Staying the course, and jumping over hurdles …

Much has happened over the past two or so weeks. We’ve experienced highs and lows, but overall we’re content and grateful for so many things.

My brand new stove was finally connected, and it was a real thrill to cook my first meal in our home (a simple, but delicious omelette).

Spending long days working in the house led to us needing to stay over on some nights, even with just basic necessities. Of course, sleeping in the house meant tranquil evenings, and majestic African sunrises.

We finally managed to become friends with the Dept of Home Affairs! It involved a trip to Pretoria and then to Cullinan (yip, where the famous diamond was mined, and where they dig those gemstones out of the ground to this day).

Friendly, sensible advice in Pretoria had us heading to Cullinan where we had our i.d. photos taken against the white wall of a KFC drive through (!), and then completing forms and having fingerprints taken for our new i.d. books (that should be available in around eight weeks).

A major milestone was reached when we finally moved into our home. With our first container from Australia not yet here, we have very little furniture, but we have everything we need for now. And being HOME is wonderful!

It has allowed us to have family over for meals …

And now that we’re not spending time driving back and forth between Joburg and Kosmos, we have time to explore our new neighbourhood, where the imposing Magaliesberg is ever-present.

We’ve also coped with some (more than usual) upheaval. I had a serious accident that pretty much wrecked our brand new Suzuki XL6. I have no recollection of what happened and how, but I ended up driving into (and over) a traffic light and then hitting a pole. My first memory was of the airbags deploying.

The car did its job of protecting me! Apart from being badly shaken and a little banged up (seatbelts cause bruises!), I walked away essentially unscathed. I realise how much worse this could have been and I’m truly grateful for the Guardian Angel that was very much on the job. I was also reminded again of just how wonderful people actually are; bystanders came to help, passing security guards wouldn’t leave my side, paramedics driving by stopped to check up on me, and the police were kind and reassuring. And as for my wonderful man who rushed from a meeting on the other side of the city and just unconditionally supported and love me … I couldn’t ask for better.

Life, with all its highs and lows, is precious. Let’s never forget to treasure every moment.