My Life as an African Gypsy

Here 'it' is at 14wks.
Our little one is measuring a little ahead of schedule, putting me close to 15wks, and moving my due date to the 19th of February.

I ate Hot Tamales candies before going (not thinking) and he/she kept bouncing all around. We could hardly hear the heartbeat or get a pic, as we only had seconds to capture a position.




And this is me currently 14-15wks. I haven't needed maternity clothes yet, though I do wear the shirts my sister gave me, mainly because they are too cute and a fun addition to my wardrobe.

I feel great! I told my doctor yesterday, "I don't feel pregnant anymore!" She responded, "It's not that you don't feel pregnant, you don't feel nauseous!" That's true. I don't feel tired anymore either.

Ah... second trimester bliss. =)

I haven't been extra hungry, or really having any cravings yet. I hope to stay that way a little while longer. I am about 5lbs up, and all from my lovely vacation. Ha! Revisit my food post, and you'll see why! I don't mind though, as long as I keep a handle on it.

Returning from vacation I was tired and lazy, having a hard time gettin' going. You've probably experienced this whole coming home from vacation tired. Why is that? Seems to be common. Anyways, I think it was the 7 hour drive with a new puppy and the hours of playing he demands.

Nonetheless, Friday rolled around and it was time to go to the hospital. I got dressed at the last minute, kind of hoping for some reason not to go. None came.

Off we went.

I walked into the room of women in the Oncology department and looked around. I didn't think I knew anyone. Inside my heart sank. Not only was Anna not there, my friend I hoped to check on, I was going to have to start from square one... with everybody. Honestly, I had a fleeting thought of waving and leaving; however, Jon was having Bible study with some guys, so I was stuck, and I might as well be chatting with some women.

I mustered some energy and walked over to some beds. The television seemed to be extra loud this day, and the women seemed extra interested in the program, and not so interested in me. Just dandy. I breezed through 3 beds so quick I thought I might just run out of people to talk to.

And then I saw her.

Selena, a woman I had previously visited with was there receiving treatment. And she looked awful. Her breathing was so labored. I noticed she was sitting in order to obtain more air, but she was too tired to stay awake. She would nod off, nearly falling over until she woke herself up, many times noticing she had been drooling and quickly tried to wipe her mouth.

I went.

I could hardly understand her words. She has cancer somewhere in the throat area, which seems to have permanently impaired her speech, and with the lack of air combined, I could hardly make anything out. It didn't matter though, she didn't have energy to be talking.

I started by praying and placing my hand on her leg. But then I realized what I could do. I could try to help support her so she might get a little rest.

I hopped up onto the bed, remembering Emilia and how she liked to put her head on my shoulder as I faced her, giving her support for her weak body, which in the same way could not lay down comfortably.

So I positioned myself, put my knee up for her to rest her arm, propped my arm on the other side of her body across her legs, and I patted my shoulder, telling her to put her head there.

There was no hesitation. No thinking to herself, "I hardly know this strange white girl." She only knew she was tired and weak and she needed someone... anyone. I wrapped one arm around her, trying to help her feel secure, while marveling in my mind how she could be so skinny. I could feel every rib.

The nurses tried to tell her to lay down, looking a me like I shouldn't be doing that. I explained that it was hard for her to breathe laying down, so we were fine. The women in the room stared and people walking through turned their heads.

I didn't care. And neither did she.

At one point she decided for herself to try and lay down. While laying there, she reached out her hand without the IV. After a second I realized she wanted me to hold her hand, so there we sat hand in hand.

When I left, I kissed her face and promised my return the next day and my prayers through the night. I honestly was unsure if she would make it until my return. But I prayed.

The next day Selena was miraculously improved, eating and talking. We enjoyed our visit as I shared with her my fear the previous day and gave thanks to the Lord for helping.
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So this experience got me thinking just how natural it is to desire touch and the nearness of people during our moments of suffering and pain. Culture doesn't really seem to matter. Our humanness reaches out and grabs for someone.

I am thankful that the Lord has allowed this stubborn, many times lazy, girl to be that "someone" for a few people here. I am humbled.

Five pounds and a fabulous vacation later...
here's a look at the delicious food along the way.

George, South Africa

We started with breakfast at this little french place I found in a magazine on the airplane. And boy we were glad when it was over!

We actually ate there on day 2 as well, though I missed a picture of that cream and chocolate filled pastry... it looked and tasted so good I forgot the camera hanging on my chair!






Because of the phenomenal weather, we chose an outdoor table in the garden area.

Jon had a yummy latte, and my still cautious tummy opted for...









Fresh strawberry juice! Yum!










And for the main course we had basil infused scrambled eggs, back bacon, and a homemade croissant.

Even Jon was left saying, "Wow."





Because of our late big breakfast, we decided to pass on lunch and opt for a late afternoon dessert at the not-so-original Mugg and Bean. Let me tell ya, as you see in this picture, again getting carried away eat and not photo taking... this caramel cheesecake was heavenly.














