I think I'm becoming a klutz.
First of all I have the whole car light incident (see previous entry), then I manage to lose my car in another mall car park on Sunday and end up exceeding the time on the ticket. Following this I manage to drive into a multi-storey car park at JHB airport looking for the petrol station and have to ask nicely for the security to let me out again immediately (which they did!) .
And then yesterday I went down the valley to visit a preschool with a new volunteer and warned her about the slippiness of a gravel slope you have go down to get into the school. I've been there so many times and never had problems and yesterday I went straight over and slid (gracefully, I like to think) down the slope, grazing my leg and cutting my toe in the process... hmm. Klutzy...
And then I manage to drop my lunch on the floor so that the cats got a good meal of smoked chicken and I had to make do with eggs...
what is going on???!!
Am annoyed this morning because my toe still hurts and I couldn't go to my dance lesson, which means I have no opportunity for exercise this week at all (not good for my health!!) I'm in a workshop from tomorrow to Friday. I think I'll live, although walking is a little painful. It's not a doctor-worthy injury though, but I'm glad I have an automatic car so I don't need to use that leg! This was my first 'accident' since I arrived in S.Africa so it was kind of exciting, although a trifle painful too... Glad I've had all my shots!
Tuesday, 11 September 2007
Jo'burg
I'm just back from a great few days in the South African Capital of Fun, Johannesburg. Some people question what there is to do there, but there's lots, if you know where to look!
Had a good couple of days at CASNET, where I learnt far more than I really wanted to about child abuse in a Child Protection Workshop, for one thing.The usual hotel where we stayed has recently been awarded some kind of tourism award recently. So you'd think they'd have done away with such insults to la cucina italiana as 'Pasta Hawaii' - penne, carrots, pineapple baked in a white sauce with cheese on top. Any self-respecting Italian in the vicinity would have stormed the kitchens in protest. 'Weird' doesn't really sum it up right. 'Wrong' might be a better description!
In any case, Allet flew up and joined me and our little blue boy-racer VW Chico on Friday evening. I'd picked up the car earlier in the day and driven close by to the airport to East Rand Mall. When I tried to remove key from ignition an alarm went off and I couldn't work out why. After a 10 minute phone call to Avis careline, and conversations with VW experts, the nice man on the other end of the phone pointed out to me that I'd left my lights on... Doh! (It had been a looooong week)
In any case, Allet flew up and joined me and our little blue boy-racer VW Chico on Friday evening. I'd picked up the car earlier in the day and driven close by to the airport to East Rand Mall. When I tried to remove key from ignition an alarm went off and I couldn't work out why. After a 10 minute phone call to Avis careline, and conversations with VW experts, the nice man on the other end of the phone pointed out to me that I'd left my lights on... Doh! (It had been a looooong week)
Saturday late morning and we were in the middle of 4 lanes of crazy traffic leaving the CBD (Central Business District) with combi-taxis weaving in and out. (We were reminded later that there are major taxi wars going on at the moment, with shoot outs and all the rest - thankfully no-one was in a violent mood on Saturday!) And this is why... it was the Gauteng Carnival in Newtown. And there were many many police on patrol. Possibly the safest place to be on a Saturday afternoon... In any case, we had a mooch round at the entertainment and then popped into MuseuMAfrica for some more culture.
The Museum is massive, and we only managed a bit before needing lunch. We informed ourselves about the 'Tried for Treason' trials of the late 1950's. Crazy times, in a land then plagued by Apartheid, the state still tried people of all tribes and colours for so-called crimes against the state. Perhaps these events alerted the rest of the world to some of the troubles SA was facing.. It was a fascinating exhibition, with a lot of photos and newspaper cuttings of the time.We also managed to fit in a musical styles of Africa exhibition, settlements and shebeens section and a whole load of photos on Ghandi, who was quite prominent in S.Africa at one point.
A couple of shopping malls later, and a quick trip to an African craft market to get hassled by the traders and we headed to the Victory Theatre to see a show called 'Africa Umoja'. This show was in the West End of London for 2 years from 2001 so maybe some people have seen it, but it was great. It was a kind of history of the musical styles of SA from the stomping and drumming to the very new kwaito movement. The show was amazing and very entertaining. It's moving to Durban soon so might manage to persuade some of the YZWs to come along for the show too...
On Sunday, we went to Rhema Church again. Great preaching, great worship. (and am reminded I still need to update on the wonderful things that happened last time I went!)
