We have just said goodbye to Pierre and Jackie, and their two children Liam and Erin. They were passing through on their way home to Himeville in Natal, having spent a lovely holiday at Gamka Kloof here in the Western Cape.
Pierre represents an overseas organisation that supplies funding and equipment to rural schools. He brought us a crate of materials for a school that we are helping in our area. There will be many smiling faces at the Rooirivier School when they start back in mid January. New tooth brushes, pencils, pens, erasers, crayons, colour pencils and calculators.
Two other preschools in our area will also be blessed with pencils etc.
It was good to catch up on all the news from Pierre. His parents are good friends of ours.
From the 6th to the 16th of December we had my son Daryl and his family with us. It was great to see them all; Cindy his wife and my four grandchildren. Our girls loved having all the kids around. They had a ball. Day trips to the beach and the waterfall at Meiringspoort, where our daughter Hannah had her 6th Birthday party as well on the 15th. More friends from town joined us. Hannah chose the venue as it is her favourite swimming spot. On the 7th we had Emily's 3rd Birthday party at home with the family and friends. Daryl took all the kids on the famous De Rust Donkey Cart ride that morning.
It was special having Daryl's family here for Emily and Hannah's Birthday parties as our children have always been good friends. After we moved to De Rust they really missed one another. Skype is a blessing.
On the 13th we fetched Suzanne Morin, a friend from Canada, at the airport in George. We had a great time. A trip to the beach at Victoria Bay and a drive over the Swartberg Pass and of course a trip to the waterfall. Then back to the airport on 20th in the morning for happy/sad farewells.
On the afternoon of the 20th Kathryn's brother, Brian, arrived. He left on the 21st and Kathryn's parents arrived. They were followed by Kathryn's other brother Duncan, his wife Lize and little Timothy on the 23rd.
Brian and his girlfriend Anneli came back on the 24th and we all spent a lovely Christmas day together. We were joined by Kathryn's uncle Peter and aunt June. They live on a farm 30 kilometres out of town.
On the morning of the 28th everyone left on their journey home.
It was a wonderful time. I want to stress that it is so important to maintain good relationships with family and friends, especially for the young children. Extended family is vital for our children.
I thank to Lord for these special times.
With much love,
