2 Let the adventure begin

Taking the first little step

So here I am, sitting in ‘my own room’ at Andrew’s family’s house, staring at the rain and writing my first blog from the UK.  Just woken up, having my English tea and thinking… I am in London baby! Let the adventure begin!

It was a big step, moving to the UK. And still, if I start analyzing and trying to control the process of settling in, I feel overwhelmed. So I remind myself to just take one step at a time. Every day I look for jobs for only a few hours. And for the rest of the day, I discover what London has in store for us. And there is so much out there! It is so much fun to be on our journey. To find out more and more each day. In the end, there is no point in trying to force doors to open. Because it will all unfold itself as time passes by.

At the airport, I had my last South African breakfast with Andrew, our family and closest friends. It was hard to say goodbye. In Johannesburg, I had a coffee and a very encouraging chat with a friend who came to see me at the airport. And when I walked to through the arrivals in London, I saw two happy people with their arms wide open, saying ‘Welcome to London!’. Andrew’s family was there to pick me up from the airport. I am staying with them and they are an incredible support to me and great help to set out my feet. Their house is full of fun, love and care. They really remind me of Wendy. I can really see they are relatives!

New doors to be opened

Sometimes in life, what seems like a closing door, only leads to another door to open. A door to the next level. There is a whole new world out there, with endless opportunities for the two of us.  And when we feel in our hearts, it is time for a change, we have to do our part.  We can’t just sit and wait for everything to fall into its place. And then feeling sorry for ourselves  and blaming our circumstances, because nothing is really changing. In the Bible it says ‘’Faith without action is dead’’ (James 2:17).

I was very sad to literally let go of all people, the warm weather, the warm culture, the important places and possessions in South Africa. And most of all, to say goodbye to Andrew, not knowing how many weeks it will take until I have a job secured and he can come over.  I felt very emotional during those three flights to Johannesburg, Dubai and London. Because we are taking a big step in faith, knowing and trusting that the right doors will open. Yet we do not know how it all is going to be like. So I made up my mind: I am not going to think anything of my thoughts and emotions. I just let them sit there. The worst thing you can do is try to figure it all out by analyzing. Sad to leave Andrew behind for a while, but thanks to whatsapp, facebook and skype, we can still communicate.  And I know, wherever I will go, God is with me (Psalm 139:7-12) I just put my farewell-party-book with encouraging notes from South African people next to my bed. Every now and then I read some pages. It really helps me to keep our long term goal in mind and to stay full of hope.

My first birthday celebration in the UK

So, tomorrow will be my birthday. Although I already had a big celebration in South Africa, I celebrate it here as well! I will go out with Andrew’s family and for the evening, I invited my South African friends to pop in for a drink. I organised a DVD of a South African comedian, so we will definitely enjoy ourselves! This weekend, I will spend some time with my family in the Netherlands, because it will be my mother’s birthday too. I am looking forward to see my family again in the village where I grew up. Fortunately, the flight is the same distance as from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town. So that is not that far anymore!