close to the flickering flamers, and stayed warm wrapped in Ray's arms. 

Tuesday evening was BISA's Christmas social, with this year's theme being "Another Culture" The entertainment after the meal left me gasping for breath I was laughing so hard! Nothing like some quality comedy acts and the usual graduating students' written and performed play to get everyone wiping the tears from their eyes :)

This morning was the final chapel service of the year. It was a solemn but joyful occasion, a time to look back at the past year, reflecting on God's great goodness, grace and provision, to give thanks and simply celebrate all that has happened. 

Then, under sun blazed skies, Ray and I, with friends, went to Tribeca in Kalk-Bay for milkshakes and coffee. While walking through the glorious heat, I could not stop smiling, so tired but so very happy, seeing excited BISA students in the cafes, the fishing boats still in the quiet harbour, ocean shimmering in the sunshine, the locals selling strawberries, flowers and handmade beaded ornaments along the side of the road, wandering in and out of shops, losing track of the time as the conversation gently flowed... this is what holidays are all about.

It is my lovely mother's birthday today! (The phone has been ringing constantly, followed by shouting in German, and then we know that it is family calling!) I find that as the years go by I become more and more aware of all that my parents have done and continue to do for all of us. Their selfless, sacrificial love, prayers for us, the wisdom that they possess, how they have graciously brought us up on the Gospel truth... For my mom, especially with all this wedding planning, she has been so patient, kind, generous, helpful, supportive, encouraging, ecstatic for us, I cannot fully express how grateful we are! All that she does to protect and provide, caring for her family, serving the women at church, teaching and counselling... looking at all the friends she has that love her so dearly remind me how precious she is! (Thanks mommy - we love you so very much!!) I know that without my mom our home would not be a home at all. I have to say though, that my older sister's gift voucher, saying that my younger sister and I would do housework for a month, was rather clever (and that's never going to happen!)

While my parents went out for dinner to celebrate, us at home made pizza with the kitchen smelling of yeast and Italian herbs. We devoured our delicious creations in just minutes! Our evening drew to a close at Bible study, the best group of friends sitting around God's Word, congratulating those finished for the year, or done with their degree, munching chocolates and singing along to Mumford and Sons on the drive home, watching the city lights twinkling below. 

Well this exhausted girl, who didn't manage to make it to the beach with her favourite people or that braai with friends or read another novel today from her stack, is off to bed, knowing that the next few weeks of summer will bring plenty more memories to be made :) 

The end is in sight

Days of exams, sipping hot chocolate, sitting in the quiet Botany library, watching the grey clouds clear over the mountain and rays of sunshine filter through the glass, walking underneath the budding green leaves of the overhanging branches along student avenue,  getting lost in my own thoughts, jamming to local artists, humming their songs as I wait for the shuttle, running into friends, offering quick words of encouragement, feeling so much love towards my incredible classmates who make me laugh and smile and suffer beside me as we strive towards our final few days, raging after Genetics tests, sitting in the front row for Biochemistry, eating birthday cupcakes, sprinkles everywhere, getting to know one another more deeply, getting invited out to lunch, for milkshakes, to go dancing, making me like I somehow belong, just a little bit... almost being blow over by the howling winds, getting caught in drenching rain as I trudge across campus, only to have it stop as soon as I am sheltered at the bus stop, running after trains and just making them, or just missing them, but always running for them nevertheless, standing in awe of an ocean in chaos, rumbling and rolling, towering waves crashing over the Kalk-Bay harbour wall, the fishing boats surging with the swells... having Ray pick me up at the station so that I don't have to walk home in the rain, chocolate in his hand, ready with a hug as I throw myself at him, cold and exhausted, getting into my warm pyjamas, cuddling on the couch, quality time, just talking, wonderfully dreaming, making plans for the future, and praying when it is all we can do, humbled by the infinite grace, generousity and goodness of God, His perfect provision, how He is in control of each and every situation, how He has so abundantly and undeservedly blessed us, all we can do is say thank-you and give our lives to Him for His glory... still getting distracted by my sparkling ring, how the light reflects inside the diamond, shining like my smile when I think on the one who gave it to me, how he has changed me, helped me to grow, been a million times more than I ever knew I wanted or thought I could ever have, shattering and putting to shame any feeble fantasy and weak expectation that I once believed to be impossibly high, being so much greater in every way, beyond grateful for the very person he is, all that he does, how deep his love is for me, his support, his strength, his wisdom, and knowing that I would not be standing here without him (I cannot explain it all, words simply fail me, but I having the honour of spending my life with my indescribably amazing best friend still seems surreal to my glowing heart, forever his)... disbelief at having finished lectures for my second year at university, celebrating with red velvet cupcakes, sneaking ice-cream late at night while studying, taking a lovely, long nap at the end of the week, being asked constantly about our wedding planning, having to pack away engagement gifts, being spoiled by kind friends, giving ideas around the family dinner table, excited for the holidays to begin, for family to come down and for everyone to get involved, for Ray's graduation, my best friend's wedding, and everything happening inbetween... at the moment life is stressful, but it is full of joy too, because the end is in sight and good times are ahead...

