The day we decided to semi-grate to the Cape was one of the best days of our lives!

Twenty nine years ago, we moved down to Somerset West, after experiencing various burglaries, to escape the rising crime in Gauteng.

Little did we know how prophetic that move was!

God's providential leading was instrumental in us being able to move into the Western Cape, and to acquire our dream property at a price that was still possible for a very young family with a meagre income.

To Him all the glory!

During the years past, we have been through many ups and downs. His consistent care and provision have been constant in our family as we experienced so many miracles, big and small. From the family breadwinner, losing his job more than once, and the family never going to sleep hungry during those trying times, to prayers for the relief of serious illness and despair being answered.

We have been carried by His eternal arms and covered under His feathers, and we are GLAD!

Psalm 91 - He will cover you with his feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

Under His wings, our family has been blessed with His gifts of children and grandchildren - “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him” (Psalm 127:3).

And even though we are now older and creaking more (lol) - He has helped us to grow patient and wait on Him. The youthful ambitions have died down.

"Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31).

I love to feed birds in the garden. Recently, we were visited by a crowned eagle - what a magnificent creature!

How exciting to go into your twilight years with the calming promise that your grey-haired years will be full of strength, dignity, and hope - when you wait on the Lord and linger in His presence every day.

"Ainos", the name of our house, is a Greek word meaning "to praise" or "a laudatory tale" or "proverb".

I can think of no more fitting a name for our home and our life here than this. God's presence here is palpable and very real! To the south is a view of the magnificent False Bay, and to the north is the West Peak of the similarly magnificent Helderberg - a towering beauty that was lovelingly shaped by our wonderful Creator.

On the mountain's foothills, He placed the most diverse collection of natural habitat - fynbos, bird and animal life, and views to die for.

Meandering trails up the mountain bring you to different viewpoints where your breath is taken away. The freedom you feel up there is bird-like!

The picture at the top of this post was taken by me at the end of the Caracal trail. There you have a 360 degree carousel of the most incredible agricultural valley - incorporating vines, lakes, fruit trees and olive orchards - all flanked by the Hottentots Holland mountain range and to the south - Cape Point and the almost endless blue of the Atlantic ocean.

A photo can only show so much - come friend come...

Your visit here you will never forget!

This is a promise.

Sonja