Operation 'Bouncing Christmas Balls' - Mission Completed

We left, we drove (and did we ever - 5000kms later), we visited, we saw, we returned, we Conquered. We at home again safe & sound and what a trip it was. In total we went through 5 of the 9 officials provinces, saw such vast differences in land scape (makes you realise how amazing our country really is) got to see absolute beauty, visit friends, see Gods hand & got too spend much needed time together as husband & wife.

 

It was amazing. Would not recommend it if you don't like driving, but if you want to experience things go for it. So our trip has drawn to a close and we have enjoyed every minute of it. Now to see in the new year and watch this space as the Bouncing Balls look forward to new adventures.

God Bless

Operation 'Bouncing Christmas Balls' - The Final stretch

So what a holiday it has been. What a trip we have had, a long one but awesome. So as we celebrate Christmas today, we get ready for our final stages of Operation Bouncing Christmas Balls and the fair cape. We have had a ball (no pun intended) but sadely it is time to head back north, through the free state cheetah country, through the Lions country and back to Blue Bull valley.

 

We have enjoyed every moment of our trip. We leave (or should I say we are blown right out of here) bright & early tommorrow morning heading for our over night stop at Gariep Dam, leaving awesome times and fond memories behind. These include towns like Graaf Reinett, Knysna, Mossel Bay (easily the best calamari & chips we have had), Victoria bay (one of the most stunning beach towns for me), Cape Agulhas (where the indian & atlantic oceans thunder against one another) Somerset West (& spending time with Tanya, having sea food platters & seeing cape point), Berg Vliet (first staying with Diane & Clive - seeing V&A waterfront, being almost cremated in the sun @ Lududno Beach - but awesome beach it was. Watching Johnny Clegg @ the botanical gardens. Then staying with Nicolene & Gary & being pampered with awesome meals, seeing Hout bay, have 3 burgers at Spur in Bloubergstrand & finally going to Durbanville Baptist Church for Christmas service today).

 

It has been hectic and fun and been great to stay with friends. We are greatful for their hospitality and wish abundant blessings on them all. It has been busy and now the finals long road awaits. Thanks CT for your willingness to let the balls take over this beautiful city.

 

Chat Soon.

Merry Christmas

May this Christmas be a special time for u & your loved ones, a time of reflection on what this special day symbolises(that Jesus was born to fulfill his destiny & save our lives), and a day filled with love, happiness & abundant blessings.

 

Psalm139 The Lord has a plan 4 each of us, the same He had a plan 4 his son Jesus. Celebrate the start of his destiny.

 

To all our family, friends, colleagues, clients, faithful blog readers and all who stumble across our blogs, we wish you all much love, and thank you for being part of our lives.

God Bless, Love Steven & Robyn - 'The Balls' (Keep Bouncing!)

Operation 'Bouncing Christmas Balls' - Last few days, Days 7, 8, 9 (i think)

Man I am losing track of where we are and what we are up. Been a relaxing & at the same time filled last few days. They have been spent with the Iron Maiden leaving at 06:00 on her bike and heading through the hills, doing a 50 & 60km cycle with Julian, taking drives around the passes and scenic roads, watching Johnny Clegg at the picturesque Kirstenbosch Botanical gardens, beautiful sun sets, the best weather the cape has ever seen, spending time with friends (Diane & Clive; Nicoleen & Gary), getting burnt at one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen (Ludadno) - watching a seal catch a fish right on the shore line, with dolphins playing in the background and surfers trying in vain to catch some waves) & deep deep fried fish & chips from Kalky's (the original fish & chip shop in Kalk bay - would not recommend it though).

 

Anyway, it has been a good couple of days. Beautiful weather, with it now turned overcast & rainy. But been awesome.

 

Johnny Clegg

So Operation 'Bouncing Christmas Balls' rolled on and we heard that my all time favourite SA musician was playing at the famous Kirstenbosch botanical gardens as part of there summertime concerts in the park. We just had to go.

