Thursday, September 30, 2010

Were Back!!!

30/09/2010

Were Back!!!

Seems like we never left, it’s odd every time I come back I feel like I miss this place more and that’s only when I arrive. Once we landed in Durban (or Durbs as the pilot was calling it) we picked up our car and went to buy some toiletries as our suitcases were laden with only a simple change of clothes and the generous donations of those from the UK. Which included 23 knitted blankets, 4 Solar showers (which we think could be a revolution – more to follow), gingham dresses, shoes, clinical supplies, tooth brushes and tooth paste, cuddly toys, and other worth while and much appreciated donations.

Its quite odd to see two grown men frowning at the deodorant aisle and asking which you prefer, even odder from the other customers perspective anyway after a purchase of a leading brand or two we made our way to our accommodation. Again money goes a long way here in SA and we have landed on our feet with our BB, lovely guys running the place, which is a home from home. After a shower and change of clothes we made our first visit to Ithembalihle (St Johns), which was a hub of activity. To our delight the fence had been repositioned to accommodate the new vegetable patch. Although there were originally 6 and now only 3!!! The chickens looked good and Thandiwe’s husband was busy fortifying the coop after dogs had taken the other 3 chickens in as many weeks. Which then went a paid some further visits to friends in the Valley and have just returned from dinner. That’s my take on the day, I will hand over to Alan for his. Talk with you tomorrow......

Well Charlie has pretty much said it all but at Ithembalihle there was some other progress – since our last visit new mattresses have been purchased & donated by a great family from Dingwall and we hope to develop this even further. Thandiwe is also keen to build a boys dormitory and the block making has already started so we will keep you posted on this as time goes on.