Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Big paper due, a hearty South African braai and musical fountains

It's our last week before the Thanksgiving break and it is our last week for both "Every Woman's Grace" and "Sem Wives" for the year. 

Izak had a big paper due for this week and here he is preparing for his Hermeneutics paper in the library:
Look at his pile of library books!
  
Then we had a "South African braai" this weekend! We were invited to the Plodinec's place (they have been back in the States for a while but are usually stationed in South Africa in Polokwane- at Christ Seminary...)
Here is a link to their info:
http://www.gracechurch.org/ministries/outreach/international/missionary/?id=91 
Well, we had Dr Drew (also a South African) providing some REAL South African Boerewors, Biltong and Droe Wors! WHAT A TREAT! We even had milk tart for dessert! Here are some pics from the braai:
This is Lynette and Mr (Dr) and Mrs Cruygen:
Here are Andrew and Vicky and Dr Drew's wife, Holly:
Here are the men mingling! (Steve Plodinec is the obvious braai-er! Ie note the apron!) :) The other men are all African seminary students...

And your very own friendly South Africans:

  Izak had a 'teachers' meeting for our Bible study on Friday evening and I went and wandered around an impressive mall in Glendale! I witnessed this incredible musical fountain to a great Frank Sinatra song. Soooo romantic! Here are a few glimpses: (I simply stumbled upon it and it was so well done- the fountains water movement was synchronized to the music!)


 Then, here are some pics of the little walkway of the shopping centre... Such a pretty setup:


Vicky took pictures from this morning's Every Woman's Grace time and we'll try and get some pictures of the Sem Wives Finale too for you to see...

Izak has to work extra hours during the break and he has plenty of work to do in exam preparation as well as a big research paper that is due when school resumes. 

We are having our first "Thanksgiving celebration" with Andrew and Vicky plus we plan to go and visit the Hauser's in Ventura next Saturday...hopefully! So, more pics to follow. 

Speak to you soon!

Monday, November 8, 2010

Exciting parcel from Jeffreys Bay, Stir fried cashew chicken recipe and meet Bob and Lenore...

Well! We got our first ever package all the way from South Africa! Wow! Thanks Jeffreys Bay Bible Church ladies! We noticed the Christmas detail on the package but could not resist! Thank you so much for being so thoughtful. We finished the 'Chuckles' chocolates within 5 minutes of receiving the package! Here are the contents sprawled out on our couch- minus the chuckles chocolates!


Here is a closer look of some of the South African items:
'South African Protea' Fridge magnet:

A J-Bay keyring:

This one made Izak and I laugh! Great souvenir Liz! This fizzer was customized by little Kara! When I last saw her, I wouldn't have imagined her teeth having this sort of impact! And now after seeing a video of her walking... I can believe it! Makes us feel like the Olivier's have come to visit LA! (hehehe- you knew I would love that Liz!)


We appreciated getting the parcel so much. The DVD with all the pictures made me cry and we have used the tea, read the notes and put everything else on the fridge! (Except the earrings, which I have worn numerous times and love both pairs!) Here is a look of our fridge 'full of love'!

Since we have been here, I have been trying out some world recipes, this Stir-fried cashew chicken recipe was so easy and actually had Asian flair! (I would add more chilli next time...)
Here is a pic: (I found some rice noodles, which were so quick to prepare!)
Here is the link to the recipe:
http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1839,155172-254196,00.html

Then, we went to visit with Bob and Lenore for Sunday lunch and it was great to see them again! (We will be house-sitting for them for the first two weeks in December and we'll be looking after their very friendly rottweiler too- called Gracie...)
Meet.... Bob and Lenore!


 While we were at Bob and Lenore's place, she showed me these Origami flowers that her grand-daughter had made and let us have one! (Our first American Christmas decoration for our home!) I think that it is such a great idea for a homemade decoration! (The Christmas paper just makes it so festive!) So here is a how-to-make-origami-Christmas-roses site!
http://www.ehow.com/how_4465247_make-origami-roses.html

I wish you could try these! We discovered them from Christine (our friendly TMS admissions lady!) and we have been hooked! I believe they are especially made for Halloween... Here are some pics- which just doesn't allow the flavour sensation to quite arrest you as it has us! I look forward to seeing what they make for the other holidays! Such a great plan. I am definitely a fan! Check out their site: http://www.brachs.com/product_categories/halloween

I was sick for the first time since being away from home and Izak was Sem student, book-shop worker and nurser extraordinaire! :)

We only have two weeks to go before the Thanksgiving break and we are looking forward to that. However, Izak has exams directly after the break and two big papers that are due before the exams, so please pray for him!
We are so encouraged by the Lord's kindness to us. We are almost done with our first semester and it has been an incredible blessing. (Trials and hard work have abounded but also the memories to cherish and lots of growing!)


We'll be in touch!