Day 8 - Elandsfontein (Richmond) to Vlakfontein (Richmond)

The shed we were sleeping in was already baking in the sun by the time we got up this morning; and it was still early.. We made turns to go shower in the house; and had a quick WeetBix before we started to pack our stuff..

We gathered all the workers on the yard and ministered to them about the Good Word (JanPaul took lead on this).. Afterwards we prayed for them all, and also invited them to come back if there was anything specific we could pray for.. Not long after they dispersed, two men, Elvis and Tom, came to us to ask us to pray for them.. Alcohol misuse and addiction is a big problem in these parts; and both of them came to repent and turn away from alcohol for good.. We prayed with them and encouraged them to stand strong in their faith; and in that they will see the fruit of their decision.. Encouraging them to challenge the other men to leave alcohol as well..

We then also went to their wives; and stood talking to them for a while.. Reminding them of the crucial role they play in their husbands’ and children’s lives.. Encouraging them to keep on praying for their families, casting out the evil and only inviting the good.. Challenging them to make an effort to do family Bible study, in order to raise their kids in a Jesus-centred household..

At 11’o clock we set off for Nieuwefontein; where we made the appointment yesterday.. Upon arrival we were greeted by Billy, who told us to wait a few minutes while the people who wanted to join our discussion gathered in the hall.. Going into the hall, we saw that only about seven of the people at the rehab came to join in the discussion.. Although they were very strong in their faith, or at least very willing to learn and grow.. We had a lengthy discussion about perseverance in life, living in love, living with the authority that Christ gives each one of his followers, fervently studying your Bible, and to pray ceaselessly.. They had a few questions and statements, and even a few testimonies, that they shared with us; and the rest of the session we sat discussing each topic.. Before we left, we gave Billy a few Bibles as well as a few living balls; so that he can distribute it amongst the people there that was in need of it..

Back at Elandsfontein, we found the shed we slept in to be transformed into an abbatoir of sorts.. Bazil shot two cows; and they were busy slaughtering them in there (to get away from the relentless heat).. Luckily all our stuff was already out of the way.. We packed the last things into the bakkie and trailer; braaing a few chops for lunch as we were packing.. After lunch we stood talking to oom Freddy, tannie Marlene and Bazil for a while; before saddling our horses and setting off for Vlakfontein..

The first part of the route was near to a small stream; and thus there was a bit more green scattered about, even plentiful willows.. We rode at quite a good pace, making really good time; Wortelfontein being our first stop at about 18km.. Only Zadok was thirsty and the other two horses just stood around.. So we quickly got back up again and rode further.. As we were leaving the farm though, we saw a herd of wild horses running around kicking up dust; a stallion was chasing around one of the mares, as her foal was running out in front of her; while the rest of the herd was just trotting about, trying to stay out of the way..

One thing of note was all the tortoises we found next to the road; and quite big ones by that.. It was beautiful to see.. There numbers almost equalled that of the amount of windmills; which was very abundant.. Blue crane birds was also a very regular sighting.. With steenbok and springbok making up the majority of the other wildlife we saw..

Originally we thought that Vlakfontein was only 25km away; but along the road we stopped next to oom Kabous Visser, who was picking up his workers to take them into town.. The sight of the three riders on their white horses; was quite an attraction.. And him and his wife, as well as the workers on the back of the bakkie; was very interested in our trip.. He told us that Vlakfontein was still about 10km from there, luckily though only 5km more than we thought.. We promised to meet up somewhere during the weekend, and would definitely be seeing them at church on Sunday..

As he left a cloud of dust in his wake, we quickly set off again, making good progress meeting up with Hans just before Vlakfontein.. Turning in at the name post, we quickly saw that we have discovered an oasis in the heart of the Karoo.. With the first green grass we’ve seen in more than a week, and a huge old lane of trees leading up to the house; where there was lush lucerne fields and even more trees.. We passed a beautiful white stallion in the veld; who was very excited at the sight of the three horses.. Oom Andre and tannie Marietjie Sieberhagen, as well as his son Deorg, came out to greet us as we hosed down our horses.. We put them in the kraal, fed them, and then sat watching the sun set over the green lucerne..

They offered us their hunting cabin to sleep in; which was more of a big old house than a cabin.. Wooden floors, filled with the most beautiful antiquities; and couches that offered our tired bodies a very welcome escape.. After braaing chops (and skaapstertjies that tannie Marietjie gave us); we sat in the living room sorting out a few stuff, while Hans was dabbling a bit in the leather craft; attempting to make a Bible cover for himself.. Marais was first to bed, as per usual; whilst the rest of us took our time showering and making ready for bed..

Thankful for yet another very successful day; baffled by God’s grace and favour in our lives, and on this trip..