Here Endeth the Blog

So I’ve now been home for just over a week. Life is returning to normal(ish).

How was the South Island? Crazy Beautiful as. You should go sometime. Major shoutout to Beam for being Chief Driver Extraordinaire and Awesome Organiser Superwoman.

Hows being home? Good as.

How was the whole trip? Crazy as man, crazy as. Good times. Bad times. Crazy as times. Totally worth it. Love to the YWAM crew, I miss you.

So what’s next? Who knows? Certainly not me.

As this is the last post I feel like it should end with a carnival, fireworks and a sixteen course banquet or something. Unfortunately I left them in my other life so we’ll just have to make do with this. The second most pointless post ever. The first being Outreach Week Seven.

I also think that I need a summary. This is gonna have to wait till I figure out exactly what happened over the last six months. Here's a lesson in patience for you.

So that’s it. The NZ Blogs hath ended. It's been a pleasure getting to know you.

Over and out. (Cue moody album cover photo)

The Second Next Chapter

The time has come the Walrus said to talk of many things.

Of leaving South Africa and New Zealand,

Road trips and other things.

So, outreach is over, lectures finished today and we have graduation tomorrow evening. Then it’s all over!!! (Totally justified use of exclamation marks)

So what’s next? Well, Saturday morning myself and a few others will be winging our way to the South Island for a two-week road trip. I’ll be landing back in the hopefully o-so-sunny-shores of Engerland in early/mid April (you do the math – finish on Friday and then two more weeks). So you really might be seeing me sooner than you think.

If you haven’t started preparations for my glorious return then you might wanna go ahead and start. I’m thinking banners, a live band, balloons and, of course, cake. Lots of cake (I mean, my home-coming is definitely more important than a couple of posh people, I forget their names, getting married). Also, if you happen to see any of my family in the next couple of weeks then could you please remind them to clean my room before I get back. You may have heard the vicious rumours that they turned it into a gym/study/guest room/music studio/media centre/junk room but they are all lies and misdirection. I know for a fact that my family would never do this to me. I know that my room will have been kept in perfect condition and just the way I left it.

TTYL/when I’m home which is when I’m most likely to have proper internet access again.

De-brief Week One

So, this week we found ourselves faced with the following questions:

Who are you?

What is your identity?

I’m still working on it – any suggestions on a postcard please.

End Times - Outreach Week Eleven

On Wednesday we headed back to Muizenberg before leaving on Thursday. Sad times saying goodbye to friends from the base.

Friday night/Saturday morning - fun times being greeted by some of the Thailand team at Auckland airport.

Saturday – fun times being reunited with the Middle East team.

(Why have I even written this post? Most boring, least informative thing ever - sorry)

So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Goodbye - Outreach Week Ten

This was an emotional week to be sure.We said goodbye to different people pretty much everyday. Not so fun.

However we did have an awesome time doing human trafficking awareness (details shall await till when I actually see you – and if I don’t see you soon then you’ll just have to live with the mystery).

Thursday girls club was something else. The girls were actually sad that we were leaving. I’d never been entirely sure if they wanted to be there or if they wanted us to be there so to see that they were actually sad that we were leaving was crazy as. The boys also finished off their time at the soccer clinic by running a tournament. Crazy awesome times to be sure.

On Friday we packed up our stuff and headed out of Cape Town for a few days debrief.

Overall – a bittersweet week (chek tha rymes).

Outreach Week Nine

Ok. So, another eventful week.

Monday we made mug muffins (stick a bunch of ingredients in a mug and then stick it in the microwave) with the Masi library girls group. A hit and a half let me tell you.

And then Tuesday morning saw us run out of petrol five minutes outside Muizenberg on our way to Sibongile. Fortunately we have friends in high places (YWAM Muizenberg base operations) who rescued us.

And then Tuesday afternoon we had an amazing time doing a human trafficking demo in Gugulethu (township). We had people driving past in cars asking for flyers, kids helping us distribute flyers, announcements over the PA system in the local Spar and one of the workers championing our cause with the management. Completely unexpected for sure.

And then Thursday saw a much better girls club meeting than the previous fail of a week. We actually had four girls come and we talked about some serious issues. A much needed encouragement after the previous week.

And then Saturday we took the Mfuleni girls (plus assorted children, sisters, cousins and nieces) to the beach. Good times.

And then Sunday we went to Gabriel’s church again with the Mfuleni girls. Fun times.

 So, I haven’t really said much about anything. It doesn't sound very eventful but there’s too much to put into one post. I’ll tell you when I see you (and if I don;t see you then you'll have to live with the mystery).

