| FREIGHTING By Helen De Bruin As I mentioned previously, Andre has had to depend on me to do many and a variety of tasks that I haven't done for him before. Yet another of these is the freighting of his semi-finished products to a company who 'finishes' them by dipping them in zinc-baths, otherwise known as zinc-dipping or zinc coating. This outer coating protects the metal product from rust and adds an attractive, durable finish. It is also a finish acceptable by the health care industry, as an alternative to stainless steel. I have mentioned this to you, sisters, so that you will understand the importance of this final step in the production of the trolleys. My dear husband has been so busy making them, single-handedly, that he has not the time, nor opportunity to actually transport them the 200km distance to the zinc-coating company. That's why he has called on me ....... "....it's exactly what we need, Helen. The Lord knows what we need before we even ask him....." he excitedly relates, as he informs me of his latest 'bargain'; a huge, galvanised trailer which will fit perfectly on to the back of his utility, thereby allowing extra cartage area. I have to tell you at this point that having had hot, dry weather here, the least desirable task was to be transporting anything, as temperatures within the vehicles have reached in excess of 50 degrees! Furthermore, I have been anxious to start the children's school work, continue making Sarah's bedroom curtains, do some bulk cooking, weed the garden.... Oh, sisters, ~ you know how it goes. But.... my heart went out to him. My dear husband, who never complains about his workload, just merely becomes frustrated that he can never seem to pack all the required jobs into the hours the Lord sends us! And so, ~ I began preparing for several 400km return trips, organising and swapping appointments and days, the house, washing, food etc. You can imagine my utter joy when, on the first trip I was to make, Andre decided to come with me! And he has each journey. He drives, while I navigate and just 'be there' with him. "I thought I'd come with you, Doll" he later told me. "It gives us the chance to be together. We have to make the most of each minute we have together. I've really enjoyed these trips with my lovely wife". I thank the Lord for giving him to me. For 'reserving' him, despite the distance of the miles between us as youngsters across the sea, the Saviour already had us handpicked for each other. While I continue serving him, I know that I won't want to do a lot of what he asks of me. I know I'll wrestle with a bad attitude. I pray for the Lord's continual nudging, the pricking of my conscience, His reminder to keep my heart turned to my husband, to help him in all things. Not just the things I enjoy, but the things that have to be done. No matter what....... With love, Helen |