Easter in Africa

This week, being the last week of the school holidays and more importantly Holy week; we planned little daily activities for the children at the village. Each activity fed into the next, so that by sunday each child had an Easter basket filled with goodies. 

In the fist week of the Easter holidays, the children made Bunny ears. Unfortunately i didn't help with this, but from all accounts it was a lot of fun.

Activities for this week, started by making Easter baskets. When talking with the children (the older ones at least), they are all know the true reason behind Easter, so we encouraged all the children to decorate their baskets, incorporating biblical images such as the cross and Jesus. However most of them where much more interested in the foam stickers; which came in the shapes of flowers and hearts. 

We tried to run activities daily but being the easter holidays; we used this opportunity to plan outings for the kids as well. So this week, 23 or so of us- 10 being children set off into Cape Town to Two oceans aquarium. We all climbed into the bus, and set off to see the fish. 

 

The children and the adults, the house mums especially appeared to have a great time. Although some of the children where a little scared at animals not behind glass, and one was particularly petrified as when she saw a man dressed up in a shark costume, as she did a vertical take off up and over my shoulders. 

I have never run through an aquarium so fast, so Grace and i had a little wait at the end before we could all enjoy lunch and an ice cream together in the sun. 

After lunch, we returned back into the aquarium to watch a puppet show, which again the children where a bit frightened of. 

The drive home was a lot quieter than the drive to Cape town, as everyone fell asleep; excluding the driver, as we all arrived home safe and sound, and ready for bed. 

The next easter activity was making chicks or bunny's. So i spent the morning emptying eggs into a bowle, while Grace cut of beaks, feet, ears and plumes. 12 eggs later, we where ready to go, but we soon heard a  CRUNCH, as one broke as soon as the egg was picked up. With delicate hands we where able to help the children make some chicks and eggs, and colour in crosses. 

By thursday, our Easter ideas where running low, and seeing as we had been invited to Highland Rd estate with the children, we took up this kind offer. We set off for a late lunch/ early dinner in yet another beautiful part of the Elgin Valley, the children and some of us adults, enjoyed playing on the play area before having a delicious, home cooked chicken pie.  

By Sunday, the baskets where ready, and filled with Easter eggs after the fastest Easter egg hunt in history; as we attempted to dodged the rain. With hypo children, we had a braai for lunch, sang songs before the men went to watch the football, others went for a walk, and the sensible ones of us (Heather, Grace, Jess and I) made a fire and stayed warm on this wintery rainy day.  

After a rather homesick wednesday, i was a bit apprehensive about today, wanting to be with family. I needn't have worried one bit. We had two lovely church services this week too, one which was a new experience for me- a Tenebrae service which was very moving.    

Exploring the Elgin Valley

Oh what to write about this past weekend... Well we explored, and then explored some more.

Spending our weeks - monday to friday on or around the farm, it is easy to forget what a beautiful part of the country we are in. Surronded by orchards, mountains, valleys and vines- we decided to stay local this weekend and discover what the Elgin Valley has to offer.

Attempting to to go for a walk around Rockview dam. We drove through huge cast iron gates with spikes on top, past a stop sign and over a sleeping police man- only to come to the conclusion that maybe we shouldn't be down this 'private' road. Our hopes of a leisurely walk fade, as we drive up the N2 towards a craft market i think i spotted a week or to ago. Success, i really did see it.  

At the top of a look our, a family had set up their craft stool for the day. They lay the ground with beautiful wooden carvings, beads and much more. As we browse what is on sale, the crafts men encourage us to buy their goods. Im getting the hang of bartering now, and actually quite enjoy it. Why pay the asking price when you know you can easily get it for much less. I barter away, as i buy a few gifts to send home. 

From here we drive, back towards Grabouw. Further into the Elgin Valley, as we drive we are amazed at how South African scenery looks like so many different countries all combined together- Australia, Scotland, England and Italy. 

Retracing some roads Jess and I have already driven, we make our way to 'Apple Creek'

We walk, in amongst the apple trees for a while in the mid morning sun, before all feeling the need for a cold, refreshing 'Appeltiser'. In efforts to lighten our purses we pay totally out of coins.

Next we are off in the opposite direction, for yet more exploring. Determined to go for a walk, Grace and I are convinced we can walk at the top of this track, which windes through Grabouw Forestry Commission. Who knows where it goes, but there are no sign to say 'Trespassers will be prosecuted', so it must be ok.  We continue to drive, and look out the windows at the views. Once at the top we realsise we have driven to some private wineries, oh well - it was a lovely drive. 

Having spent the whole day exploring, still desperate to go for a walk, we give in for today. Sunday thankfully lead us on a walk up some near by hills. 

Recently i have been started to get itchy feet. Maybe its because i was in bed for a week, combined with the fact that it is school holidays; so we aren't running afternoon sports, and maybe i am adjusting to living on a gated farm. Nevertheless, i want to explore by foot, and walk the beautiful landscape around me. Sunday is here and with a nod OK, we pack a rucksack, put on our hiking boots, suncream and shorts and set out the automatic gates. 

