1 Time to take off to the UK!

Making a difference

There is only one night left before the new chapter in our lives begins. It has been almost two years that I have lived in Port Elizabeth. Although as a "to-a-local" married woman, I wasn’t able to get the visa papers sorted enabling us to build a future in SA. However I was still able to make a difference in peoples’ lives. I enjoyed fulfilling my role as a pastor’s wife, supporting Andrew in his job, taking an interest in people and loving people. It was amazing to be part of such a loving church congregation, and gaining many friendships. I was invited to many social events, such as weddings, birthdays and other celebrations as well as the honour of hosting people in our home. As a result, my Facebook amount of friends exploded. About making a difference, I gained work experience at one primary  and two high schools. All schools were situated in townships. It was very interesting for me to work there right in the midst of poverty. I learned a lot. And as I was waiting for Home Affairs until they lost my papers and I had to start all over again, I enjoyed making difference and whilst exercising and updating my teaching and training skills.

And really, South Africa made a huge difference in me. I am leaving South Africa as a different person, with a lot more life experience. Now I have this ring around my finger that will lead to a whole new world full of opportunities! Andrew’s family will pick me up at the airport in London. I will stay with them for a little while. As soon as I get a job and a house sorted, Andrew will come over. I am looking forward to the moment seeing him appear at arrivals, handing over the house key and taking him to our own apartment!

Going to the UK

We tried everything we could, believed, prayed and stayed full of hope. We knocked on every possible door to open a future in South Africa. But all doors stayed closed. I remembered the last three hour visit to Home Affairs we found out that nothing is going to change. So in the midst of waiting, Andrew said lets get outta here. I thought... this building? No, South Africa. Home Affairs can't do anything for us, so let’s move on in life. There are loads of benefits for Andrew and I to move to the UK. First of all, with both our EU passports, we won’t have any issues with visas. We both speak English and lucky me, Amsterdam is just a 50 minutes flight away! We have Andrew’s family living there, as well as quite a number of friends.

No we don’t exactly know what will happen however we know all the great things and loving people we are going to leave behind, but we do believe that with God’s help, doors will open to the next season in our lives!

London, here I come!