Marimba House Burns

7am, 20th Sept, 2007/ Marimba House

7am, 20th Sept, 2007 / Fire Phoenix

7am, 20th Sept, 2007 / Our Room

Marimba House was completely destroyed by fire on 19th Sept 2007.

Click here for Pictures

Marimba House/Rustlers Valley Fire News
2nd letter, 23rd Sept

Firstly we want you to know that we are happy and healthy and have sustained no injuries. We are happy that Great Spirit has given us the opportunity to start fresh. We believe that cleansing by fire is a positive force. We trust in the Fire and that this opportunity for a new beginning is here. We have accepted that what we have lost is lost and there is no need to ponder too much on what was lost. The old road is finished, the new pathway has opened. We trust that Great Spirit guides us immaculately in every moment and rather that feel saddened we feel excitement to begin this new road.

Marimba House, Rustlers Valley Guest Lodge, Restaurant, most of the Homes and Guest Accommodation have been completely destroyed by Fire, in fact the only buildings standing are Derek's house; some of Frik's unfinished House, the Marimba Starseed and Temazcal.

We have been receiving phone messages, sms and e-mail from all our friends and the response has been amazing. People expressing their sadness at our loss. People offering to help physically, offering to contribute and help in various ways. It has been really amazing to see how many friends we have out there. We have limited communication at the moment and it will be so un till I find a way to get power to my laptop and set up a new aerial for the internet. So please excuse this non personal e-mail but we need to respond to so many people. Here is some news about what happened and what is happening now.

The Fire began at about 2pm on Wednesday 19th Sept, near the Gate of Rustlers Valley. A beehive was being smoked and there was an accident. Within half an hour the Fire had burned Eidin's house, Marimba House, Nick and Bonita's house, Tim and Sadie's house, The entire Rustlers Guest Lodge and Restaurant.

Leeane and I were on the road from Johannesburg when we heard the news of the fire. All we could do is keep driving toward the Valley. Hearing the news of the fire as we drove. By the time we arrived back in the valley, it was all over. There is nothing left of Marimba House & nothing was saved from inside, the heat was so intense that everything in it was destroyed. We were left with a pair of clothes each, a blanket and fortunately our laptop which we had with us.

By a miracle, the Starseed ceremonial building did not burn. The Fire came from the West and there was a Sweat Lodge, Fireplace and Altar which stopped the fire from getting to the Starseed. The fire went around both sides of the Starseed and on to Nick & Bonita's house.

After sweeping through Rustlers, the Fire jumped over into the Thaba Tabo Game reserve, burning the entire farm. It then snaked thru the mountains turning around and coming back on the other side of the dam, burning most of Franshoek Farm (luckily no Franshoek buildings were damaged). There was a team of nearly 100 men fighting the fire and trying to get it under control. Eventually at 5pm on Fri 21st Sept, Christian (Owner of Franshoek) managed to divert the fire into a dead end and finally killed it at the cave.

Adam was in Cape Town with Philippa at the time and still is. Leeane and I are fine. We have moved into the Starseed and are busy repairing damage to our spring and pipes. We should have water soon. We will then make some adaptions to the Starseed and use it as our living space over the next year while we rebuild Marimba House.

We will continue running Santo Daime/Ayahuasca works, learning the Sacred songs of the alliance, once or twice a month (we saved the medicine, as it was stored under the ground of our hut) and we will run the Sweat Lodge once a month or so. All accommodation is camping. We will keep you informed of our plans for the rest of the year. We will also continue to run the Sweat Lodge in Rivonia every month so we hope to see you there.

Our intention is to create some Sweat Lodge weekends at the Starseed & in the new Temazcal, aimed at getting people together who want to help in a creative way, building and planting. Let us know if you want to participate. I have added a "Marimba House Reconstruction Group" to the Mail list so please check this group if you want to help and get regular news about the project, or to participate. To join this group please click the link at the bottom of the page that says "Change e-mail / Leave mail list"

 

Pictures have been posted on Facebook and our web site.
We remain positive & appreciate all your prayers, strength & support during this time.

One Love
Niyan & Leeane