I had arrived at St. James Church in the car of a complete stranger. As I left the church service that Sunday morning, I had no idea which direction to go. All I knew was that I had to get back to the Main Road in order to catch a bus back to the Nurses’ Home.
The sun was shining brightly that Sunday morning. There was hardly a breath of wind and the beauty of the day was not lost on me. I felt so happy. I took off along a road and just a short distance down the road, a car drew along side me and the male occupant said he had seen me at church and did I need a lift. I explained I was hoping I was going in the direction of the Main Road because I needed to catch a bus. He told I wasn’t and that he would be happy to give me a lift. I got into the car and off we went. Feeling a tad people deprived, I merrily chatted away to my new found friend (who I learned was Andre) and told him all about myself. He could hardly get a word in edgeways! Within minutes, we were at the Main Rd and it was at this point that he offered to take me all the way back to Woodstock. I was so appreciative and accepted his offer.
On the way, he said he belonged to the 20s group at St. James Church and that afternoon they had an outing – did I want to join them. I absolutely said yes! That would be great! He said they were going to Hout Bay and would be going on a little boat trip across to the harbour. It all sounded wonderful, so, as he dropped me off, we set a time for him to pick me up a few hours later.
And sure enough at the appointed time, Andre arrived at the Nurses’ Home, a little unexpectedly, on his motorbike! I was not afraid of motorbikes. My brother had one and I had frequently ridden one both as driver and passenger. It was quite exhilarating, on this spectacular summer’s day to experience this amazing city from the back of a bike. Andre showed me the absolute best of Cape Town. The route he took was through the city centre via Camps Bay to Hout Bay. It was a feast for the eyes. We arrived at Hout Bay and joined some of the other young people from St. James. From there, we climbed in a small boat and putted across the bay to Hout Bay harbour. It was just a short trip but so enjoyable. Coming from a landlocked country, I was in my element taking in the beauty of the sea and the mountains.
After that excursion, Andre and I left and instead of going straight home, he took me over Chapman’s Peak Drive. It’s difficult to put into words how I felt as I saw for the very first time, the majestic view of the sea from the drive.
Photo from Beaumont House
I felt so privileged that God had bought me to such a wonderful place. We soon arrived in Noordhoek and Andre turned left up a mountain pass. At the time, I didn’t know it was Ou Kaapse Weg and that one day it would be the road that I could see from my house. We wound our way up what seemed to be quite a remote road and it was at that moment that I really hoped that this little excursion would not turn out badly. But we soon got to the end and we went home via the Main Road, stopping in Newlands where the Spur already existed. I bought Andre a milkshake to say thank you for his kindness.
A short while later, around 5pm, we roared into the parking lot of Woodstock Nurses’ Home. As I disembarked, thanking Andre as I did, I noticed familiar faces in the reception area. To my utmost surprise, my dear friends, the Beales, had driven in from Somerset West, saying to themselves, “Poor Helga – alone on her first Sunday in Cape Town. Let’s go and pick her up and take her to St. James church evening service!” They had arrived at the Nurses’ Home only to be told I had left a few hours earlier on the back of a motor bike!
I went to church with them and we had a lovely evening together.
And that was my first Sunday in Cape Town. What a memory. I’ve always appreciated Andre for his generosity towards me. I bumped into him a few months ago and had enjoyed reflecting on it.
For me both the trip around the Peninsula and the visit from the Beales was aesture of love from God Himself. I felt very very special and knew that I had moved to the best city in the world.
Revelation 3:8
I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my Name.
To God be the glory.
Keep the smile going.
God bless you!
In His Grip,
Helga xx 🙂