Community Day 7 - Houtbos

 “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!””

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭52:7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We set off for our day at the Houtbos care point following prayers at the service centre. I was particularly excited to see how and if Houtbos had changed since our last visit 3 years ago. After a very bumpy drive we safely arrived and I was delighted to see a new brick building.

We 

The previous corrugated metal shack is still standing but used as a wood store for the carepoint. We were reunited with Ma Nester who is a wonderful, faithful lady that has been involved with the carepoint for many years. The new building contains a  kitchen area with an indoor stove, what an improvement! I have established that all the carepoints in the Oshoek area now have indoor stoves, this must be such a blessing. 

We quickly got to work peeling vegetables ( feels familiar) and preparing the food for the childrens’ lunch. 

We then had a short time of introductions and a few words of encouragement from Chris before we headed out to our two Holy home visits that have previously been shared. (Check out the previous blog) 

(Relationship Group) 

Upon our return from the home visits we checked on the progress of the cooking of lunch and then as we had over an hour until the children arrived from school on the bus Carolyn and I went across to sit on a large rock outcrop to have some time for reflection. This rock apparently is referred to as Ma Nester’s rock… at this point I’m not sure why! After a few minutes Ma Nester came across and we moved to the top of the rock where we sat and chatted with her. She shared with us that she, along with the care workers and many of the community would meet and pray at 5am each morning, oh in winter it’s 6am! Ma Nester spoke about her concern for the youth in the area as once they have left school there are very few opportunities for them as such a rural location and very few jobs. The view from the rock is truly amazing, high up in the mountains, overlooking the Eswatini border, with spectacular views all around. We finished our time together on the rock in prayer.

(The girls with Nesta on the prayer rock) 

When we returned to the carepoint the bubbles had come out and were being enjoyed by not only the few young children but the care workers too. As 3 o’clock came the school children arrived off their bus and came running through the gate, a joy to behold in the beautiful sunshine. We had more of the toys and games out including a giant inflatable ball which proved to be great fun.

Lunch of rice, potato and beetroot was then ready and another first was that the food was served up in the kitchen and then handed through a hatch to the children . 

After lunch we then played with the parachute and Ben and Jack were playing football with many of the teenage boys. 

We finished our day at this very special place with a few rounds of singing and dancing led by the lads! I think it is true to say a truly amazing day that we all feel blessed for being able to share in . Houtbos will remain dear to me but hold special memories for us all. ❤️

(Shine) 

(Great Great Brill Brill) 

(The Team, The Care Workers and The Service Centre) 

By Lucy