Power, Pipes, Pumps & All...

This is the first of my biannual blog posts... A forced habit documenting some of our (by now) decade old relocation to the south of JHB. It's quite weird saying that, because of just how much has happened over these 10 years. But I suppose this is a universal truth, and underscores how life can feel like both a marathon and a sprint, at the same time. For example, I remember moving to Walkerville like it happened yesterday, but ask me when was the last times I slept through the night... I have no idea!?

I won't back up too far for context, other than to say, 4 months ago (just before I started my current job), I had been unemployed for 11 months... Needless to say, those were 11 looooooong months, but only in so far as I was unemployed. Life carried, and it was still full of joy and grace and purpose... Although we certainly needed some practice at being able to see and appreciating it, for the challange it was! The truth is, perspective remains one of the best gifts God can offer any of us... However very rarely, if ever, does it come without a cost.

So to cut to the chase, allow me to pick up where my last blog post ended...

On a related note, and to end where I started, the job front remains a bit foggy, but something that has been clear in my heart for the past 3 months, has been my desire to farm chickens on the Berry Farm (where we live). This culminated in my finalization of a funding proposal and business plan to that effect, which has managed to raise sufficient interest to merit another months R&D, at which time I will either become a chicken farmer, or something a little more conservative and predictable. Over to you Lord.

Well, the jury is out, and after a rather nail-biting finish, I do have a new job, but I'm neither a chicken farmer or something more conservative and predictable (hang no!). In fact, I was appointed the Berry Farm manager on the 13th February this year, and have been learning lots, sleeping little, and loving the opportunity, ever since! I must add, it didn't come without some birth pains, as Dannean will testify, and felt like we had to go in for an emergency C-Section at one point... being 1 day away from relocating back to PE, and moving in with my parents (as much as I love them)! Of course, that definitely wasn't how the story was supposed to end in my mind... But God clearly never grows tired of keeping us guessing, and despite his grace never failing, nor does his desire to test our faith and resolve! 

With reference to the scripture below, it certainly felt like a day (or a couple months!) of trouble, but it also certainly feels now, like we have been set high upon a rock!

Anyway... back to my new job.  I know we've all heard or used the phrase 'Dream job', but I can tell you that I have indeed found (or rather received) mine for now! And while it's no Sunday afternoon stroll, it's certainly not a Monday morning rat race! I mean, being able to walk out of my front door, into my 30 hectare office, working with an endless variety of farm and community challenges, while using all the talent, gifting and wisdom God supplies, feels like such a blessing and privilege. And so, after 4 months in the saddle, it remains as energizing and rewarding as I'd hoped it would be... Although I must add, I have never lived on less sleep and more prayer!

But work aside, 2025 has been very memorable for many other reasons thus far too, including;

Hiking with friends and family to the top of the Tugela Falls in April...

Catching up with old friends from far away lands down under...

Baptizing and making young disciples...

Seeing my kids growing up, my folks growing old, and my wife growing more beautiful💕

Celebrating with family from afar... and 18 years of marriage far away from the children!

And of course... learning to manage a farm... Power, Pipes, Pumps and all!

   

In conclusion, life probably is a lot like a box of chocolates afterall... you never know what you're gonna get! However... With God... And Jesus... at least we know, that we're always loved, always protected, always provided for, and always accepted. And that's something no job, not even a dream job, can even give... or compare with!

Until December. 

Strength and grace✝️💟