 

We phoned them and to our horror the tickets were sold out for the Johnny Clegg show. We were dissapointed as he is absolutely briliiiant. Next minute we got a call from Julian Marsay, a friend from our church in Pretoria, who has been the Iron Maidens cycling partner here on leave and was going to the show. They had recieved two complimentary tickets and offered it to us. So off we went.

 

The show was around a hour and a half and absolutely brilliant. I love his music and songs. We both enjoyed it so much sitting on a blanket, everyone picknicking, one of the most clearest, spectacular views of a mountain to our right and people singing & jiving to Johnny. It was so worth it.

 

When the show ended we went back to fetxch our stuff from Clive & Diane and movwed on up the road to stay with Gary & Nicoleen, Robyns friend from school.

Operation 'Bouncing Christmas Balls' - Day 6

So today after a very sluggish morning for me and a run for the Iron Maiden (good for her), we decided V&A Waterfront at Cape Town Harbour is the order fo the day. Look if there is one thing that Robyn loves more than, mmmm, Me is Harbours. If we are in a town or a city with one, we cannot leave there without seeing it.

So though the streets of Constantia we went and along the base of Table Mountain. Had a good walk around there, saw the necessary ships to satisfy Iron Maiden's appetite for a while and ten headed back to Clive & Diane for a braai.

We decided to take the scenice route via Camps Bay. I must just tell you that it was easily one of the best sites I have seen on this trip. With the Sun setting over the Atlantic Ocean, all the people on the beach front, the tourists sitting at coffee shops, what a sight.

Finished off another great day with friends, a wonderful braai and a good piece of Pork.
SB

Operation 'Bouncing Christmas Balls' - Day 3, 4 & 5

So the show moved on and a relatively early start was had. Robyn went for an hour run (HoeHaa Ironmaiden) and did some long overdue quiet time. We had a filling breakfast at our overnight accommodation, Inyathi Lodge. Today's destination was the Mother city, Cape Town. But before we would get there our navigator would take us on some detours. We saw places like Victoria Bay (my favourite for the day), Herolds Bay, this bay & that bay. Had good old fish & chips for lunch in Mossel Bay. (must confess this was the best calamari I have ever had) Back on the long road, with a petrol stop in Swellendam, where the locals told me that all that happens there is that it is HOT!

 

Next stop was, and we could not have missed out on that one, Cape Agulhas, the southern most tip of the beautiful African continent. Finally I am able to say I have been at this tip and have seen where the Indian and the Atlantic Oceans meet up. Was truly amazing. Must admit we almost blew back into the ocean with the winds that was there. Struisbaai, I must confess was a cool small holiday & fishing town.

 

Anyway, from there it was a journey to Somerset West where we were staying with Rob's german varsity friend, Tanya. By now we were tired of driving, and could not wait to get there. Well after travelling through beautiful farms lands and going over Sir Lowrey's Pass we found Somerset and the house we were staying in. What we did not expect was the stunning house and particularly the view. From the pool deck we could see Gordon's Bay & Cape point.

 

We decided then to go the next day to see Cape Point. What an beautiful trip all along the coast line. Got to see small famous cape towns such as Muizemburg, Fish Hoek and Simons Town. Have a look at thje previous post I did from Cape point.

 

We headed back and spent the afternoon in the pool looking over the swimming pools edge at Someset & Strand. We went and had an scrumptious supper of seafood at the small bay in Gordon's Bay.

 

Yesterday morning we decided to go for a drive through Stellenbosch to Fraschoek, the winelands community. Was a stunning drive through the vineyards and we made it to visit one of Robyn's first client, Cyril and his wife, who now own a 3.5ha wine farm. The gave us the tour of the houses and it was good to catch up. We headed back and had abit to eat before we moved on our road trip to Bergvliet, where we will be staying with Clive & Diane (robyn's best friend & bridesmaid) for few nights.

Was good to catch up with them over supper. So the Christmas balls journey continues. Onward we go!

