Day 13 - Care Workers Day in Mafambisa

Day 13 - Care Workers Day in Mafambisa

This morning broke brightly and after an early start for the Hands family to head to Pfunani for Community Worship, we headed for our final day in community in Mafambisa with Jo and Charissa.

We arrived early and found the Care Point eerily quiet... we had beaten the care workers so used the time to get a feel for the space and then to test and make adjustments to the netball posts. With these tests, it was clear that there were some size problems between the nets and balls, so it took Oliver standing on the shoulders of Chris to reach and remove this. This proved to be wonderfully timed as later on in the day, it was magical to see some of the older girls playing netball together. 

As the care workers arrived together with little children in tow, we settled and collected water and supplies from the Pastor’s house nearby. This was more efficient than a couple of days ago so we’re clearly learning! After getting sorted and cleaning dishes ready for the arrival of the children, we sat in a circle together under the shade of the trees to listen, learn and share words of encouragement. As this was a Care Worker Appreciation Day, there was a greater focus on this and was a privilege to be a part of. Each of us shared a thought and reflection from 7 different passages which we chose to fit the love, vision and work of Mafambisa. Our focus was on encouragement, strength of faith, the power of faith and love.  Following little fun fact questions to add to profiles for each of the care workers, we sang Siyabonga together to start the worship and then all shared in an order to flow and support care workers in the best way. Using scripture from Hebrew and New Testament books, we were able to enable, equip, encourage and empower the care workers who we have come to know and love so well. Oliver shared about hope, Clarrie shared about the importance of love, Sophie shared about the differences and significance of family relationships and friendships, Chris shared about times and seasons for all things, Lucy shared about shining and strength, Alice shared about strength and Alice shared about doing and saying all things in love. This was a very special experience. 

Following this, we shared the love packages we had put together and the little features and story behind each. Throughout the day, it was very moving to see each of the Care Workers pride and gratitude in carrying their bags around all the time. Something so simple has the most powerful effect of translating commitment and love. 

It was now time for the St Andrew’s salon to open - something that the care workers have been looking forward to since we arrived on Monday! We all set to it, some cleaning their feet, others massaging cream onto their legs, feet, arms and shoulders, and even some shoulder massages from Chris and Oliver! We then painted their nails, with the sparkly nail varnish as most certainly the popular! This was all enjoyed with some refreshment of orange juice, Coca Cola and homemade brownies. The team found this time really valuable, as it gives us a chance to have fun and laugh with the care workers, as well as giving us the opportunity to be able to really pamper them and show them our love and admiration. 

Pamper time finished and we then handed out some colouring sheets and pencils to the children, which they absolutely loved. This amazed us all because, to us it might seem like the most simple thing, but for these children, it brought so much joy, as well as a little competition! 

Alongside the drawing and colouring, bubbles were blown, balls were thrown, and Shine was sung... this was a lovely final time to sing this and share in such a special and important song which has been a part of every community we have visited. We will miss this song greatly, but hearing it floating over the bus as we left was an incredible sign of the difference made on them and us alike. 

We came together for worship before serving and eating which was led by the children in song and then by Ma Thembie. Seeing the care workers showing the children their moisturised arms and painted nails was delightful, and was a good witness for the children to witness the love and value placed on each and every care worker. 

We then helped with the serving of lunch... rice, beetroot and chicken, a real treat which the children always look forward to and we know why for sure! It was very yummy and it was lovely to share in our final meal with the children and car workers. From this we had to make a swift exit to make it home in daylight, meaning lots of hugs and words of goodbye and encouragement were shared. This was an emotional farewell, but was not a final farewell. We are brimming with ideas and excitement for sharing and deepening our partnership which we are looking forward to sharing. With slop chips in hand, we left Mafambisa with heavy but full hearts. 

When we got back to the Hub, it was a quick turn around before our final debrief in the home of Jo and Angie, our wonderful hosts. We sat on the veranda, admiring the African sunset, drinking tea and each sharing a highlight (none of us could narrow it down to one), something we will miss, and what we will take home from this experience. This was a positive way to reflect and shape our memories of out time in Africa, and gave us a final opportunity to talk with Jo and Angie’s experience and understanding. This was a lovely end to a relationship which has only just begun with each of them. In walking alongside us and in listening to us, they have become part of our team and the memories we will take home. 

Just to add to our thanks and their important role in supporting and guiding our time in Africa, we joined the other team with our hosts and supporters for a scrummy dinner at Gum Treez. Famous for its Bunny Chou, this was a fun and relaxed way to end our time in Africa as we prepare to fly home tomorrow.

