Our last full day here in South Africa started with an off the cuff devotion from Andrew. Once we had thanked God for His continued protection and prayed, we headed off to finish what we had started.
Sue and Zac took a quick trip into town to make a very important purchase with Hayley, that kept Zac and Hayley entertained for the rest of the day.
Kathy, Erle and Tim were dressed and waiting for Carolyn to pick them for their creche visits in one of the townships. Our first stop was to see a lady named Mary. Mary showed us some of her beautiful hand embroided items. We each purchased some of her work, so some of our family and friends may be lucky enough to be the recipient of ones of these wonderful pieces. We may even try to get some more of her items home at a later date. Our next visit was to Mamma Rose's creche to drop of some items for a baby who is only new to her creche and is not well. The kids here were very loud and were enjoying playing with some of the toys. The numbers were down today because it is school holidays and some had stayed home. At the next creche with Mamma Thembe, there were only about 20 kids there today. They were much quieter and were very happy to show us their items for their celebration at the end of the year. The children who are attending school next year all stepped forward said their name and age and thanked us for coming. After all the older ones had finished one little fellow stepped forward, confidently told us his name and told us he was 5 years old, he was all of 3yrs but had obviously been taking everything in during this year. He also led them in rendition of the South African National Anthem. It was a privilege to hear them all recite Bible verses that they had learnt. We praise God that these young ones can be taught these truths at a young age and pray that they will stay in their hearts for life. After a couple of stops for Carolyn to catch up with a couple of other creche mummas we headed home with much to contemplate.
Back at the 'compound' the boys were completing the gate. This was a big job as cement had to be laid, runners put in place and fence cut to fit. This gate will be fitted with an electric motor that will enable the gate to be opened automatically from the car, which allows for better security and protection from bad weather. Peter was very impressed and pleased to see this big job finished before we left.
Sue and Merilyn went with Carolyn to drop of the resources (toys & books) to one of the four libraries that are being set up for the local creches.
On their return we all ventured out for a farewell dinner at the local Spur. Spur is a steak and rib restuarant and I am sure they were unsure what had hit them when 25, mostly Australians sat down.
We enjoyed a wonderful meal together and after a couple of hours of good food and fun we exchanged gifts and thanked and praised God for each other. We farewelled Faith & Hayley in the carpark as we will not be seeing them tomorrow and headed back to our warm beds as the temperature has dropped quite bit.
We were late home due to a a zebra crossing!!!!!!
We pray for a safe trip home for Andrew, Zac, Tim Leighton, Creighton & Kathy and for Merilyn, Sue & Erle as they head to Cape Town for a week before heading home. Also for Barry & Linda as they continue on their tour before heading back here to finish a few extra jobs.
We also praise God for the things we have seen and learnt and we look forward to filling in the details with many of you when we get home.
Wednesday 5 October 2011
Tuesday 4 October 2011
4th October 2011
Today was a very different day, starting with a team meeting put back to a 9am start ( to allow for recovery time after a big day yesterday ). This was a great time of sharing and praying.
After that the boys hit it hard installing a new front entrance gate. This involved digging a trench, mixing the cement and concreting a narrow slab to mount the track on. The project seemed to require a lot of commitee meetings, brainstorming and sometimes some hard work. We hovered somewhere between "Many hands make light work" and "Too many cooks spoil the broth". While digging the trench we found that South Africa is made of one big rock with a small amount of dirt on top. By days end we had put in the concrete with three posts and the track for the gate to run on. Thanks to all the guys big effort we are on track to finish the job tomorrow.
During all this the girls decided to go to town shopping (again). This caused lunch to be pushed back to afternoon tea time but the beautiful steak sandwich lunch they provided for us was well worth the wait.
The shopping also included the purchase of books to be used around the different creches in the townships.
Merilyn met a nice young man today. He was so friendly that he pushed her trolley for her and helped pack the groceries into the car.
In the middle of the afternoon Zac and Peter felt it necessary to head off to Buildit (Pete's favourite shop). These trips seem to take a little longer than one would expect but they seem to enjoy them.
