MY PILGRIMAGE - MSA IN SOUTH AFRICA

Dedicated to my friends and loved ones, and my MSA buddies.

Phooto by Sissi Karin Holtzhausen

The road is difficult, full of hills and valleys, a desolate desert where many sorrows lurk. I have been privileged to meet many fellow travellers on this road of adversity.

Some have gone ahead. They have dug wells where I can quench my thirst (for knowledge). They have planted oases (of wisdom) where I find peace and momentary rest. They are precious jewels who pave my way with wisdom-arrows to point me in the right direction.

Photo taken by my dear friend Susan on the Camino in 2012

They inspire me with the courage with which they travel along the precipitous ledges. With the endurance of rock climbers, they hang on the rocks despite the depth of the valley lurking below.

Some have travelled the road of adversity with a family member, a friend. They console me with kindness that comes from a deeper understanding. Loyal friends are supportive angels (surely sent by God) on my pilgrimage.

I get hope from those who cope despite being severely challenged. They give me hope that we too will make it through the darkness. 

Some provide me with breathtaking opportunities of joy.

The currant cover of Art for MSA by Liebet Marie Jooste.The art on this page inspires me and is a continual source of joy.

Sitting amongst the flowers on a joy-filled outing with Sissi.

Through this pilgrimage I have been purified of judgement. I have walked the way of forgiveness. In the dark valleys I grow upward towards The Light. I  have found a place the hide from the storms; a safe Rock.

From a momentary height I glimpse the Life-giving river that wend its way ahead. I turn around to see the many turns, hills, and valleys of the road that brought me here. Those hills seem small and distant. This is a pilgrimage. The valley of darkness is a temporary place.  Not my final destination. I press on towards The Eternal Life-giving river ahead.

2 Cor 4: 16-18Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.