Cape point - 'Bouncing Christmas Balls' Day 4

Standing at the tip of Cape Point, a historic landmark in South Africa, a landmark of such beauty but one that at the same time has caused much damage and lives cost. As I stand leaning over the walls with the Atlantic Ocean so blue I cannot help feeling God's power as I marvel it his creation. The awesomeness of His creation and the feel of His power as the Cape Doctor (the winds that clean the Cape) blow up the side of the mountain cliff face.

 

Being able to visit places like this and view His creation is phenonmenal and I am blessed being able to. As the birds swoop around the face cliffs the freedom they experience, at the same time as being carried by his power the wind. it makes me think of the verse in the Bible where we are carried on eagles wings.

 

When you look at this point, seeing the ocean bashing against the rocky cliffs, feel the wind blowing up the mountain, you can only appreciate it, but at the same time respect the creation.

 

While I stand here I cant help praying that more people can experience God's creation and beauty like I have been blessed today, whilst on holiday and that all can realised how great is our God!

 

God Bless our country and Africa!

SB

Operation 'Bouncing Christmas Balls' - Day 2

Sowe woke up in Graaf Reinette bright and early and decided that we would go and see the famous valley of desselation just outside the town. We had some time as our next destination was the beautiful town of Knysna. We packed up & headed out. Wow what a site it was. We climbed up the mountain in our car, to see some of the most amazing sites. Firstly we got the most beautiful view of the town and then got to see some of the amazing rock formations that lead to a valley with just open plains. It was beautiful.

 

Off to Knysna it then was. What a trip driving through some of the baron land I have ever seen. We had it all planned out, what our navigator did not realise was there was a 80km dirt road, so detour was the orde of the day. All went good with a few moments of speed limits ignoring but all went good and we arrived in Knysna.

 

Along the way we got to drive past the forests of Tsitstikama (lush green forests), stopped in Plettenburg bay to get a bite to eat and finally arrived at the wooden cabins we were staying in at Knysna. After relaxing for a half hour or so we decided to head to the lagoon to see the famous Knysna Heads (the two mountains that form the opening to the lagoon. Then Robyn spoilt us and we went on the sundowner cruise boat for an 1,5 hour trip around the lagoon to the heads. It was really cool, except for the loud arrogant guys on the boat as well. When we got back we went and found (on the quays) a nice little Italian restuarant and had the most amazing pasta's. All good to end of a great day.

Operation 'Bouncing Christmas Balls' - Day 1

So after a long year of work the December holidays have finally arrived for us. Robyn had been left in charge of the operational component of our holiday, and going to Cape Town it is!

 

Finally the 13th of december arrived and we were on leave. Day 1 destination, the small Eastern Cape town of Graaf Reinet. This town, as the legends go is one of the oldest towns in South Africa and had been established in the early 1700's, I believe.

 

So the plan had been to pack the night before, get an early nights rest, wake up at 05:00, pack the car and leave at 06:00. So what happened? We got home after work, tired, made supper, sat in front of TV and started watching Miss Congeniality on SABC 3, woke up at 10:00 and went to bed. By implication, we would have to pack and do everything in the morning. Well that is what happened. We woke up at 05:00, lay in bed till 05:20 and got up and rushed and left at 07:00. Between all of this there was puppy dog eyes given by the iron maiden as she try to convince me to take her bike with on the trip as she is going to loose fitness while we were away. By the way, under much protest by myself, she won!

 

So we were off and the adventures of the 'bouncing christmas balls' had begun. The road would be a long one, with 890km to evening 1 destination. The trip went well and we arrived in Graaf Reinett around 16:30. It was a long day with a petrol stop in Kroonstad, a get some lunch fro pick 'n pay in Bloemfontein, a pit stop & stretch my legs in Colesburg and finally a drive between Middleburg & Graaf Reinett that brought back memories of the research project i had done there in October / November / December 2003.

