NEW HOUSE OLD HOUSE?

When Andy and I were first married we had a plan drawn up of the house of our dreams. The architecht was perceptive and understood exactly what we had in mind. We were living in Gauteng at the time and would never have dreamt that Andy would have a job opportunity in the beautiful Cape! Our dream home was built in the pretty town called Somerset West. Not only did we wake up to the sound of birds singing but also to the most magnificent mountain views. We were in a quiet spot surrounded by great neighbours and breathtaking surroundings and used to take fun walks with our toddlers and made some special memories. After a couple of years my Andy took a job opportunity in Port Elizabeth where we lived for seven years. After that we ended up in Cape Town for sixteen years where we still pined for our house in Somerset West.

What a surprise when we recently got an e-mail to say that this house is on the market! We took a drive to Somerset West and I could not help but wipe a tear as I walked down the passage and in my minds-eye saw my children playing and giggling in their rooms and splashing water all over the bathroom floor. The old Almond tree in the garden where my son tried to swing from a branch like Tarzan and nearly injuring himself, brought back a flood of memories.

The new owners, however, have made some good changes and renovations but the house is unaffordable for us now! Also they have put their stamp on it.

We took a ride around the suburb afterwards trying to get an idea of the house prices in this area. One house in a quiet cul-de-sac drew our attention. We could not believe it...it was spacy and well kept, has a pool and the most wonderful view over the Strand and Gordon's Bay beaches. The kitchen is a dream and takes us out to a patio with built-in braai area that overlooks the pool. From the bedrooms we can see the Hottentots Holland mountains. It offers large office space while Andy still works from home. Surprise Surprise! - it costs less than the old house. Suddenly all sentiment went out the window. I realise that even if we bought our old house that it will never be the same. Our children are older and leaving the nest but I have those memories to carry in my heart forever. We have other needs now and maybe one of them is a fresh start. A place where we can entertain friends (especially ones that come from afar) - a place to have fun with our older children when they visit and hopefully one day grandchildren too.

I realise that nothing stays the same forever but God. And He brings new blessing and opportunities every morning - I have to look at Him and see what plans He has in store for us. If it is for us to stay here in the leafy suburb of Rondebosch a while longer, that's fine too.
I shall be patient but watch this space...