It seems strange to think that tomorrow is our last full day here. The time has really flown. We will really miss the daily parades of animals especialy the troop of baboons that would greet us from the trees at the house each morning.
After that the boys hit it hard installing a new front entrance gate. This involved digging a trench, mixing the cement and concreting a narrow slab to mount the track on. The project seemed to require a lot of commitee meetings, brainstorming and sometimes some hard work. We hovered somewhere between "Many hands make light work" and "Too many cooks spoil the broth". While digging the trench we found that South Africa is made of one big rock with a small amount of dirt on top. By days end we had put in the concrete with three posts and the track for the gate to run on. Thanks to all the guys big effort we are on track to finish the job tomorrow.
During all this the girls decided to go to town shopping (again). This caused lunch to be pushed back to afternoon tea time but the beautiful steak sandwich lunch they provided for us was well worth the wait.
The shopping also included the purchase of books to be used around the different creches in the townships.
Merilyn met a nice young man today. He was so friendly that he pushed her trolley for her and helped pack the groceries into the car.
In the middle of the afternoon Zac and Peter felt it necessary to head off to Buildit (Pete's favourite shop). These trips seem to take a little longer than one would expect but they seem to enjoy them.
It seems strange to think that tomorrow is our last full day here. The time has really flown. We will really miss the daily parades of animals especialy the troop of baboons that would greet us from the trees at the house each morning.
3rd October 2011
Up at 4.00am today for a leisurely drive to Pilanesberg Game Park which is about 3 hours away from our base. We left at 5.10am and arrived at approximately 7.30am driving through a fresh fall of snow on the way which you probably won't believe but is geniuinely true. The boys were in Peter's Car and the ladies and Erle were in Richard's car. The park is 20,000 hectares big with roads throughout. We were very excited, even for people that live 10 minutes from Dubbo Zoo.
The hunt was on early and eyes were prised on finding the animals in the bush, hoping to tick off the Big 5. First animal spotted was a Impala, then a Warthog followed by a Baboon early on. As we progressed through the park at a leisurely pace we then spotted the first of many Wilderbeast (even though they have been passing by the compound regularly), very exciting, then a prized siting of a Blacked-backed Jackal. Next on the list of animals we saw was a gang of Giraffes which took particular interest in the Aussie invasion of the park. Our tour guides Peter and Richard from WEC Safari's then decided to take us on another route and we struck gold! A big, beautiful Bull Elephant having a stroll on his own through the park. Awesome site! (he was a little bigger than the local variety that we have become accustom to outside the WEC compound however). After about 1000 photo's our guides proceeded to take us even further into the park where we stumbled across a family of Black Rhino's, a Bull, a Mum and a baby - pretty impressive.
Our ever keen tour guide Richard then showed us a couple of Dung Beetles having a merrily roll of dung down the road, a site to be seen. Next to be sited was a Kudu, numerous Zebras were spotted throughout the day, a Steenbok, Hippos at a lakeside hide, Terrapins, Crocodile, Catfish and several different types of birds. We had a long deserved rest and had a bight to eat, lovely sandwiches prepared by Sue, Kathy and Andrew. Marvellous effort that!
We then saw the Fish Eagle in a nest with its babies and then we went to the info centre for a bit of a look around. Tim got himself in a bit of trouble for only buying the boys car Ice creams! Thanks Tim.
A quick getaway was needed and we headed for Hippo drive and saw Rock Hyrax and more fat Hippos. After this our guides lost their feel for the park and we had about 1 hour of complete nothing, Tim and Leighton used this time to catch a few Zs.
After some soul searching by our WEC Safari guides they got their mojo back and led us to literally a herd of Elephants which woke everyone up, got the cameras firing and was truly an amazing experience. The tour then continued with our guides back on track of animal scent and they spotted a Brown Hyena which are quiet rare in the park! The Springbok was next and then we tracked a White Rhino for over a kilometre, then a Red Hartebeest, Waterbuck and then a big Crocodile at a water hide.
There were many so-called sightings of Lions which all turned out to be rocks and Leopards which turned out to be Leopard Trees.
After searching all day looking for a Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Buffalo and Ostrich we left the park at aprroximately 4.30pm only after looking at another herd of Elephants and a couple of hippos taking an afternoon dip. Pretty special that!