 

it was funny enough that during that trip that Iron Maiden and I started to g;communicate' with one another and that we realised there could be more to each other. So this town has some good memories for me personally. Since that trip I have told everyone about the kids we tested just outside the town in a small community called Neiu Bethesda, about the 2 restuarants we went to, one with the succulent springbok fillet and the other one with the most amazing kudu schnitzel (my other fond name for Robyn). So the plan had been to get there, check in (great little B&B we found for R280 for the room for the night - this town is known for all its B&B's and has around 2-3 in every street, with its main income coming from tourists ans business men), then head to one of these restuarants and have supper, which we did. Well the springbok place has closed down and the kudu place was fully booked. What a dissapointment, so Spur it had to be.

 

Anyway, we have enjoyed the time here, and have just woken up after a well rested evening in our room with its 2 single beds. But alls good. We are going to take a quick walk through the town (should take all of 5 min - ha ha) go visit one of the most beautiful churches, that forms the center piece of the town and the main street and then head off to day 2 destination, the coastal town of Knysna. We cant wait. Luckily today's trip will be around 4-5 hours. let me go and get finished. So watch this space and keep up to date on THE ADVENTURES OF THE BOUNCING CHRISTMAS BALLS!

IRON MAIDEN - Part 1

So the other day I posted on Rob’s running her first 21km. Well how did it go? It went brialliantly. 2 hours 5 min – Unbelievable. Almost as fast as I take to run to the bath room and back to the couch! The Iron Maiden is becoming the regular monster of training, putting her heart, mind and body into her training. It is always amazing to see how The Iron Maiden, or fondly known as MY WIFE, can do what ever she puts her mind to.

 

So how is things going with her training. Well, really well. Last week she managed to do a 2 hour training run (and had all the red lobster features to show for the time under the african sun) and what for this the Little Mermaid swam an impresive 5km in one session. So yes, if you were wondering if she was training, don’t worry she has it all under control.

 

So watch this space for future installments on the Iron Maidens quest to conquer the Iron Man in March next year. By the way, yes if you missed it Rob’s is planning on doing 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42km run all on one day.

 

 

First 21!

 

SO as I type this Robyn is busy running her first 21km race. What a moment for her as up until now it has mainly been 10km’s. But the focus is on the Ironman next year in March. I thinkl she was a little nervous this morning, but she has been training really well and I have full faith she will be completely it comfortably. She has been going for about an 54 minutes now so yip around and hour 10min to go I suspect. Will keep you posted on her progress leading up to the Olympics.

Steven

 

Holiday to Home

So we heading back today from Durban. It was nice to be on holiday a bit. Was nice to be able to go away, see family, dive, spend time at the beach and just plain relax. But back we go and the real world starts tommorrow again. Rob's is back at work tommorrow and I am officially back on Tuesday, but i have so much to do before then so tommorrow will be spent doing that. Plus I have to give an answer as to whether or not I accept the new job position within the company (not quite sure yet!).

S

Deep sea adventures

So yesterday we went to do our deap sea expedition. The conditions were really good and this was the first time we were doing a dive in Durban. So off we went with a party of 8 divers to T-Barge a wreck off Umhlanga rocks.

 

T-Barge was a ship that was sunk many years back and is about a 25min boat ride running parrallel to the coast line from UShaka at the Harbour mouth.

 

So we entered the water, man it was cold (took my breath away). I battled a bit to descend but Robyn had no problems. As we got to the wreck at around 25m we were totally surrounded by fish. There were thousands, so many that it was actually difficult to see the wreck. It was a different type of dive from ones we have been on before. But it was still good. We saw the most scorpion fish we have ever see (they are quite deadly though!) I also saw a sand shark, who when it saw us moved away so quickly. We saw a 2m 'baby' bass (cant remember the exact name), a moray eel, a few Moorish Idols (our favorite fish) & water, water everywhere.

 

Anway, had a good time under da sea but as per usual the entry to the boat led to my usual sea sickness. Man I wish that did not happen. Anyway, it does and we returned safely to the shore, but there was definetely no second dive on the table.

 

Was still a good experience and glad we were able to dive. It is just so amazing to be under the ocean and to view God's creation in a different way.

S

The cousins!