So many people have made this trip an incredible experience from our hosts and the Hands family, to care givers and care workers, but the heart of our time lies with every child we have met. Their stories, their problems, their dreams have become part of us. 

As we close on this final evening, we are so aware of the small glimpses we have had and the difference that has been made to the communities we have met. It has been our privilege. This is overwhelming and is encouraging to us all. God has truly been with us throughout.

Day 12 - Zwelisha

Day 12 - Zwelisha

The team gathered for a relaxed breakfast at 8:00am on the veranda over looking the Hand’s Village. A new tradition for our team this year is Eggs for breakfast so Chris cooked many variations of eggs for the team as well as many other breakfast possibilities as they sat and prepared for the day ahead. 

At 9:30 we bundled into our bus along with Prudence and having Busie and Aleysha following in a separate car. We made our way to Zwelisha, a new community for many but a community to return to for Chris, Alice 1 and Alice 2. Having picked up Busie and Alyesha, with the car dropped off, we headed into the depth of the area and following roads that aren’t completely familiar to us and Busie and Alyesha managed to take us down the wrong road so a quick phone call to Tyler (Alyesha’s Husband) we managed to work out where we had gone wrong and turn around but a Busie and Alyesha were terrified of everyone at Hand’s finding out that they gave us the wrong directions. 

Upon arriving in Zwelisha we were greeted by the care workers, some of which were familiar to some team members. We then got into playing with the Under 5’s at the care point, all of which seemed to our team to be quite needy. We played many games and we were thrilled to find out that the children knew ‘Hallelu Hallelu’ and it became great fun explaining to them that we were singing this at our holiday club just a couple of weeks ago. All of them enjoyed playing with the balloon balls which had kindly been donated (thank you Sue) and they had great fun chasing them when the wind blew them across the care point.  

It was then time to gather inside of the building to encourage and pray for the care workers. We all introduced ourselves and let everyone know how we were feeling today, the care workers all seemed well and said that their families were doing well as well. Chris then shared the word of encouragement from Philippians Ch. 4 Vs. 4-7 and spoke about the power of prayer and knowing that God will be walking alongside us throughout all our life. The care workers then shared any prayer requests that they had and we prayed ‘South African’ style (everyone prays aloud together) with a Chris ending by praying for the prayer request.

We then departed into 3 groups, Oliver, Alice 1, Clarrie and Lucy went for holy home visits while Chris, Alice 2 and Sophie stayed behind to entertain the under 5’s and to await the expected children from school. 

Alice 1 and Oliver went to visit Deidre in her home right next to the care point. We were accompanied by Aleysha and Bussie from Hands and Julia who runs the care point. 

At first glance we saw a rather large plot of land with a large home on it... the care giver was raking her ground and a couple of children were lying on a rug in the sun - it was very hot! On arrival Julia and Bussie insisted that we went into her house to sit and talk - this turned out to be so important as you will read below. Bussie shared after the visit that as with anything we shouldn’t judge anything by its appearance. 

On entering the home - there was a strong sense of urine and as we entered every room it became apparent that she was not coping and that life must be so overwhelming if she is struggling to keep her home clean and tidy. In every room there was litter, broken furniture and equipment, clothes and food waste in piles or just discarded on the floor - the care worker later described it as “Chaos”! 

We then finally stopped in one of the bedrooms - one the children Aya was lying on the bed really ill...we learnt that she had a tooth ache and was also suffering with an eye infection - she had been to the clinic yesterday to get some eye drops.. she has to take them in the morning and at night but when she had dropped into the care point earlier in the day it was evident that she hadn’t been given them... Julia and Bussie talked for a long time with her about the importance of following the doctors instructions. It was also became evident that Aya was also on a combination of other medication which after discussion became evident that they were really strong, there were four different types, the pills were massive and if in different circumstances would be stored in a fridge... the good thing was that this medication was being given daily which was a relief to hear. We also discussed how Aya would need to go to the hospital regarding her tooth ache as opposed to the clinic as at the clinic the dentist can only see 20 patients whereas at the hospital there is a dentist there full time- Julia and the mum would take her there tomorrow. 

Next we discussed who else lived in the home - we found out that the house belonged to Deidre’s mother who had recently walked out due to the chaos within the house. Deidre said she had 9 children but 3 had died and one now lives in Pretoria - she is also caring for her Grandchild Pele. Pele is her daughter Wendy’s child. Wendy is 19 and is struggling with distraction of being a teenager - she looks after herself but takes very little responsibility for her son or helping out around the house - recently Aya had found some marijuana in Wendy’s school bag and when she was confronted about this she said that her and her friends put it in their alcohol. On reflection we were not sure she was telling the truth about this. 

