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