Then we went to Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square, which boasts probably the biggest statue of Madiba in the world! After lunch at Monte Casino (which seems to be a huge indoor Italian town filmset!) it was time to head back to the airport and down to rainy KZN.
What a weekend! It was busy but fun. It was fantastic to stay with my friends up there and to spend some time catching up with them. Another busy week awaits so it was good to be refreshed!
Tuesday, 4 September 2007
another day... another internet cafe...
Postnet is quite a refreshingly competent internet cafe. I wasn't going to come back online so soon, but I was in PMB this morning and got a call that there's currently no electricity or telephone at home so it's not worth rushing back to the office this morning, it would be rather dark...
Took our little 4-yr old home from hospital yesterday so that's good news. She wanted to get straight back on her bike, not thinking that she is temporarily one-handed... she'll learn! She threw the biggest sulk possible in hospital but thankfully clicked out of it the moment the Dr signed the discharge documents. I was reminded just how much mums have to go through with small children and am full of absolute respect for those who put up with this kind of behaviour on a regular basis! And am so glad that I don't have kids (yet!) ;-)
Tomorrow I'm off to Joburg. This weekend Allet and I will be exploring the city. We are mightily miffed that The Lion King show at Montecasino is fully booked and we can't go. We'll find something to entertain us, it is one of the major cities in Africa... Am looking forward to it and to getting away from the dysfunctionalities (is that a word?) of living rurally, even for a weekend!
Took our little 4-yr old home from hospital yesterday so that's good news. She wanted to get straight back on her bike, not thinking that she is temporarily one-handed... she'll learn! She threw the biggest sulk possible in hospital but thankfully clicked out of it the moment the Dr signed the discharge documents. I was reminded just how much mums have to go through with small children and am full of absolute respect for those who put up with this kind of behaviour on a regular basis! And am so glad that I don't have kids (yet!) ;-)
Tomorrow I'm off to Joburg. This weekend Allet and I will be exploring the city. We are mightily miffed that The Lion King show at Montecasino is fully booked and we can't go. We'll find something to entertain us, it is one of the major cities in Africa... Am looking forward to it and to getting away from the dysfunctionalities (is that a word?) of living rurally, even for a weekend!
Monday, 3 September 2007
internet failure
I don't know what's going on but systematically my internet connections at home and in the office have failed for no reason! I am not a happy bunny.
Have driven half an hour into town to check my email. It's getting ridiculous.
So that's why you've not heard from me for the past week.
Lots has happened though and I'm very busy. Off to Joburg on Wed for CASNET and a weekend exploring the city with Allet.
Spent a lot of this past weekend sitting in hospital with one of our 4 year olds who managed to break her arm badly at preschool last week. She's coming home today and that's good because she was getting very bored in there!!! Pray for complete healing in her arm.
Also please pray for Ph who is one of my preschool teachers, she is very sick with some mystery thing. I visited her last week and prayed with her. It all sounds very strange and she's been ill for a month. Don't know what could have caused it except maybe stress. But she wants to get better. more when I visit her again.
I did Church yesterday morning, it was so AWESOME to be back praising with the kids and to have an opportunity to teach them about Jesus. I'm more organised this term and we're planned right up to Christmas. There are some fantastic and keen new Christians here too so all is looking good. Catherine arrived safely yesterday too so all is well.
Must go, time is running out!
More when I can get back on line.... PRAY for that too!!!
thanks , bye!
Have driven half an hour into town to check my email. It's getting ridiculous.
So that's why you've not heard from me for the past week.
Lots has happened though and I'm very busy. Off to Joburg on Wed for CASNET and a weekend exploring the city with Allet.
Spent a lot of this past weekend sitting in hospital with one of our 4 year olds who managed to break her arm badly at preschool last week. She's coming home today and that's good because she was getting very bored in there!!! Pray for complete healing in her arm.
Also please pray for Ph who is one of my preschool teachers, she is very sick with some mystery thing. I visited her last week and prayed with her. It all sounds very strange and she's been ill for a month. Don't know what could have caused it except maybe stress. But she wants to get better. more when I visit her again.
I did Church yesterday morning, it was so AWESOME to be back praising with the kids and to have an opportunity to teach them about Jesus. I'm more organised this term and we're planned right up to Christmas. There are some fantastic and keen new Christians here too so all is looking good. Catherine arrived safely yesterday too so all is well.
