Day 8 Tuesday 31^st July  

By Jack

Hi everyone – up early again at 8.00am for breakfast of corn flakes and sugar (lots of it) because you need the energy for all our activities. We went off to visit the infant school to play games with the small children, I had previously been giving piggy backs but today I was too tired so I played catch instead – they still seemed very happy and loved all our games. Then we walked back to the Alathea Bible College which is our base. It is also our sleeping area and some of the hardcore boys (including me) are on lilos instead of real beds.

At lunchtime I finally had my strawberry jam sandwich, we’ve been waiting for a while for strawberry jam and when we found it in the supermarket it came in a tin! (Shocking). Food has been okay most of the time but I am beginning to miss chips and bacon… Rob says that we might be able to get chips when we get to Kruger Park next week.

After lunch we had a briefing (we have lots of briefings, some would say too many)… Toby and I led today’s briefing so it was the quickest one ever!!! The briefing was to prepare for the Olympic Themed After School Club – nobody seems that bothered about the Olympics here in South Africa, not sure why…  At the After School Club we had to do a bit of shouting as we had 130 children along, which means that we have at least 13 people in each group. Each day we start with some warm up exercises to classic workout music like Lady Gaga, followed by some drama to introduce the theme which today was mountain biking which linked to the Transfiguration of Jesus (Mark 9). Today, in the group challenge game, Rob was spared from the custard pie (shaving foam on a paper plate) in the face which went to Alistair – but he still got a hair makeover with yellow silly string. We had a high-speed debrief afterwards while we sat in the sun on the veranda… the temperature today started a bit cooler than other days but still got to about 27 degrees C.

We had a huge dinner this evening with plenty of carbohydrates – we had rice, pap (made from maize flour) and sweet potato curry – all of which I had to eat with my fingers in the traditional African manner. Our luxury dessert was hot custard and tinned fruit plus a muffin (my chocolate one tasted Christmassy). We closed the evening with worship led by Laura and we thought about all the special people we have met here in Siyabuswa – there have been so many, both young and old.

See you all later! Special hello to everyone in France – hope you are having a good time!

Jack.

Day 8 Monday 30^th 

By Rose

Hello all…

Here we are, a week in Siyabuswa; it hardly seems possible!

The teachers and DIY SOS team were up at the school early to set tables and chairs back after our weekend decorating, and to record the children’s reactions to their refreshed classrooms. They were delighted, which delighted us!

Carrie, Frances and Rose then spent the day teaching lessons they had planned, which was far more enjoyable and rewarding than last week’s experience. Jocey was a great help supporting children in maths, and the teachers enjoyed going into each others’ lessons during the day. We plan to work in the same way tomorrow for maximum benefit to the children requiring support, and to model effective partner work. Some of the Grace teachers stayed in our lessons to observe – so far there has been limited feedback, but we hope for more in the coming days.

It seems the day set aside for training the Grace teachers in effective preparation and use of resources, differentiation and open questioning will be Wednesday. Please pray for wisdom for Carrie, Rose and Frances in planning and teaching the day’s sessions in such a way that the African teachers will be inspired to develop their practice.

Tim taught another of his series of maths lessons to Grade 11 - he feels this went well but highlighted issues with the children’s understanding of algebra.

Rod and Tony met with the music teacher to review resources; Tony will be meeting him again tomorrow morning supply a guitar lesson! The resources included about 20 Yamaha keyboards in what looks like good condition – alas, without power supplies. Another problem which will doubtless be resolved!

Meanwhile Tim met with Muriel (the principal) to organise arrangements for the boy boarders to help decorate more classrooms. Rob, Tony, Rod and Tim explored the computer rooms to assess the state of the equipment; they will return tomorrow to make a more thorough assessment and begin repairing broken computers. Amongst some boxes of assorted ‘junk’ they discovered half a dozen power supplies! One of the keyboards is being tested as I blog, much to the annoyance of the A team, who are trying to conduct a serious debriefing! In Rod’s words, “One down, 19 to go!”

Rod also met with Pastor PK, owner of a flower growing business, and helped him develop a business plan which is essential to win a government grant. The grant will enable PK to employ and train local workers and to expand into cut flowers, particularly roses.

At the end of the school day, the DIY team made a trip to Siyabuswa with the teachers for electrical supplies and food shopping.

