Wednesday 26th July - Day 3 - Siyathuthuka

Wednesday 26th July 2017

A later start for breakfast at 8am, for day 3, which was to be a full and active day at Siyathuthuka. On arrival we were greeted by the care workers, warm hugs were exchanged and we had a chance to practice our Siswati. We were thrown into washing plates and pans ready for the preparation of the main meal but other preparation was needed so we gathered under the trees to spiritually prepare for the day with our handy translator Bethwell. We had some words of encouragement from Rosemary, singing and prayer before splitting in small groups for grass cutting, gardening, home visit and a trip to the hospital.

Dave and Chris looked amusing in their orange cricket style protection equipment and large brush cutters for trimming the football pitch. Which was very much enjoyed by the young boys in the afternoon who made the most of the new surface to play on.

 

Gardening might give you a false impression but what was required was much more labour intensive. Rebecca, Lisa and Alice S volunteered themselves to help Bethwell, and when arriving at Sophie’s house to complete her ‘Gardening’ immediately regretted their decision when faced with clearing a dusty yard, full of 4 foot high grass and a giant tree trunk right in the middle. Bethwell tackled the tree trunk, whilst we literally dug into the task of hoeing the lawn. Amused strong African women from the local community, after laughing at us also joined in, showing us how to get the job done. Sophie’s garden was transformed and was going to be a lovely surprise for her, when she returned home.

Rosemary, Lesley and Nyiko followed up on a visit to a local home from yesterday. Initially, Nyiko spoke to the mother for a short period about the difficulties she was having. Her partner appeared and spoke at some length to expand on these issues further. Unfortunately, there was nothing resolved from this meeting, but we were assured that future meetings would take place to try to improve the situation for the entire family.

Alice P and Claire took the two boys from yesterday, Matthew and Ethan to the local clinic (GP Surgery) to see a doctor with Tommy, Patricia from Hands and a Care Worker. It was an interesting experience on so many different levels from understanding in more detail about the South African medical system to the facilities and the queuing system! We learnt that anybody in South Africa regardless of their immigration status could visit this clinic; it was only a drop-in clinic so no appointments necessary and medication could be prescribed on the premises. We loved the queuing system which involved registering and then sitting in a row of chairs a bit like a bus… as the first person was seen, everybody then moved on/up a chair until they reached the front – it was very efficient! Unfortunately for the two boys, the laboratory was closed until next Tuesday as the workers were on strike which means that they will need to wait until then to be seen and given the appropriate treatment.

Lunch today was chicken feet! A much loved delicacy in the local communities, which was an interesting culinary challenge for us. It initiated a lot of laughter and cringes and we attempted to experience them. The chicken feet were served with beetroot and yet more pap. Our fingers were pink but our stomachs were full.

The children arrived from their day at schools and games commenced with great fun and laughter. Including a large game of football, some hair plaiting, and bat and ball games, all encouraged and joined in with by the careworkers. DJ took a class of boys for a mechanics lesson on how to change a trailer tyre. The boys were absolutely thrilled about this and especially enjoyed getting involved with turning the spanner.

    

Finally we experienced some fabulously led worship and prayer by the children, including a reading by a young girl from John 14:1 with loads of confidence and poise.

We left with smiles and hugs and a promise to return next week.

By Lesley and Rebecca