Must go, time is running out!
More when I can get back on line.... PRAY for that too!!!
thanks , bye!
Monday, 27 August 2007
The reality of living in Africa...
People go on and on about the violent crime rate in South Africa. Many South Africans are prepared to leave the country at a moment’s notice. For a brief moment this weekend the thought crossed my mind too. But the reality is that crime is everywhere and here is no exception.
On Friday afternoon a couple of men walked into reception during the weekly pay-out of wages and asked for one of our staff by name. They then brought out guns and proceeded to take the money. In the kerfuffle one of them fired a shot which THANKFULLY only hit the window and the wall outside, although people were passing there a millisecond later and are traumatised by it all (as you would be, understandably). The bullet hole remains as testimony to what happened. As it was payday there were lots of people milling around, most ran for cover and made sure that none of the children were nearby.
The gunmen made off with a reasonable amount of cash, but not without a fight. Patches (the wonderdog) was on the case and she went for the legs of one of the attackers, digging her teeth in and generally making a nuisance of herself to protect people. She somehow managed to dodge 2 bullets in the process although most onlookers are amazed that she didn’t get shot. But she’s fast. (She’s sitting on the bed next to me as I write this, approving of everything I write!)
It was an inside job. Someone knows who these people were. They knew too much for it to be a random event. Now that the dust has settled there is widespread relief that no-one got hurt (PRAISE GOD) although some fear that these men may return. Although I imagine that is unlikely. Too many people saw them and their car. Needless to say the way we handle cash here has been rapidly rethought.
By God’s grace, I was not on the property at the time. Just half an hour earlier I had made a snap decision to go shopping and didn’t discover what had happened until the next morning. I didn’t even think much of Patches devouring lots of food in the evening and chewing up a big piece of cardboard. She is, after all, an overgrown puppy and very boisterous. Little did I know then that she is also hero of the hour!
The whole incident brings home how dangerous it can be here though. My house is next door to reception, a bit too close for comfort. And yet although I went through the initial fear of ‘what if’, I am reminded that GOD IS IN COMPLETE CONTROL and all of our days are in His hands. He is my Protector and my Saviour and so I do not need to fear. And I’ve got my cats and Patches in my house as guard creatures. I don’t think people would last long if they came near me when P is around. She’s becoming very protective after her first brush with danger! I’m starting to wonder if she might not be a special angelic dog sent to help out here.
On Friday afternoon a couple of men walked into reception during the weekly pay-out of wages and asked for one of our staff by name. They then brought out guns and proceeded to take the money. In the kerfuffle one of them fired a shot which THANKFULLY only hit the window and the wall outside, although people were passing there a millisecond later and are traumatised by it all (as you would be, understandably). The bullet hole remains as testimony to what happened. As it was payday there were lots of people milling around, most ran for cover and made sure that none of the children were nearby.
The gunmen made off with a reasonable amount of cash, but not without a fight. Patches (the wonderdog) was on the case and she went for the legs of one of the attackers, digging her teeth in and generally making a nuisance of herself to protect people. She somehow managed to dodge 2 bullets in the process although most onlookers are amazed that she didn’t get shot. But she’s fast. (She’s sitting on the bed next to me as I write this, approving of everything I write!)
It was an inside job. Someone knows who these people were. They knew too much for it to be a random event. Now that the dust has settled there is widespread relief that no-one got hurt (PRAISE GOD) although some fear that these men may return. Although I imagine that is unlikely. Too many people saw them and their car. Needless to say the way we handle cash here has been rapidly rethought.
By God’s grace, I was not on the property at the time. Just half an hour earlier I had made a snap decision to go shopping and didn’t discover what had happened until the next morning. I didn’t even think much of Patches devouring lots of food in the evening and chewing up a big piece of cardboard. She is, after all, an overgrown puppy and very boisterous. Little did I know then that she is also hero of the hour!
The whole incident brings home how dangerous it can be here though. My house is next door to reception, a bit too close for comfort. And yet although I went through the initial fear of ‘what if’, I am reminded that GOD IS IN COMPLETE CONTROL and all of our days are in His hands. He is my Protector and my Saviour and so I do not need to fear. And I’ve got my cats and Patches in my house as guard creatures. I don’t think people would last long if they came near me when P is around. She’s becoming very protective after her first brush with danger! I’m starting to wonder if she might not be a special angelic dog sent to help out here.