So we in Durban and we went to Gateway shopping centre this afternoon to try and find booties for the diving expedition tommorrow. My cousin, Jacqui, invited us around afterwards for a visit & supper. We don't see much of each other, probably about 2 times in the last 2 years.

 

So after watching the Hansie Cronje movie we went to Jacs and James. What a great time. Was really cool to just catch up a bit and the food was awesome. Jacs really outdid herself.

 

Anyway, so we just got back to gran's flat. You don't always realise how important it is to spend time with your family. Was really cool.

S

Diving

So after much negotiating we decided to hed to Durban to go diving. We have not divied since december and we did not know when we would be able to again and what the plans in december this year will be.

 

So diving in durban it will be. We drove through from Pretoria last night and stayed in ladysmith with my folks. Was great to see them again and also to have supper with them and oumie last night. Was also good to see my second mom, Irene, this morning. Cant believe she has been with my folks since the week before I was born, 30 years in February it will be.

 

Anyway, today we drove to durban and went straight to the dive shop at Ushaka to book some dives. So we have booked two dives for friday. Going to be interesting and fun I am sure. We have never dived before in Durban so not sure what to expect. So we will have to wait and see, so watch this space. Also hopefully the weather plays along, seems as though it might change to the worse tommorrow. Hope not! Will let you know how it goes.

Steven

Church Camp

So last week friday, after much packing, squashing stuff into a car, we headed off to Eastside church camp, at Kimiad campsite. As expected with the usual traffic jams around Joburg and collecting Keenan in Benoni, we made it. So weekend away with friends from Eastside.

 

So we get here and as we enter I notice that a fire has swept through the grounds. Anyway, we drive in find a spot next to Tanya & Ducan and proceed to put up our tent. After much sweat it was erected but to notice that less than a few metres from us the smouldering trees have caught alight again and we run the risk of it coming our way. So to the rescue came the manager and some of the laborours and proceeded to put it out, which was awesome. Anyway, when we went to bed later we realised it had flared slightly in certain areas. So Duncan, Jurg, Bernard & I, armed with 500ml, 2 litre and 5 litre containers proceeded to put a 'dampen' on the fire that was being flared by the increasing wind. I eventually around 12:20 went to bed in our tent but with a very uncomfortable feeling. This led to geeting up every 45 min for the next 4 hours and checking on, pouring water & rechecking where the wind had rekindled the sparks. Finally around 4 i went to sleep. So notably the next day i won the box of chocolates for the person who faithfully defended his tent the whole night!

 

The rest of the camp was really awesome with lots of time spent worshipping, playing touch rugby, putting out more fire, socialising, reading and just having good fun.

What an awesome weekend we had! Was cool to have Keenan with us and spending time with God.

Steven

So Proud

I am so proud today of my folks. As mentioned in previous posts they have gone to Beijing to watch the paralympics and more particularly their swimmer compete. Today she competed in her event and qualified 8th fastest for the final. In the final she finished a respectable 7th and in a new personal best time. Well done guys for all your effort in her prepartion. All the time, effort, money and challenges have been worth it. We are really proud of you guys.

Steven

Last few days

So the last few days I have been at the SA Short course swimming champs. Our Tuks team had around 30 swimmers competing. It was a good few days with some really brilliant performances. The days were long though and not really seeing Robs much was not that great. It was good though to spend some time together today.

 

Was such a blessing to be involved with these swimmers and also interacting with coaches was great. So now back to the weekly grindstone. Must admit I am looking forward to church camp next weekend.

Steven

Off to Beijing they Go!

So the day has finally arrived and my folks head off to Beijing for the Paralympics. Man i am so excited for them. I am so glad they have got the opportunity to go, firstly overseas and secondly see their swimmer swim at the games and that all the hard work has paid off. I am so rpoud of them.

 

I really hope they have an awesome first trip overseas. Enjoy it guys! Love u

S&R

So whats up!

So long time no blog! Been hectic here the last while but all good in the land of the bouncing balls. Things have been going really well with the balls. So what have we been up to?