Jess, Grace and I have great plans to walk up the pilon hill, until i see out the corner of my eye that Raffabikki, 'Bikki' the farms dog is following us up the track. He is an old dog, and we are on the wrong track, so our route changes.  We walk and clamber over rocks up to the top of a tree covered hill. I think we are climbing up an area used for tree felling, but as we look back; down what we have just climbed the view is breath taking. 

With views of Grabouw, we sit on a rock and eat our packed lunch. Before wondering home, to spend the afternoon in the sun, reading our books. 

Rainbow Smiles

As the weeks past,  i watch from afar at the planning that goes into each of the differing projects. Some i have already been fortunate to be involved with, other i am still looking forward too. It has been nice to be slowly introduced to each of the projects, as i get used to life in South Africa. Feeling very settled now, i thought it about time to take a sneak peak at another wonderful project. Last friday, when i had regained my strength i helped Jess and Grace to plan some activities for Rainbow Smiles.

Over the past month i have heard the girls talking highly about Rainbow Smilies, and attending planning meetings each week. I have watched and wondered what it was all about. Rainbow Smiles is a support group for teens living with HIV and AIDS. The sessions are run weekly, by a key member of the community, who has experience with living with HIV, and two Thembacare nurses. These three are joined by various volunteers who come and go throughout the year. 

Rainbow Smiles is used to educate the children about HIV, and other health related topics,  provide support, and to teach life skills. Tailoring the life skills to suit the stage of their live, we talk about the importance of friendships, confidence, body image and respecting ones self and others. 

Since the girls have been helping with Rainbow Smiles, they have moved away slightly from a mainly  lesson based session, and are now combining a teaching and games. Rainbow Smiles attendance is voluntree,  therefore trying to entice a child to an 'extra lesson' after a day at school may be a deterring factor ( i know it would be for me at least), in saying that though the children seem to love the group.

Last friday we focused on our appearances, emphasizing the point that its whats on the inside that counts. We explained to the children the importance of loving and respecting ourselves and others, and that by working on ourselves from the inside out,  our beauty will show. We got the children to draw the person next to them, and then to write down some reasons and describing words, as to why they like them. Allowing them to write in English or Africans, at the end of the session we asked if anyone would like to share. The children who did, said some lovely things about one anther. All of the children at Rainbow Smiles are wonderful, and watching them interact and form new friendships is bliss. Being able to interact with them and be part of Rainbow Smiles, is an amazing feeling. 

As we endeavor to break down the divides that separate us, the language barrier continues to act as the main barrier. However this doesn't get in our way as we explain the games in the best way we know how. Last week we played the balloon game. Separating the children into two teams, we demonstrated how to play and then it was free for all as to who would win. Boys vs girls, as  ballons escape and fly around the room as each team endeavors to race the balloon back along the line, passing it without using their hands. 

After playing the balloon game, and drawing with each other we did some face painting before ending the session and driving home, to relax over the weekend. 

Saturday in Franschhoke

A week ago on Saturday, we bundled in the car to drive in convoy over the mountains to Franschhoke.

Driving out of wintery weather into summer again, we wondered around the Franschhoke markets. The stalls where filled with anything and everything from French and African food, crafts, art work, book and belts.

Towards the back of the market there was an African Choir singing and dancing. The African's know how to hit a note, and move to the beat. Everyone was so in time and rhythm, it was amazing to watch.

After the markets we walked around for a while to find some where for lunch. Eating out in African is often, if not alway cheaper than buying the food and cooking yourself. So i needn't have worried that i was going to have difficulty finding food to eat in Africa. We wondered down a little alley way and found ourselves eating at a place called 'The Salmonbar'. Having a fish meal made for a nice change as fresh fish is the only thing that i am finding super expensive and oober hard to find over here. (With the exception of Goat feta, which i went to buy, thankfully realising the price before i got to the check out, as it was R200.00, that is about $40.00). 

After lunch, dessert and coffee and paying R80.00/ $15.00, we decided it was wine time.  I wish i had great enthusiasm for telling this part, but unfortunately by this time i was feeling feverish and full of cold. We drove out of Franschhoke to a winery called 'Le Motte'. The winery so beautiful, underneath the mountains, surrounded by vines overlooking more mountains. We walked around for a while, able to peer through the big glass sheets at the wine being made, we got to explore amongst the wine barrels, before sitting down to taste 8 of the 18 wines- ranging in price from R125.00 - 800.00.

I only liked 2 of the 8 wines, one white and the other red. I  think, had i been well i would have enjoyed this part of the day a lot more. 

By 1700, it was time to drive back over the mountains, to party with the Germans. They have finally, after 6 + weeks hard work have finished building their eco house... as we drove home back over the mountains singing along to West Life, Spice Girls, S Club 7 and reliving the 90's we stopped suddenly to see a family of Baboons playing in the road. 

