Our new house!

Back in the country for over a month now and so much has happened in that time: First, a glorious 10 days in beautiful Cape Town, which treated us to its best weather, and where we caught up with family and friends.
Then a two-week trip cross-country to our new home town of Pietermaritzburg, which included more family catch-ups and fun with niece and nephews and also lots of stop-overs with old friends along the way, who kindly gave us beds and good company and - where applicable - introduced us to their latest offspring!

Our travels took us from Cape Town to St Francis Bay, Port Elizabeth, Grahamstown, East London, Cintsa and Zithulele before finally reaching 'Maritzburg. It was especially meaningful to finally visit the hospital at Zithulele, miles from anywhere expect natural beauty, and welcoming smiles and waves, of which there is plenty on its doorstep. This is where some of our dedicated friends are sowing their lives, saving lives.

In 'Maritzburg we have imposed upon the amazing hospitality of the Bishops, who have opened their home to us as we settle into life here. After looking at 31 houses, we signed for a house just down-stream from them, and are just waiting for all the legalities to go through, before moving in next month. The Bishops are hoping that we will dam up the stream at the bottom of our garden so that they can just float down to visit us.

Everyone wants to know what it is like to be back. Sometimes we love our beautiful country and its people who have hearts to match. There is such warmth and friendliness, diversity and quirkiness, not to mention big open spaces and natural wonders. Sometimes we shake our heads with despondence, and grit our teeth in frustration at corrupt and malfunctioning systems. We do miss our friends from the UK, and also the smooth, reliable way things worked over there. But this is home, and we are always heartened by the number of good people who share it with us.