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

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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Well Kneaded Therapy…with a Touch of Pumpkin

We are already in middle October. We’re two months away from Thanksgiving. We’re so close until the start of another year. Can we pause for a moment? Some days it feels like I am still stuck in the month of March, before Covid-19 entered our world. Now Christmas decorations line the grocery aisles and everywhere I turn to on social media,there are pumpkins of different colors, shapes and forms. And every recipe on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest hero’s the pumpkin!

I just want to stay home, take a deep breath and make the time to cook homey food, homemade from scratch. Yes, cooking or baking something that requires my full attention… my love and care. I am a big fan of homemade bread. I love to bake it and I love to eat it ( fresh out of the oven). The process of kneading and working the dough is both a thrill and therapy and brings a big smile to my face! So today I am adding some mashed pumpkin to my bread dough. Yes, if you can’t beat the pumpkin movement…join them! ( Also see my delicious Pumpkin Pie recipe for more pumpkin inspiration.)

Peeling these warm pumpkin dinner rolls off one another is such a satisfying feeling, and slathering butter on the warm rolls and watch it melt, ahhhh. What is not to love?

Good bread is the most fundamentally satisfying of all foods;and good bread with fresh butter, the greatest of feasts.

James Beard

These pretty little (decently sized, actually) bread rolls are a perfect accompaniment to any meal… whatever it is you are cooking this season, the seasonal sage-squash combo just can’t be beat.

Whether you’re dipping them in gravy, using them to scoop up mashed potatoes, or simply spreading them thickly with the sage butter and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt as an after dinner snack, they’re utterly delicious pumpkin perfection. A bread roll that’s melt in your mouth good…and oh so impressive. Great for any night of the week from Sunday night supper to an upcoming fall dinner with friends. You can’t go wrong with these soft rolls.

So set out the time and roll up your sleeves. Bread- like real love- takes time, cultivation, strong loving hands and patience. Well kneaded ( excuse the pun) therapy in times like these.

Recipe page 2.