When we asked what we could pray for for her... she replied 

- Pray that her home could be like others and not in chaos 

- Prayer for Aya that she would get better 

- Prayer for Wendy that she would stay on the straight and narrow 

Oliver prayed for her and before we left the Care Worker left her a challenge to sort out all of the old or ill fitting clothes before tomorrow when the Care Worker would return. 

As we left, the team from Hands felt that to tidy and clean her home would be very overwhelming for her so she thought that a team from Hands could go prepared to help clean, tidy and then she would be able to keep it neat and unchaotic from then on. It left Alice and Oliver feeling mixed emotions. On the positive side the Care Workers at Zwelisha have taken a real role of responsibility for some of the more vulnerable families and starting feeding some of the children porridge for breakfast and letting them stay at the care point all day. 

Clarrie and Lucy went on a Holy home visit with Prudence, a member of the Hazyview Service Centre team who had been with us all of this week, and Violet, a care worker at Zwalesha. We travelled about 10 minutes from the care point to a home where we met Sam, a 13 year old boy. His family are originally from Mozambique, but left in 2006, and like so many others, found themselves in South Africa without papers and ID. They moved to Zwalesha in 2013. Sam is one of five children, the eldest is 21 and the youngest is 3, who live with their mother, because their father has abandoned them. They arrived in South Africa and only had a very small and basic shelter to house six of them in, which made living conditions extremely tough. The local Pastor, alongside the help and support of the care point, agreed to help build a house for the family to live in. Sam was the only one at home, because his mother was attending a meeting at the school. Sam has two older brothers, 21 and 16, and the 16 year old is currently working to support his family. He also has three younger siblings, a brother who is 10, a sister who is 5 and another brother who is 3. We were invited into the house, which was ‘well equipped’ with a fridge and a television and clearly more space than the hut. All 5 children share the house while the mother still lives in the hut. We discovered that Sam did originally attend school when they first arrived but at the beginning of this year he was forced out by the authorities - a difficult story to hear, but one that is unfortunately so common in South Africa. Sam loved school and his English was really good - much better than our Siswati anyway! He misses school, and is clearly quite lonely without his education. He runs a small shop at the front of the house, selling tomatoes, potatoes, onions and snacks for 5 rand each, but we couldn’t help but wonder how much custom he would actually get. Sam is very useful around the house and helps his mum to clean and wash, so for a 13 year old we were very shocked, yet amazed at the commitment and support he gave to his family. His 10 year old brother, Nick, is the only one who attends school currently because he is still young enough to go, but his younger siblings are too young, and he himself and his older siblings are too old to go without papers.  Prudence asked Sam about the care point, and discovered that most of them do attend almost everyday. He also said that the family are very thankful for the care point and everything they have done for the family, and so realise the importance of attending as often as they can. Sam has also received some educational support from the care point, as well as some tutoring from a member of Hands, but much of this is catered towards the younger kids, which is difficult for a 13 year old boy to attend. We were humbled to have been able to visit Sam today and it gave us plenty to reflect on, especially the vast issues in the education system and lack of opportunities this is creating for many of the children we meet. 

Once we all got back to the Zwelisha care point it was a perfect opportunity to get the parachute out which immediately lit up the faces of both the children and the care workers. We tried to play many different games with the parachute and they loved when we made an igloo and they all had to sat on the inside. Prudence then decided that it was time to dance, so out came the boogie box and we began with Shine which filled the care workers face with even more joy and then went on to Great Great Brill Brill which confused them even more. 

We returned into the building with the children where we sang lots of worship songs including Hallelu Hallelu which the do exactly like we do so that you stand up when you sing. That was great fun for all the team and it was even better that they got faster and faster as they went through.

It was then time to eat and serve the meal which was Pap, Chicken feet and cabbage. We then had to say our goodbyes and get in the bus to debrief on the way home. We then got back to the hub ready for the bring and brai where Chris, Lucy, Sophie, Alice 2 and Oliver shared some reflections of our trip and we listened to the other teams share before ending in prayer.

The evening was finished off with a wonderful Ceilidh lead by Chris and Alice the First. The whole Hands team joined for a brai where tasty food was enjoyed by all. The team also had to opportunity to share with all of the Hands team about their experiences over the past two weeks and how their relationship with God has strengthened. Chris introduces the team and then Sophie and Lucy shared their experiences about their first time in Africa. Alice the Second and Oliver then followed this, talking about their experiences returning, love as the teams vision, and the partnership with Mafambisa. It was such an amazing evening with lots of laughter and love. We’ve even got some quotes from fellow Celildh dancers; 

‘A great time of fun and letting off steam after an intensive week’ - Lesley 

‘Invigorating - most fun I’ve had since this morning’. - Chris

‘A really great way to have fun with everyone here ... also learnt that I can’t dance’ - Ian 

‘That was so much fun tonight, thank you guys’ -  Candece

Day 11 - Mafambisa Partnership

Day 11 - Mafambisa Partnership

So we were fortunate enough to have a slight lie in and not meet for breakfast until 8am , and it was great to have another beautiful sunny  morning allowing us to enjoy our breakfast on the veranda. Chris again treated those who would like to eggs in a variety of forms on toast. We duly all took our anti malaria medication, and checking we all had the right amount of tablets left! 

