Week 7

Written on 23/10/2012

An update on the last two half weeks.  Sorry I have been so rubbish at writing and posting blogs, I didn’t even realise how long it had been since my last post, but time is flying by here! Quicker than I even could have imagined.  Before I know it I’ll be back on the plane to the UK wishing I could do it all over again. 

Anywho the last 3 weeks have been pretty busy, with both the mamas and the kids keeping us on our toes.  Coffee Bay was lovely.  We spent most of it on the beach, swimming in the Indian Ocean and surfing.  I’m pretty much a pro surfer it has to be said ;) Last Saturday a church came to Bethany and organised a party for the children, they brought two massive bouncy castles, loads of food and cakes and one of those things you hit with a stick and all the sweets fall out (I know what it’s called but I have no idea how to spell it, so I’m saving myself the embarrassment! haha).  But the kids had the time of their lives, I’ve never seen so many beaming faces all at one time.  Some had never seen a bouncy castle before so it was amusing and adorable to watch them figure out why there was suddenly a big rest castle in their back garden!  After much messing around and jumping we stopped for lunch and songs.  There’s something about African gospel singing that I love, epically a room full of 50 children singing.  All in all it was such a fun day and the sun was shining (stupidly forgot to put sun cream on again, so my shoulders looked like two lobsters!).

Over the last 3 weeks I feel like I’ve bonded with the children lot more.  I love the way they all run up to me and ask for hugs and high-fives.  I love that some of them call me Mama.   I love getting them ready for bed and giving them a kiss goodnight.  I love that even though they’ve been through so much they are still able to show love and compassion.  I love that I am able to act like a child again and mess around all day with them.  I even love it when we’re on the school run and the children scream ‘LAKE’ at the top of their voices when we pass by it, even though we do everyday (it never gets old for them!)

Oh, some very exciting news, Aphililie took her first few steps today!!  I’ve been practicing with her for the past month or so and today she did it.  Although she ended up falling over many times trying, it was amazing to watch.  But the best thing to see was the expression on her face when she did it.  A moment I won’t be forgetting any time soon J 

The girls and I also went for out first proper Braai.  I have never seen so much meat in my life, it was awesome.  Don’t get wrong, I love a BBQ but there’s something about a Braai that is so much better!!

Other than that things have been pretty much routine around here.  Missing everyone at home a lot!!Xxx