The big drive home saw Erle, Creighton and Andrew try their hand at driving in South Africa to give our WEC Safari guides, Sir Peter Campbell and Sir Richard Parker a well deserved rest. We all had a big feed at Wimpy's which was an experience!
The Dubbo team finally arrived home safe and sound at the compound at around 9.00pm very tired and also pumped from the experience. A big thankyou to WEC Safari's and Peter and Richard who did an outstanding job, even when a few of us broke the rules! Thanks Richard and Peter, you were extremley patient and generous with your time. We had an outstanding time.
Some say that a lonely Hare was spotted outside the compound on the way home, carrying a stick with coloured eggs in a hankerchief. A bit early for easter but he may have been paractising, he looked like a bit of a rabbit!
The hunt was on early and eyes were prised on finding the animals in the bush, hoping to tick off the Big 5. First animal spotted was a Impala, then a Warthog followed by a Baboon early on. As we progressed through the park at a leisurely pace we then spotted the first of many Wilderbeast (even though they have been passing by the compound regularly), very exciting, then a prized siting of a Blacked-backed Jackal. Next on the list of animals we saw was a gang of Giraffes which took particular interest in the Aussie invasion of the park. Our tour guides Peter and Richard from WEC Safari's then decided to take us on another route and we struck gold! A big, beautiful Bull Elephant having a stroll on his own through the park. Awesome site! (he was a little bigger than the local variety that we have become accustom to outside the WEC compound however). After about 1000 photo's our guides proceeded to take us even further into the park where we stumbled across a family of Black Rhino's, a Bull, a Mum and a baby - pretty impressive.
Our ever keen tour guide Richard then showed us a couple of Dung Beetles having a merrily roll of dung down the road, a site to be seen. Next to be sited was a Kudu, numerous Zebras were spotted throughout the day, a Steenbok, Hippos at a lakeside hide, Terrapins, Crocodile, Catfish and several different types of birds. We had a long deserved rest and had a bight to eat, lovely sandwiches prepared by Sue, Kathy and Andrew. Marvellous effort that!
We then saw the Fish Eagle in a nest with its babies and then we went to the info centre for a bit of a look around. Tim got himself in a bit of trouble for only buying the boys car Ice creams! Thanks Tim.
A quick getaway was needed and we headed for Hippo drive and saw Rock Hyrax and more fat Hippos. After this our guides lost their feel for the park and we had about 1 hour of complete nothing, Tim and Leighton used this time to catch a few Zs.
After some soul searching by our WEC Safari guides they got their mojo back and led us to literally a herd of Elephants which woke everyone up, got the cameras firing and was truly an amazing experience. The tour then continued with our guides back on track of animal scent and they spotted a Brown Hyena which are quiet rare in the park! The Springbok was next and then we tracked a White Rhino for over a kilometre, then a Red Hartebeest, Waterbuck and then a big Crocodile at a water hide.
There were many so-called sightings of Lions which all turned out to be rocks and Leopards which turned out to be Leopard Trees.
After searching all day looking for a Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Buffalo and Ostrich we left the park at aprroximately 4.30pm only after looking at another herd of Elephants and a couple of hippos taking an afternoon dip. Pretty special that!
The big drive home saw Erle, Creighton and Andrew try their hand at driving in South Africa to give our WEC Safari guides, Sir Peter Campbell and Sir Richard Parker a well deserved rest. We all had a big feed at Wimpy's which was an experience!
The Dubbo team finally arrived home safe and sound at the compound at around 9.00pm very tired and also pumped from the experience. A big thankyou to WEC Safari's and Peter and Richard who did an outstanding job, even when a few of us broke the rules! Thanks Richard and Peter, you were extremley patient and generous with your time. We had an outstanding time.
Some say that a lonely Hare was spotted outside the compound on the way home, carrying a stick with coloured eggs in a hankerchief. A bit early for easter but he may have been paractising, he looked like a bit of a rabbit!
A couple of raffes
The big phant tossing dirt.
Yep, another zebra.
A phant family.
Ahhhhh!!!!!