The time for reflection was at 8.30 and takes place at the hub in small groups, which we as a team would constitute this; having discussed last night around the fire pit we agreed that as a group we would actually spend our time reflecting individually on our time so far , and praying for all our time and personal experience in South Africa, offering up to God our prayers and thanks.

We headed out to Mafambisa shortly after 9.40 with a full bus and Oliver and Chris having loaded the Netball posts in to the back of Karl’s truck for transporting. We were privileged to have Bussi (the regional coordinator who had accompanied us in Oshoek  come along) , Audrey, Prudence and Brianna also joining us for the day . Angie who had been with us throughout our time as our host was not coming as she needed a day in the office catching up with paperwork. We were warmly welcomed when we arrived at the care point by the care workers,it was good to see 5 of them there again. Slight change to the previous routine today, we asked what we could do to help to be told that unfortunately the JoJo had run out of water which meant we had to fetch some from the local pastors house.  So after the care workers had scrubbed clean the buckets we would be using we trotted off across the road and down the lane to Pastor Bewani’s house. No sign of him however the care workers know where his JoJo was so we duly went to it and begun the long process of filling the buckets, not straight forward as the Jo Jo was too close to the ground for a bucket to stand underneath! Once 2 were full and lid placed firmly on Oliver loaded up Pastor Bewani’s wheelbarrow to transport back, with Clarrie ensuring they didn’t tip out . Once all 7 buckets were filled and taken back to the care point we then met for praise and prayer and encouragement words for the care workers. Oliver and Lucy shared there encouragement based on Mark 10 verses 13-16, where Jesus Blesses Little Children , and tells his disciples “ Let the children come to me , and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these”. Our words reflected that the care workers were following Jesus in the way they were caring for them and teaching them about his ministry. Within this time we also asked the care workers to share with the group how long they have been a care worker, how did they begin being one, and what do they continue with this amazing ministry. After some further words of encouragement from Bussi they all shared their stories. Many of them had previously begun as a care worker when the care point was at Siyathuthuka , and it was when those running the care point called a meeting and explained that due to the number of children they were needing some further support which is when they felt they could support it as their children were benefiting. 1 was covering whilst another was unable to and has since become a permanent care worker , and another also explained that she originally didn’t know that Jesus loved little children but she did, but following coming to the care point she was now clear that Jesus did.... a great conversion. We closed with a prayer after another song.

Time now to get down to the physical task of moving a couple of tonnes of sand and installing some netball posts. This was a truly a team effort with all of the care workers helping to shovel or wheelbarrow the sand. Betwell , Chris, Lucy, Oliver and Clarrie battled away  at digging  a four foot 

deep hole to put the netball post , initially with a pick axe, then a spade but very quickly we used a miners rod to break up the ground and then an improvised scoop ( cut up squash bottle) to scoop out the loose soil, not too difficult until the hole gets so deep that as well as your arm, your whole head is also down the hole reaching to get the soil out, Clarrie was truly awesome at this! Once we were done we then needed to repeat the other end..... extremely hot weather made it a real task. Whilst this was going on Karl was doing the final tightening of the nets before the poles were erected, it was lovely as he had 2 of the very young children ( too young to attend school , but mothers were care worker) help him, they were watching intently and they loved it when Karl allowed them to do the tightening with the spanner. Chris and Betwell mixed up the cement and up went the poles... a great sight , and it was good to see the excitement on the children’s faces as they walked down next to the care point and they saw the posts. I had asked Katy the care worker if she could introduce me to all 4 of her children when they were all there which she duly did, we had a family photo which I will treasure and the eldest kindly wrote their names on a piece of paper which will enable for me to pray for their family daily.

Alice, Sophie and Alice were also busy taking photographs of all the children as they arrived in dribs and drabs, we involved Prudence as she was able to explain to the children what they needed to do and why, and during this it was great that one of the other care workers Katy came across to help too. Some of the games came out of the minibus which we played with , great excitement with some new balls which had balloons inside, real joy we all had playing. 

