When the Israelites were in their exodus from Egypt through the desert for forty years, the Lord led them with a very clever plan to the Promised Land. He kept them close to Him and helped them stand together and move forward. His plan included many challenges and many miracles.

Since we left Welgemoed, we have also experienced many challenges, miracles, and angels on our path. After we left Welgemoed, we took a short break before Charl flew back to Zurich and Zander and I drove long distances to say farewell to the people and places we love.

BMW does not like dirt roads

On the way to Kathu, I consulted Google Maps about the roads in the Northern Cape and took a shortcut, little knowing that it was a dirt road. The BMW does not like dirt roads. On a late Sunday morning, on a rocky road without a cell phone signal between Prieska and Griekwastad, the BMW’s tyre bursts! We were stranded because the BMW had run-flat tires and no spare wheel.

Just as my panic attack was gaining momentum, a large tractor with three workers appeared like angels from heaven. I climbed with my computer, handbag, and passports on the tractor, and Zander followed. When we reached the farmhouse, the farmer used the landline to help me order a new tyre from Prieska. I could also use the phone to inform my family about our predicament.

Brother-in-law Andre informed me the condition of the dirt road was too bad to drive further with the BMW. He arranged with a farmer in the Griekwastad area to fetch us with his flatbed trailer before nightfall. That evening we were able to lay our weary heads on soft pillows in a guest house in Griekwastad. All I could mumble before I slowly closed my eyes was, Thank you, Father, for all the Northern Cape angels who came to our rescue with so much love and care on their precious Sunday!

The Kalahari was like an oasis

Being with my mom in Kathu and Ansa and Andre on the farm was like a leafy green oasis with lovely palm trees in the desert after weeks of packing boxes and the dirt road experience. Our cups overflowed with love, care and pampering, and nothing could bother us. I am so grateful that Christo and Michaela were also able to join us. With the large camel thorn trees and golden-orange sunsets as a backdrop, we had a good time, ate, laughed, and enjoyed each other’s company. To drive away from there was very painful.

In Pretoria to pick up visas

After consulting on the safest way to Pretoria to pick up our visas, a school friend added me to a few ride-safe WhatsApp groups. They came to our rescue when we could avoid riots on our planned routes. The visa application process was a large stone that could potentially overturn the Swiss apple cart, but fortunately, everything went smoothly with Swiss precision.

Time with Jacques and Candice in Parys

After the visas, we picked up Jacques and our cousin Candice in Potchefstroom and had a wonderful time together in Parys along the rippling waters of the Vaal River. Jacques spoiled us with tasty meals he prepared. As an old Kovsie, the entire Free State landscape brought back fond memories from my student days.

After saying goodbye to Jacques, we headed to our nephew Justin in Sandton. He showed us the lights of Sandton and helped us get safely on the Gautrain for our last ride to OR Tambo airport.

Our day of departure has arrived. I carry all the challenges and precious moments like gems in my heart and just prayed that we would finally get to Zurich after the long journey. Like Moses, I feared that I would not be able to see the promised land. I have so many dreams of how I want to spend precious time with friends and family, experience moments and build memories in Switzerland.

I am grateful to my travel buddy, who had all the experiences with me. He knows his mom well and has offered incredible support with much love and humour.

Kind regards

Emsia