Sunday 2 October 2011
2 October 2011
One week has passed since we arrived and being Sunday it was an oopportunity for us to attend church. This was a logisitical nightmare as we needed three cars to transport us to the chuches that we were going to. We also had to consider which road we would take as the rain can wreak havoc with the unsealed roads that lead from the farm to the main road about 2kms away.
It was also a lot cooler today and we had to find warm clothes to wear, which was a fashion nightmare for the ladies who had to wear a skirt and thus didn't have their full wardrobe to choose from.
Sue, Erle and Kathy attended a small 'Lighthouse' Church with Carolyn. This church was the home church for Catherine who led the service. The church building was a tin shed that the people had decorated with red & white fabric and had enough chairs to seat 15 people. We were welcomed warmly and encouraged to join in. Erle gave a 'word' to the people and after much singing and praying in Zulu a lay pastor spoke to us from Jeremiah 17:7-8. Caroline, Catherine's daughter who is home from university, interpretted for us. Caroline visited us in Dubbo a number of years ago with Peter & Carolyn. We were also treated to lunch after the service.
The others, Creighton, Leighton, Andrew, Zac, Tim and Merilyn attended the Langaville Baptist Church with Peter, Hayley, Ruben, Ruth and Raine. Due to the wet weather there were very few locals at church for the commencement of the service. As the weather fined up more people arrived. Some arriving one hour into the service. Very repetitive songs/phrases that they hope to introduce to Dubbo Baps. The beginning of the service was a time of praise, prayer and songs with many participating. Peter, Zac, Leighton & Merilyn shared but were nowhere up to the ladies beautiful singing. The pastor gave a short sermon on Numbers 13:26-33 which went for 40 minutes - "what do you do when circumstances are out of control". Following the service they were very much made welcome with hugs & greetings and a number of photos were taken.
Following a quick change of clothes back at the house we headed off rather quickly to some markets. We travelled along the freeways and tollway into Joburg to the Rosebank Markets, where we were allowed to go our seperate ways for a couple of hours to explore and do some shopping. There were many stalls that sold traditional African crafts and souvenirs and quite a lot of not so traditional. A number of gifts were purchased for family at home and a decision was made to purchase some hand embroided squares that will be made into a banner when we get home for the church. We may need to call on some of our own local ladies to help us with this. Zac and Hayley found the game arcade and spent most of their afternoon there racing and shooting each other.
An early night is in order so that we are up ready to leave at 5am for our trip to the game park tomorrow.
A cheetah has made home in the ceiling above Creighton and Kathy's bedroom to try and seek shelter from the horendous thunderstorm.
It was also a lot cooler today and we had to find warm clothes to wear, which was a fashion nightmare for the ladies who had to wear a skirt and thus didn't have their full wardrobe to choose from.
Sue, Erle and Kathy attended a small 'Lighthouse' Church with Carolyn. This church was the home church for Catherine who led the service. The church building was a tin shed that the people had decorated with red & white fabric and had enough chairs to seat 15 people. We were welcomed warmly and encouraged to join in. Erle gave a 'word' to the people and after much singing and praying in Zulu a lay pastor spoke to us from Jeremiah 17:7-8. Caroline, Catherine's daughter who is home from university, interpretted for us. Caroline visited us in Dubbo a number of years ago with Peter & Carolyn. We were also treated to lunch after the service.
The others, Creighton, Leighton, Andrew, Zac, Tim and Merilyn attended the Langaville Baptist Church with Peter, Hayley, Ruben, Ruth and Raine. Due to the wet weather there were very few locals at church for the commencement of the service. As the weather fined up more people arrived. Some arriving one hour into the service. Very repetitive songs/phrases that they hope to introduce to Dubbo Baps. The beginning of the service was a time of praise, prayer and songs with many participating. Peter, Zac, Leighton & Merilyn shared but were nowhere up to the ladies beautiful singing. The pastor gave a short sermon on Numbers 13:26-33 which went for 40 minutes - "what do you do when circumstances are out of control". Following the service they were very much made welcome with hugs & greetings and a number of photos were taken.
