Long-standing South Coaster Karin bids farewell to all

Much loved South Coaster Karin Lehmann from Mbango Valley Association has said goodbye to South Africa and her South Coast family for greener pastures in England.

Her decision to make some pretty significant changes in her life did not come lightly and, being a person who loves to travel, she opted to explore the UK .

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Although she loves South Africa, her decision was based on looking at different educational prospects for her younger son, Jordan (11) and the option of his having a world view experience.

For Karin has been almost everywhere in South Africa. She has toured with family and, of course, her second family, the residents of Mbango Valley. Karin moved to the South Coast 22 years ago from Johannesburg.

She worked at Mbango Valley Association for 19 years and absolutely adored her grans and grandpas at the association. For Karin her job at Mbango was not a job but a passion.

Going to work every day and seeing so many people who have crept into her heart meant the world to her.

“My work included the social integration of residents into the Mbango community through events and activities.

These events included the monthly lunch, annual Christmas fete, health awareness events and much more. I also incorporated the publication of a monthly magazine to all the members of Mbango.

“This wonderful job afforded me the privilege of travelling the country with some of the folks. I have seen the most places in South Africa, including Namaqualand flowers and eating fish at Lamberts Bay. I have travelled to Cape Town and the Garden Route, God’s Window, Kruger Park, Lesotho and many others places.

“My love to travel is now extending past South African borders as I discover the UK in detail,” she said.

On the other end of the age group she has been the youth leader at Rhema South Coast Family Church for the past eight years, under the leadership of Pastor Larry Elliot. “It has been a joy to be part of raising a group of 10- to 18-year-olds at the church. Most of the youth have matured into responsible, awesome young adults of whom I am very proud. There are, of course, more than two on this coast who call me ‘mommy’.”

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Her elder son Brandon (22), her daughter-in-law Shannon (22) and her mother Cynthia Els will be missed. “A piece of my heart will remain here with them,” she said.

Karin and her son have been accepted in the UK through an ancestral visa. She looks forward to working with the older folks as that’s her passion and has already found a church she can attend. Her son Jordan has been accepted into school in Chelmsford, Essex, where Karin’s father, Cedric Calmeyer lives. Karin and Jordan will be living at Chelmsford with her father. Jordan will start school in September. He is a former pupil of Port Shepstone Junior and Senior Primary.

The mother and son said they are looking forward to the new adventure but are saddened to leave behind so many friends and family on the sunny South Coast.

“To all the special people I leave behind, remember to enjoy every moment of every day. Follow your dreams and and live your passion. I will miss everyone but the distance between us is only a Facebook message away,” said Karin.

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