2020 – The year nobody saw coming
Here we are folks – the last day of 2020. Who thought we’d ever get to this day? If I think back to last year this time, I remember hearing so many people talking about how excited they were for 2020. Everyone I spoke with had huge expectations for this year. It was supposed to be the year for perfect, clear vision.
And then March came along, and the world as we knew it changed forever. What a topsy-turvy year with Corona Virus, lock downs, a global pandemic, masks and sanitizer becoming our new norm, working parents all over juggling working from home and home-schooling their children, everyone trying to stay healthy, a toilet paper crisis (which I still do not fully understand) and uncertainty – so much uncertainty.
As I look back over 2020, we definitely had our lows as a family. No doubt about it. But sitting here today, in front of my computer, reflecting on the year that was, I am choosing to focus on the good that happened in 2020. Gosh we had some good things happen for our family in 2020.
We were able to move into a house with a garden and so much space, the weekend before lock down began. What a blessing this was – we are eternally grateful to Jason’s mom for letting us move into her house. It was amazing for Noah to spend that time with her, one on one. We are especially grateful as we had no idea we would be ending the year back in Durban. All three of us cherish those six months we spent living there – we definitely had some good times, celebrating all our birthdays and Easter and Mothers Day under lock down, and together.
Our three years back in Cape Town were tough. We struggled a lot. One major area where we struggled was with work, for both Jason and myself. While I eventually managed to find a steady, full-time job, it wasn’t as easy for Jason. And when lock down happened work came to a screeching halt for him. But, we serve a God who is bigger than anything we consider a problem. And even during our darkest times, He is still working for us and not against us. We could clearly see Gods hand over our lives during lockdown. And one major way that He really came through for us, was with Jason getting a full-time job where he could work from home. We were so excited when this all worked out. Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness!
In September, my parents and our niece and nephew came to visit us for the long weekend. What a special time – we hadn’t seen May-May and Dylan since we left Durban, so to have them visit us in Cape Town was extra special. They were also all with us on the day we celebrated our Family Day – 5 years of being a family of three. It is a day that has a special place in my heart.
In October, we had no idea that a major life change was headed our way. I had been feeling for a good few months that some changes were going to happen for us. I wasn’t sure exactly what it was or how it looked. I just remember feeling like something big was coming. Jason was not necessarily feeling the same way. Then one day he came to me and said he felt the same way. The following Tuesday Jason was asked to apply for a job in Durban. It was for a company that he had worked for many years ago. It was a job he had done, and done well. We were apprehensive at first, but Jason went for the interview, and afterwards he knew, he just knew – this was the change that was coming our way. And in that moment, all feelings of apprehension left us both. Suddenly we were excited for the fresh new adventure that awaited us.
We had 6 weeks to pack up our life in Cape Town, find a new home in Durban, spend as much time as possible with as many of the special people in Cape Town as we possibly could, and get to Durban in time for Jason to start his new job – an absolute dream job for him, and yet another prayer of ours answered by our God. It was a whirlwind 6 weeks – the only way I managed to keep my sanity was by making a list of literally everything that needed to happen by the time we got to Durban – no matter how big or small it may have seemed, if it wasn’t on the list, it wasn’t going to happen!
Coming back to Durban has felt like a true homecoming. We loved our time in Cape Town – the highs and the lows were all integral in helping the three of us become who we are today. It was amazing to have that special time with grandparents, aunts and uncles and two incredibly special cousins. We cherish that time we had with the family. We also met some amazing new friends – people who have walked a road with us, supported us and welcomed our family into their lives. We miss all the special people in Cape Town so much! At the same time though, being back with friends and family who we missed equally as much while we were in Cape Town – it has just been incredible. It feels like no time has passed – we have all picked up right where we left off.
As I listen to my husband and son playing and having fun in our swimming pool (a prayer of Noahs that our God answered with our move), I am filled with such a sense of gratitude. I am grateful for my little family unit – the three of us are an unbreakable team and I so cherish the life we have together. I am grateful for our extended family, both near and far. These are the people who have loved us and supported us through thick and thin and we love you all so much! I am grateful that Jason and I will both be starting 2021 with full time jobs – the biggest blessing which neither of us take for granted. I am grateful that we serve a God who is faithful, who loves us unconditionally, knows all, and only wants good things for us.
As we say goodbye to 2020 and welcome in 2021, my prayer for each person reading this is that you and your family will have good health. May you feel Gods hand over every aspect of your life. May you see Him working in areas that you need Him the most. May your prayers be answered. May you feel His supernatural peace, especially when fear surrounds you. He is for you. Happy New Year friends!
Hello 2021!
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