Day 7 - Weltevreden (Richmond) to Elandsfontein (Richmond)

This morning as we woke, oom Ettienne was already out and about; busy on the farm; and tannie Kuku was in the kitchen busy doing last night’s dishes – refusing any of our help.. As the last member (most probably Marais) got up; we went to the kitchen where tannie Kuku treated us to a big bowl of krummelpap (heated in plastic bags, that she premade with a previous mass-produced batch).. Gert did not however finish his breakfast, as a stomach disturbance was prohibiting him from doing so, luckily Hans was more than willing to finish his bowl for him..

After breakfast Hans, JanPaul and Marais squeezed into the cab of the Hilux and set off for Nieuwefontein (a local rehabilitation centrum); whilst Gert got back in to bed, trying to sleep off the ill-feeling.. As they arrived there, they were met by Robert, the manager, and Eddy, second in charge (an ex-addict from Angola, who finished his degree in human psychology).. They arranged for a meeting tomorrow; where we can speak to whomever is interested..

From there, they went on to look for accommodation for tonight; stopping at a small family, of whom the father is a jackal hunter employed by the local farmers, to help control the vermin problem.. They did get accommodation at a guest farm; but unfortunately the owners left on holiday, and didn’t leave any spare keys.. Luckily only a few kilometres away, they arrived on oom Freddy and tannie Marlene’s front door at Elandsfontein.. A beautiful old farm, that has been in the family for generations; their sons, Reinhardt and Bazil also farm with them on their approximate 50000ha..

After organizing to stay in their shed for the night; they went back to Weltevreden, finding Gert still asleep.. After a big lunch, everyone (except Marais who was napping) sat in the sun room drinking coffee and tea, talking about life and the means by which we can enrich the lives of those around us.. Khazimla art group in De Aar, was one of the initiatives that we spoke about; and we donated Bibles and living balls to their cause..

As they left, with Gert still feeling a bit under the weather, JanPaul and Marais set off; with Braveheart tagging along in-hand with a halter.. Hans and Gert went on to Elandsfontein; where Hans unloaded the trailer; and then sped back to go fetch Braveheart, for he was slowing down the other’s progress quite a bit.. On our way back, we saw once again one of the most beautiful works of art that God blessed us with; a sunset more spectacular than the best oil painting in history; with the most extraordinary colours and lines and textures, blending perfectly to form the most amazing backdrop imaginable..

Although the sunset was gorgeous to behold; JanPaul and Marais was suffering on horseback, for a strong, cold wind picked up just after sunset; and made progress for them very slow and uncomfortable.. Progress was slow; but the horses’ trust in their riders was obsolete; and they made it safely through the dark of night (with a majestic starry sky above though)..

Back at Elandsfontein, Hans put Braveheart in his camp.. Gert went to bed almost immediately; and stayed in there for the rest of the evening.. Hans then waited for the other two to arrive.. They arrived quite a bit later.. After quickly checking on the horses and feeding them, they then proceeded to make the traditional student supper – 2minute noodles; although they ended it off with a tinned can of guavas, which was a treat in anybody’s book.. Marais then almost came in a tumble with oom Freddy’s Australian cattle dog, as well as his two Collie crosses, when he went to the bathroom in the house.. That made quite the scence at that time of night..

We were sleeping in the old wool shed on the yard.. And with the wind howling songs of mystery around the corners; we could only lie there in absolute awe of His creation..