White hot chocolate to go

This weekend has been one of wishing for sleep and exhausted studying (but never enough!) with 3am bedtimes. Of gentle rain falling and pyjama wearing. Of Ray waiting for me at the train station with a chocolate in hand and sharing a slice of red velvet cake. Of my little sister going away on church camp and my mom coming home from two weeks of visiting ihr Deutsch Familie in Namibia, laden with gifts and greetings of love. Of my sister surprising my mom with her return and bags and bags of the best sweets which I started to take eat right away ("Haribo macht kinder froh!") Of hearing my sister and her best friend giggling like girls in her room as though nothing has changed, as though they were never apart for over a year and a half. Of family barbecues with roasted butternut, soft grilled sweet potatoes, charred peppers and fire caramelized onions, the smoke smelling delicious. Of walking down to Olympia to buy fresh, bakery bread and takeaway cappuccinos and white hot chocolates from Tribeca, standing on the mountainside, overlooking the calm, muted grey of the ocean. Of wedding planning and singing Frank Sinatra at the top of my voice, accompanied with my Broadway dance moves. Of hugs and feeling content. Of dancing  for the first time in weeks and barely being able to walk (I am in agonizing pain!) Of happiness, perspective, surrendering my worries and much, much love. 

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. 

Before the storm

Ahhh... I have had such an incredible long weekend with Ray (You make me so SO HAPPY!!) I never cease to be amazed and grateful for who he is and all that he does. 

My week ended with Ray picking me up from the train station with a chocolate in his hand, rain pouring down (the umbrella not helping in the slightest), ready to snuggle down for the weekend. Time has passed filled with  indulging in hours of much needed sleep (sigh of pleasure), watching movies, writing down a list of books that I want to read when the holidays come around again and somehow attempting to study. 

My mother is away visiting family in Namibia and after less than one day already we were eating ice-cream for dinner (and it hasn't stopped!) We love going shopping with my dad - he ends up buying a million unnecessary, yet very yummy, treats. I can only laugh at the plan we all have come up with - deciding what we will eat on what day. So far it is basically eating out or ordering in food for the next two weeks - half price sushi on this day, then two-for-one burger special on that day, but what about getting fish and chips from the harbour, or takeaways from our favourite Indian restaurant, and how could we have forgotten about pizza? (I think that I may start missing fresh fruit and vegetables after a few days...) 

Nao, our dog, runs down the stairs and waits expectantly, tag wagging and ears up, every time she hears the gate open, thinking that mom is home again - it is really sweet but sad (we miss her too puppy!)

Sunday, the wind blew and an icy rain fell, with the fabric of our temporary church tent billowing about, pulling against its constraints (it has been quite an experience these past weeks!) Holding Ray's hand singing "Hallelujah! All I have is Christ. Hallelujah! Jesus is my life..." brought everything back to its rightful perspective, remembering what brings everlasting joy.  

Ray and I enjoyed Heritage day by going for a walk down passed the beach to the lower Silvermine wetland. The thick clouds along the horizon melted into the ocean, both shades of grey, the cool and crisp breezes causing the petals of the flowers to close. Over the wooden walkways we went, alongside the swollen streams, talking about the future like we always do, working through the fears and uncertainties together, coming out reassured and at peace. There is no greater comfort in life than knowing that God has a plan, it is good and right, and whatever happens is in His hands! He has blessed us so greatly so far that all we can do is humbly trust in Him and give Him thanks. 

Like all good South Africans we had a braai (barbecue) today :) Finishing off the afternoon with ice-cream sundaes and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies as the weather warmed.  

