Day 9 - Vlakfontein (Richmond) to Richmond

The house was filled with an eerie silence as Gert woke this morning; not even a single floorboard creaking, everyone was still fast asleep.. Just as the sun rose over the horizon, he woke Marais (with some difficulty) to go feed the horses; as Gert was still a bit under the weather and the horses was sleeping in a kraal about a kilometre away..

By the time Marais got back from the horses, the other two started to awake as well; and after breakfast we started packing up.. Before long we were loaded and headed for the horses.. Braveheart was loaded into the trailer; and JanPaul and Marais set off on their horses, while Hans quickly went inside to go greet oom Andre and tannie Marietjie and thank them..

The bakkie passed the horses, before they even reached the main road; and Hans and Gert set off for Richmond.. JanPaul and Marais took a fast pace with the horses, as the town was not very far away; and their trip was rather uneventful, save an abundance of steenbok, as well as oom Kabous Visser who stopped by them again..

As the two in the bakkie reached Richmond, they sought out the sport grounds where we were supposed to sleep; and upon arrival were received by Richard, a Malawian who was the keeper of the grounds.. He quickly showed them around; and they unloaded Braveheart and put him in one of the enclosures (it even had a roof).. Braveheart however wasn’t about to settle easily; and for the next hour or two trod up and down in his camp, waiting for Mubarak and Zadok.. His relentless pacing was only interrupted by a small herd of mares and foals that passed by quite close; this sending him into even more of a frenzy..

JanPaul and Marais arrived and we put their horses next to Braveheart; who immediately calmed down and started to eat the lucerne that we put out for them.. After quickly stretching the horses, and inspecting them for any lumps or bruises; we went to the lavatory to go shower.. It was huge old showers; and as we got in, Marais commented that they were definitely worthwhile blogging about – seeing that they were by far the best showers we’ve had..

We then left for church; Gert driving the bakkie, whilst the other three were walking.. The old church in the middle of the town was beautiful from the outside, and as you walked in the beauty was continued and even improved upon; as the window art, and extravagant ceiling, together with gorgeous wooden benches and an intricately carved wooden pulpit, took you away to another era of splendour and class.. As it was quite a small community; the turn-up of just over 130 people was a decent number; and although scattered through the church, gave the whole building a warm, friendly feeling.. The pastor opened the service, after which a choir walked to the front; and within minutes had our full attention, they were extraordinary.. Throughout the service, they sang quite a few songs; with one of the ladies also performing a solo.. It was a beautiful Christmas carol service; the choir especially giving rise to a feeling of melancholy..

After the service we went back to the sport grounds; where the church was hosting a supper-event.. There was a few extended speeches and thanksgivings; also they bid farewell to their pastor, who was retiring in a week and moving to Hartenbos.. The meal was, typically small town, huge and fit for a king; ensuring that all the men got second and even third helpings.. Throughout the evening a huge number of people came by our table; coming to hear our story, wishing us well for the road ahead and just chatting about everyday life.. One of the older gentlemen (probably the eldest in the district), even came to us with banknote in hand; blessing us and encouraging us to keep doing what we’re doing..

Later there was still one table filled with people that remained; with Gerrit and Carla Viljoen’s two kids fast asleep on the couched; and they sat talking till late.. We on the other hand was already settling down in the living room; making ready for bed; the one more tired than the other.. Marais, habitually, were in bed first, with JanPaul following shortly after.. Hans was still out phoning Simoné (his very patient and forgiving girlfriend); whilst Gert was journaling and having some quiet time..

We all went to bed with smiles on our face; and just realised once again how much a good meal can do for one’s spirit.. Thankful to God for blessing us with yet another meal (and a quite big one at that); providing us with more than we need or deserve..