My Mission

ABOUT

EMBRACING THE CLOUDS

We immigrated to the Netherlands in February 2020 — just weeks before the world changed.
COVID hit, and suddenly it was stop, drop, and roll. Borders were closing. Panic was everywhere. We had nowhere to stay, no home to rent, and people were acting like the world was ending. It was terrifying.

By some miracle — and with a lot of hustle — I managed to get my family here by the end of March, on one of the last flights out of South Africa. Repatriation flights weren’t even a thing yet.

We were staying in an Airbnb, and even the landlord didn’t know what to do. No new guests were coming, tourism was frozen. So, we rewrote the agreement and turned it into a regular rental. That tiny two-bedroom twee-onder-een-dak house became our safe haven — even with two almost-teenage boys and very little space.

As things slowly became “COVID normal,” we started looking for something more permanent. A place of our own.
Eventually, we found a home — a real one. We bought it, and something inside finally began to settle. With every small win, we were moving from survival to something more: a sense of belonging.

And that’s when the shift happens. You stop buying all your groceries from South African shops. You find your rhythm. You catch yourself thinking: "I think I made it."

Now, five years down the line, I sit in my living room — the sun finally out after another long, grey winter. My two South African German Shepherds are on the couch, barking at the postman. My kids are happy, living a normal and safe life, and I can’t help but smile.

I made it.
But let me tell you — the tears, jong... dit wás nie snaaks nie.

Three years ago, I had this idea: to build a space that could make people smile, support fellow South Africans, and share what we’ve learned.
It hasn’t been easy. Nee man, dis flippen scary. I’m not a developer. But I knew we needed something — not just another Facebook group — something useful, practical, and personal.

Not everyone here has connections.
Not everyone is comfortable asking questions.
Some feel too lost, too proud, or too shy to speak up.

Tjom, why struggle alone? Ons is hier om mekaar te help.

We’ll always miss those we left behind. Seeing oumas and oupas only once a year? Genade.
But I’ve come to realise that family doesn’t have to be blood, and Rome wasn’t built in a day.

This website is a lunchtime creation, built on coffee, grit, and the belief that we’re stronger together.
To those who helped: thank you.

To my husband, who patiently reread every single page — 100 times over.
To my friends who checked spelling, gave honest feedback, and kept me going.
To the C's, who brainstormed content with me when I had no words left.
And to my son Sidney, who came up with this kickass name — thank you, my boy.

For Every South African Going Dutch

Over the last five years, I’ve googled it. I’ve asked awkward questions. I’ve misunderstood words.
And I’ve seen the exact same struggles play out for hundreds of new arrivals.

So I built this with you in mind — whether you're just starting out or already halfway in.
I hope this platform gives you the info, the laughs, and the little bit of home you need.

You’re always welcome here.
And if you have ideas, suggestions, or just want to say hi — my inbox is open.

All my love

June 2025