Reflections on a bucketlist trip


In July we embarked on a 'bucketlist trip, places Judy particularly wanted to visit one last time. Ian's brother, Stuart, kindly offered us his motorhome for the journey. What a gift! 

It was a landmark birthday for Ian's eldest brother, Donald, who lives in White River, so we started there, and were blessed to have all five siblings and spouses together. It was a really meaningful time together.

Back: Linda and Stuart, Judy and Ian
Middle: Isobel and Donald, Joy
Front: Alan and Dawn (siblings underlined)

From there, we went to the Kruger National Park. At least July is warm in that part of the country! We had some nice sightings. There were 2 resident fish eagles just outside Berg-en-Dal. Their distinct call has a special place in our hearts. We also saw hyena, wild dog, rhino, a lioness, an owl in the day. We did a sunset game drive and saw a hippo in the bush, a civet and a genet (both related to the mongoose). But we realised game-watching is not prime time for us as we couldn’t chat as we drove, due to Judy's speech difficulties.

Cathedral Peak in the Drakensberg was our next destination. We had a full view of the mountains from our unit, and a fireplace inside, which heated the atmosphere only marginally more than the canasta competition!  We did a few good walks. With Ian’s help, Judy even did a 6 km walk on the Rainbow Gorge trail. It was indescribable, so many happy memories.

Next was Heather and Nathan in Middelburg, arriving on Emily’s 7th birthday. But, sadly, they were ill, and we had to move on to avoid Judy getting sick. 

We spent two nights with Sandy and Patrick Black in Pretoria and on Sunday morning, we went to Junctions, our previous church. What a worthwhile time. We have many people there that we love and on whom we had had a significant impact.

We were, however grateful to be back home and settle in to comfortable routines and to reflect on our trip. 

Ian's reflections: Since being back, I have been a bit philosophical ,,,,  this was a good bucket-list trip, seeing past happy places, but are we filling the right bucket? Maybe it’s not old places that matter, but people, living each day with meaningful relationships. Also, I feel encouraged to explore places closer to home and have shorter journeys and new adventures. It is also a season settling into Judy's rhythms and capacity. 

Judy's reflections: I am aware of the deterioration in my health. It was really the right time to do the trip. I could still enjoy the walking, and most of the food. I am left with a deep sense of gratitude. For my husband especially, who patiently serves me, listens to me, treats me as an equal, and still enjoys me. And for our many diverse and rich relationships across the country.

Family news

We have a new grandson, Oliver Daniel McDougall, born to David and Robynne in PE on the 4th of June! He is delightful and we are very proud.

Oliver on the blanket Judy made

Amy visited Oliver then us late July, and then Heather and Abby did the same thing. 

Amy meeting her new nephew

Warning! Amy is a formidable opponent in Bananagrams.

Abby wins everyone's hearts
A walk on the Wild Side, Cape St Francis


Ian's work

I have started with some IT development, using AI (Claude) to develop a product called The Vine. It analyses how a person is displaying the Fruit of the Spirit and Capital Vices to guide them on the journey of Spiritual Formation. It is for the people I visited in Michigan. I am surprisingly enjoying the AI aspect and not having programmers that give me trouble! We went live yesterday, so if you are interested, let's catch up and I will tell you more.  

Life back home

We continue to be part of people's lives, as we love to do, encouraging and discipling them. Ian is getting back into the rhythms of Beats and Books and needs to follow up with people he met in Birmingham AL. He is also doing a course in Neuro Science and coaching. Judy is not driving any more, so she has a Whatsapp group called Judy's Lift Club, group of friends who volunteer to take her places. And she gets to spend time with people and connect. The bonus is that they have the opportunity to experience the joy of giving.

Prayer pointers

- That we would settle into this new season well.

- Ian's The Vine project, other work and a balanced schedule. 

- Judy to continue to walk in the joy of the Lord and to understand the projects and people to focus on in this season.

- For our home in Pretoria, we are still finalising some outstanding issues with the municioality for the subdivision, although the plans have been approved. Please pray for a speedy conclusion to this. We, thankfully have a buyer who has expressed an interest. 



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