a mid-treatment break

by Laurie-Ann Copple

Sometimes you just need a break, even if it's a short one.  We are at lock-down level two now in South Africa, so short term accommodation is allowed, as well as travel between provinces.  We still aren't allowed to leave the country, but we're okay with that now.  In fact, we will work to arrange an extension to our visas for another year, although we provisionally hope to stay in Worcester until early May.   I arranged for us to stay in a self catering apartment in Mossel Bay for three nights, and the place was a 2 bedroom unit, with two en-suite bathrooms.  This meant that we could enjoy our friends' company, but there was also personal privacy for each couple.   We were very happy to stay at Nautica Mossel Bay, which is in the de Bakke area.  The last time we stayed in Mossel Bay, was in June 2018, where we stayed at a hotel in the Point.  We now have been in two special areas. 

Even though it's late winter, we found the seaside wasn't too cold, but lovely as we enjoyed the sea air and waves.  Our friend Janey originally comes from Margate in KZN province, so she loves and deeply appreciates being by the sea.  It was a tonic for me as well, since I'm in the middle of radiation/radiotherapy treatments at CapeGate Oncology Centre.  At this point, I have eight more treatments to go.  The radiologists are kind, and compassionate on days where either my mobility is an issue, or my sore right wrist gives me problems getting on and off treatment beds. 

We also visited with our friends Lize-Mari and Gerroch, at the Merchant coffee shop, which was lovely.  We returned the following morning after we checked out of our accommodation, with our friends Andre and Janey.  The main barista remembered me and my special non-dairy latte order from the day before, and we found that he and his co-workers were very kind.  I almost didn't want to leave, since I'd already finished one drawing there and started on another.  But I had radiation appointments to return to, and relief work in Worcester continues. Although lock-down has changed the way we minister here, we continue to reach out as we can.   Next month we move from our retirement village home, since the tenant who was to move in April, will now arrive.  We found a lovely flat in central Worcester that overlooks High Street and a bit of Adderley St.  We will have a gentle thumb on the heart of town.   I am thankful that we will move AFTER my radiation treatments.   The timing of many of my treatments have been so very well orchestrated. We are thankful. God has helped us very much indeed, including for the funds to have this holiday break.  We're still working on the funds for my medical treatments, although radiation itself is covered.  If you're interested in reading about my cancer journey (which now is just over a year), please visit the link below. 

Blessings and love, Laurie-Ann Copple 
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Click to read of L-A's cancer journey, including info on giving