Following a quick change of clothes back at the house we headed off rather quickly to some markets. We travelled along the freeways and tollway into Joburg to the Rosebank Markets, where we were allowed to go our seperate ways for a couple of hours to explore and do some shopping. There were many stalls that sold traditional African crafts and souvenirs and quite a lot of not so traditional. A number of gifts were purchased for family at home and a decision was made to purchase some hand embroided squares that will be made into a banner when we get home for the church. We may need to call on some of our own local ladies to help us with this. Zac and Hayley found the game arcade and spent most of their afternoon there racing and shooting each other.
An early night is in order so that we are up ready to leave at 5am for our trip to the game park tomorrow.
A cheetah has made home in the ceiling above Creighton and Kathy's bedroom to try and seek shelter from the horendous thunderstorm.
Carolyn, Sue and Sue outside the 'Lighthouse' church.
The Langaville Baptist Church.
The huge Nelson Mandela statue.
The crew leaving the markets.
1 October 2011
Sorry for the delay in posting. When storms hit here we need to turn of the modem and other electrical things to avoid possible problems from a lightning strike. The first storm of the season hit last night causing a short blackout and the need to shut off the modem.
Saturday was a day for a Celebration for Creche teachers who had completed training with the WEC team throughout the year. This was one of many celebrations that are held at this time of the year. Sue, Kathy, Merilyn and Linda attend the celebration in a local church in Springs with Carolyn, Sue, Lindsey and Ruth. The ladies arrived from the creches dressed immaculately ready to receive their certificates from the WEC team. This was also a special day for our team as Sue was asked to speak to the ladies and to bring them a word of encouragement. She did a wonderful job and was well received by all. The morning wrapped up with morning tea and many photos taken by not only us but also the other ladies. It is interesting to be a celebrity and to be photographed just because you are from another country.
While the girls were out the boys began to dig a hole but interupted their big job to take a trip into town in the 'bakkie' (ute), Zac and Erle in the cab with the other five loaded in the back under the canopy on the cushions. The trip was used to test the steak meals at 'Spur'.
On their return they continued to dig a hole in the rock hard ground and finished the ceiling in the workshop.
Barry and Linda left us today to head off on a 15 day camping trek further north. Peter, along with Tim, Erle and Merilyn took them into Joburg, and took the opportunity to visit Nelson Mandella Square and to have their photo taken with Mandella's statue.
Our passionate tea lady, Emma, also left us today to go to Pretoria to run a youth camp for the week. Our tea has lost its passion
For the ladies the afternoon was spent preparing a baked lamb dinner for 23! This was our opportunity to bless the team here in South Africa with an Australian meal. It was Ruben's first taste of lamb and for the other Australian's a taste of home. We also showed some photos from home and logged onto some facebook pages to find photos of our families.
The dinner was also a celebration for Sue & Erle's wedding anniversary.
God provided us with us a spectacular display of his power in the thunder storm that hit us just as we were heading to bed. We continue to praise Him for His protection and love that we have been shown while we are here.
The hippo that has been living in the mission base pool wandered up to the main house to have a swim in the trench that the the men had dug.
Saturday was a day for a Celebration for Creche teachers who had completed training with the WEC team throughout the year. This was one of many celebrations that are held at this time of the year. Sue, Kathy, Merilyn and Linda attend the celebration in a local church in Springs with Carolyn, Sue, Lindsey and Ruth. The ladies arrived from the creches dressed immaculately ready to receive their certificates from the WEC team. This was also a special day for our team as Sue was asked to speak to the ladies and to bring them a word of encouragement. She did a wonderful job and was well received by all. The morning wrapped up with morning tea and many photos taken by not only us but also the other ladies. It is interesting to be a celebrity and to be photographed just because you are from another country.
While the girls were out the boys began to dig a hole but interupted their big job to take a trip into town in the 'bakkie' (ute), Zac and Erle in the cab with the other five loaded in the back under the canopy on the cushions. The trip was used to test the steak meals at 'Spur'.
On their return they continued to dig a hole in the rock hard ground and finished the ceiling in the workshop.
