I’ll be your heart to the ones I meet,
I’ll show love to the least of these, I would have never known if you didn’t first love me. I’ve learned to love when I’m your hands and feet ♥
New week, new day. Monday morning and I am woken up by the sounds of dogs barking and cockerels doing what they do best at 3am. Tossing and turning to find sleep, I decided to listen to music. Casey J – “Your Heart” comes on and after the not so great week I had last week, this song totally gave me another perspective as to why I am here.
Fresh new mindset, I prepare myself for HOLIDAY CLUB! Our theme for holiday club was ‘around the world’ – giving the kids insight to other cultures as we realised after few weeks of being here, that many of them didn’t know much about the world outside Inchanga.
The team arrived at Inchanga primary school met by some eager students ready for packed 3 days. We were told we would have around 60 kids in attendance, infortunately we only ended up having 20 odd in attendance. The team decided not to let that affect us but rather focus on the one on ones we could potentially have with them. I was teaching the spelling class with my roomie Lihle (Charity).
Grade 6 preparing for their test!
We had grade 5 to grade 7. Each lesson was 45mins long. I begun by doing a spelling test to see what level they were at, a lot of them in fact needed great support. Other lessons taught by my other team members were: reading, crafts, music, games and sports as well as writing.
Following on from Monday, Tuesday weather was not great at all. This meant that there was a possibility in the number of children attending holiday club decreasing but GOD!
We gathered as a team and prayed that God will do what only He knows to do and go against the norm. Assembly time came, low and behold numbers of kids had increased despite the poor weather! Isn’t God awesome?! By now we had a good 32 kids. The day continued on as usual, focusing on another country. By the last day, Wednesday we had about 36 kids! We handed them certificates for attending holiday club, they were all excited to receive them but also sad that they couldn’t come into school for the rest of the week.
Group games before the end of the day!
Thursday was meant to be our team meeting day to begin planning for several other things we are due to start on return from school holiday but due to the local elections happening EVERYTHING had to be changed. We received a text in the early hours of the morning saying:
You can imagine the frustration we were feeling! Completely out of our control. A day of doing nothing, this was not what I had signed up for.
I didn’t realise the seriousness of what was happening in my community until I saw it on the local news that very evening. People had gathered to protest, tyres were set on fire and tree branches blocking the roads.
Can we just thank God that we were all safe from all of that. But as you read above in the message, litter day had to be postponed to the coming Tuesday.
Friday we ended up meeting up briefly at the local library as a team to confirm few stuff.
The long awaiting day I had been waiting for ALL week finally arrived! Saturday! Team day! This meant, USHAKA MARINE DAY!
I don’t know whether I was more excited about going to a water park/sea world/beach or being reunited with the other teams! (Lol I’m thinking the latter!)
We arrived at around 11:30am. I quickly rushed off to the entrance to meet the other team waiting for us. In no time, we had paid for our entry tickets for both parks and gone to change into our costumes.
I (alongside few other girls) managed to conquer all the thrill seeking slides which were a lot of FUN! I got to also watch the Dolphin show which was superb!
I long for the day I actually get to swim with dolphins!
Dolphin show at Ushaka Marine
For those of you that know me, know that I am a thrill-seeker! After all life is made for living!
A group of us decided to pay extra money (roughly £8-£10) to go shark cage diving! Initially, I was thinking “yikes! Tania, this has got to be wildest thing to do!” But I gathered the courage and made my way!
Moments before the dive.
After all the preparation and signing out life away – the moment had come!
Before getting into the cage!
inside the cage! yikes!
It was a fun experience! Sharks casually swimming beside us and park visitors waving at us whilst we were underwater, such a cool moment!
Selfies at Ushaka // Great memories.
Overall Saturday was a GREAT day! So good to catch up with my lovely ladies and I cannot wait to be reunited in two weeks at midterm review!
Egz // Tania
Dancers at Ushaka // Taken by Ego
Lauren // Tan // Zoe // Egz
On Sunday we had the opportunity to go to ‘City Hill’ church again! A guest speaker by the name of Wayne Neuper gave the word. Titled “Holy spirit, Friend + God.”
Brownie + Hot Choco before church begun! // Delicious!
Conversations with Wayne + Renee Neuper // City Hill
Overall, this week was a better week. I would be lying if I told you I didn’t miss home. But one thing is for sure, this trip has wrecked me for PEOPLE all over again.
Whatever way I can help people on their journey, I’m available.
We are all human, all have stuff we are working through, facing. We all have a story. Everyday I’m reminded that one moment with Jesus. His presence can change EVERYTHING!
Having met with the other teams this past weekend and shared our thoughts + experiences. One thing is for sure, nothing has gone the way we expected it to go. Worried for what we are meant to learn on this journey or even give, I am reminded of Romans 8:28.
That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. – Rom 8:28
Whatever these next 8 weeks hold, I’m open. I will endeavour to NOT count the days but make the days count!
Here’s to life with Jesus, more than I can ever imagine and being part of the greatest story ever being told.
I’m open.
I’m ready.
I’ll leave you with this:
Anything that annoys you is teaching you patience. Anything that angers you is teaching you forgiveness. Anything you hate is teaching you unconditional love. Anything you fear is teaching you courage to overcome your fear. Anything you can’t control is teaching you how to let go. – #LifeRemindersInSA
♥
Niaa: South Africa Livin' :) 