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Where to start! The journey could not have been smoother. We made it to Johannesburg overnight on Monday, sleeping most of the way, over two hours in passport control and survived an earthquake while we ate our lunch. Pat met us at Durban airport and drove the 30 miles or so to the house.
Our cabin is beautiful, large and spacious and fully equipped with everything we could need and more.
On Wednesday we went to a seminar held by Soul Action. It just happened to be around the theme of South African culture - a brilliant start for our time here.
On Thursday we visited the hospital for the first time. We helped sort clothes and prepare the gift bags for the new mums then visited the ward talking to the mums and praying with them. The ward was one massive room with about 30 beds. The place was spotlessly clean - a bit like the old days with all the nurses in white uniforms and the senior staff in navy blue suits. There was such a welcoming atmosphere from everyone there.
The afternoon took an unexpected turn when Pat was asked to foster a little girl who had been with her Grandmother when the Grandmother was taken into hospital. They had been unable to trace her mum and so she arrived here somewhat shell shocked. We didn't know her name, her age or anything about her. She had only the clothes she stood up in. She eventually told us her name.
So Naomi's Norland is coming in very useful!
Yesterday we visited the old people's home, with little Y in tow. She was so sweet, the old ladies loved her and she sat happily at the table threading beads along with them. Again the home was very different from here in the UK. The room was long and shady with glass doors leading to a veranda. Although the ladies spoke little or no English it was fun to sit with them and pass them beads, cut the thread and crawl around under the table picking up the beads they have dropped!
Afterwards we went shopping with little Y and bought her new clothes.
Today we went to a mother and baby home. I got to cuddle some beautiful babies! Hope to go back again next week.
Now we are off to the supermarket - far more exciting here than in the UK - and tonight we are out to dinner with a lady Naomi met on her previous trip. Will catch you again when I can xxx
- comments
Barbara Scutt Lovely to read all that you're up to and o glad you are able to do it. xx
Tess I guessed you would love Africa...
Pam James You look like your having a wonderful experience.x
Marylyn Sounds a brilliant experience,thank-you for sharing your news.
Sarah Evans This sounds a great start! What an amazing opportunity xx
Caroline Wow that is a wonderful start .sounds as though you are right at home there .loved reading you message
Muriel Wild So glad everything is all that you hoped it would be.