Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th

After two and a half years of preparation, bookings, cancellations, false starts, and disappointment, the day had finally come for the latest team from St Andrew’s to visit South Africa, and our partner community of Mafambisa. The team of Carolyn, Jack, Lucy, John, Ben, Alice and Chris met at the Chapter House for coffee, and were joined by a good number of supporters and well wishers, to receive many words of encouragement for the fortnight ahead. 

After saying “goodbyes” and a light lunch we left for Heathrow Airport where we met our travel companions, a team from the West Midlands, led by Chris’s sister, who are also staying at the Hands at Work Hub - although visiting different areas and communities. Anxieties over Covid requirements and recent flight cancellations were soon allayed as we moved swiftly through the process of check-in and security; a number of airport staff were interested in the purpose of our visit and wished us well.

A mid evening flight, although on time, meant that we didn’t land in Johannesburg until after 9.00am this morning; and after collecting our luggage, and picking up our minibus, we set off on the long drive northeast of the city to White River, and our base for the next two weeks. The drive was smooth and we made steady progress along the wide, largely clear roads, from the flat lands around Johannesburg to the hillier, more rugged landscape further out in the country. We stopped for a break and a snack at Alzu service station and watched the rhino, water buffalo, kudu and impala at the water hole there.

Back in the minibus for the remainder of the journey to the “Hands” Hub where, upon arrival, we were overwhelmed by the welcome and greeting we received; as well as our host, and other members who live at the hub, we were greeted by more than a dozen of the local community volunteers, some of whom were staying for a few days training. Their welcome was unexpected and a joy, bringing to mind the words of Matthew’s gospel:

“Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.”  Matthew 10:40

After a long and tiring couple of days it certainly gave us all a boost. We quickly found our bearings around the site and, as darkness fell, we unpacked our bags and sat together to share a meal of bread and cheese; and look forward to a restful night and an exciting week ahead……