I am thankful for brief moments like these, because looking ahead, counting the days till exams and Ray's graduation (with all the tests and assignments inbetween!) time is flying, and we always wonder how we will get through... yet somehow, we suddenly look back, and realise that we have made it through the storm. I do know, though, that I would never have made it through these last years without my King, my family and my phenomenal fiancé!! 

Nutella hot chocolate

We are all in need of some serious tender loving care! It's Monday, I am back at varsity feeling like I have forgotten what sleep is and already wrote a test. Yes, bring on the TLC! 

And so here is a recipe for Nutella hot chocolate. Yes. NUTELLA HOT CHOCOLATE! (Everyone please calm down!!)

What you need:

• 1 cup of Milk
• 2 tablespoons of Nutella (or a bit more!)
• 1 teaspoon of cocoa (suggested if you'd like a more intense chocolate flavour) 
• Pinch of cinnamon
• Whipped cream and marshmallows

What to do:

1. Pour about 1/4 of the milk into a saucepan on medium-low heat. 
2. Add the Nutella and whisk until blended. Slowly stir in the remaining milk. 
3. Add a pinch of cinnamon and whisk until hot and frothy. 
4. Carefully pour the mixture into a mug, add whipped cream and marshmallows if you so desire.
5. Let the hazelnut hot chocolate happiness begin!!

{Taken from: deliciousdrinkrecipes.blogspot.com}  

My birthday backstage :)

Living this past week... the lovely engagement, exams, my birthday and the dance show...!! (I feel like all my dreams have come true, and are coming true, and so much more!) I have had an AMAZING twenty-first birthday!! Thank-you for all the kind messages :)

I had the most fun eating cupcakes with crazy friends at varsity, talking about my wedding (AHHH!!! Still can't believe how fantastic they have been - their joy for us makes me want to cry!!), receiving LOTS of hugs, laughing till it hurts, getting drenched in the rain and riding the train home together... Then it was time for pizza with my fiance and snuggling up, with blankets and feather pillows, to watch a movie - the best way to spend a birthday :)

Next it was off to perform the opening night of Expressions!! My beautiful fellow Grace Dance Company dancers surprised me with balloons, a bouquet of stunning roses and chocolate (yay!!) just before the curtain was about to go up :)

 Nothing like being in the dressing rooms before a show - the anticipation, the nerves, the excitement, helping each other with our liquid eyeliner, false eyelashes and tying ribbons in our hair. We are sisters. It was such an honour to be on the same stage as them - the hours spent in rehearsal and months of hard work, struggling together, knowing each other's strengths and weaknesses, seeing growth, the passion we all share for dancing, how we have to depend on each other, the vulnerability,  the love we have...  

No feeling like waiting in the wings... waiting for the blinding lights, the curtain, the music... your heart flutters!! It is a rush, a feeling of thrill and fear flowing through you - but you smile and you let go, you dance like you never have before, you want to gasp for breath and collapse from exhaustion but you push past the burning in your muscles, turn faster, kick higher, jump effortlessly... for just this brief moment in time, while you are on stage and the spotlight is on you, you fully express who you are... And afterwards, when the adrenalin slowly seeps from your sore feet and aching bodies, you listen to your pounding heart quieten, it is surreal that it is all over, when your put your soul into each movement... you want to cry, but you are also simply incredibly HAPPY!! 

Tonight, the final performance of Expressions, was wonderful. My family (and fiance!) and dearest friends came to watch the show. It is on closing night, with those you adore the most, that you dance the hardest. I have loved every moment of Expressions - the silliness backstage, the pre-show meetings, the awesome music and lighting, our costumes, the makeup (and the nightmare of trying to remove it all), the friendships, our phenomenal teacher, choreographer and mentor, the quiet moments in the darkened wings, whispered prayers, photograph taking, laughter, tears, performing on stage and hearing the applause and shouts of the audience, the red lipstick and gelled hair, the Jazz, the Tap, the Contemporary, the singing, the video montage, being able to dance with my gorgeous little sister, the quick changes between numbers of stressed dancers, how my friends told me that they could see the diamond of my engagement ring sparkle, holding a scared little girls hand, having fun in the finale, bursting with happiness, pride and thankfulness in being part of a dance studio,  sharing a message, hugs and congratulations after the show, winking at the crowd, the insanity and excitement, the warming up on stage while the curtain is closed and dying for it all to begin...!! These are memories I will cherish forever *