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...

My husband and I have just returned from the Alpha weekend away. I must be very honest and say that initially we were in two minds about attending Alpha as we've both been Christians for most of our lives and we understood Alpha to be all about the basics of Christianity. How wrong we were - it's that and sooooo much more! Yes, the lessons are all about the fundamental principles of Christianity and serve as a great reminder to those who have been Christians for many years. But it's also about answering tough questions, connecting with people, exploring the meaning of life...  The part that has really blown us away is the unexpected yet amazing relationships and friendships that have forged within our group.  Our group Facilitator (middle) had the awesome privilege of baptising two ladies in our group -- in the sea! How amazing! So if you're anything like the rest of us, regardless of where you are in your walk with God, you have questions... Alph...

So we're making headway and the cottage is coming along nicely. We've painted it inside, moved in the furniture and have managed to get everything on the inside ready for guests. We're now busy painting the outside and working on the garden and fence. It certainly needs a complete make-over to create privacy and a space to relax, unwind from the hectic pressure of being at the beach all day { :) } and have a braai. I've been trawling through Pinterest for some inspiration (what did we do before Pinterest!!!). Here are my three favourite pics: We are now also looking at different types of fences to create more privacy and block off the view of the neighbours wooden hut! T he back garden which is in DESPERATE need of a make-over! So watch this space as we improve on the look of the Leigh's Cottage . Love Leigh xoxo

After living in our current home for over 2 years, my long-suffering husband has finally conceded to converting the "Granny flat" into a self catering unit!! I know all about the pros & cons of getting into this type of business as my Dad & step-mom run 2 self-catering cottages on their property. But the way I look at it: we're sitting on an income generator that's just sitting there, only being utilized when out-of-town family and friends are visiting! So now that the decision has been made, we've started the "prep" process which really only includes a lick of paint, cupboards to be emptied and furniture to be moved around! Choosing the colour palette has been the most fun so far. I'll post regular updates as the cottage starts taking shape. Leigh xoxo

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, ...

DRANKENSBERG - JULY 2011 Just like nature needs all four seasons, so, I believe, do we! Each and every season has a purpose and is required before we can move on to the next season. Durban has had a particularly cold winter this year with many Facebook statuses dedicated to the desperate desire for Winter to be over!! I must admit, though, that I've quite enjoyed winter this year! There are several benefits of going through a cold (& relatively long) Winter... Here are some of my personal favourites: - I get to finally wear a jersey/jumper/sweater - I might even get to wear a jacket / coat and scarf - I get to snuggle under a blankie, watch DVDs and drink hot chocolate without feeling guilty! - No mosquitos / bugs / flys Now that's all about the weather... In terms of a personal Winter season, believe it or not, but the benefits are there too. It's through our darkest days (long wintery nights) that we learn and grow. Our community was rattled recently a...