You dont know what you have until . . .

i know many of you straight away wanted to complete that sentence with . . . "until its gone" ..... *beeep* wrong answer.

i learned this week, you dont know what you have until you take a moment to open your eyes and appreciate it.

This week has been the Christian Arts Festival . . . this week has been one of the most difficult weeks of my life.  [Those of you who receive my prayer updates have a glimpse into some of the goings on.] . . . so much opposition from within and without. . . so many random things going wrong. . . so many of us letting our own characters get in the way etc etc... and on top of it health issues.

its a time of feeling like i was floundering and in the midst of it all a kidney stone decided to make its presence felt. [yes i thought they had all gone] . . . and took me out of action in the last days. . .

i remember lying on my neighbor's couch, where i slept a few nights while sick, and thinking . . . "i should be feeling sorry for myself but i am in too much pain to care." and in the very next moment. . . i knew that wasnt true . . . i wasnt  feeling sorry for myself because i was so overwhelmed with gratitude for my friends [and family] who had stepped in and carried me and this event in so many different ways.

the ones who arent in this nation but upheld us and the event with prayer [and event fasting].

the ones who sent through text messages and emails and facebook moments asking how it was going.

the ones who supported it financially.

the ones who rejoiced in the salvations and small victories alongside me.

the ones who gave up work to come and volunteer where needed during the festival.

the ones who ran themselves ragged running errands and driving too and fro.

the one who got off a plane and walked straight into being an active organiser even though they are not involved in the Art Center at all . . . and then later proceeded to pick up all my responsibilities when i was sick.

the ones who talked me down out of my moods when things went wrong.

the ones who made me laugh. . . when i wanted to cry.

the ones who let me cry.

the one who came for a holiday and to meet people but instead ended up serving.

the new friends who served, sang, played and danced their hearts out for the sake of the lost.

the ones with the comforting arm around the shoulder when things failed, in the beginning.

the ones who kept coming back to the shows just to show support.

on and on and on this list could go . . . . yes it was my most difficult week. . . yes a ton of things went wrong. . . yes i am tired of being sick . . . but yes its been one of the most beautiful week as i stand truly amazed at the friends God has brought into my life. . . they are a true treasure and delight . . . and i am truly grateful.

so i would just like to say THANK YOU!

Little Miss Sunshine - a tribute to my daddy

My internet sadly wasnt working on Sunday for Father's day.... so this post is a few days late.... but i really want to take a moment to proudly and unashamedly declare that i am a Daddy's girl.... through and through.

YES! i might be 33 . . . but i can honestly tell you that as each day, week, month, year go by . . . i become more and more a daddy's girl.... he has me wrapped around his little finger. [though i think my mom might say its the other way around.]

My dad and i have not always seen eye to eye or held the same beliefs or opinions... but one thing i can always rely on is his support. . . 100%! i know my dad has my back. i never have to doubt it. i am so grateful because many times i am embarking on what appear to be crazy notions, like giving up a job to go to bible college or packing my bags to move to a  foreign nation and even if things go south, i dont get a  "i told you so" ... i get a shoulder to lean on.

of course he will always share his honest opinion . . . but he always loves me and is there as a support. through him i start to see and understand more of God's heart as a father. . . No  my dad is not perfect BUT he is my hero and he has my heart. 

He does admit that he might have set the bar a bit high for whoever my future husband is, and asked me to make peace with the fact that they wont measure up to him . . . but i am not scared cause i can always send them to him for training.... ha ha ha.

Daddy . . . the road wasnt always easy, we werent always close... but over the years we have forged a strong bond which i wouldnt exchange for the world. . . from dancing together at my Matric Dance, to dancing together in the kitchen the one time i was sick, while you sang to me. [yes i was in my 20's already but you are never too old to dance with your daddy] . . . to the sweet gestures, literally, like the occasional chocolate left on my pillow case.... to encouraging me to keep on keeping on when things get tough as i follow my dreams.... to giving me advice on what you would want for me in a husband. . . and so many more memories... for the laughter and hugs.... and the crazy blue hat of yours which is as much a part of the family and all our memories as we are.... for always calling me your sunshine!

thank you! thank you! thank you! i love you.... here's to many more memories together!