The Hains Clan

Well, everything is done (ok, almost).  Our belongings are packed (by super fast moving guys), the house is clean (by inadequate professional carpet cleaners and not-so-inadequate-soon-to-be-no-longer-tenants -ie US), the inspection is complete (and the wine stain doesn’t seem to be a problem at this stage) and the car keys have been handed over to the new owner (enjoy our little punto – we did!)

And now…. all that is left to do…. Fit EVERYTHING we have left into our 4 not-so-little suitcases, within the weight limits and in such a way to make a change of clothes, toys and snacks accessible for the kiddies we will be travelling with (that would be Elowyn and Ethan – our little munchkins who are counting the time down to see the special people in their lives again!).  Now to figure out what “special” bag Ethan will have as his hand luggage, as Elowyn has the privilege of a proper pink hand luggage case all to herself (or so she thinks!!)  Hmm, I guess our old cellini bag would do… it’s dark green, maybe I can convince him it’s blue?

And then to rid Angela (the lovely lady who agreed to let us stay in her house for 4 days!) of the mess of all our belongings (and possibly leave her with some she will need to throw out on our behalf…. Let’s first see what those suitcases weigh!  Ethan has enjoyed staying here with Angela and her two gorgeous boys, Danial and Joshua, so much that he has said a few times, “I really want to stay here forever”. My poor boy – such upheaval – but he’s loving the huge amount of boys-toys at his finger tips here… I’m going to have to get him more trains, cars and trucks!!

And finally, the farewell… Some friends have said they’re coming to say good bye at the airport (*sniff*) and I am not looking forward to that.  But I am looking forward to the last big hug and the promises of staying in touch (as you know we will!!!) and the wishes of all of the good things in life (to everyone, not just us!).  I feel so privileged to have such amazing friends and wonderful family in the UK that I am now very sad to say good bye to.  We have been so blessed, so touched by all!

My sister, Tildi, said to me yesterday, “Enjoy South Africa! That is where you and your family belong right now, that is home”.  It felt so hard to say good bye to her but I knew what she said was true… wow, we’re going home!

Thank you to all our friends and family that we have met and gotten to know along the way.  It’s been such a journey – one we will never forget!  We have learnt so much, but the most noteworthy are: God’s grace – His unending grace, the importance of relationship in all we are & do, the value of enjoying where you are & what you’re doing and, of course, the beauty of parenthood (my precious Elowyn and Ethan, I couldn’t be without them)!

I would love to mention all the people who have been such a huge part of our lives here, but I’m afraid I may miss someone – so, you all know who you are Much love to you.  Everyone in Northern Ireland, Ireland, England, Scotland and those around the world that we’ve managed to see while in the Northern Hemisphere… it’s been interesting

So, we close the chapter on the UK (not to say we won’t revisit it in the chapters to come, but this one is now closing) and we look forward to the next chapter.  What adventures are in store? What is to happen next?  How exciting!

With love, thanks for reading.

xx Anita

PS Some photos to come soon of our last little while in England.

I was thinking today that moving is fun, but transition is hard. It’s the “we’re almost moving but not quite yet” stage that is hard.  It’ll be a while still before we leave the UK (well, 7 weeks) and I am treasuring moments with friends where ever I can get them, amidst the clearing, sorting and more clearing.  I have been amazed at (and grateful for) the lasting friendships that the past 6 years have created and how much I want to see each person before we leave this little cluster of islands !  I am sad because I don’t want to say goodbye for too long (come visit in SA please!) but excited to say hello to friends long past who say how happy they are to see us coming back into their lives again, not to mention our precious family!

So with all this in my head and my children feeling the strain of giving up toys and clothes and stuff and my house looking like a dump – permanently… I want to say to all our friends here in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Ireland – thank you for your love, friendship and fun!  I found this quote and I thought it apt:

“After a while you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul. You learn that kisses aren’t contracts and presents aren’t promises. You learn that loving doesn’t mean leaning and company doesn’t always mean security, and you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much. After a while you learn to build all your dreams on today because tomorrows ground is to uncertain for dreams, and futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight. After a while you learn to accept your defeats with your head held with the grace of a woman and not the grief of a child. After a while you learn to plant your own garden and decorate your own soul instead of waiting for someone else to bring you flowers. And you learn that you really are strong, that you really do have self worth, and you can endure, and you learn and learn, with every “goodbye” you learn.”
Thanks for reading

x Anita

Elown’s birthday and Wintertime in Maidenhead – Enjoy the photos!