Just before lunch  we sung Happy Birthday to one of the 14 year old girls, and she was made some fuss off. We sung some songs, did some dancing ,including a bit of a competition which the care workers seemed to particularly enjoy and then we finished with the children reciting John 3 verse 16, and then finished our worship with the Lords Prayer. The smallest children then lined up to wash their hands and then they sat on the church step awaiting an older child bringing their food. Todays lunch was Pap, beetroot and Chicken feet. Unfortunately there are currently insufficient plates so around 20 of the oldest children had to wait until the youngest had finished. Some of the group had tried chicken feet and I commend Sophie and Clarrie who tried them today.... not something I (Lucy) felt the need to, the bowl full of them looked incredible . So after everyone had eaten we then had some singing with the popular Shine, which the care workers and Audrey loved but also we did BRILL, BRILL. It was then time for lots of goodbyes, I was amazed at the amount of hugging and kissing we all received and then off we went, giving loads of waves out of the window as we drove off.

We had a good journey back to the hub where we freshened up and then had our dinner which was Chicken a la King with rice and vegetables and followed by dessert which was Malva cake and custard, a traditional dessert. 

Following our meal we had some time to debrief with Angie , it was good to share with her all that had gone on today and we played a skittles came where dependant on the colour sweet we pulled out we were asked a question which was about our time in South Africa, i.e. something new we had eaten, what had God said to us in our time so far. 

Following this some of the team then begun cooking cakes, some for the care workers appreciation day on Friday and the others for the bring and brai tomorrow evening . 

Well another full day had in Mafambisa which we all thoroughly enjoyed and feel privileged to have been part of, and anticipating an exciting day tomorrow in another community and then Friday back in Mafambisa for our last community day.

Day 10 - Mafambisa Community Day

Day 10 - Mafambisa Community Day

The morning began with Ladies’ Prayer in the chapel for the girls, and a bit of a lie in for the boys, although Chris did get up and make us a wonderful range of eggs on toast! This week’s meeting was led by Audrey, the leader of the Hazyview Service Centre team, and we began with discussing ‘praise’ and ‘prayer’ points for the week ahead, a chance for the members of Hands to talk about their own pains and troubles, as well as to give thanks for their joys and successes. Audrey then shared from Judges 6: 12-16, which talks about the angel of the Lord appearing to Gideon and asking him to go and save Israel from the Midianites. However, Gideon is scared to do this alone, but God reassures him and says that, as long as God is there, fighting the Midianites will only feel like fighting one man. Audrey discussed with us how this story spoke to her; she used her own experiences to help explain how anything is possible with God, particularly her recent experiences in addressing the threat of strikes in her local area. We all have troubles and pains, that at many times can feel like a huge mountain to climb, but with the guidance and support of our loving Father, this mountain will no longer feel so big. God sees us not as we see ourselves in human form and from this, mountains are not as high, and battles are not as hard. This all encouraged us to accept our own struggles, and to never be afraid to ask for help, as God will be there to walk alongside us and carry us when we are feeling strained and troubled. “And the Lord said to him, ‘But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.”

We packed the bus and headed out for our second day at Mafambisa, we were greeted by the care workers who seemed to be in a great mood. We were pleased to see Emma, who some of us had met last year and Tenby, who both the Alices had met 2 years ago. Also we met Evelyn, whom none of us had met previously. We got stuck into chopping cabbage, peeling potatoes, and getting the food ready to be cooked. With the big pan on the fire heating the water it was soon time to add the “Pap” which is made from maze. Once into the water much stirring is required to get the Pap mixed and into a smooth consistency. It amused the care workers as we each took turns to try and wield the 4 ft spoon through the ever thickening substance. The food was then all put onto cook and we sat alongside service centre members and care workers in a circle under the shade of some trees. Audrey explained that we are all broken in our own way but by sharing our brokenness we can find love through Christ. We spent a while, each one of us sharing what caused us hurt in our lives. This was a very moving time and one we were privileged to share in. For one, it was the loss of one of her children as a baby, for another the loss of her husband. One of the care workers shared about her mother, who lived in a neighbouring country, who was going blind but had nobody to care for her.One by one each of us shared something that had or was causing us pain in our lives. Audrey reiterated the importance of sharing our hurt with those around and in doing so find love. We divided our team up into three, with Alice staying behind to help the care workers cook.

