Twenty years ago, this week, I got on a plane in Johannesburg, South Africa where I was raised and flew to London, UK, a city and country that I’d never been to, with the intention of living and working there for the next 2 years. I was very “green”, didn’t have a clue about living in a different country. Although South Africa was the 3rd country I’d lived in, I’d always moved with my parents…this time I was alone.

My family thought I’d be home within 3 months (I only found this out years later), but I ended up living in London for 14 years. 20 years later, I have lived in 5 additional countries over 3 continents and have still not moved back to South Africa.

I arrived in London with baggage and I’m not talking about the Samsonite kind! I was messed up, rebellious, ignorant, young, confused, without direction and making bad decisions at every turn that resulted in less that savoury circumstances and taking me further into a place I didn’t want to be. I’d been hurt, cheated on, lied to, overlooked, lonely, overwhelmed and was totally lost.

My best day was when I walked into church and gave my life to Jesus. I was sitting right at the very back of the church, at the highest, furthest place from the stage, but I was not invisible or unnoticed by God. On my recent trip to London, I sat in the same church, in the same place and it brought back so many beautiful, life changing memories that words cannot describe….it left me speechless and a little teary too.

Of all the things I’ve learnt over these last 20 years, by far, the greatest thing I’ve learnt and continue to learn is that God is faithful in ALL things, at ALL times. Even when I am not, He is!

His hand has always been over me even when I was not walking with Him and when I was messing up BIG time. His protection has been evident time and time again. He answers my prayers above and beyond what I think is possible. He doesn’t want to leave me where He found me.

He brings freedom, is always with me, forgives me, showers me with mercy and kindness, calls me by name, comforts me, stills me, guides me, heals me, delights in me and He loves me like no other.

I know that wherever I may find myself in the future, there He will be also, as faithful and as sure as always. My only constant.