Rob drove the A team into Siyabuswa for supplies in the morning. They were intrigued to see some luxurious housing near the town centre, so close to lower income ‘government’ housing, which is very basic. Then it was down to the Infant School again to play with the children during their long break. The team have thoroughly enjoyed these times with the younger children.

The after school club went really well as usual, with the team carrying out Alistair’s plans. Thanks to the dedication of the A team, the Grace school children are enjoying regular fun, games, drama and Bible stories presented in a lively, loving way.

The craft team spent the morning washing and cutting fabric ready for the patchwork class that afternoon, as well as getting their card-making materials ready. There were seven women at the class including Dorcas, Deputy Head of Grace school, who really enjoyed learning the skills taught by Suzy and Helen. They learned how to sew English patchwork, and started to work on the banner which will be left at the college.

Time to go and plan tomorrow’s lessons! Night night xx

PS Apologies for the delay in posting - the internet connection was lost last night (someone in the office unplugged the router!) On the plus side the electricity hasn't been interrupted - only a few times at the College when the trip switch has plunged us into darkness for a few minutes at a time!
PPS It gets dark here abut 6pm

Day 7 dawned with yet another warm day under cloudless African skies, and being the Sabbath, we allowed ourselves the luxury of a slightly later start as we arose and put on our Sunday finest. This involved much smoothing out of suitcase creases and brushing off of the all-pervasive African dust, the results appearing agreeable to all.

Those living off-site at the mission, arrived back at the college to find our local African friends and hosts somewhat subdued, as the local football team, the Kaiser Chiefs, had lost the South African Cup Final on penalties – a fate that we in England are more than able to sympathise with.

So creases, dust and penalty shoot-outs aside, we grabbed some breakfast, and looked forward to another stimulating, challenging and enthralling day of our programme.

Today being Sunday we were invited to the Hope for Africa Mission Church service, where there appeared to be a choice of option1: the first service from 08:00 to 10:40, option 2: the second service, from 10:45 to 14:00 or the third combined option - a mere six hours from 08:00 to 14:00, but with the benefit of a five minute break.

We went for option 2 and arrived to be greeted by fully voiced, and even more fully amplified, African Gospel singing which built up to a crescendo, announcing to rapturous applause the arrival of  the pastor, Bishop Dr. M H Mahlungu.

The announcements continued, the pace quickened, the expectations grew, until it was our turn – our own individual announcements, our own greetings and more applause.

The service began, in English with a Ndebele translation, Rob gave his talk, entitled on the order of service as ‘Word of Encouragement – United Kingdom’. Having been suitably encouraged we moved on via several even more passionate Gospel songs to ‘Word of Encouragement – Kenya’

‘Word of Encouragement – Kenya’ gave us the story of Noah, in great depth, with great animation and with even greater volume. The Kenyan Pastor Samuel paced back and forth, closely followed by Jack, the Ndebele interpreter.

Pastor Samuel’s address got more passionate as did Jack’s Ndebele translation, Pastor Samuel’s address got even louder as did Jack’s Ndebele translation. Pastor Samuel paced to the left as did Jack, Pastor Samuel paced to the right as did Jack, and occasionally Pastor Samuel paced to the left whilst Jack paced to the right, resulting in mid-podium collisions but the message continued relentlessly.

Eventually we were called onto the stage to sing our unaccompanied version of ‘Jesus all for Jesus’ which drew warm applause, so it must have transposed any barriers of language and culture.

And in many ways that sums up our first week here – any challenges that we’ve met in an exciting, uplifting, tiring, dusty, week, made so worthwhile by the experience of a common sharing, respect and love in God’s name.

by Rod

Blog Day 6 Saturday 28^th

By Steph

Hello all!! Saturday has finally arrived which means a lie in for a lot of us…. breakfast at 8:00am instead of 7:30am woohoo!! The nice relaxing day that we had planned didn’t really happen, as there is so much to do in the little time that we have here. Some people were given the option of having a chilled morning at the Alathea Bible College, but most of the ‘A team’ headed over to the school to do some painting and repairing of three classrooms in Grace School. Tim, Rod and Tony started repairing shelves and filling in holes, whilst the A team were a dab hand with the paint brushes. Painting all the walls of all three rooms before lunch!!