Barry and Linda left us today to head off on a 15 day camping trek further north. Peter, along with Tim, Erle and Merilyn took them into Joburg, and took the opportunity to visit Nelson Mandella Square and to have their photo taken with Mandella's statue.
Our passionate tea lady, Emma, also left us today to go to Pretoria to run a youth camp for the week. Our tea has lost its passion
For the ladies the afternoon was spent preparing a baked lamb dinner for 23! This was our opportunity to bless the team here in South Africa with an Australian meal. It was Ruben's first taste of lamb and for the other Australian's a taste of home. We also showed some photos from home and logged onto some facebook pages to find photos of our families.
The dinner was also a celebration for Sue & Erle's wedding anniversary.
God provided us with us a spectacular display of his power in the thunder storm that hit us just as we were heading to bed. We continue to praise Him for His protection and love that we have been shown while we are here.
The hippo that has been living in the mission base pool wandered up to the main house to have a swim in the trench that the the men had dug.
Friday 30 September 2011
30th September 2011
Bit of a cruisey day today, Kathy was up early however and helped Catherine in the bakery making bread that we have now become accustomed to. Creighton was on cooking duties and did a marvelous job helping Sindile in the kitchen and served up a beautiful lunch with a special Apple crumble desert.
The ladies went off to town and went on a shopping expidition to buy supplies for the Creches. They had a great time and found many items for the children. They bought educational toys and games, puzzles, toys such racing cars and trucks which added up to approximaely $500. They are still to go back and buy books and other resources. They got lost and ended up having lunch at Wimpy's restaurant which meant they missed Creighton's famous Apple crumble. They had a wonderful time.
Most of the men went for a drive to the township and looked at a chicken farm located in the middle of extensions. This one has been set up by a company that sponsors and trains locals to run the chicken enterprise. The farm is located on a church block. See photo.
After lunch the men started to do various jobs, Barry was teaching Raine from Finland to weld, Tim, Leighton and Zac continued to work and service the mission vehicles, Creighton worked hard in the garden with Sims, Erle had a sleep and Andrew did some maintenance to the Bilbe college huts.
The weather turned nasty with a brief dust storm and a fresh cool change.
We are all getting on amazingly well and teaching the WEC missionary's some of Australia's finest sense of humour. We are having a lot of fun and giving plenty of stick to Ruben the German who has no idea of our accent and Emma from Ireland, who sounds more like a Pom who makes the best cups of tea and has great sense of humour. Sue, from Perth, is coming round to the Dubbo way of doing things! Ruth, who is Raine's wife is now extremely rich as we have all paid our money! She is thinking about going on an extended South African holiday.
We are slowly buying all the Springbok rugby jerseys that are being sold at the traffic lights for some great bargains. Not sure why they are so cheap but we aren't complaining.
After the dust storm a flock of Ostriches flew over the compound and into the magnificent South African sunset, an amazing sight!
The ladies went off to town and went on a shopping expidition to buy supplies for the Creches. They had a great time and found many items for the children. They bought educational toys and games, puzzles, toys such racing cars and trucks which added up to approximaely $500. They are still to go back and buy books and other resources. They got lost and ended up having lunch at Wimpy's restaurant which meant they missed Creighton's famous Apple crumble. They had a wonderful time.
Most of the men went for a drive to the township and looked at a chicken farm located in the middle of extensions. This one has been set up by a company that sponsors and trains locals to run the chicken enterprise. The farm is located on a church block. See photo.
After lunch the men started to do various jobs, Barry was teaching Raine from Finland to weld, Tim, Leighton and Zac continued to work and service the mission vehicles, Creighton worked hard in the garden with Sims, Erle had a sleep and Andrew did some maintenance to the Bilbe college huts.
The weather turned nasty with a brief dust storm and a fresh cool change.
We are all getting on amazingly well and teaching the WEC missionary's some of Australia's finest sense of humour. We are having a lot of fun and giving plenty of stick to Ruben the German who has no idea of our accent and Emma from Ireland, who sounds more like a Pom who makes the best cups of tea and has great sense of humour. Sue, from Perth, is coming round to the Dubbo way of doing things! Ruth, who is Raine's wife is now extremely rich as we have all paid our money! She is thinking about going on an extended South African holiday.
