Monday
The last week at ikhaya is fun week where basically the normal programme is out and is replaced by all things fun and Christmassy! Mark led all the children in making decorations which included some rather nifty paper folding and colouring :) Very hectic and we probably decorated the floor more with glitter but great fun and ikhaya is looking very festive.
In the evening we hosted our last time with our home group which consisted of eating fish and chips, too much cake, a bit of time in the Jacuzzi (yes, we have been blessed with a hot tub during our stay!) and most importantly, the present game which is a bit of an advanced secret santa where you can swap each other's gifts if needed. Top gifts included the shoe wallet, loo roll and a tube of sweets which Mark later revealed he only wanted for the packaging (always the practical thinker!)
Great times and we are really going to miss this group who have been a great support to us while we've been here.
Tuesday
Christmas card making at ikhaya - in our own classes this time so a bit less hectic!
Wednesday
We bunked off ikhaya today to take in our gift of afternoon tea at Mount Nelson hotel, Cape Town. We were warned not to eat anything all day and so glad we didn't. We chose the tea experience which consisted of 5 different teas ranging from red bush to green blends all served in the glass set so you could see the infusion... ok sounds very geeky but it was actually a really nice experience. Food was amazing - what seemed like a million savory and sweet items which meant we were there for about 2 hours and pacing ourselves :)
Thursday
Practice and last bits for the Christmas party at ikhaya followed by dinner with Steve, Celeste and PJ (the family who we rent our apartment off). These guys have been great to us during our stay in what has been a crazy time for themselves.
Friday
Last day at ikhaya. We spent the morning putting up decorations and cooking the lunch (buffet food-pizza etc. which the kids don't usually get). All was looking good and then it was a bit of a wash out as the heavens opened (guess we need to get used to that again!). Still, didn't dampen our spirits and after the picnic we had songs from each class, presentation of certificates and what the kids were really waiting for, Christmas presents! We were given a huge card made by the children and some beautiful letters by the older girls. It was an emotional day especially hearing some of the older group who are leaving talking about their experience and what ikhaya has done for them. In the evening we went to Melt's for a braai with some of the guys involved in the Vineyard church which included Costa (the main guy) doing his Father Christmas bit - a bit of a light relief from a draining day :)
Weekend
Well today we are doing a few bits and bobs and may head out for dinner later. Tomorrow we'll be at church and then going out with some friends for lunch and saying our final goodbyes.
Some final thoughts
Thank you to everyone who has read this blog. It has meant a lot to us for so many people to take an interest and if it has inspired you in anyway, please check out ikhaya le themba and History Maker Foundation.
Thankyou to all who have supported us during our stay here:
Kim and Ian and Margy - for their hospitality and putting up up temporarily
Steve and Celeste - for their hospitality, generosity and support
Nathan - for his friendship
Ikhaya staff and children - for all your love and being family to us
Rob and Nicky - for making us feel at home, transport and supporting us in many ways during our time here
Home group - for fun, friendship and encouragement
Kenilworth and Shoreline church - for making us feel welcome
To everyone we've met - for making our first time in SA so memorable
I have certainly learnt a lot during our time here and am amazed at how far the 1800 pounds we raised back home went. I can definitely see us returning to Ikhaya one day as it is a wonderful place full of joy. We have been blessed in meeting a lot of new friends which I hope we will be able to maintain. Look forward to seeing all the guys at home soon. Mark x
Our time in South Africa has been an adventure. We came with open hearts and other than knowing we'd be working with the children and doing some touristy stuff, didn't really have an agenda so it's been amazing to experience the stuff we have. I will never forget the energy and joy the children and staff here have in what is often really hard circumstances...I hope that attitude is something that will stay with us. As far as visiting the country itself is concerned, one of the highlights for me is seeing elephants at the watering hole and our trip to Robben island.
To finish, a quote from a book given to me by my friend Joe who I have thought about so much during these 3 months...Nay x
Do not ask yourself what the world needs. Instead ask yourself what it is that makes you come alive. For what the world needs is people who have come alive.