Alice and Clarrie visited the home of a new member of the local community, Emma. She lives on the edge of the community in a house which she and her family are currently boarders... they have no ownership or fixed place of abode as they have travelled and moved from Mozambique. Emma lives in a two room house on a steep piece of land with her five children. They, as a family, are not eligible for Government support (R400 per child) as they are from Mozambique and have no official papers and presence in the country. All should attend the Care Point, but the eldest, Ann who is 15, has not been attending recently. This was the reason for the visit, and Prudence from Hands was gentle but clear in the reason for our visit. We explained that for each child that is supported, our support and love stretches to their families. This was of great comfort to Emma as she begins to realise the great importance and impact that the Care Point and Care Workers are having on her and her family. It was lovely to meet two of her children on our walk, chatting and playing with them on our walk to the house. Three of the children attend local schools and are doing well, but for the youngest two who are 6 and 7, they do not have papers so are not eligible to access any education. This was difficult to hear, but we took some comfort in Emma’s care and commitment, and her older children’s enthusiasm for learning. The main issues facing this family is their immigrant status and lack of formal paperwork following their arrival from Mozambique, the limited opportunity for work for Emma, and the absence/abandonment of Emma’s husband and father of the children. Following prayer requests and further questions, Alice closed in prayer and Emma was overwhelmed with the visit, holding each in long hugs of goodbye. We then headed back to the Care Point with two of the children, collecting some of the others on the way, and also bumping into Moses from previous years. 

Oliver and Sophie went on a Holy Home Visit with Betheul to visit GoGo Maria. GoGo Maria cares for 4 grandchildren as sadly their mother has passed away. There are two boys and two girls living in the family split between two rooms. The buildings are furnished but unfortunately due to an attempted break-in there are no doors meaning that the family’s safety is at risk. Of GoGo Maria’s grandchildren, most attend the Care Point except for the youngest, Maggie. She attends a crèche so is too young and tired afterwards to make the journey by herself. When we were there, Betheul gifted some shoes and clothes for the children - much to GoGo’s delight! GoGo also suffers from epilepsy- thought this is treated with medication - and high blood pressure. She will often fall down so will have to call an ambulance meaning the grandchildren are left to fend for themselves. During the visit we also learnt that GoGo and her grandchildren do not have the legal papers needed to receive financial support therefore they struggle each month to make ends meet. To supplement their income, GoGo makes her own alcohol to sell. We finished the visit by praying for GoGo’s requests - that she and her family would be safe and happy and that they will complete their education. 

Lucy and Chris went with Audrey and Emma to visit a man called David. We made our way along one of the green lanes of Mafambisa and were soon joined by Pastor Buwani who was joining us for the visit. A few yards further on and another care worker, who had not been at the care point today, Veronica also joined us. We walked further into the community, away from the tar road, to a small house with three lines of newly washed clothes.David lived on his own with four children, but was very much struggling due to the fact that he was not receiving the grant money (family allowance) from the government. David's wife had become very ill and her family took his wife away to care for her in their home, some short way away. In doing this the family also took with them David’s Family allowance card, which meant that he was unable to claim the grant from the government and to make things worse the money is being claimed and used fraudulently by David’s wife family. David also is unable to find work, and so is finding it very hard to afford even the essentials. The care workers gave David some washing powder yesterday, and hence the full lines of washing. There is another issue in that David’s two eldest children are shying away from coming to the care point, as they think they are too old. Audrey was trying to pursued David that he should push them to come along. We prayed for David and his family and left. 

As the children arrived at the care point we decided to get the parachute out (Thanks Mary) and had great fun exploring it with children... Alice even managed to find one of the older children to translate the rules! After a few games it was time to worship and for the children’s meal! As this was wrapping up it was fine for “Shine” to come out and it was lovely to see he children from last year remembering the actions and singing along! Sister Audrey even got into the groove too! 

Before long it was time to say our goodbyes but only till tomorrow! After dinner we decided to hold our debrief up by the fire pit - it was a lovely atmosphere and focal point for taking about our day, sharing the stories we had heard on our home visits and reflecting on our time in the community so far.

Day 9 - First Day in Mafambisa

Day 9 - First Day in Mafambisa

This morning started off early for Oliver and Chris who attended Men’s Prayer at 7am, which focused on the question of ‘why are we created?’.  Many people shared lots of different reasons as to why, through their relationship with God, they believe we were created. This provided much thinking for everyone and mainly focused on the idea that we are all created to worship God and it was shared that it is often compared to a wedding where someone traditionally would leave one family to join another which was the reason that we are created, to join Our Father’s family in heaven.

Following on from Men’s Prayer, the team then joined Hands’ Monday morning meeting, which was our first opportunity to introduce ourselves to everyone having been in Oshoek for a few days last week. The small-group, led by Audrey, who lead the meeting shared stories of 5 children from the surrounding areas who had made significant recoveries having been quite unwell and how Our God is so powerful that he has the ability to heal the wounded and the sick and to improve so many situations for so many people. Busie then shared how important it is to pray for these people that we learnt about and that we were being trusted with their stories, as well as all the stories that we hear within the communities, and she continued that if we aren’t praying for these individuals then we shouldn’t have the power to share the stories of these children, care workers and care givers. 

