Porch Mornings, Thankfulness, and a Milk Tart Cheesecake

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The Kalahari sun was just brushing the horizon this morning as I stepped onto my porch. The air was crisp, the land stretching endlessly before me, a quiet reminder of God’s care. I wrapped my hands around a warm cup of coffee and opened my Bible, and Isaiah 61:3 greeted me:

…to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.


How powerful these words feel when the world seems heavy, when the news brings sorrow, or when our own hearts carry burdens. And yet, even in the difficult moments, God’s goodness shines. He has a way of transforming the ashes of life into beauty, of turning mourning into joy, and of dressing our spirits in praise.


Over the past weeks, I’ve been reminded that nothing catches Him by surprise. What seems planned for harm can be woven into something beautiful, for our good and His glory. It’s a perspective shift that doesn’t deny reality—it embraces it with hope, trust, and thankfulness.


Sitting here, with the gentle rustle of Kalahari grass , I feel a deep sense of peace. Gratitude begin to take root in my heart—not for the challenges themselves, but for the God who meets us in them, who redeems and restores.


And it struck me: the life we live is meant to tell a story—a story that has impact. God uses our scars, our trials, and our moments of surrender to connect with others, to comfort, to encourage, and to shine His light. Living a life that leaves a mark isn’t about perfection—it’s about faithfulness, transparency, and allowing God to work through our experiences for His glory.


And yet, in the midst of reflecting on these deeper truths, joy often finds its way into the simplest things. In my kitchen today, that joy is a Milk Tart Cheesecake Dessert. (Recipe on page 2) So as we bake together, may your day be filled with reflection, gratitude, and sweetness. And let your life continue to tell a story that points to Him.

—Love from my Kalahari Kitchen, Aldalene

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When the Kalahari Sings: Rain, Renewal, and Rustic Bread

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Sitting on the porch with my cup of coffee, my heart is full. It has started raining in the Kalahari. It is a feeling of thankfulness that one can not describe in words. The smell of the earth fills every longing prayer and sigh of the last few months. The parched land, which has endured relentless heat and months of drought, is finally receiving its blessing.

“Take a long, hard look. See how great He is—infinite, greater than anything you could ever imagine or figure out!

He pulls water up out of the sea, distills it, and fills up His rain-cloud cisterns. Then the skies open up and pour out soaking showers on everyone. Does anyone have the slightest idea how this happens? How He arranges the clouds, how He speaks in thunder?”

These are the symbols of His sovereignty, His generosity, His loving care.” -Job 36:26-28 (The Message)

Yes, I need to take a long, hard look at myself. My faith was small, my heart heavy as I watched Janneman return from the field without words. Each day, the burden of watching life wither away under the relentless drought weighed heavier.

And now, the skies have opened. The first drops danced on the dusty earth, bringing the scent of renewal. The ground drinks deeply, the once-dormant seeds awakening with promise. Birds call in celebration, every living thing breathes a sigh of relief. As do I!

This rain is more than just water. It is hope. It is an answer to unspoken prayers. It is a reminder that even in the driest, most desperate moments, provision comes in due time. God hears. He cares!

I close my eyes and listen. As the rain nourishes the land, I treasure the simple, comforting things of life. The smell of Kalahari rain, fresh bread in the oven, the laughter of Janneman returning from the field- these small joys remind me of life’s quiet abundance. Today calls for something hearty yet effortless. An easy oats and honey bread, no kneading required, just time and patience—ingredients that life itself often asks of us.

So, as the rain gently soaks the Kalahari, I mix flour, oats, honey, and water, letting them come together in their own rhythm. As the dough rises, so does my spirit, reminded that sometimes, all we need to do is wait. And I am reminded again—provision always comes, in its own perfect time.- Aldalene

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The Art of Simple Living: Purpose & Breakfast Bars (with a cup of coffee)

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It’s Monday morning… and there’s nothing quite like starting the day on our Kalahari porch, coffee in hand, watching the first light stretch across the savannah. That first sip of freshly brewed coffee, paired with a crunchy rusk (like these!) or one of these go-to express breakfast bars (recipe on next page), is pure magic.

Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God. – Psalm 46:10

There’s something sacred about these quiet moments—the world slowing awakening, the soft glow of dawn, the gentle rhythm of nature unfolding without hurry. Be still and know that I am God. It’s a whisper in the wind, a reminder in the stillness to let go, to stop striving, to simply be. Let God be.

Too often, we rush from one thing to the next, filling every moment with busyness. But here, in the hush of a Kalahari morning, I am reminded that life isn’t about chasing—it’s about knowing, recognizing…understanding…

And so I sit, I breathe, and I embrace the stillness—fully present, fully at peace—knowing that in this moment, I am right where I’m meant to be. – Aldalene

How we spend our days is how we spend our lives.

– Annie Dillard
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The Earth Laughs in Flowers (and Hot Cross Buns)

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It is the most special week on our Christian calendar. Easter… a commemoration of Christ’s suffering , death and resurrection. How wonderful to be reminded of His love for us and that it wasn’t nails that held him to the cross but His love for you and me. And that He has risen. He lives!

