What was your son, little Rainn’s first reaction of America?
Rainn thinks that the whole of America is Disneyland! We also have Lego Land in Atlanta, which is an incredible afternoon of playtime. His favourite thing it taking the big yellow bus to school each morning and back. I wait on the sidewalk to see him on and off the bus. He is fitting-in very nicely.
Does Rainn miss his friends or has he made new friends easily?
Yes Rainn does miss his friends at Jan Harmsgat Farm and we have phoned them. We What’s Up photos so it feels like we are right next to each other! And he is making friends at his new school, which is a multi-cultural environment. Meeting the other Mom’s is also allot of fun for me, and Rainn has a very good Teacher named Mrs Sparks – he calls her Mrs Sparkles.
What are some of the nicest experiences in the USA till now?
Getting our home setup has been a very fluid and smooth process, from hooking up with Georgia Power to getting Georgia Driving Licence. It’s true what they say about Southern Hospitality, the food and people are kind and welcoming – and I love the Southern accent. One day, while getting a to-go salad lunch, I got chatting with the lady in-front of me. She duly bought all 3 of us lunch as a welcome to America gesture! Her name is Bonnie, and we are now friends.
Grocery shopping is an eye-opener, as the shelves are laden with everything and more. The choices are endless. Our best store is Whole Foods – a health shop that serves freshly squeezed veggie juices.
Riaan met his hero Evander Holyfield at a fund-Raiser function, and I could not help mention to his wife Trudi that these two strong bald-head guys look like brothers! We had a good laugh.
What are the biggest challenges at this stage?
We are doing well, and don’t have any challenges at this time. My focus at the moment is to get the home fire up-and-running and little Rainn established at school. He’s only 5 but getting homework already – which is fun, as it creates Mom and Child time each afternoon.
How did you plan your move so smoothly and quickly?
My best advice is to sign up with a qualified international moving company – we made use of Biddulphs, and I have never seen such brilliant packaging and wrapping. Our container of furniture has just arrived so my work is cut out for me over the next few weeks with the unpacking. Once Riaan received his green card, it was all systems, go as the applicant has just 6 months to be living and working in the States, so there is no time to delay.
What are you looking forward to this Thanksgiving and Christmas?
We are looking forward to cooking a Turkey for the first time, to know the best flavours for the stuffing and the condiments that go with it. This week at school Rainn learns all about the Pilgrims who came to America on the Mayflower ship. And we will be spending time with close friends in the States, no doubt Riaan will swop barbeque / braai skills as the cooking gets underway!
The beautiful Holiday decorations are going up, setting the tone for a special and cosy Christmas next to the fire place!
How do you regularly keep in contact with friends and family in South Africa?
Social Media, like Facebook, is the most cost effective means of everyday catch-up. Skype is a saving grace and we have standing weekly dates of talk-time with Family. Of course we all miss each other terribly!
Do you have family in America?
No Family
How did you and Rainn get USA citizenship?
I applied for my green card in 1992, and received it in 1997, with the purpose of wanting to produce TV in the States. I lived and worked in Los Angeles till 2005 on receiving my USA Citizenship. Proudly African-American with dual citizenship, I moved back to South Africa to take care of my Mom, who was not well at the time. We had 4 lovely years together before she passed. Rainn automatically has dual citizenship.
What does the future hold?
Committed hard work can only pay off in a good way – and this is the plan to hopefully bring about a healthy future for our small family. Every-day Riaan and I aim for a happy marriage and happy life.
What is your message to your fans in South Africa?
Too graciously say Thank You for your kindness and support. South Africa is a blessed country with beautiful people and a wealth of natural beauty, a unique mix of interesting folk and landscapes that deserve only the best.
Would you maybe come back to South Africa one day?
We are treating this as an adventure and time can only tell. Our home was broken into, and we were held at gunpoint for four hours. Tied up execution style with their balaclava off, I still am not sure why they did not shoot us. I sometimes still anticipate that cold pistol at the base of my skull. Every-day I know we are lucky to be alive. Something like that affects one in the deepest way and takes a long time to get over. My feeling is that once corruption is eradicated, the political space becomes more even keeled and that white folks can get a job – we could be enticed into a home-coming.