Saturday, 25 August 2007
Land handover event
On Thursday a whole gang of us went down into the valley of Swayimane to a land-handover ceremony. A family there has donated some land to us for free so that we can build another pre-school project there. But before we can start building we needed to do all the formalities of switching ownership.
It was quite fascinating. In typical Zulu fashion, I'd had to go the long way and arrived nearly 2 hours late and it still hadn't started officially. I got to sit with the dignitaries (in the shade!) and enjoy the stoney ginger beer... Although the land was free, we'd still had to provide the sheep (for dinner), all the food for lunch and various other offerings.
After several pleasantries and speeches, and a performance by the YZW choir, the offical visit of the land happened, with a group walking the boundary and marking it out. Only after this had been completed could lunch begin...
My Zulu is improving, I can now understand what's being said and follow the gist of the conversation and speeches. Still a way to go before I can respond properly though.
Although, I did manage my first conversation in Zulu in the valley on Wednesday. I visited a pre-school and enquired where the teacher was and managed to establish from one of the other teachers that she was ill. The conversation, though short, went as follows:
Me: Sawubona, ninjani?
Ladies: sikhona. Unjani?
Me: Ngiyaphila. UPhumzile?
Ladies: Phumzile abekho.
Me: Uyagula?
Ladies: Yebo.
Amazing. Not a word of English and communication was perfect.
I am well pleased with my progress.
It was quite fascinating. In typical Zulu fashion, I'd had to go the long way and arrived nearly 2 hours late and it still hadn't started officially. I got to sit with the dignitaries (in the shade!) and enjoy the stoney ginger beer... Although the land was free, we'd still had to provide the sheep (for dinner), all the food for lunch and various other offerings.
After several pleasantries and speeches, and a performance by the YZW choir, the offical visit of the land happened, with a group walking the boundary and marking it out. Only after this had been completed could lunch begin...
My Zulu is improving, I can now understand what's being said and follow the gist of the conversation and speeches. Still a way to go before I can respond properly though.
Although, I did manage my first conversation in Zulu in the valley on Wednesday. I visited a pre-school and enquired where the teacher was and managed to establish from one of the other teachers that she was ill. The conversation, though short, went as follows:
Me: Sawubona, ninjani?
Ladies: sikhona. Unjani?
Me: Ngiyaphila. UPhumzile?
Ladies: Phumzile abekho.
Me: Uyagula?
Ladies: Yebo.
Amazing. Not a word of English and communication was perfect.
I am well pleased with my progress.
Back to KZN
I'm back.
Although I've been struggling to get online all week. Apologies for lack of news.
It was great to get back 'home' here again. The kids were all excited to see me, they've got a little song that they sing for me and I've heard it all week. It's so cute.
I brought the crechies some disney princess/winnie the pooh kids cutlery (very imaginative, it took me a while) and they loved it! Everyone else has proper cutlery and the crechies had to use plastic spoons, so these are special... It was so sweet seeing them use them for the first time and loving it.
There's a positive atmosphere in the air with lots of new, enthusiastic and keen volunteers. It's taking me a while to work out who is who, I reckon it will still take me a while as I don't have much to do with them during the week, but I'll get there. It helps too that the sun was shining and it was beautifully warm when I returned (much nicer than the pollution of Jo'burg). It's almost spring!
My house is still in one piece, apart from signs of a passing rat under the sink. Must be the absence of the cats in the kitchen that allowed it to visit. After eating the entire cardboard bit of the lightbulb box and most of a box of washing powder it moved on. Strangely it didn't go near the food cupboard... Needless to say, the cats are back in full force now. Because HR was away for so long, her cats have moved to reception and the former reception cats have moved to mine... so now when I come home instead of a ginger furball rushing out of the undergrowth, I am greeted by 3 little treasures from different directions all wanting attention and cat biscuits. Natha is small, black, scratchy and argumentative, so he doesn't get to come in much. Veenie is tortoiseshell, soft, gentle and cuddly and she's most welcome (although she hates it when I have to evict her in the rain). Tubbles is a bit miffed that she has to share her blanket, but she's getting over it fast. To add to all of this, Patches the dog has also moved in, even though she did chew up a whole piece of cardboard this evening on the kitchen floor. (better than the carpet that she was starting on before I found the distraction of cardboard!) I've no clue how to look after dogs, and it's getting a bit crowded in here, but for the moment it's fun (and there's no sign of any more rodents either!)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)