We headed back to the Bible College for a chilled lunch and to wash off the paint that inevitably was all over us. Somehow I managed to have a big ‘A’ painted on my back - thanks for that Ali! Rose, Frances and Carrie then headed over to the school to put up displays on all the display boards of the three classrooms that we had painted. The head teacher Muriel came into see them and was so impressed by the simple yet effective resources that were used, that she is giving many of the teachers time off throughout the day to be taught by our B Team as how to use resources more effectively and try out interactive styles of teaching. So praise the Lord for this!!

In the afternoon, the A Team had a meeting with the five GOLD group co-ordinators who are involved with peer mentoring and developing young leaders. We are organising together with them, a Youth Fun Day next Saturday involving a variety of activities such as tug-of-war, water balloon games, dodgeball, a local game with tins, and a local game called Fushi. It is exciting being able to work together with the local community on this and we are expecting a minimum of 250 youths to turn up - scary, but actually it is about the same as we have been having in our After School Club.

After another amazing time, all the team got together to have a delicious BBQ with a 5 foot long sausage (between us, not each) and some home made burgers too, so we will let you know tomorrow whether we survived the BBQ. We’ll probably have aching limbs too, with all the decorating we have done today! Speak to you all soon. Much love!

Blog Day 5 Friday 27^th

By Abby

Up at 7:30am after a well needed nights sleep, well rested and ready for another hectic but brilliant day here in Siyabuswa. The A team met for breakfast and readied themselves for another day of playtime with the junior school children and the third after school club meeting. The teachers went on their way for more time teaching the children at the high school. Rod and Rob met with Dr Hendrick to discuss our fun day (happening next Saturday) for the local youth. Finally Suzy, Helen, Eva and Jocey and others went out shopping for more supplies for us hungry team members before preparing for their craft session,

As yesterday, playing with the junior school children was absolutely incredible. The sheer joy seen on the children’s faces is so touching, even the simplest game of throwing and catching just makes their day. The children did not want to go back inside to their lessons as the A team, exhausted but happy, made their way back home.

After a busy but satisfying day teaching the teachers returned to support in the running of the after school club. This again was a huge success with yet more children turning up and groups averaging from 25-30, hard work for the A team leaders! A lot of fun nonetheless and another great experience. The craft session run by some of the B team ladies also went well but, as always, with different children came different challenges.

So, in conclusion it has been a tiring but very special day. I think I speak for the whole group when I say each one of us has been moved by something they’ve seen today and we all will take away so many memories that won’t be forgotten in a hurry.

Blog Day 5 Friday 27^th

By Abby

Up at 7:30am after a well needed nights sleep, well rested and ready for another hectic but brilliant day here in Siyabuswa. The A team met for breakfast and readied themselves for another day of playtime with the junior school children and the third after school club meeting. The teachers went on their way for more time teaching the children at the high school. Rod and Rob met with Dr Hendrick to discuss our fun day (happening next Saturday) for the local youth. Finally Suzy, Helen, Eva and Jocey and others went out shopping for more supplies for us hungry team members before preparing for their craft session,

As yesterday, playing with the junior school children was absolutely incredible. The sheer joy seen on the children’s faces is so touching, even the simplest game of throwing and catching just makes their day. The children did not want to go back inside to their lessons as the A team, exhausted but happy, made their way back home.

After a busy but satisfying day teaching the teachers returned to support in the running of the after school club. This again was a huge success with yet more children turning up and groups averaging from 25-30, hard work for the A team leaders! A lot of fun nonetheless and another great experience. The craft session run by some of the B team ladies also went well but, as always, with different children came different challenges.

So, in conclusion it has been a tiring but very special day. I think I speak for the whole group when I say each one of us has been moved by something they’ve seen today and we all will take away so many memories that won’t be forgotten in a hurry.

Blog Day 4 Thursday 26^th

By Helen

Ah, that was better this morning – not quite as early as yesterday – only our three intrepid teachers were in early today.  Everyone looked much more rested after a good night’s sleep and looking forward to a great day ahead.  Tim and Tony went into a year 12 maths class teaching geometry (‘expansion’ as Tim explained to me is the technical term) first thing, and some of the ladies went off to source some African print fabrics.  Rose, Frances and Carrie spent the day teaching, and also ran an after school training session for the teachers.  The ‘A’ team visited the 4, 5 and 6 year olds during their breaktime, playing parachute games with them. 

