From France with ‘amour’

IT is probably every girl’s dream to some day wander through the bustling streets of France, taste the magnificent culinary flavours and take in the idyllic beauty of the country by travelling to the ends of it.

This dream is now become a reality for Jana Steenkamp, a local belle amd wife of Springbok rugby player Gurthro Steenkamp.

Born and bred in Empangeni, Jana currently lives in Toulouse (France) with her husband and two children Kaylee (9) and Werner (5) – with another baby girl on the way.

Their love story began when they met at a friend’s house in Pretoria, and in 2010 they were engaged and relocated to France.

Jana became Mrs Steenkamp in 2012 with a stunning fairytale wedding that was featured on Top Billing.

Her dress was designed by a family friend from Empangeni, with only two dress fittings for the ‘princess’ on the day.

Jana is now a full-time mom and supportive wife who tries to make it to every Toulouse game.

‘It’s very important to be supportive in every way possible for daddy and the kids’, says Jana.

Even though Gurthro is on a tight training and match schedule, they make time for each other by having daily lunches or something special with the kids whenever possible.

With a passion for the outdoors, it was no surprise when she mentioned her love for horses. This passion is also shared with her daughter who will be participating in her first equestrian show this weekend.

With Gurthro currently away playing for the Springboks, this is one of the precious moments he will miss out on.

To make up for these lost moments, Jana says they are constantly sending each other photos and communicating via Skype and phone calls.

Her motto in life, instilled by her parents who still reside in Empangeni, is to never start something you can’t finish.

She also believes that there is no challenge too big to handle and uses these sentiments as an approach to living abroad with a husband that doesn’t have a regular 9 to 5 job.

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