W I D E  A W A K  E!  And it’s 2 am. 

Is it excitement? Nervousness? Jet lag?

We have just returned from a month’s holiday in beautiful South Africa. My heart is happy and full after catching up (albeit way too briefly) with beloved family and friends. Such special times – mid-winter swims in the Indian ocean, "bundu bashing" with our boys through the Natal midlands, flying high over Johannesburg in the Hyundai balloon…the list could go on and on!

And that is why my heart beats a little faster at the thought of our next "Trek". 

I am not talking about Trek Bikes, or Star Trek. For those who don't know, “trek” is an Afrikaans word referring to a big move. In the history of our country, the 'Great Trek' marked a period of time when many adventurous Afrikaner farmers moved away from the Cape Colony to establish their own colonies. This was a first step in establishing their independence.

As a family we made a 'Great Trek' three years ago in moving to Singapore. What an incredible opportunity it has been. Largely because my gorgeous husband has prioritised life experience and travelling. We have been to places I would never have dreamed of going - Cambodia, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Batu Batu, Nikoi, Malaysia, Bali, Thailand, Maldives, Boracay, Australia and even New Zealand. 

But now, the time has come and we are about to make another Great Trek. We are moving back to South Africa. 

My soul is singing, my heart is weeping. 

Weeping to think of what we leave behind, and more importantly, who we leave behind. 

Awesome community. Friends from Redemption Hill Church, Bukit Timah Mom's Group, our Gallop Gables condo, Stamford American International School, BSF and RBR - I will miss you all. How will I ever manage to stay in touch amidst the busyness of everyday life? 

Hence the idea of writing this blog. Thanks to my remarkable sister-in-law Jaci Mun-Gavin for the inspiration (if you haven’t read her book or blog, I strongly suggest you do - theparentingwebsite.com)

This may be my only post. As Tones gently pointed out, I didn’t even manage to send out a Christmas newsletter last year, how on earth will I manage to write a regular blog? Especially when we are about to move countries. 

What he forgets, is that Deborah Jane loves to procrastinate, and that writing a blog is far more FUN than sorting through cupboards and packing up!

Till the next post, don’t hold your breath. But please do spare a prayer for us as we navigate this next adventure. Thanks friends. 

  

With love, 

Deb