7 March 2017

We had a very blessed weekend. On Friday we went to Pretoria and picked up Neil, Jeanine, Jenna and Thomas and took them through to Benoni to Malcolm’s house.  Tom’s brother had kindly offered that we could meet with Tom’s dad in a more comfortable environment. Tom then fetched his dad and Anette. 

Dad really enjoyed seeing his great grandchildren and meeting Thomas for the first time. Thomas and Jenna were at their best behaviour. Jeanine had taught Jenna to say Grandpa Bob and this lasted quite well, but later in the day Dad became Bob. It was so cute. Thomas reacted very well to Dad and smiled and tried to chat with him. What a blessing it was for all. 

Dad is getting very frail now and Neil was determined to see him and introduce him to Thomas.

Four generations together!!

On Friday evening we went with Peter, Elaine and Peter’s parents to a concert at Pretoria Girl’s High School where Christy and Rebekah performed. What a wonderful experience this was for us. Then Christy surprised us by playing a solo on her violin together with the string ensemble, in which Rebekah also plays. We were so proud of both these very special young ladies.

Saturday was spent doing washing (thank goodness for Elaine’s lovely washing machine!) Tom finalised his prep for Sunday.

On Sunday we went to Jeanine’s sister’s house where they had invited a couple of friends and the respective families. Tom then baptised Thomas – this was such a special occasion. Thomas was dressed in such a cute outfit which had a waistcoat and bowtie and chinos. Quite a fashion statement! We were so thankful that we could be part of this very important step in Thomas’ life. 

We were then treated to a scrumptious Mexican Salad and freshly baked breadrolls. The ‘doopkoek’ was baked using Jeanine’s ouma’s recipe, which she in turn used to bake for all the baptisms of all her children and grandchildren.

Tom and I had to say our sad goodbyes, as we would not be seeing Neil and family again for quite a while. They leave for America on Thursday.  We went home to Elaine’s house and collected the dry washing, said our goodbyes to them as well and came home to our campsite. It had rained in the afternoon, but what a relief to come back to a site that wasn’t a sloshy mess!

We are now going to pack up and tomorrow we leave for San Cha Len near Bela Bela (Warmbaths). We have booked here for the rest of March and the whole of April. More news later.

God bless,

Tom and Lynette