Reflecting on the whirlwind of 2023 overwhelms me with gratitude. Through challenges and joys, God’s blessings have been undeniable, especially within my incredible family—the constant rock of love and strength. My partner, treating me like a princess, our cherished dogs (especially Gracie, our sweet rescue soul), and a fulfilling job—all divine gifts from above.
Deepest thanks to everyone supporting my work with rescue dogs and puppies; your kindness has profoundly impacted me. Special gratitude extends to those who adopted from me. Amid it all, I’ve discovered newfound happiness and contentment within myself. Cheers to the beauty of human connection, divine blessings, and the unwavering support making 2023 extraordinary. 🙏
As I cherish the blessings of 2023, I eagerly anticipate 2024’s adventures—runs in the snow, promised trips to Portugal, and the ongoing journey to find my purpose. I aspire to get closer to God, embracing the spiritual growth enriching my life.
Carrying the spirit of love and gratitude into 2024, I’m thankful for the beautiful moments ahead. Here’s to simple joys, profound connections, and the unfolding chapters of a year filled with love, purpose, and gratitude. 🌟❄️🌍 #NewBeginnings #PurposefulJourney #Gratitude2024 #GratefulHeart #FamilyLove #BlessedJourney
To love a rescuer you must love all of her. You must love the scars covering her body from panicked and hurt animals she was trying to help. You must love her fractured heart, that has been broken so many times she no longer even takes the time to mend the pieces.
To love a rescuer, you must embrace her grit and determination, and know that although she fights a war she can never win, she can and does win a few battles. You must love the tears she will shed over those she lost. You must give her comfort that she refuses to accept, as she blames herself for things she could have never foreseen.
To love a rescuer you must acknowledge the rage she feels towards the world at times, and know that anger is driven by a love of life too few have. You must give her space and room to cry and mourn for the losses that others have caused out of carelessness or cruelty.
To love a rescuer you must understand her passion to heal and save is a calling, not a choice. You must accept that to save animals is part of her soul and without that she could never be happy.
To love a rescuer you must be patient. You must accept her work comes first. She will forgo sleep, forgo food, forgo her life for animals in need. She will work tirelessly until her body and mind fail her completely and she cannot go on.
To Love a rescuer, you must be strong. You must not be threatened by her focus and love of animals. You must accept that the things you love about her, the strength and convictions and loyalty are also what drives her sense of duty to animals in need; you cannot have one without the other.
To love a rescuer you must never ask her to choose, because she will, and it will not be you.
Have you ever been around someone that doesn’t like you, and you don’t know why?
Like you can just tell when you are around them that they treat you differently, or they are blatantly rude to you but no one else?
That’s always fun.
I‘ve spent my life trying to make sure I could mold into whatever personality I needed to in order to get everyone to like me.
Honestly? I’ve been quite successful.
I’m good at reading a person and turning into what they would like me to be.
But my gosh, this is a terrible and super confusing way to live.
Because eventually you get to a place where you wonder, who the heck am I?!Your personality has been so shifty and inconsistent that you don’t even know what’s genuinely you.
People who are able to be themselves 100% of the time (whether or not it rubs other people wrong) make me both very uncomfortable and envious.
How do you not care that they are looking at you like that??
Can’t you see their reaction??
Are you intentionally trying to stir up an argument?
And really what I’m thinking… How do you not care that they don’t like you?!
As I’ve gotten older I recognized that although I don’t think we should ever intentionally step on people‘s toes for fin and we should always take people‘s feelings into consideration…
Life is better when we can just be us and accept that not everyone is going to like us.
Because even though I’ve always changed myself for others, even still, some people didn’t like me.
Truly showing me that no matter what I do, I can’t ensure everyone will like me.
So, I might as well be me.
The real me, the one God made me to be.
I know there aren’t many worse feelings in the world than someone choosing not to like you.
But friend, that’s their choice.
That’s something they will have to carry around with them.
Wish them well, and move on.
You can’t get them all to like you, and that’s okay.
Even with a bittersweet birthday – celebrations must continue until 31st May. We are up to R 1300
As you know my wish is to help @arkanimalcentre who have closed but still have 30 dogs to look after and Woodrock Animal Rescue who desperately need help.
I chose animals as they are so defenceless and innocent. They live a short life but they teach us so much, about love even unrequited. They make my heart and soul smile.
The campaign raiser I used takes high fees and doesn’t always work – so we are going organically. Remember you will be updated constantly on just what doggy heart you bring a smile too. And so
All funds and anything donated will go to Elena of Palm Gardens Vet, who will then distribute by still helping with the 30 doggies at Ark Animal and @WoodrockAnimal Rescue.
You can donate to Birthday Wish Bank: Capitec Account Number: 1672038799 Branch Code: 470 010 Swift Code: CABLZAJJ
Or PayPal via jbayvel@yahoo.com
Those of you who know me well and not so well, most likely know that this little heart belongs to helping animals – especially dogs.
I basically live in a kennel with our 6 dogs well owners.
Anyway, I do love a pressie (perfume 😳) but Covid has taught me alot. Things do not matter they do not make your heart smile.
But helping others less fortunate brings an overwhelming feeling of pure joy.
I was devastated to hear that Ark Animal Centre had closed.
A place I have always yearned to help.
On visits there, tears running down my face, I was always amazed at how the owner and staff treated their rescues, as part of their own family.
Love given so freely. Cuddles always. And anything to help an abandoned animal survive.
Even the best vet, Palm Gardens, in Fourways, Jozi (mainly the owners, Elena Flaschner & Philippe Flaschner) treated their animals for free as they knew just how wonderful this shelter was.
Ark Animal still has 30 dogs so they still need assistance.
But showing you all how truly wonderful this shelter was,they are supporting and asking people to help @WoodrockAnimalRescue.
Special people don’t come along often enough but we find them once in awhile just like the owner of Ark Animal.
The Woodrock Animal Rescue is another shelter where the owner and staff are so absolutely dedicated to their precious rescues.
Love is also shown at all times. In fact they are on par with Ark Animal – how wonderful.
And so my birthday wish is not for things. It is for raising funds for the helpless. Things do not make your heart smile, but helping the helpless will fill you with a joy and warmth. Your soul will smile. You will be filled with joy.
I do know in these difficult times money is short for all. Don’t let that stop you … Donations need not be money but perhaps food, toys, blankets as we approach winter or perhaps a visit to give love and cuddles – please tag me if you visit.
If you can help in any way. Thank you for being such a special person.
Thank you from the depths of my very heart, I hope I can help your soul smile by doing this.
An Ordinary Girl On An Extraordinary Journey Through Life 