The saga in South Africa continues

SA has continued to amaze me, inspire me and humble me. So many stories to share that this blog will never do my experience justice. Below is just a nutshell version of my past 3 days.

I forget which day of the week it is, but remember the days a little more clearly. Day 4 was spent at the poly-clinic with the HIV/TB sufferers. During this particular visit we were serving soup plus bread to the patients. The patients were quite grateful on the whole (considering the quality of the soup). As usual, cups had to be counted at the end to ensure none had been stolen. After soup had been served we had our lunch. My lunch was at a place called 'Mugg and Bean' and I had an excellent blue cheesecake drink?!

The afternoon was spent at Happy's again. We took a parachute with us which proved great fun. SJ ensured all the kids were lifted in said parachute, regardless of whether they had a wheelchair or not! The extra balls we took were well used too. Such wonderful children.

Day 5 was spent working in a Christadelphian book shop. This was a strange experience. The book shop was kept real busy with so many folk coming in wanting to know/learn about God. The book shop offers free bible lessons (home or group) and offers certificates and photo should course be completed. I was amazed at the level of interest. Largely speaking, one is considered a freak in the UK should they believe in God. In SA it appears you really are quite normal to have a christian belief. SJ and I supported this book shop and both even purchased a Bible from there.

The evening of Day 5 was spent at Happy's again. We love it here and the kids love us. I plan to spend more time here. There is a child with no legs and severe disability, yet he has the biggest smile I have ever seen. As I left Happy's I saw some housing project happening. A number of people here live in what look like sheds. These sheds are smaller than my bedroom and have no bath, sink, fridge, cooker etc and no running water or electricity. These communities look similar to battery hen farms. So sad.

Our evening was spent near the beach which was nice. We find we reflect on the things we have seen when we are not working. The smile of that disabled child had been stuck in my head.

Day 6 saw the greatest jumble sale of my life. We took a whole bunch of jumble to Cleremont and had what was best described as a car boot sale. Lots of the community came to buy used clothes and toys. We were selling items for between 10 and 30 pence (1 to 3 Rand) to such a poor community. The road we were on was incredible - it housed what appeared to be a happy community yet a slum was one side of the road and built housing the other. I saw a banana tree growing here too. The children turned the sale into a fancy dress party which was awesome. SJ found a wedding dress ...

Later that day we did a whole bunch of stuff. High-lights included a trip to the markets. The markets had goat and sheep heads hung up ready to be purchased. Eek! SJ and I walked along the beach, stepped into the sea and even took a cable car. We ate bunny chow today, a famous African dish, which I have previously cooked at home. SJ, bless her, said mine was nicer.

Today is Sunday, a day of rest, so I plan to blog again in 4 days time.