I’m sitting in bed, in my summer pajamas in a central Durban hotel. It feels like it should be 9pm. It’s only 6-30pm. I’m drinking black rooibos tea (I never would have ever believed that would be my choice of tea but I’ve come to love it!). CNN is on, pounding out the pictures and stories of Hurricane Irma, although she is now come down to a Tropical Storm.
I arrived in Durban at 1-30pm just as the R80 airport shuttle was about to leave. They told me I had to catch the next one as that one was full. The next one left an hour later! I was horrified. “Is there not space for me at all?” I pleaded. “Only if you don’t mind standing.’ I happily agreed and climbed aboard bringing the total of the 22-seater with no standing room to 22-seater with 3 standing room! We soon started emptying the passengers, I found a seat and we were legal. Reggae pounded from the speakers. I felt truly African!
It took us an hour to get to my hotel. Dropped off at the door, I went in to check in. As I found my room, my heart sank. I had asked for none smoking but as a result I had the ground floor, with bright windows with no burglar bars overlooking a car park. Oh dear! This did not comfort my bruised soul.
I took my computer to the main restaurant area and over a cup of rooibos I worked. Mike phoned and I told him about my room. “Change it.” he said. So I did. They gave me the smoking floor which was a couple of stories up. Height trumps cigarette smoke. I feel far more comfortable here!
I showered but with no bucket in the shower! My shower always has a bucket. All that fresh clean drinking water running down the trap while the water warms up. What a waste. There is a notice that says there is a water shortage here too. They have no idea of how bad it can get.
This morning Mike and I rose early and did the rounds, checking out back from fresh footprints. We did find some. We walked to the road works site office to tell the engineer of this 4th intrusion. Everyone has been so shocked. We contacted the Pride Precast and they came and replaced the panels. I think this may come to an end now. We’ve moved stuff to safety. Tonight David spends the night. Mike said he would be fine, but I think he appreciated David’s company. I’m home for tomorrow night.
This time away is a good opportunity to reflect on what the heck is going on. The two men that came did not look familiar to Mike. The neighbourhood watch seems to think they may have driven to behind our house and parked the car up on the road before the break-ins. It makes sense if that is the case. When they stole the TV, even though we responded immediately, they seemed to disappear into thin air.
My levels of anxiety have been at an all time high.
It’s so interesting. I would be blogging away so happily all these years, reflecting on how wonderful my life is, my marriage is, my job is. Boom!
James 1:2-3
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
This certainly is a trial.
My faith is being tested. But God is faithful!
The other day when I was feeling so despondent and discouraged and overwhelmed with hopelessness. Everyone we spoke to told us “if they want to get in, they’ll find a way no matter what you do!” It was so discouraging. I was leaving the mall. “Oh Lord, I’m so discouraged,” I cried. “Please send me a sign.” (Then I shook my head – I don’t like asking God for a sign!) “Please send me someone I know.” I hadn’t finished praying when my shoulder was tapped and there was Riana. Speechless.
Then my Bible readings have been so appropriate. I’ve written down some of the verses I have encountered on my daily journey through the Bible.
It’s very easy to think toxic thoughts, but
2 Corinthians 10:5
We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Psalm 56:3
When I am afraid I will trust in You.
And after Mike saw the two men yesterday,
Isaiah 7:4
Be careful, keep calm and don’t be afraid. Do not lose heart because of these two smoldering stubs of firewood….
They cannot continue. They will burn out.
The other thing that has happened is the great involvement of our neighbourhood watch. We have people knocking at our door, introducing themselves and telling us they want to stake our place out. It is helpful and comforting having this kind of unsolicited support. My aim is to try to control my fear and anxiety. This surely is not how God wants me to feel.
This is a trial.
I will count it all joy.
I have never had a trial like this before.
#415 of my 1000 thanks is for the trial. Thank you Jesus for this trial. I count it all joy knowing that the testing of my faith will produce perseverance.
Moving forward, I’m in Durban and must turn my thoughts towards the interviews tomorrow. I will, God willing, catch an Uber for the very first time!
These are the days!
Keep the smile going.
God bless you.
In His Grip,
Helga xx 🙂