Rod and Rob were busy this morning, meeting with Dr Hendrick regarding a potential cut flower business and the possibility of a fun sports day on the second weekend.  We have arranged the purchase of 100 bibles for the church planting here in South Africa.

This afternoon the ‘A’ team were thrilled to have even more children turn up for the after school club – around 160 excited and noisy  7- 15 year olds! They are all so enthusiastic – just lapping up everything that goes on.  Suzy, Eva, Josey and Helen ran a craft club for the older girls and Tim and Tony spent a while telling the girls how they might be able to use their craft skills to set up small businesses.  The girls were really pleased to take away something they had made. 

Beautiful sunset this evening.  Time to chill now….  zzzzzz!

Blog Day 3 Wednesday 25^th

By Amy J

Hi! This morning we had the joys of waking up at this unearthly hour of 6.30am to be ready for a 6.45am breakfast. Although we were all very tired from 24 hours of travel, we all managed it - yes even Rob!!! At 7.15am we made our way to The Grace Christian School (grades 4+) and for assembly to introduce ourselves to the pupils. They were all lined up outside and stood up throughout the assembly (which included worship) and we all commented how the children in Reading would never stand up for 30mins for assembly!

We can’t get over the number of pupils wearing thick winter coats and bobble hats when it is as warm as July in England (but this is their winter temperature) we are so glad that we are not here in their summer as we’d all be too hot to do anything!! In the grounds of the Grace School is an red bus from London – it looks so out of place and is like a vintage museum piece. It used to be used as a school bus but stopped working in 2009.

After we had all been introduced, we (the A team) made our way back to Alathea Bible college to get ready to go to the other part of the Grace School (grades 1,2 &3 – ages 5,6,7 years old) who welcomed us very warmly with songs and recited passages from the bible. It’s amazing how children from the age of 5 can recite long passages from Psalms and 1Kings, with very little help from the teachers. J That’s all for now J Byeee

We have arrived safely...

We have arrived safely in Syabuswa - it took a while to get connected to the internet - so apologies for all who were hoping for an earlier confirmation. We had a good journey to Heathrow, a good check-in, a good flight, and were met safely at the airport by Neil and Hilary Applegate. Then it took ages to get the hire cars but they are all very comfortable and shiny and new! We were held up by a traffic jam on a road from Jo'burg which helped make the journey from airport to Syabuswa about 6 hours long!  We were warmly greeted by our hosts here and having eaten our first meal on South African soil we are all absolutely worn out and ready for a good night's sleep (the 11 hour flight was overnight but few of us slept).

Thank you all who have been holding us in prayer!

God bless,
Rob

45 hours until our plane departs...

To follow on from our previous blog update, it's incredible news to be able to share that our final team fundraising event, the Family Fun Day held last Sunday, raised a further £200 towards resources for the Church Community Project.


As I write this blog, there are about 45 hours that we as a team have left in the UK. Already we have been both humbled and encouraged by all the support and prayer which we have been blessed with, which we cannot thank you all for enough. Already there have been ups and downs; times where we have been full of excitement and eager anticipation for all this trip will be and times where we have been concerned and unsure of quite where we stood. And yet throughout there has been a constant, unwavering sense that whilst we haven't quite got all the details clear, God definitely has. A part of me would like to know exactly how things will go; to be honest, a very large part of me would like to have it all written down in a far more detailed schedule than I could possibly hope to achieve. I say a part of me would like to know how things will go, however, because I trust that in the next three weeks we will see, hear and experience far more than I could possibly imagine. The ups and downs we've already gone through preparing will be nothing more than that - preparation for the real thing. And I can't wait.


Team 'A' met for their final briefing and a last Bible study before departure on Tuesday - and looked at Isaiah 43: 1 - 7:
'But now, this is what the Lord says - he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. Do not be afraid, for I am with you;     I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth - everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."' (NIV)


What greater encouragement could there be?


Andrew



PS If you did want to follow our flight's progress, it's flight no. VS 601 from London Heathrow to Johannesburg leaving at 20.30 on Monday 23rd July... 

Family Fun Day

Today is our Family Fun Day at Park United Reformed Church from 1pm until 3pm. There will be a BBQ, bouncy castle, face painting, crafts and much more. Come down and join us!