Stranded at the Drive-in - Outreach Week Eight

So week eight kicked off with us teaching a bunch of girls how to do line dancing. Sounds strange as right?

This was at the Girls Group at the Masi library. Fun times teaching them the Macarena and Cupid Shuffle (and when I say taught I more mean I was there learning while some of the team taught). We returned to Masi later in the week to do a human trafficking demo. Some awkward times driving around trying to find someone to be a ‘guide’. Even more awkward times trying to explain to said guide exactly what it was that we wanted to do. And even more awkward times trying to get him to understand that we wanted to go to a busy street not a small alley. So, yeah, it was kinda awkward. We did eventually find a good spot though. Lesson learned: when seeking help in a township it’s a good idea of you get the guide to explain what it is that you want back to you – it saves a lot of confusion and awkwardness.

Thursday afternoon saw us head to Mfuleni for Girl’s Club and Soccer Clinic. Except this week was a bit different. 

As usual, African timing meant that we were running a bit later than usual (30 minutes to be exact). So we pull up to the house where we have girls club each week and we (the girls) jump out and the others head over to the soccer field. However we soon discovered that we couldn’t use the house we normally meet in because the girl who lives there was busy, she did tell us that one of the other girls (who lives over the road) should be over soon though. Soon was an abstract concept. We waited in the street for about half-an-hour waiting for one of the other girls to turn up à much to our relief. We had found ourselves surrounded by children who demanded to be played with. These kids don’t really have any concept of boundaries or ‘nice play.’ A simple high-five can leave your arm stinging for about 5 minutes, a hug can mean getting someone else to prise a child’s arms from around your neck. And if you make the fatal error or sitting down and allowing them greater access to you then you may find that you become a human doll. Not that these kids ever meant it in a bad way (apart from one maybe – she scared me) but it was such a relief to be able to escape having to find inventive ways to stop children half your size and definitely more than half your age beating you up. But then, I guess this is outreach.

You’re probs wondering why we didn’t summon the Calvary à No phone. We figured it would be fine. Lesson learned: check with your host if you can meet in their house – it saves a lot of confusiona and awkwardness.

Outreach Week Seven

I honestly can't remember much of this week. Other than not getting enough sleep on our first night back at base. Apparently I have the memory of a goldfish.

It's Better To Be Awkward Than Bored - Outreach Week Six

So this week passed kinda same as usual - same ministries, different challenges. And before I knew it we were halfway through outreach and it was time for our mid-way break. So, we spent  few days chiling out, maxing, relaxing all cool and shooting some b-ball out by the pool. For real, we spent a few days resting, relaxing, reflecting and re-energising (check my alliteration).

There was eight of us in our room when we left the base and words cannot express the joy and luxury it was to only have two people in a room. And even better we went from eight girls sharing one bathroom to five girls sharing two bathrooms. Another thing that made it so amazing - having a choice of pillows. I currently have to fold my pillow in half to even notice that its there. However I was now faced with the choice of three pillows. Exciting times let me tell you. And another thing - I could sit in bed without hitting my head on the ceiling/bunk above. Good news and great joy.

One reason for the break was to take time to think about what we've done so far and where we could improve/do things differently. My conclusion: it's better to be awkward than bored.

I get bored of routine easily and now that we're used to what we've been doing it's alot less awkward, leaving alot more room to get bored. Not bored of what we're doing but bored of doing the same thing. That might not make sense to you but if you stand back, squint a bit and then look at a bright light it does.

So the challenge is to push the boundaries of awkward more. I'll let you know how it goes.

Back to School - Outreach Week Five

So, it's been almost four weeks since I posted something - FAIL. I'm gonna blame it on the a-a-a-a-a-alcohol. 

Somethings we did during week five that we've done before: Sibongile, human trafficking demonstrations, Living Grace, Girls Club in Mfuleni and soccer clinic.

Something different we did during week five: tutoring at a library in Masiphumele (township about 25 minutes from Muizenberg).


Not that the same things happen each week, theres always differences, but I think it feels like so long ago that I can't remember. Read the team blog (Click here). It has alot more info.

So you know all that useless information they make you learn in school? Stuff like the structural make-up of hydrochloric acid and trigonometry? They promise you that you'll need to use it one day but you know that they're lying. Well, it turns out that you do need to know it - when you're trying to teach it to someone else. On monday we jumped in the van and headed to Masi to tutor some high school kids at an after-school programme called Ikamva Youth. Despite promises that we are well educated enough to help the kids we soon discovered that we'd forgotten all that useless information. Mainly because we haven't had to use it. They lied.


