Sadia's story

My story in a nutshell is as follows.....

I went on to study marketing and aales for lack of knowing what else to do ... completed the 3 year course part time as I decided to do fashion designing for a year and then moved on to doing aromatherapy for a year while working for Hallmark Greeting Cards in marketing ... I then back packed Europe for a month only to come back for my beloved sister Feroza's funeral, and then most vulnerable entered into my first marriage in 1995, (months after my sister's death) ... which was a horrific experience and lasted only 10 months and many years of recovery. During this time I worked for SA Phillips. I then moved to Cape Town for 6 months for my own healing and then back to JHB , entering into a sales position for furniture manufacturer Hartmann & Keppler (divine interiors and very beautiful things). I then travelled some more in the USA, working on a summer camp for underpriviliged kids from Los Angeles for 4 months and travelled another 2 months before going back to JHB in 1999 to meet my wonderful husband Tariq, and back to Hartmann & Keppler as manager. We have a daughter Iman (means Faith), who is almost 7yrs old. I have had 4 miscarriages since her , quite far into my pregnancy so I am a bit afraid to try again, although that is not in my control at all ... I just need to submit and have faith (I knew in naming Iman, with her she would bring tests of immense faith for us as a family...) I would love to have another two kids. God willing.

We have been living in Cape Town since 2007 and I love it, the ocean the mountains and all it's many faces really keep me going. I knew I would be back here ... JHB has never felt like my home. I am currently in a half day position at my brothers company doing accounting - which I certainly cannot believe, as I do prefer the more creative aspect of work, but it helps and I can still see to Iman in the afternoons etc.

I plan on getting back into massage therapy, yoga for kids (qualified to teach, but all talk and no action), mosaic, crafts, and all else that I love. I really want to create a space where women in particular can feel uplifted and empowered in every aspect both superficial and spiritual ... offering services and products, love and compassion and true intention for wellness. God willing.

Sadia means Happiness , which is what I would love to bring to you all ...

Karin Calmeyer

After leaving school I wasn’t sure what to do so I started working for a dental laboratory. Not really my thing so I moved to a corporate environment and studied public relations and photography. I wasn’t involved with anyone and continued to hang out with my brother and the boys and the youth. I met Craig when organizing my 21st. around the same time my father was kidnapped. He was eventually released battered and bruised but my family lost everything to get him back. The police where useless and the perpetrator skipped the country with the money etc. there was no extradition treaty to get them back or anything. My father hated South Africa for a long time and decided to move to England. The time he left I caught my then fiancée with his boss. (a double loss) I was devastated. I ran away joined a band and went on tour. I sang all over the country and really enjoyed the life. I have met and performed with many great and talented people. During this time I fell for my manager and we had a whirlwind relationship, he never wanted to get married and certainly never wanted children so we parted on good terms. Chris was stable, I needed a rock in my life when everything else seemed to be crazy. During our relationship I met Deon and we became firm friends. I travelled to the Congo, England (looking for my father) Texas and Louisiana. I went back to corporate on my return, wiser, cheekier, and certainly more stable. Deon and I got together and have never been apart since. He is my passion and my great love. I can see his destiny and I know it is my place to help him achieve it because he has such a love and compassion for people. He is a fabulous teacher. (Biblically speaking) In life he is a personal trainer. But once again teaching people to live healthy and encouraging them to do so. I speak to large groups of people and I enjoy one on one. We moved to the coast 11 years ago and have mostly been happy here. I am still weary of people. I work at a retirement village where I arrange all the social activities of the members as well as tours and outings. I have been blessed to be able to travel to the Namaqualand flowers, Knysna, Cape Town, the Kruger park, various game parks, enjoyed the Cherry festival in Free State and so much more through my work. I think people are very eager to travel abroad when we have a wonderful interesting country with so much to see and enjoy. Married life certainly has its ups and downs. Thankfully the ups are fabulous. My experiences have made me very strong, I don’t allow many in, but connecting with my past has been very calming for me. Thank you all for all the stories. I love it.

God bless you all the I am so looking forward to seeing you in November.

Mariza Osorio

Awesome to see the faces, brings back so many memories - and for the life of you - not remember the names...lol.

I'm now back in Johannesburg, after spending a few years in KwaZulu Natal, have two gorgeous, beautiful sons. Richard is ten and an artist of note (if I say so myself...lol). Ross is seven and a soccer player of note (if I say so myself...lol).

I work for a non-profit organisation and have my own small entrepreneurial business, doing email branding, web development (www.osorioandassociates.co.za), business solutions etc. Plus have a little "home kitchen" making awesome treats (jams, marmalades, rusks - all things sinfully nice).

I recently heard that "Mrs Binda" - Maths Teacher is still alive and kicking! Wow! Did she pick on me - "Osorio" where's your homework..lol