At about 10am, after the service centre team had been able to have some brief time in the office, we got in the bus alongside Angie (our host), Audrey, Bethuel and Prudence and headed to our partner community, Mafambisa. Upon arriving it was so special to see some magnificent changes which had taken place throughout the year that our Church have physically been away from this community. To Sophie and Lucy this was a brand new community and one that everyone wanted to be special due to it being our partner community, to Alice and Alice it was a new location for the same community, having previously visited Siyathathuka in previous visits. For Clarrie, Chris and Oliver, this was a chance to go back to this community and to see the immense changes which have taken place over the year. 

One thing that has changed, which we knew for sure before we came, was that the ‘toilets’ which Cupboard2Africa dug at the beginning of last year had been built and were fully functioning. We also found out that the cooking facilities within the church grounds had been completed which bought a whole different feel to the care point (one of stability, continuity and longevity). Upon arrival at the care point we found the cooking hut had been painted in a bold orange which was stunning, along with the traditional coloured shapes which can be seen on a few care points. We also found the toilets had been painted half blue for males and half yellow for females with illustrations. Chris, Clarrie and Oliver were particularly excited to see what had become of their deep hole from last year! We were also delighted to see that a recent team had an artist who designed an image for the back of the cooking hut which showed children and adults with mountains and wildlife, some thing that looking very special and unique to our partner community. 

The team were greeted initially by 2 care workers, Alzeria and Kyetsiwe, who ensured that many team members were put to work either washing dishes, cutting cabbage or raking while others spent time with the care workers and taking in this new community. We were later joined by another care worker, Rose, who brought her Grandson Gideon. We then shared a time of worship with the care workers and completed all our introductions, Audrey then asked all the care workers for some prayer requests for things that they were struggling with in their lives currently. Along with some personal issues, one thing that was evident was the struggle to show love to all these children and to encourage these children to try and build their relationship with God while at home and out in the community and not just at the care point. We then split into smaller groups to get to know the prayer requests and current issues in their lives which was really good for the team to get to know our care workers better before praying for them and their families. 

After this, more children started to arrive and so the games started, with some playing catch, some playing football and others (mainly the girls) having their hair plaited by some of the girls at the care point. This was lovely, if not slightly painful at times!! What was amazing about coming back to Mafambisa was to see and recognise many of the children that the majority of the team had met before. Toby and Thomas are 2 particular boys that the team last year got to know really well, and these boys are both amazing drawers, and so we were blessed to be able to see some of their amazing sand artworks again today. Another aspect of last year that has stayed with many of us was how we brought the holiday club song ‘Shine’ to the children last year, which they absolutely loved. And even now, a year later, we had the pleasure of seeing quite a number of the children walk straight up to us and start singing ‘Shine’ without any music or encouragement from us. This was truly special to see! 

As more children arrived, the games continued, as well as some really valuable conversations with some of the older children, who absolutely love to show off their incredible English skills! It was almost time for lunch, and so we gathered with the younger children, whilst the youth were with Bethuel, and had a time of prayer and song before lunch started. During this time, it was also special to see a few of the children recite verses from the bible from memory, something that always amazes us! Lunch then started, and today we were treated to samp, beans, cabbage, onion and carrot, which was just so tasty! We sat and ate with the children, and it was also very humbling to see that many of the children had bought food containers with them, to be able to feed any younger siblings at home. This shows that, even though they themselves are very hungry, they are more than willing to take home part of their meal to share with sibling who maybe aren’t quite old enough to attend the care point just yet. 

After clearing up after lunch, we started to say our goodbyes, which are always difficult to do, but it was amazing to say that we will see them all again tomorrow. With joy and happiness in our hearts, we travelled back to the hub, with enough time to get Audrey and Prudence back to the taxi rank so they could get home safely in the daylight. Once back, we had about an hour to chill before dinner, where we enjoyed chicken stir fry and rice. Angie then came and joined us in the Village for debrief, where we discussed the day, and how we each personally felt about visiting Mafambisa. For some it was a completely new care point that they had only heard about, for others it was a new location but same care workers and children, and for the rest it was a chance to return to a community which they visited last year. This meant that there were really great discussions and new fresh ideas and perspectives about our partner community. Before we finished, Angie encouraged us all to set some personal goals for the rest of the 3 days that we will be in Mafambisa for, allowing us the opportunity to either step outside our comfort zones, challenge our faith or get to know either the care workers or children a little bit better. With this is mind, we set off to bed for another early (ish) night to rest before another amazing day at Mafambisa tomorrow.

