We had only been in Africa for 2 days when we met the Oosthuizens. Zazz and Carryn - fascinating conversationalists with impeccable taste in food and wine - and soon to be great friends. Their daughter was the same age as mine and we were so thankful A had a new friend! Carryn was a lifeline for me in so many ways. I was in a strange new place, knowing no one and she quickly became a regular part of my week. The girls weekly playdate became the watering hole for my thirsty, wandering self. Their beautiful home was a reprieve for us - the gardens and pool - gorgeous and playful. Many happy memories made there for A.
Carryn helped me sort out all the great issues of life that I was facing. We loved analyzing people's personalities, world events and pondering the greater issues of spiritual life. She was my ground in a world that was completely ungrounded.
Zazz and his big bear hugs. You always felt welcome with Zazz. But be ready to get teased and challenged when sharing your ideas - the playful big brother - always there to spurn you on and question the status quo with a twinkle in his eye.
We loved getting to know F. With her spunky personality and made-up mind - there was no convincing her of any other opinion. I loved to listen to her impersonation of "American girls on tv." She was a pretty convincing southerner! She and A spent many wonderful days together.
We met our first lions in South Africa with F!
We loved our time at the estuary with the Oosts. The serene day spent reading, sunning and relaxing. The night filled with fantastic wine, food and fiery conversations with B and Cam. B the professional debater and all around well read, well thought out kid. S envied greatly his wonderful library and was blessed to borrow from it from time to time.
Great memories of our first Midmar mile and watching the family race while the girls played supermodel.
Cam and Zazz developed a unique friendship. Bonds formed as they prepared to hike Kilimanjaro together. To precise and prompt Zazz - Cam became the poster child for "faffing" - a new word for me that I will forever associate with him. (We call it piddling in the south - but in South Africa that has the meaning of leaving a puddle behind!). It was on that mountain that these men formed a wonderful bond - "Mountain brothers" forever.
And Carryn and I became members of the wives in waiting club!!
In October 2010 we said a sad goodbye to Zazz as he headed off on new adventures in the land of Oz. Carryn and the kids joined him in January and it seems like they've been gone for ages as we miss them so. How blessed we were for our paths to cross and to have spent such wonderful days with them while we were together. May God bless you Oosts as you blaze a trail in your new life. Looking forward to that day when our trails meet up again and we share that most exquisite food and wine and conversation at the Marriage supper with our Lord.
Faffingly yours,
The Beelers
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