 

• work has been going well and we have been blessed ith jobs that we love
• church is going well and we are in the middle of a 40 day journey, taking it back to the basics of our faith. We are quite excited as we are going on a church camp next weekend and will be camping. Going to be great.
• Robs has decided that she is going to do the Ironman or should we say Ironwoman next year in march. so she is training hard. Today she did her longest swim in a session ever, 3.6km, really cool hey. She has put her mind to it and is training really well. I am so proud of her and it just amazes me how when she puts her mind to it, there is no stopping her.
• The car challenges remain but we are sticking to our guns and going to remain with one vehicle. Praise God that the insurance company paid out for the vehicle with no hassles!
• All my swimmers have arrived back from Beijing. I am really proud of them and there times they swam. Has been really great to work with them.
• Over the last week i have been involved with a conference and interacting with a leading Aussie sport scientist. It has been inspiring to me in my professional career & his hands on practical experience is definetely something i would like to be known for as well.
• My folks leave today for Beijing for the paralympics. I am so proud of them and really wish they will have an awesome trip!

 

So that is all for now! until the next installment, we will just keep on bouncing.

SB

Praise the Lord!

“Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.”

Over the last period of time it amazes me how we as a family have been blessed. Once again you realise that God is good and great and that His endless love and mercy endures forever for each one of us. We have been blessed abundantly over the now 1 year and 8 months we have been married and over our entire existences. We are blessed with

·         Family that loves us

·         friends that are firm in faith and that we are able to learn from, and that care for us

·         a church that we can call home, where we can grow in our faith

·         a cell group where we can share our faith

·         a beautiful home, that we can open the doors to friends &families

·         jobs that are our passions and are not just another work!

·         being able to work with people to try and assist them improving there quality of life

·         being blessed by being able to work with athletes that compete at all levels of sport right through to Olympic level

I read this verse from Psalm 106 verse 1 and it just made me realise how blessed we are and that I needed to share this with all.

May you all be blessed as we have been blessed, as we try and walk a closer road with God, as we try and become Gods Champions.

SB
 

 

Beijing Paralympics

I am so proud of my folks. For almost 20 years they have been serving the sport of swimming in Ladysmith and South Africa. Many hours next to pool deck, many hours in meetings, many years of being on committees, many years or helping organising gala’s and many years of love and total care for their swimmers, they have been rewarded with a big one. My folks have been coaching a swimmer with Cerebral Palsy for around the last 4 years and this has all culminated in Beth qualifying for the Paralympics in September. Man I am so proud of them. I am so proud of what they have achieved in their lives and what lessons have been able to earn through and from them I will cherish! So a Big Up to the Senior Balls!!!

 

What makes this also special is the fact that they, for the first time will be leaving the shores of Africa and will be heading into the unknown, the FAR EAST! They will be going to watch the games and I really know they are going to have an awesome time! Folks, just remember if you would rather not know what you are eating, then don’t ask! Love you guys!

 

Plant race

So in the race of whose plant is anyway or whose plant is worse off, it seems that with 2 days left to vote, that the Leenstra’s may be pulling off a win. Look deep down I must admit, who would actually do that to there type of plant, so I think even I am now siding with there’s!!!

 

The challenges of a coach

Saturday saw the last of my swimmers leaving for their home countries for the final camps before they compete at the Beijing Olympics. This brings together the total of 8 swimmers from different African countries and 3 swimmers I worked closely with (them and their coach) that will be representing South Africa. This leaves me with mixed emotions. Different feelings are running through my head and heart. These are most often positive and negative ones. These include:

