Travels. Theories. Thoughts.

Hey College Kid… (well, almost!), Oh my baby girl, as I type this, my tears are just flowing and flowing. I think it's a mixture of such excitement that you're on the brink of the next very big phase in your life… It's also mixed with such disappointment that I can't be with you this weekend, helping you move in and settle into Res. But probably most of all, it's tears of such awe of God -- how He has 'ordered your footsteps' to this point, making the rough road smooth, ironing out all the hiccups, making it possible for you to not only be studying in the UK (a HUGE privilege), but that you are getting to study what you are passionate about, what floats your boat, what adds a spring to your step! I am just so in awe and humbled by His hand over every step of your life up to this point!  As I type this, I know that right now you are busy driving from Stratford upon Avon, with your little car heavy laden with boxes and suitcases and pillows and pots...

We are heading towards the end of August already! And boy oh boy what a year this has been! I knew that God was taking me on a journey this year but never in my wildest dreams did I ever think things would pan out the way they have. Let's just say that it has been a year of: learning, yielding, growing, seeking, trusting, adventuring, sowing, and most of all, blessing! At the beginning of this year, I started trusting God for a sponsor as I started working full-time for an NGO called LIV Village. LIV is a holistic residential 'village' where abandoned, orphaned and vulnerable children are placed into a family environment and where all their physical, spiritual, educational needs are met. You can read more  here  or watch their latest documentary here . I continue to trust Him for a sponsor. At the end of March, my daughter left home to travel for six months before starting University in the United Kingdom in September. I had prepared myself for this imminent departure...

The time has come. Trials are upon us, or more specifically, Trial examinations are upon Ashleigh-Jade and thousands of other Matric learners. After 14 years  (2 years kindergarten and 12 years of school) in the structured security of a school system, I'm finding it hard to believe that it is now time for my baby girl to put all that knowledge to the test in what is known nationally as Trials...  In the lead up to Trials, there have been countless countdowns, study timetables, healthy eating plans, vitamins swallowed, as well as stress attacks, pimple outbreaks, nerves on edge and everything else that goes with pre-exam stress...  So to encourage Ashleigh-Jade and all her school mates facing these dreaded Trial exams, I thought I'd put a few pointers together:  RIGHT BEFORE THE EXAM: Get a good night's sleep.   In my opinion, this is the golden rule by far! A rested brain will mean you can think more clearly, remember things more accurately, ...

I've always loved change. I love the challenge of new things and hate the rut of old. I love the adventure and excitement that comes along with trying something for the first time (like bungee jumping or surfskiing). I have recently entered into a very 'exciting' chapter in my life. A rather important chapter which pretty much impacts on most areas of my life. I quit the security of the corporate world and have resurrected my PR practice, Giraffe Concepts. Adventurous? Yes! Challenging? Big time! Scared? For sure! But, along with all that, I am secure in the knowledge that my footsteps are ordered by God. Before making the "big decision", I prayed and handed it over to God. And after the decision was made I had a comforting peace that I had made the right decision for all the right reasons (and no, seeking adventure wasn't the reason!). All I know is that during this season of change and uncertainty, God has my today and tomorrow in the palm of His hand...