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Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Trust

Our ancestors trusted in you and you rescued them. You heard their cries for help amd saved them.  They put their trust in you and were never disappointed. (Psalm 22:4-5)

I trust You, Lord. Amen!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Bloemfontein Toy Run 2010

Last weekend Grant and I rode to Bloemfontein to take part in the National Toy Run. I was there with my camera and below is the article I sent to the bike magazine for publication. I added the photos after the article.

Bloemfontein Toy Run 2010
By Jo Hedges
Word count 474

More than 1500 bikers hit the streets of Bloemfontein this past weekend as part of the annual Toy Run in aid of charity. Motorcyclists gathered at Northridge Mall on Sunday 28 November, 2010,  to collect toys, food, clothes and toiletries that will be distributed to needy families, retirement homes and orphanages throughout the Free State. Thousands of spectators gathered to admire the variety of motorcycles, all “decorated” with toys. The bikers also took part in a mass-procession, a 17km ride through Bloemfontein, creating awareness for this worthy cause.

Many businesses were represented at the Bloemfontein Toy Run. Heinrich, debonair owner of Speed World, Bloemfontein and Welkom looked real cool in his dad’s lederhosen. Good on you, Hein! Reg Walkerly and his wife Leonie - who owns Ratwear leather clothing - were there supporting the cause. Nicky Hiles, owner of Inzinbi Plant Hire, Welkom, had a huge teddy on his Harley handlebars belying the tough exterior of this iconic businessman and biker.

George, who’s a biker for Christ, (Riding for Revival MCC) had a toy pinned to his lapel. Beautiful couple, Aniel and Wayne from Koeberg MCC, never miss a Toy Run or an issue of Bike SA.

It was indeed a fun-filled day with clothing and food stalls and various lucky draws. The live band, Borderline produced tunes from the sixties onwards and added to the festive air. Among the prizes for the man with the longest beard, or the lady who reached the stage first carrying her husband and many others, the prize for the bike displaying the most toys (265) was Ou Ryperd. This Honda 750K has belonged to Andre and Wanda Pretorius for the past 31 years. The Pretorius couple not only head up the Toy Run Organization Free State (TROFS) committee, but spend a great deal of the year helping communities in need.

According to Wanda R68, 000 was collected at this year’s event. TROFS also received R5000 worth of tinned food as well as R3000 frozen and fresh vegetables to distribute to needy families.  The toys collected filled a four-ton truck! Toy Run collected “Happy Packets” for this year's festive season in the form of hampers, which include toys, basic cosmetic and health products and food to help ease the strain on these families.

“Toy Run is a registered charity organisation that works throughout the year to help needy shelters, orphanages, homes, hospitals and charities within the specific community”, says Wanda.

The Toy Run is the perfect opportunity for the motorcycling community to show its care and empathy to those in need. Toy Run started up in 1997, but was only officially registered as TROFS in 2003. At the same time it became affiliated to the National Toy Run Forum and continues to grow with unprecedented success.

Well done, Bloemfontein!

Bloemfontein Toy Run 2010

This 31 year-old motorcycle, called Ou Ryperd (Old Horse), displayed the most toys : 265!

Beautiful couple Aniel and Wayne from Koeberg MCC never miss a Toy Run
People didn't mind acting the clown for a good cause!

Heinrich, owner of Speed World Bloemfontein, sports his dad's lederhosen
Live band, Borderline played music from the sixties
Golden couple Reg and Leonie Walkerly of Bloemfontein
Intrepid businessman from Welkom, Nicky Hiles  on his Harley
No caption needed

For more worlds out there, click here

Monday, December 6, 2010

Fun-filled Weekend

On Saturday morning Grant and I travelled to Clocolan, 34 kms from our town to check out a new supermarket. Marquard doesn't have any large supermarkets and most people travel to the city to do their grocery shopping. We were thrilled with the prices and the good service we received at the new OK Foods.

Later on in the afternoon, Amanda and Angus arrived with our dear Marquard grandson who now explores everything in Gran's house. Shadow enjoys having a young playmate around.

Shadow loves having a young playmate around...
 ...and actually "shares" his toys!

Active toddler was here...

On Saturday afternoon, Angus, Amanda and our Marquard grandson joined us for the Ubiquitous braai (BBQ) in the garden

After church on Sunday we were treated to the annual Christmas dinner held in the hall. Because South Africa had successfully hosted the 2010 World Cup Soccer this year, the menu for the dinner yesterday depicted many nations across the world. Our church mission statement includes the scripture, Matthew 28:19a where Jesus says: "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations..."  As we enjoyed the dishes from various countries, we prayed for those who still need to hear the Good News and the people who are out there ministering to them.

Our ten-month-old Marquard grandson has found his voice and keeps us in stitches with his funny sounds

The menu
Chinese Stir Fry
Indian Curry
Mexican Rice
Cuban Sweet Potato
Greek Salad
Fijian Broccoli Salad
South African Fudge Tart
Spanish Apple Slices

I was one of the ladies who made the Chinese Stir Fry and will post the recipe shortly.

The Cuban Sweet Potato Bread was an interesting and tasty accompaniment to the meal

The beautifully decorated church hall showing many flags of the world

For more posts on what people did over the weekend, click here. (Thanks to Gattina of Writers Cramps for hosting this meme)