Something else we did  - eat alot of meat. One of the leaders here took us out for lunch. We went to a place called Mzoli's. You basically go to the butchers and select what meat you want, they then take it next door and braai (sorta like a BBQ but not) it for you. A little while later they hand you a plate full of meat. Fun times.


If you feel like this hasn't explained what we did very well then you should read the team blog (Click here). It has alot more info.

Why Is My Life So Awkward? - Outreach Week Four

I think I’ve discovered one the main things that my outreach experience is all about: Being Awkward.

Pretty much everything we do involves some level of awkward. Usually pretty high. I’m gonna be so used to awkward that by the time I get home I’ll no longer be able to judge what is and isn’t socially acceptable – prepare yourself for lots of awkward conversations.

So this week I discovered that South Africa has three capital cities (this info is courtesy of the all-knowing and always accurate wiki so you’ll have to forgive me if it all turns out to be a complete lie. I know that wiki shouldn’t be referenced as a source but I’m not in uni anymore *sniffsniff* so I’m gonna reference it as much as I like). Pretoria is the executive capital. Bloemfontein is the judicial capital and Cape Town is the legislative capital. Why am I telling you this (other than to increase your world knowledge and better understanding of global politics )? Because on Tuesday we went to parliament. At first I was like “but Pretoria is the capital, surely parliament is there.” But as previously mentioned, Cape Town is the legislative capital, hence it has the parliamentary offices etc. I’m guessing that Pretoria has some too though – someone wiki/google that for me and find out.

So why did we go to parliament? We were planning to go to a prayer meeting held by some Christians who work for the government (yes, my life is a lot like being in a spy movie) but due to some African timing issues we missed it. Instead we prayed in one of the board room meeting things (just like in The Apprentice but without any voiceovers or crazy rich men telling us we're idiots for not choosing to sell pens instead of pencils) and then had a tour of the building -  we went to the old and new parliament room things (I’m sure they have proper names – if someone could wiki/google that for me then that would be great) and also the Speaker’s office and board room. So we prayed there as well. Shout out to Gabriel who organized it for us.

I’ve been struggling quite a lot lately and to be honest it’s almost what I struggle with most. Hairstyles. The women here have Good Hair. I’m talking everywhere I go I see straight perms, extensions, weave, plaits. My hair is a mess. Everytime I see someone with Good Hair I daydream for about ten minutes on what my life would be like if I only had Good Hair – it would definitely involve an endless supply of tea&cake.

Remember how I told y’all about the door to door ministry we did last week in Mfuleni?  (Wait, I think I wrote about that in the team blog – maybe you should read that first. Click this). Well, on Thursday we held our first ‘Girls Club’ meeting in one of the houses we visited last week. We had about five to six girls from the local area, aged between 19 and 25 and then a various assortment of children who wondered in and out. It was super awkward for quite a while. They didn’t know what to expect, we weren’t entirely sure of what we were doing and I’m sure at several points they wanted to be somewhere else. I’m also pretty sure that it was Gabriel’s influence alone that got them to be there in the first place, not any desire on their part to meet with a bunch of ‘missionaries’ from overseas. They began to warm up to us after we sang and danced to them though – the power of making a fool of yourself is never to be under estimated.

So on Friday we upped the awkward factor again. This time doing human trafficking awareness on trains. We get on the train and basically start handing out flyers and talking to people about human trafficking. I found it super awkward – funny that. To me the train is a place of quiet and still (obvs not literally). I’m in the zone, travelling. Going from A to B. If anyone talks to me then they automatically ruin my day. To be honest if someone even sits next to me without having a good reason then I’m gonna have to work hard to set my day on the right course again. So having to approach people and start talking to them was not my idea of fun times. Having said that, we were able to talk to a lot of people, many of whom had never heard of human-trafficking. So the awkward is worth it – just as our friendship will be once I’m home and we’ve worked through me making you feel awkward.

There's something in the water - Outreach Weeks 2/3

So it’s been about a million years since I posted something, but here you go, a collection of my thoughts, neatly typed, double spaced, spell checked and tied up in brown paper with a red bow on the top just for you:

I’m doing good. Sick of all the sunshine, blue skies, deepening tan and time spent at the beach (jealous much?) but what can you do?

