Hi everyone,Welcome to the new version of our blog. Every blue moon one gets the feeling that it's time to try a new hair style or paint your car a different shade of neon pink...well, this blog went for a major overhaul. Hope you enjoy the new look as much as we do:) Those of you who know us also know what a prominent place the word 'kwagga' has in our vocabulary. I might dedicate a separate post to kwaggas sometime in the future.
Many new developments have seen the light this past couple of weeks. My brand-spanking new green card had me frantically scrabble for part-time work to take remove the load of seminary tuition from Bella's shoulders. Even though Starbucks and Home Depot did not get back to me about my applications, two other jobs transpired form the woodwork. I now work part-time for the seminary as technical assistant on the 'New Media Initiative' they recently launched. The work is enjoyable and stimulating on a technical level. I am currently responsible for editing soundtracks for web broadcasts and some web development for smart phones might just be in the pipeline (I hope!). This new job at the seminary is partly responsible for all the theological links we added to the blog, but we also feel good about sharing this good stuff with all of you:) I also present computer classes to my neighbour which will hopefully help him manage his business more efficiently. He really struggles with health problems, so please pray for him.
Bella kicks off her first semester at Long Beach University at the end of this month. The plan is to complete her masters degree in nursing over the course of the next two and a half years. The degree will put her on track in nursing education and help with her long term dreams for South Africa.
This, however, is not the only change Bella will have to face in the coming weeks. Even though she has been toying with the idea to transfer from the Intermediate Care Unit (IMU) to the Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for some time now, the decision was promptly made for her after the hospital decided to downsize the IMU. She has done some cross-training already and should be transferring in the coming month. She is super excited about the new things that she is learning, but such a move never comes without some butterflies in the stomach.
Y'all are probably wondering about the picture of the sausage stuffer for this post:) We have just become the proud owners of an 11lb sausage stuffer. We got some 'lekker' boerewors recipes from Oupa Plaas (Grandpa) and from the rest of the family. We can't wait to test our first batch! If it's any good I might start selling real South African boerewors at the local farmer's market. That would be a treat:)
You'll also be proud to know that we're trying our hand at all sorts of South African cooking. I've made my first bottle of rhubarb just recently. It was delicious and brought back fond memories.
We also welcomed a big gas grill to the family after a kind neighbour donated it to us when he moved out. We now boast a whopping four barbeques on the patio, each with it's special niche (smoker, big BBQ, small BBQ for extra potjiekos coals, and the gas BBQ for veggies).
Thanks for taking the time to read our blog. Please write us some emails to let us know how you are doing.
This semester is going to be a BIG one. We'll be flying by the seat of our pants until our next post.
Cheers,
The Stoffies