• Having wished them well as I saw them for the last time ever (as some of them from the African countries won’t be returning) and others till after the Olympics
• Knowing that everything I could have done was done BUT was it enough?!
• Knowing there is nothing else I can do to improve their preparation. As they now enter into the FUNNY phase, we scientists and coaches refer to as The TAPER!!! Now it is just up to their bodies to respond and recover. They need the rest.
• Trusting that I have allowed for enough rest for those coming off big volume and those not that the stimulus I am still providing to them with the programs has incorporated enough rest so that they don’t go into the event feeling tired. Rest is such an important aspect of performance and cannot be neglected and is not less important that good volume of training. One soothing thought is that as a top world re-known Australian recovery specialist says – Work hard + rest well = Best performance – and that even God the creator of all worked on this principle. He worked hard at creating the earth (as you know that is no small feat) and then on the Seventh Day he RESTED!!!
• Realising that I will not be there for them during the final lead up to probably the most important event of their lives. But having faith that I have prepared them well, imparted knowledge, confidence and the Knowing what to do on them that they will be successful. And letting them have the realisation that even though I am not their with them, that my heart is there with them and every stroke they take.
• Hoping / desiring / wishing for contact with them just to hear that all is going well and everything is on track according to plan.
• Finally the only thing left to do is commit their lives, the last 15-20 days of preparation (whilst on training camp with the national teams and coaches for their respective countries) and their performances at the games to the Lord, that that if it is his will and he is satisfied with what has been done and what they stand for, their will reach and even surpass the desired and potential achievements there are destined for.

 

Race well Guys!

God Bless

SB

 

So who's plant has been Mauled the worst???

So the other day we got back home after Pizza @ the Leenstra's to find that the body corporate of our complex was not satisfied with the state of our small front Garden bed, which we are supposed to look after and have not - OOPS! So the decided to do somethign about it and made it differently. One of the things they did was palnt a lonesome evergreen planty thingy (no idea what it is called). But obviously they did not like the longer leaves and decided to make it look like the poor plant has just joined the US Army - short back, no sides and Flat top.

After Robyn stopped laughing her head off we realised it looked like time for a competition, time to show the leenstra's that it is not only their plant that looks kie a war veteran. So here it is Competition Time!!!

Check out our before and after photo's of our poor plant (thanks though to the Body Corporate for trying to do soemthing about our garden bed).



This is what these plants usually look like!

And this is what ours looks like now!

So if you scroll down to the bottom of my blog you can vote for whose plant came of second best!

You can view the Leenstra's Plant on http://www.lia.leenstra.blogspot.com/

Farewell Kelli

Today we say Farewell to Kelli Zlateff as she heads back to Ohio in the US this week. Kelli has been part of Ambassadors in Sport over the last number of months here in Pretoria, SA. Kelli has been part of our cell at Eastside and it has been really cool to see her passion for the Lord, her dedication to the Amabassadors soccer ministry and her outlook on life and love for others. It was highlighted to me with her trip to Zambia with some soccer girls over the month of June and her feedback that showed her excitement for what God was doing through their ministery in Zambia was amazing.

 

We really wish her well and prayer for abundant blessings when she moves home and also gets married in November as she starts the next chapter of her life in serving God. It is through people like Kelli and organisations such as Ambassadors in Sport that people passionate for sport can see the splendour of God.

God Bless Kel on your new adventures.

The Balls

Pizza @ the Leenstra's

Pizza @ the Leenstra's - that sounds like a song. No that is 'Breakfast @ tiffany's'. Anyways, we planned a "Kuier" with the Leenstra's last night seeing that we have not had cell for a while due to the school holidays. So Pizza's it was. After much deliberation, negotiation, coercion, renegotiation, should it be thick or thin base, the order was made! Romans pizza it was (cause there is only just one pizza place where you can buy 1 get 1 free - like in the infomercials!).

Off the hunters in the repsective families went to go an get the kill and bring home the bacon & perporoni & Cheese for alex! It is amazing how the Leenstra's after only 13 months of being here are already part of this country. We walked right in, No Order number (not like Rob's and I who have been living here all our lives and no one at Romans knows us), passed the 2 large boxes straight to Scott (no questions asked), we paid and left. Man guys, I think Romans in Montana are going to miss you guys! Do think their pizza sales will drop in around 5 weeks time.

Anyway's the pizza was great - even the piece I just had for breakfast - and we had a great evening catching up checking out possible houses for when they move back home AND my blogging best friend, Lia, showed me a cool trick for the blog - Feedjit, i think it is called. Now i too can check out who and from where is checkign out THE BALLS. So big brother is watching!