The next meal was at a private golf course called Fancourt. Ultra fancy. Ultra scrumptious.





I started with the pumpkin soup, which was some of the best I've had.











Jon started with a spicy chicken salad.












I chose the salmon and mashed potatoes.












Jon went for the beef kabobs and rice.








Swellendam, South Africa





On the way to Montagu in a town called Swellendam we found a lovely outdoor cafe to enjoy a nice fresh lunch. The building had been there since sometime in the 1800's.

















I had a chicken avocado salad with sundried tomatoes and yummy veggies.













Jon had a sandwich... he loves good sandwiches.
















To wrap it up, hot chocolate cake... the best I've had in Africa, possibly anywhere.






Montagu, South Africa


For dinner in Montagu, after a bike ride, we wanted a medium priced semi-casual place, which we found at the Ye Olde Tavern. Since Fancourt was super fancy, and we wanted to scale down a bit. And face it, you like to say 'Ye Olde Tavern' too.












We both opted for the gourmet burgers. And look at those onion rings. Sigh.















On the way out of Montagu we stopped for breakfast at this cute little spot that had a precious gift shop with bunches of homemade goodies. (So typically South African)









We both got the full deal... and the sausage was the highlight. Almost American tasting.







Hermanus Bay, South Africa





After some awesome whale watching we went to an outdoor cafe called Cafe Europa. I got the fish and chips which was cooked is a butter garlic. Yum!










Jon went with the prawns and chips, or as Americans would say 'shrimp and fries'.






Stellenbosch, South Africa





That afternoon we arrived in Stellenbosch, and when I saw this, I had to go.










I chose the carrot cupcake with cream cheese frosting and Jon had the espresso with meringue. Wish I could say they were better... not bad, but my cupcakes are better. And so are Sprinkles. =) Cute shop though, and cute idea.











And in Stellenbosch's hip/old downtown we found Cape to Cuba for a lovely night outside with good food.















I had chicken with a poblano (sp?) blue cheese sauce and creamed spinach and rice. Very enjoyable.












And Jon had this delicious stir-fry.















Walking around town we spotted this cake shop called 'Mila Cake Shop' that had breakfast... a must.













This doesn't even do justice to how cute the inside was... all pink and red. I LOVED it.












My orange spice rooibos tea. The sand timer told me when it was ready. How cool is that?











And two raspberry croissants, thank you!







Cape Town, South Africa





And while killing time before checking into our guest house, we picked-up Subway. Yes, I miss Subway.









Dinner at Quay-Four on the waterfront.

Starting with fish cakes, which is really their version of crab cakes, and tasted quite delightful.










I forget the type of fish this was, but it was yummy in a white wine garlic-y sauce and prawns on top.










Jon had a cajun crusted fish, which had a very nice flavor and a butter sauce to pour.












Afterwards we enjoyed coffee... yep we! I had my 1st coffee in some 2-3 months, and I enjoyed it.










My vanilla latte. Yay flavorings!












Sunday morning, lots of cafes closed, but we did manage to find Eco-cafe that had bagel breakfast sandwiches, and even a gingerbread latte for me!










Upon recommendation we went down to Sinnfull ice cream shop. It is actually the owner's last name, but almost feels sinful to eat. ;)















I had a toffee ice cream and a cookies'n'cream. I love ice cream.














Jon had what I had, plus a cookie dough scoop.










For dinner we went to an Eastern Bazaar, which was really cool. Each station had food from a different country. There was a busy vibrant feel inside and the food was really authentic.










Jon had butter chicken and I had chicken curry and we both had butter garlic naan. May not look tasty in the pic, but SO good.












A super cute spot called 'Bread Milk & Honey' that I read about in a magazine. Doesn't it just look like a place you want to go?















Homemade apple cinnamon muffins. Latte for Jon and a spice chai latte for me, before our hike up Table Mountain.











And our last meal in Cape Town, a super cute diner on Long Street... for me a bacon guacamole burger and fries.
















And to share, an oreo shake.

Being pregnant, perhaps my emotions are a bit closer to the surface than normal; however, it does not seem much more than normal. I don't deny that I am an emotional girl. I have had to, and continue to learn balance in this area, but I love that I feel, and I feel deeply. There is something soul-ish and almost spiritual about it. I love that my husband feels. That he expresses himself freely.

Yesterday a woman wanted to caution me about visiting the hospital. Seeing what we do and experiencing loss so frequently can be emotional. I appreciate her concern, truly I do. She told me when mom is sad, baby is sad, and I should be careful.

I've thought about it, and I've decided I want this little one in my belly to know the fullness of life. With that comes grief and mourning, and I am okay with that... it makes our joyful moments that much brighter. Living in this family, living in Mozambique, our child will know God's goodness in struggle. My life is full of love and joy. I sing and dance, exposing this little one to the bright side of this life. Jon and I laugh often. And I am okay with this little one mourning with me.

Emotions are good.

I am so full of anticipation for this child and the Lord's plan for him/her. I already pray that the Holy Spirit would come into my womb and fill this little one. What a miracle life is.