Our Traumatic Sudden Move Across the Country.

sitting in the bush when we first moved.

Moving after Ten Years.

Sudden Move.

Over two months we had to move right across the country, renovate a home for our family, a place for our horses to stay, whilst trying to get back into homeschooling our teenagers. This traumatic and sudden, unexpected move was certainly not part of our 2024 planning!..

Plans Change.

September and October usually mark the end of the polo season, followed by our annual camping trip to the Zambezi Valley, after which the children resume their summer sports activities of cricket and golf.

However, this year these summer plans went ‘out of the window!’ Our goals also had to change, as we were forced to move off the beautiful farm, which had been our home for the past ten years.

Up, and until the end of July, we were assured that the lease on the farm would be renewed, enabling us to stay on the farm for another ten years. Sadly, that was not the case, – and the farm was returned to its owner… Subsequently, we were told to be off the farm by the end of October.

Finding a Place for Our Horses.

Moving, with such short notice, meant that we were unable to find another farm in time for the summer cropping season. This meant that we would miss a whole summer farming season. We had to quickly look around for somewhere to stay and a place for our 15 polo ponies, as our Harare home does not have space for horses.

This was not an easy task, as it’s very difficult to find spacious, yet secure property, in Zimbabwe, -outside of the cities.

Thankfully, at the last moment, Douglas’ brother came to our rescue, allowing us to move our horses to his farm, where he kindly gave us a 15 hectare paddock for the horses and an old guest wing, with an entertainment hall, for us to live in. This is a temporary move, until we can find a suitable farm to farm.

Instead of my usual post about activities and adventures for September and October, I’m writing this post about our stressful and unexpected, crazy move from one side of the country to the other!

Having to Part with Some Animals.

Our move started with us having to put down some old horses, -ones that would not have been able to live outdoors in a large paddock.

Very sadly, our beloved Monty was one of them, due to the epileptic fits he has been having over the past year. Monty was 17 years old and had been with us for 15 years. Paula Joy and Murray John both learnt to ride on Monty, so he was very special and will be forever in our hearts.

Hard Work.

Paula Joy and Murray John were extremely brave about the move. They simply rolled up their sleeves and got stuck into the tasks at hand. Schoolwork was abandoned for six weeks, as we all had to help with the packing and moving. We then needed to make a new home for ourselves and our horses, right across the country.

Paula Joy moved with the first load of horses. She was then left to camp out in our new home, whilst looking after the horses. The rest of us continued to pack and move all our farming equipment, household goods and furniture, as well as the rest of the horses, chickens, ducks, and geese.

furniture out on the lawn waiting to be loaded

Paula Joy spent the next five weeks in one place, securing the horses paddock, building individual feeding pens for each horse, as well as helping clean out and organize our new home.

Douglas continued to finish up on the farm, whilst Murray John and I traveled back and forth, between the two places, in our double cab bakkie and trailer. We looked very much like overloaded gypsies on the move!

Long days.

It was an extremely tough exercise, with very long days, -no days off and no time to rest. By the end of it all we were left physically and emotionally exhausted, as well as being rather traumatized.

Our Faithful Old Truck.

For the past 24 years, since the land acquisition act in Zimbabwe, when we lost our farms, our faithful old 8 ton truck has moved us around the country, – as well as all the way to Cape Town and back. This time she has had to do several 16 hour round trips, to and fro across the country. She really could tell many a story…

Very Stressful.

For us this has been our hardest move, as we now face an unknown future, whilst having to care for ourselves, our amazing horses and other domestic animals. Adjusting our children’s goals and cancelling all their sports training and competitions, for two whole months, has added to our stress.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God…” Philippians 4:6

Completely Drained.

I don’t think Douglas and I have ever cried so much, nor have been so emotionally drained… However, I am just so grateful for my improved health, which has enabled me to keep going and to physically cope with the move.

I am still unable to carry anything heavy and have been forced to wear my neck brace on all the very rough roads. However, I am amazed at how I have survived and have managed to keep going, – for which I praise God.

Routines Back.

Finally, after two months of chaos, we managed to get our routines back and to catch up on some school work. However, when December arrived, we realised that we were still all worn out! We decided to take the month off, to focus on rest and recovery, whilst praying for a way forward and a new future.

Adaption.

I must admit we did have many good laughs along the way!

We are now enjoying the fruits of our labour, as our home is comfortable and the horses are settled, having managed to come through with only minor injuries.

After the move we created a small place in the horse paddock, where Paula Joy can continue to train her horses and to do some jumping.

Murray John soon learnt how to do farm work for his uncle, in exchange for petrol for his motorbike. He certainly misses a big farming operation, but is enjoying visiting neighboring farms and learning how other farms operate.

Since moving, Paula Joy has managed to attend a couple of horse-shows and both children have played lots of golf and attended some golf tournaments.

The Future..

Our lives may not look the way we had planned, but we will not be defeated and shall continue with an attitude of gratitude…

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

As 2025 plays out, we will continue to dig deep, press on and achieve all our sporting and academic goals. All this, whilst praying for a new farming adventure and a new place to call home.

We walk in faith, – knowing God has a plan for our family…