I don’t think I was ready for “Adulting”! Maybe none of us are. During this time we moved again to a town near the coast. This was our first English community since I was born. I think we all have memorable stories of our last few years of high school. I remember a few great stories and a few really crazy ones. My gifts were really in full swing here, and I sang and debated and presented. My favourite memory was singing Blue Moon at a school concert in a theatre and getting a standing ovation. I also remember receiving an outstanding award for presenting a speech in Afrikaans at an eisteddfod. The magic was to use my voice, both in speeches and sing from my heart.

During this time, I also kept somewhat to myself. I was focusing on community activities vs outside or school activities. I was part of a wonderful youth group and also made good friends in the community. I reconnected with my first husband here. His family were in our community when I was growing up. I was engaged to him at 19 and married at 21. My search for purpose, belonging, and acceptance was hopefully going to be “fixed” once I got married, but I have now learned that I needed to find my way to me, be whole, loved and fulfilled to live my purpose.