I love the lyrics of the song “Because He Lives” written by Gloria and William J. Gaither.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow

Because He lives, all fear is gone

Because I know He holds the future

And life is worth the living

Just because He lives.

Easter is about family, faith and love. It is a time of togetherness and reflection. And wherever you find yourself this Easter weekend, chances are good there will be hot cross buns on your Easter menu!

The sanctity of hot cross buns, it seems, is bound up in our childhood memories: the innocent scent of yeasty, raisin-studded buns warming in the oven, redolent of butter, allspice and cinnamon filling the house. Growing up I could always count on my mom to bring home a fresh package of hot cross buns, the second they hit the shelves. Over time I followed her lead and toasted hot cross buns found their way into our Kalahari kitchen a week or two before Easter and vanish immediately after. (My kids are not too fond of raisins in their food but will endure and endulge in a hot cross bun at Easter!)


There isn’t one clear explanation for why hot cross buns make their way to our table around Easter. Some theories rest in Christian symbolism, though there are several stories (and even some tall tales) about their origins. Some talk about hot cross buns (which may have at one time been called Good Friday buns) being baked and eaten solely on Good Friday, while others mentioned them being eaten throughout Lent. But one thing is certain, over time they gained popularity, and eventually became a symbol of Easter weekend.

I know there are some great hot cross bun recipes out there, but as my two daughters and partners-in-crime-when-baking, are away at college, I will be resorting to store bought hot cross buns. And serve them with a twist. Hot Cross Buns French Toast. ( Recipe on page 2) Who can resist the smell of butter and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen on Easter weekend.

This is a quick and easy recipe and a crowd pleaser. And it is perfect for those left over buns, even long after the weekend. I wish you a blessed Easter. Because He lives, I can face tomorrow! – Aldalene

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Life is a Book with Many Chapters

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It is Monday morning and our seniors started with their final exams today. Yes, in Namibia our school year runs with the calendar year and our kids finish their year in December to start a new school grade in January. With Covid -19 and the pandemic that also reached us here in the southwest of Africa, there was a time when our seniors were to only write their finals in 2021.

But thankfully, with prayerful faith, meetings with top officials and hours of negotiating, our seniors could walk into the school hall today to write their Cambridge final exams and close this chapter named ‘school’. I stand in awe at how quickly this crazy but delightful season of school runs, lunch boxes and sport days went by for me as the mother of a bright beautiful young girl..

Our lives are all about chapters and seasons. 2020 may be a year for many of us where we wish we could skip some chapters, skip to THE END. As we flip through the pages of our life, and especially this year, we live through an array of emotions, actions, and circumstances. We had our ups and downs. We laughed,we cried,we won,we lost,we faltered and we grew stronger…in ourselves and in our faith.

Yes, every day adds a new page to our overall journey. Every day offers a new beginning. A chance to act, to live attentively. To start over. To try again to make something beautiful of this journey called life.

The possibilities are numerous once we decide to act and not react.”

George Bernard Shaw

The Bible tells us in Ecclesiastes 3:1, “For everything there is a season.” It also tells us in Ecclesiastes 3:11, “[God] has made everything beautiful in its time.” I love these scriptures, as it encourages me that seasons change and that God is working in my life and the lives of my too-quick-growing children. I can keep the faith and live expectantly! For God is the author of my (and their) life.

So in the next few weeks, we as a family are in the chapter or season called FINALS. Long days of studying, encouraging, late nights, cookies and milk, supporting, praying, biting nails, coffee on the porch, tears, giggles, hugs and chocolate. Lots of chocolate! We have already finished a batch of the most delectable Rocky Roads… and this is day one!

Whoever came up with the idea for Rocky Roads was a genius. It requires no baking, contains lots of yummy ingredients and no one expects it to look picture perfect! It is a family favorite, especially during the exams. This is a no bake cookie recipe that doesn’t require the oven, so it’s super quick and easy to make. Child‘s play! Perfect to keep a batch on hand to serve friends as they pop over and spread some holiday cheer.

The problem will be keeping your family away from it long enough to actually serve to guests! I know my pan has already been devoured and they are waiting for a refill! And we are not even close to vacation time or Christmas! Maybe it is because of exam nerves? ( Mum included!).

While Rocky Roads are the perfect easy treat to put out any time and during any season of year, it also makes for an amazing homemade holiday treat! A great homemade gift for all the teachers,coaches, friends and family over this festive season.

I love to add cranberries and flaked almonds or pistachios for a Christmas touch and then box it with a big Christmas bow! Use your imagination and add dried fruits, candied cherries, Turkish delight, Maltezer chocolate balls, white chocolate, hazelnuts, raisins, choc chips or anything you may have on hand in your pantry. This is your story, your own take on Rocky Roads.

So whatever season you find yourself in, or whatever chapter of your life story you are writing, or if you just want to reach THE END of 2020, there should be a special mention of these fudgy, chewy, and crunchy textured Rocky Road cookies. You will find this a scrumptious, indulgent and easy-to-make Rocky Road recipe. Perfect for the holiday season ( and exam chapter) and so super easy and simple to make. It will bring a huge happy smile to your face and give you the spring in your step you need for the next few weeks. Recipe on page 2.

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