By the time we got home, i definitely wasn't feeling well, as i climbed into bed. This is where i stayed for 4 days, with a fever, a head that i though was going to explode, unable to eat, drink or speek. After being looked after by the girls, i was ordered to go to the doctors. I willingly went as by the 4th day i was worried myself. The doctor said i had pharyngitis, had done my kidneys some temporary harm and was a very poorly young lady. He sent me home with analgesia and antibiotics, and ordered me to spend another 3 days in bed. 

It was been a week now, and today for the first time since Saturday, i have eaten 3 meals, i can talk and i was out of bed doing things slowly around the village.

Feeling like myself again. 

Wow what a day...

Today has felt so unbelievably long, as it was filled with so many different experiences. So i recommend a cup of tea as you sit down to read, because this is ging to be a lengthy blog post.

After a hot day filled with sea salt and sand yesterday,  i will admit i was in need of  shower. Hoever watching 'Beauty and the Beast' last night, took priority. So as I woke this morning with beach hair, i excitedly gathered my wash things. Heading to the shower picking up a fresh non sandy towel. As my excitement grew I organised my self around the bathroom, jumped in the shower.... and was was very suddenly bought back down to earth, when i discovered the water was off- again.

Interestingly enough today is 'World Water Day.' A day which  internationally focuses attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. A month ago our water system was 'upgraded', so we had clear drinkable water. Unfortunately this is yet to happen. The 'upgrade' has meant that somedays the water is less brown than others, is now intermittent and still not drinkable. We complain, when we cant shower, or the water goes off, but at least when we turn our taps we usually get water- whatever colour it may be.

Once i had made my beach hair look presentable, Heather and I set off at 0800 to Somerset West. After driving around the bock for 15mins or so, we decided to pull over to look at the map for the millionth time. To our relief, there it was - staring us right in the face. The building we had been looking for and had driven past 5 times and not seen. Thankfully we were not running late, as we had factored in, that we would more than likely get lost along the way. We where welcomed by the Bosom Buddy team, another branch of the Thembalitsha Foundation, who we would be spending our morning with.

Buddies, began as a vision to provide new mothers, with a few post birth essentials. The vision has grown dramatically, and Bosom Buddies now provide new mothers with a nappy bag which is filled with baby supplies that are often take for granted, hut over here  are not easily accessible. The hand crafted nappy bags contains baby cloths, a cozy blanket, and other baby and mother essentials. Bosom Buddies currently service two local maternity hospitals whilst also running ante-natal and breast feeding classes, support groups and counselling for those who've experienced a still birth. In a place where new life is not always something that is celebrated, and women often go into hospital alone, Bosom Buddies ensures that no baby goes home without being adequately clothed, that each mother feels that their community cares and the birth is recognised and celebrated.

So today, loaded with gift bags, we went  into the hospital and talked to women who had just given birth and those who where just about too. We met 8 new babies born in the last week by C section, and last night as natural delivery. All of whom where heading home today. We talked to the women for a while, held a few babies, gave them their gift bags and wished them well with prayer. The women talked to us openly about their experience, and what support they had waiting for them at home. 

 

Nobom and Imitha, only 6 hours old and off home to his family today, who are looking forward to the first grandson.

On the way home, after talking about the lack of wild life we have seen since being in Africa, Heather shouts "Monkeys..." as a family of Baboons cross the N2 heading back into Grabouw. Overwhelmed with excitement, i pull over off the motor way and like true tourists we begin to take photos. 

After lunch, and a swift sort through the children's toys (the next job being to sort them all out), I drove the combi to sports at 'far away farm' / Vergelen. This farm is a relatively new project and has been running for a month now, so i am fortunate to have the chance to spend an afternoon a week getting to know the children. Sports at the farm is different to sports in the townships, well the sport is the same but the environment is contrasting. 

The Grabouw area is renowned for growing apples- hence why 'Appletiser' is made in Grabouw (the next time you by a can or a bottel, look where its made- Appletiser rd, Grabouw). Anyway, one of the reasons the farm is well off in comparison to the townships is to do with their apples. The apples grown in this area are sold at Waitrose ( a UK supermarket), and for every apple sold a percentage is given back into the farm in which it is grown. The Mr Waitrose man is  doing such a good job, helping a small farming community in Grabouw. The people at Vergelen live in such a pictures part of the country in little cottages, the children have a school to go to, and running water. 

With only a few kids turning up to sports yesterday, we combined the boys and girls in a game of football. It was a great afternoon, amongst the dramas of cheating and first aid, as one of the girls sliced open her foot. I jumped into nurse mode, using the opportunity to teach her some wound care tips. 

At the end of the session, we sit around in a circle and teach the children a life skill. This week we reflected on last weeks lesson, helping others. Without our trusty translator and sports mentor, we found ourselves a bit stuck. We attempted to explain that there would be no sports for 2 weeks now as children are all on holidays now. This lead nicely, although slowly into the story of easter. Explaining that Easter is much more than eating to much chocolate eggs and having a break from school. Slowly but surly the reason behind Easter came out as the children began the discussion. Ending in prayer we wished everyone a Happy Easter, before driving back along the dusty roads back into town. 

Successful day all round i'd say.