SB

What a last 14 days

The last 2 weeks have been good. The challenge of one car is still there but I must admit I think I am starting to enjoy the chauffer driven lifestyle as Rob's drops me off and picks me up from work. And Rob's is alot more economical on petrol which is especially helpful with the R10 per liter mark being reached.

 

Holiday club was an absolute blessing to Rob's and I saw her excited, motivated and absoluting thriving on her involvement there. I realised that working with young kids is an absolute passion for Rob's and something she needs to pursue further.

 

This last weekend saw us having not one but yes two weddings on the same day within 6km of one another. Man we felt like we were in the scene for the wedding crashers. It was however two very awesome weddings and we wish both couples namely Jana & Nico and Marna & Martin, all the best as they start the next exciting chapters in their lives as married couples. May their love for one another grow from strength to strength and may it blossom as they grow closer to the Lord.

 

We also heard the Scott & Lia and the two awesome little ones will be returning to the states (no not the Free States) in 6 weeks times. They have really become part of our church, cell and lives over the 13 months they have been here. This brings closure to there time here in SA and we really wish them well with their planning to return home and we will miss them. At least they can say that they made a baby in afrrica, something not many Americans can say.

 

anyways, all good and so we keep on bouncing, sometimes backwards but mostly forwards.

SB

Games Xplosion @ Eastside

Today starts the annual Holiday club for grades 0-7 at our church (Eastside Community Church). This is an annual thing and is a week long event hosting children from the commuinity, getting to know stories about the Lord and his grace.

Rob's is leading the grades 1-3 this year and she is so excited and nervous at the same time. It is amazing for me how dedicated she is when she puts her mind to something. I kwow her ideas are briliant and the kids are going to enjoy every minute of it.

Prayer is that the Lord guides each of the leaders as they share and spedn time with these kids.

Steven

Honeymoon in Mauritius

What an awesome time. The whole time was just awesome. The people were so hospitable and friendly, with the staff of Le Cannonier (North west part of the island) beign so professional. We were so impressed.

We had an unbelievable time and were able eat, dive (our favorite past time) and be merry. It is definitely like in the post cards. The sunsets, beaches and particularly the coral reefs were just awe inspiring.

We were so blessed to be able to go on this holiday. Just see the pics as to how amazing it was.

Challenges & Grace

So as some of you might know we (unwillingly) decided to donate Robyn's car to a worthy cause for the socioeconomic upliftment of one or two maybe of SA's thieves. Along with this 'donation' however comes various challenges like the use of one vehicle between us. This I must confess is a challenge BUT God shows the way and it has led to me having more quiet time.

Along with this he has provided all the time. Robyn is really been blessed in her work having a good steady client stream and being able to do what she loves. So even in a challenge like this God does provide.

It seems as though the transaction with the Insurance company will be completed by the end of the week and they will be paying out next week.

So to the individual or individuals whom now have exclusive use of Robyn's vehicle, we hope it gives you many wonderful km's.

1.5 Unbelievable!

1.5 years. Sounds so cool. On sunday the 15th of June (2 days ago) we were officially married 1.5 years. What a journey so far. It is amazing how blessed we have been along the way. So much has happened in our lives and we haver moved so far in our relationship with one another and with God.

I dont even know where to start reflectign on everything, bu thopefully in the next few days / weeks we can reflect on just soem of the thigns that has happened in our lives.

So for a start take a look at our Wedding page of where it all began. Check out www.ourwedpage.co.za/robynandsteven and start the journey with us.

SB

Man this is Cool

I have always wondered what and how I would have a blog, well it is up an running.

This page is really about us, "The Balls", yip the balls and we are all about bouncing. We really hope that with this blog we will be abel to share the happenings in our lives and share with everyone the amazing things that we have been blessed with and how we try and use these gifts on a daily basis.

Join us on our journey through life as we tackle challenges head on and look to God for guidance.

God Bless