Day 7 & 8 - Kruger National Park

Day 7 & 8 - Kruger National Park

We’ve spent the last couple of days in Kruger National Park... filled with adventure from racing warthogs, to drinking giraffes, prowling hyenas and families of elephants.

Saturday morning rose very early but not very bright, leaving our lodge to be at the opening of the park at 6am. We entered the reserve at 6.02 and were treated to a day of wonderful animals. 

We started with a viewing of magnificent giraffe after a slow and misty start to the day, and were then treated to a road display of monkey and baboon families... dancing and prancing on the road, the monkeys showed us their playful and caring characteristics. A rugged hyena then appeared and walked next to us and down the road, prowling and herding a group of impala. Giraffes followed again, grazing on high leaves in bushland next to the road. It was astonishing to see the variety of colour and the ages of different members of family groups... the darker the giraffe’s spots, the older the giraffe. Buffalo then crossed the road in front of us and then continued to walk down the road next to us. Having seen a group of snoozing buffalo yesterday, it was lovely to see them in action, even if it was a little intimidating with the bulls! Warthogs came next on our spotting list, charging down the road behind us into the shrub before being quickly alerted and skidding to a dusting halt. They then pricked up their tails and galloped off in a group with their legs creating quite the sandy stir. Our journey around the roads and track of Kruger then took us to a little dam; this meant we had our eyes at the level of the top of the dam edge... looking directly into the eyes of hippopotamus climbing the edge of the bank. Other hippopotami were also hidden in the waters as their little water bubbles popped up... above them, African Pied Wagtails and African Kingfishers played on the bank and the side closest to us. Behind the hippo, crocodiles quietly slept. Giraffes appeared next, crossing the road in their majestic and stretched steps across the road behind us, whilst elephants roamed the bush around the corner. As we headed to the end of the day and as the hidden sun began to set, we saw a curious collection of large birds on the top of a leaning tree. With closer inspection and the use of Herman’s binoculars, Oliver, our Kruger ranger and guide, identified them as Saddle-Billed Storks. There were three large and hungry young in the tree-top nest, and as we watched them, a parent bird glided in above us and began to feed the young. Further to this ornithological show, we were then treated to a variety of species and groupings of vulture... Cape Vultures and Hooded Vultures. 

The animals and adventures of the day were broken with a brai breakfast on the banks of the river Nkuhlu where we were joined by a noisy hippo, a croc on the edge of the bank and starlings. We had a brief stop at Alfso for a coffee, and we had lunch on the go in Lucy’s mobile sandwich bar. When returning to the lodge, we had tea and rusks, and prepared to go out to dinner. Some people tried to swim but the pool opposite our lodge was closed for cleaning. 

Our evening meal was at the Skukuza Cattle Baron and Grill... yummy food, lots of chatting, and some good memories from the day were shared by all. This was a a lovely evening. 

Sunday dawned a little later, and we started with another failed attempt at swimming in the outdoor pool, breakfast cooked by Chris, and a service of the Word. We began in song to begin our worship, and then shared in the service, speaking and sharing about the light and darkness of the week passed having heard John 1: 1-14. This was an opportunity to share and reflect, which also refocused us as we had our final day of the weekend ahead of returning to communities and Mafambisa on Monday morning. 

We left the lodge at 10 and headed into the park... we treated super quickly to a heard of wonderful elephants from a bridge perspective with a very little elephant who played lots and kept falling over in their excitement! A little over the bridge, we then were treated to a wonderful scene of impala, zebra and giraffe drinking in the morning sunshine. It was amazing to see so many species all living side by side. A little further on as the midday sun broke, we can across a small group of six zebra, each leaning their heads on each other’s backs. Next to them, grazing by the side of the road was a giraffe with a calf... they were grazing together and then passed each other which made the perfect picture. We then went to a hide and had the most amazing scene... hippos were swimming and bathing on the far end of the lake, a crocodile was sunbathing on the water’s edge, terrapin were in the sunshine on a few branches in the water, and a range of birds were circling above. With such a large number of hippo families in one place, the sight was amazing! As our time in the park drew to a close, we visited a vast watering hole with drinking buffalo, hippopotami and a lone bull elephant- this was an amazing end to a wonderful couple of days.

On returning to the Hub, we unpacked and headed up to the field behind the Village for a game of ultimate frisbee with the Hands family. This was followed by a reorientation session with Angie and Jo, and lead by Chris, to grow on our worship in the morning and prepare ourselves for a week in community. With prayer and art, chatting and laughing, we all feel ready and excited for four days in Mafambisa and a day in Zwelisha.