Back in South Africa

I can hardly believe we have been back 10 days already. It feels like there was a hole waiting for us which we have slipped back into so easily. It truly feels like we have never been away. Within a week, we have seen so many people and re-visited many of our favourite haunts whilst a the same time, picking up reins that we laid down when we returned to the UK in April. 

For the first few days the sun shone and warmed our bones. The scenery is as stunning and there is no doubt you get a larger vista here than you do in UK. We were told that there were few whales in False Bay where we live but we saw some splashing in the waters off Muizenberg. Nevertheless we went off to Hermanus for probably the best land based whale watching.  There were loads of whales around and we saw some in the distance breeching or jumping right out of the water and landing with an almighty splash. 

Whales at Hermanus

As we stood on the cliffs the whales went by below us in a constant procession apparently from Cape Agulhas to their destination back in the cooler waters of the southern oceans. Each group slowly moved by rolling and letting an enormous flipper or tail stick up from the water. It is a wonderful sight.

Whale watching is like the starter and the main course is our life in the church. We were warmly welcomed back by everyone and it is marvellous to see how much things have moved on in 6 months.  There are now two services on Sunday morning – the get up and go one hour service which is a cut down version of the main service which includes all the extras such as dedications and so on.  Between the two services coffee is served and so the two congregations can mingle.  The evening service has always been different as it had a different congregation and that is still the same and there is more time and expectation for the Spirit to move. Afterwards there is a café serving food in the coffee bar which has a real buzz about it.

In addition we have been to home group and shared about our 6 months in UK and I have helped out at the carers group for people who are caring for family members with mental health issues. We have been to the Saturday morning church prayer meeting and I am also involved in two other smaller prayer groups. 

Silvermine waterfall

Christopher has already got the men walking the beach and has other things planned. He has already been out 3 times playing golf with a group of men and we have both been playing bowls. We have been down to Cape Point National park and viewed the wildlife and up to Silvermine to see the waterfall.  Thanks to a cool wet winter and spring the flowers have been wonderful. It has been a busy start but very enjoyable.  We miss the family and friends in UK but we do have good friends here to console us.

Do let us have your news as we always like to keep in touch.