We are slowly buying all the Springbok rugby jerseys that are being sold at the traffic lights for some great bargains. Not sure why they are so cheap but we aren't complaining.
After the dust storm a flock of Ostriches flew over the compound and into the magnificent South African sunset, an amazing sight!
The chicken farm.
Andrew enjoying his lunch.
Andrew and Zac worshipping at the Zimbabwean church service.
The ladies being helped to pack the toys and educational games in the car by the parking attendant.
The incredible sunsets (Very similar to home but the smog makes it extremely red).
29th September 2011
Just to pick up from yesterday before the elelphant killed the power, Linda, Andrew and Leighton went with Carolyn to the Creches to visit. The first creche was a very moving experience, it was located deep in one of the township extensions in a very poor area. Their were about 8 kids from 10 months to 6 years old in a little and very cramped area. Andrew and Leighton upset one of the little ones as they walked in, (Carolyn later told them in the car that he probably had never seen white men before) .The teachers have done an amazing job with the curriculum that WEC have created and the kids sang and danced and demonstrated a lot of the curriculum which they have learnt. It's difficult to describe the area, dirt lanes, corregated iron roofs, and buildings built from every available material known to man. The teachers gave us a drink with the cleanest glasses I have ever seen and served them on a beautiful silver tray. They were extremely generous with their time and the kids showed us their dance moves for the upcoming graduation.
The two other creches were in better areas and the children were very happy to see white people and they sang some Colin Buchanan songs and demonstrated what they have learnt with counting, shapes, colours and alphabet. They are really advanced for pre-school.
Creighton decided to create more work for everyone when he took out the fence while ploughing a small block, Leighton took over to finish the job Creighton started, only after they both fixed the fence! While on the farming scene, Erle and Tim dug holes in the garden with Sims for 3 hours, while Leighton and Zac put in a brief performance before being called away for other jobs. Erle and Tim are still recovering!
On the ladies front, Kathy and Carolyn went and had coffee and bought supplies, Merilyn worked in the bakery making beautiful bread, Sue helped in the kitchen and on top of all of that we had a lovely birthday celebration for Akhumzi.
Barry had a very productive day and fixed one of the missions cars. Peter, Barry, Andrew, Zac and Tim then took it for a test drive to town, had a coffee and cruised some of the shops.
At night fall most of the group attended a church service that the bible college were running. It was a great time of fellowship and beautiful singing, hard to describe unless you were there but just fantastic enthusiasm and passion in the service. We were very popular at the end with many photos being taken and sharing, the majority of the congregation were from Zimbabwe. The sermon was on 1 Kings 18:42 .
Some say that just before night fall they saw a number of Hyenas and Leopards circling the compound, I don't personally know but that's what they say.
The two other creches were in better areas and the children were very happy to see white people and they sang some Colin Buchanan songs and demonstrated what they have learnt with counting, shapes, colours and alphabet. They are really advanced for pre-school.
Creighton decided to create more work for everyone when he took out the fence while ploughing a small block, Leighton took over to finish the job Creighton started, only after they both fixed the fence! While on the farming scene, Erle and Tim dug holes in the garden with Sims for 3 hours, while Leighton and Zac put in a brief performance before being called away for other jobs. Erle and Tim are still recovering!
On the ladies front, Kathy and Carolyn went and had coffee and bought supplies, Merilyn worked in the bakery making beautiful bread, Sue helped in the kitchen and on top of all of that we had a lovely birthday celebration for Akhumzi.
Barry had a very productive day and fixed one of the missions cars. Peter, Barry, Andrew, Zac and Tim then took it for a test drive to town, had a coffee and cruised some of the shops.
At night fall most of the group attended a church service that the bible college were running. It was a great time of fellowship and beautiful singing, hard to describe unless you were there but just fantastic enthusiasm and passion in the service. We were very popular at the end with many photos being taken and sharing, the majority of the congregation were from Zimbabwe. The sermon was on 1 Kings 18:42 .
Some say that just before night fall they saw a number of Hyenas and Leopards circling the compound, I don't personally know but that's what they say.
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