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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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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