James & Annette – Celebrating the Zulu Tradition

James grew up in a long tradition of a German family with their Zulu labourers on the Stegens Heim farm in the Umvoti valley.  James’ father also ministers to the Zulu community in the valley and are much loved by the people.  So when James finally brought a lady to the farm to introduce her as his future wife, the demands were made clear: “We helped in your upbringing and prayed for your future wife, so we want a traditional wedding…and we will do the wedding!”

And what a wonderful way it was to greet the end of 2012 and meet the beginning of 2013 on this beautiful piece of heritage.  We were received with such a warm welcome and soon felt part of the family.  Both James and Annette come from big closely knit families, which made the fellowship and experience so precious.  Since we arrived on the farm, we could sense the beautiful spirit in which all the Zulus committed their labour.  Antie Frita (who helped to raise James) and her team of Zulu ladies worked hard to prepare a sumptuous meal for all the people  in the valley that came to celebrate in this joyous day.  We thoroughly enjoyed a long day of beautiful Zulu traditional events.  And although the 2 days were rainy and misty most of the time, we couldn’t resist to also do a few late afternoon couple photos of them on the farm, seeing that these images will become part of the history of the farm and it’s families.

James and Annette, we are so blessed in getting to know you and share in all these amazing memories with you.  We can’t wait to sit on the stoep with you in 5 of 10 years’ time and look back on all the grace that God has bestowed on us and how amazingly His plans has unfolded for us, all to His glory!  Lots of love from us!  Lucinda and Petrus

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.  And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.  –  Romans 8:28-31