It begins with the endearing story of a young girl's childhood and coming of age as a minister's daughter in turbulent South Africa; and, it draws a compelling picture of the good and evil that surrounded her and their impact on her heart and life.

The contrast between the stunning natural beauty of South Africa and the pervasive violence and fear that she encounters play out on the pages of this story, as does her relationship with God as she navigates ordeals of deep loss and severe trials. The division of South Africa and the effect on the lives of her family are also lightly addressed. The second half of the book depicts their struggles and setbacks, as she and her family attempt to carve out a new life in the United States. However, she also shares the laughter enjoyed with friends and the comfort that only a cup of hot tea can bring.

Reminiscent of the writing style of Frank McCourt, Jenny's captivating story depicts her journey with candor and openness. We can relate and are encouraged because most of us have encountered trials and struggles on our journey. Jenny is one of us.

The boy was born in 1938, under the majestic Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa, to a strong mother and an absent father. The boy was known by his nick-name, Tokkie. This memoir makes one laugh at Tokkie’s antics and the trouble they get him into. At other times, one cries with the boy who is often cold and hungry, and has to grow up too quickly in post war South Africa.

To add insult to injury, his step-father buys a baboon that Tokkie has to feed, even though the baboon often bites him and never allows him to win the tree-scaling races. When Tokkie is grown, he has an encounter with God that changes his life and his name as he becomes Pastor Theodor Jerry Hewett. Miracles take place and his heartfelt cry of ‘God can do it again’, resonates throughout this narrative.

The story includes the funny, yet sometimes heartbreaking journey of the ministry in South Africa, all the while capturing the heartbeat of Africa.