During the autumn of 2007, friend Ida and I attended a weekend photographic course in the Golden Gate area. This was the beginning of a very special friendship. Ida is my spinning instructor when I'm in South Africa; she's a fellow gardening enthusiast and we've spent many a morning wandering around our respective gardens sharing plants and ideas.
Ida is a lot younger than I am (about fourteen years). She was an excellent motivator while I was building up my fitness level. She knows exactly how to train to the maximum, taking your age and lifestyle into consideration, without causing injury or discomfort. We also share a common bond in our love for our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Ida is a wonderful young mother to her four, almost grown-up children and a perfect support to her husband who has been our family doctor for the past fifteen years.
Ida's an excellent photographer here in town. When I did reporting for the regional newspaper and had motivational talks at the school or our local garden club, Ida was always there for me, taking the photos. 
Above all, Ida is the most loyal friend anyone can wish for. When she heard I was going to the Sudan to join my husband, she arrived at my home the night before with a gift; a skipping rope. How like Ida to know exactly what I needed and would use seeing I'd not be attending formal spinning classes in Khartoum. She also asked for my blog link. What a blessing it is to hear from someone "at home" on my comments. Of course, by following my blog, she was one of the few people who knew my husband and I had come home earlier than originally intended. (You can read about this here) On the Monday evening after I had arrived home, Ida, once again, arrived at my home with a gift. She brought me fresh dates, with a spray of divine-smelling frangipani blossoms attached to the container. She also brought me a packet of Arborio rice. Once I've googled this new-to-me carbohydrate, I will use it in a recipe. Of course I will then blog about it!
"There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all." Proverbs 31:29
Ida is actually Afrikaans so I will end this post by applauding her in her own language.
Ida, jy is a spesiale persoon en ek waardeer jou vriendskap baie. Lief jou!
How blessed you are to have such a true friend, and I'm sure she feels the same way about you.
ReplyDeleteSunny :)
Such a thoughtful friend is certainly a gift in itself. Wonderful post about Ida.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful friend, Jo. We all need friends like Ida. Ida was my grandmother's name (on my mother's side). I never knew her since she died as a very young woman. But--I love that name.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
True friends are hard to come by, Jo. Looking forward to hearing more from you ....How are things in Africa?
ReplyDeleteA lovely tribute to your friend. Friends do make the world go round.You must miss her when you are away with your husband. I would like to have an Ida" to get me fit.
ReplyDeleteJo - you're such a blessing to everyone that knows you. I always feel like a better person after talking to you... Thanks for your friendship - vir die baie mooi woorde - vir jou (& jou blog) wat vir my so spesiaal is!
ReplyDeleteYou and Ida have a friendship to treasure. If we are gifted with a few true friends in a lifetime, we're lucky indeed.
ReplyDeleteShe sounds delightful and a truly caring friend.
ReplyDeleteGG
PS Hi Ida, if you're reading this.