MY BLOGS

We had a roller coaster ride in 2019, a lot of first-time experiences, some of them heartbreaking and emotionally overwhelming, but through the grace of God we are ready to celebrate Christmas.

The year kicked off with the tragic and sudden loss of a daughter of long-time friends in South Africa and a few weeks later the loss, also sudden, of a son of close USA friends.

In March our local Saddleback Aliso Viejo campus closed, and we lost our supportive church family. And so the search began for a new church family. We visited other churches in the surrounding area but returned to the Saddleback family this time in Laguna Woods where I am leading the Mission Prayer Group praying for all the local missionaries on short term mission trips.

End of March/April we were privileged to visit Israel through Proverbs 31 Ministries partnering with Lifeway tours featuring Lisa Harper and Lisa Terkeurst as trip leaders/teachers. Our favorite place was the Sea of Galilee and the surrounding areas of Jesus’s ministries. Jerusalem was a culture shock despite foreknowledge of the commercialization/churching of the holy sites. A highlight was our baptism in the Jordan river south of the Sea of Galilee on the border of Jordan. I delighted in the dead sea floating experience, but Willem not so much, and was amazed by the 1,400 ft (424 m) elevation below sea level. And never in my wildest dreams I could imagine that I would have lunch with my dearest hubby in Jericho! All and all, it was an experience of a lifetime. Here we are with Jerusalem in the background.

In May the whole Beukman clan USA participated in the 5 & 10 k runs on Memorial Day in Laguna Hills. Our adored Carly took first place overall in the women’s league, the rest of the clan was happy just to finish what we enrolled for. This was my first running attempt after recovery from my hip and shoulder fractures – I was pretty pumped and very grateful to be back on my feet running.


Soon the first guests from South Africa arrived to celebrate Albert and Carly’s wedding on June 8. The wedding ceremony was unique and the day perfect, more than we could asked for. We enjoyed great fun with new extended family and old friends as we happily welcomed Carly officially into our family. The two most beautiful people started their life together at a quaint venue down in Carlsbad. (ya, ya I know you think I am biased…. see for yourself).

After the wedding we took a break from work and visited some of our favorite places, the Tetons and Yellowstone with South African family members. The beauty of the Tetons never ceases to amaze us and even my BIL, Jan, stated that it was the best trip ever!

August brought some somber news – Willems’ 70% likelihood of cancer was confirmed to be 100%. It was an entire new journey since Willem has always been very healthy. We were acutely aware of all looming unknowns accompanying a serious cancer diagnosis. Since the future hold bleak uncertainties, we embraced life and embarked on a backpacking hike (first time camping and backpacking in USA) in the Sierra’s with the kids. Both Willem and I realized we don’t have the strength of 20 years ago (when we last hiked in South African mountains), but it did not take away the joy to be out in nature with our kids.

About 4 days before surgery Willem and I splashed out on a date night in LA with a wonderful dinner and a Lauren Daigle concert (her most well-known song and Willem’s favorite: You Say) at the Greek Theatre (our first visit to Greek) in LA. Later that night on our way home a badly marked closed off-ramp on the I-60 lead to a 4-car bumper bashing. Thank you to our Lord, none of us were hurt except for our already raw emotions of the upcoming surgery. My car was a total loss and my journey with the insurance company, body shops and DMV started to get the car repaired and roadworthy registered as salvaged vehicle – quite a trek lasting close to three months and testing my patience and my “love thy neighbor”.

Surgery was long and grueling, but all worth it. All the cancer was removed, and we were extremely grateful again for God’s mercy on our lives. Willem healed fast and was back at work 10 days after surgery – a bit too fast according to my opinion, but then I am not the surgeon. The 6 weeks post-op visit confirmed that he was cancer free and no other treatments necessary. Again, we are extremely grateful for Willem’s fast recovery and all the prayers, love and support from friends and family.

In the wake of Willem’s surgery, Albert treated us for a binge watch on a Season of “Band of Brothers” (first time for me – I don’t believe I have ever watched that amount of TV on one day!) while Carly was on a girls weekend.

Not was the end yet, Willem started working for a new company early in December – another change, another opportunity to live in His Grace.

Now, it’s Christmas – and we celebrate the Reason for the Season, our Lord Jesus. We look back with an immense feeling of gratitude to the One who carried us through the deep waters this past year, who loved us compassionately, who protected us and healed our wounds quickly, our Redeemer and Savior. We thank Him that we made it through another year, for his grace and mercies, for our family and friends and above all for being our Savior.

We thank you, our family and friends for your love, support and prayers throughout the year. You are and integral part of our lives.

From our house to yours – we wish you a Merry Christmas with Love, Peace and Joy.

Beukmans