So you know how I’ve mentioned this shark thing? Well, we were hanging at the beach the other day when Joy-of-Joys the Shark Alarm sounded. I’ve dreamed about this moment ever since I knew there were gonna be sharks in Muizenberg. I was expecting masses of people running screaming from the perilous waters to the safety of the shore, children crying, abandoned shoes and dropped ice creams. The reality was far less dramatic - the life guard had to run along the beach blowing a whistle and trying to get people to leave the sea. So. Very. Disappointing. I was also hoping that the shark would come close to the shore and make menacing snarls in our direction. Another disappointment. I live in hope that next time will be the shark spotting that I’ve dreamed of.

So I kinda had a near death experience the other day. We were hiking up Table Mountain when I almost died (you would have thought I’d learned after climbing up Mount Muizenberg but apparently I didn’t). For real. I thought I was gonna be on that mountain forever (meaning the feew hours I was bound to have left). It was really hot and it was really steep. I couldn’t go back to the beginning and I didn’t want to keep going to the top. The only other option was to lie down and let the sun fry me to death. Did I mention it was really hot and steep? The funny thing was we were on the ‘touristy’ path. In my mind tourist is an old lady of about ninety years old in a wheelchair (ok, even I’ll admit that this is a pretty strange tourist stereotype but I can’t help it. I hear tourist and I see a Lady Bracknell/Lady Catherine de Bourgh figure). Now while there were plenty of old ladies hiking up that path none of them fit the tourist picture I had in my mind. The children crying and throwing up did though. Suffice to say I lived to tell the tale and the view from the top was pretty sweet. We took the cable car down though. 

One thing that you often hear about South Africa is the gap between those who have money and those who don’t. I’m sorry to bring it up again but I really can’t get my head round it. Scrap metal huts built on the side of the road one minute and then gated luxury apartments the next. How did this happen?

Twice a week we go to Sibongile (a care centre for children with Cerebral Palsy) which is in Khayletisha, the second largest township in SA. The centre itself has running water and electricity but just behind it, over the road, you see homes made of salvaged metal built into the side of the hill, a few houses along from the centre you can see three newish cars parked on the paved driveway of a fairly large brick house. Again, how did this happen? And I’m not talking historical factors that led to it but how we’ve allowed it to happen.

When I’ve seen pictures of shanty towns and the suchlike on TV there’s always been a part of me that thinks that I’m being manipulated by whoever took the shot – you know, ‘they used the lighting or the camera angle to make it seem worse than it is.’ I now see that that picture doesn’t capture it, people really do live in 10x8 huts make out of metal and they hang their washing out to dry when the weather is good. Just like we do at home. How did we let this be ok?

If you wanna know what else we’ve been up to then follow this link to the team blog: www.sateam2010.blogspot.com

P.S. I’m sorry for all the American spelling – I can’t figure out how to change the language on this version of word.

Words with j, k, u & c - Outreach Week One

Three words for you people:

Nando’s

Drive

Through

Read them and weep. One of the first things I saw on the way from the airport to the hostel. I’ll say them again incase you missed it: Nando’s Drive Through. Try to control your tears of jealousy.

So we made to Muizenberg ok (if you ignore almost half the group having luggage problems and a few sprints across airports). But we all made it.

We're pretty much living on the beach (about three minutes away). You can even hear the sea from our room at the hostel - makes a change from people shouting and car brakes screeching up the hill like in Auckland. We totally upgraded our room from the one in Auckland – a lot bigger and more storage space whoopwhoop.

My biggest problem at the moment (besides the wind blowing my hair everywhere no matter how many pins I put in it) is coping with the prices. It’s about ten rand to the British pound. So at first I'm like "woah!! one-hundred-and-fifty!!" and then I realise that that's about fifteen pounds (can't find the pound symbol on the keyboard – could you tell?) and I'm so relived that it's gone from 150 to 15 that I immediately want to buy it. So far I have resisted the temptation to spend like crazy (if you ignore the fact that I can’t help but buy some of the amazing different kinds of Dairy Milk they have here).

So we figured that it would be good to try and blend in. You know, not be too conspicuous. FAIL. On our first group trip - just walking around Muizenberg - we were asked of we were YWAM. Apparently there’s no need to tattoo it to our foreheads or wear a sign because we're that obvious. It’s a bit creepy. Almost like we’re always being watched.

If you wanna know what we did this week then check the team blog: www.sateam2010.blogspot.com

Something else we did was play Bananagrams. A lot. Five minutes till team meeting – Bananagrams. Two minutes till dinner – Bananagrams. I think we may have a problem. If you can think of any words with j, k, u or c the let me know. 

Team Blog

The team blog is finally up. Check www.sateam2010.blogspot.com