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.