Beached Up

The lifesaver was clearly bemused. He was seated under a canopy, his state-of-the-art jet-skis in readiness alongside him. Right beside him, coincidentally, there was an area of about 12 sq .metres pegged out with umbrellas. In the middle, sat a table with 24 hats. By the table, an Englishman wearing an Australian hat, sat waiting. Curiosity overcame him. ‘’What are you going to do here, man?’’ In answer, the kids started to appear through the sand dunes.
They were not stigmatised as poor orphans by wearing shorts and shirts. In their new swimwear, they were as smart as anyone else. They ran to the water excitedly, picking up wet sand to throw like snowballs , with unerring accuracy- I know,I got two full in the face in rapid succession!
For the younger ones, this would be their first experience of the beach. They all had a marvellous day. When they crowded into the minibus at about 5 pm., they had no energy left!
This week has seen a lot happen. Half the children have been taken to the dentist for their first time, we have held another clothes sale and enabled over 40 households ,involving over 100 children, to get food parcels. At last, we have seen the concrete wall erected around the garden area at Julia’s . I will not be here to get the plants started, but it is good to see that soon it will happen. Two local business men who attend the same church as Peter and Daphne, want to get involved. As a start, they have offered to erect cupboards/shelves in all three houses.
In our meetings with Tia, we have tossed a lot of ideas about. As a result, future volunteers will be more effective and have better engagement.
For myself, I had hoped to finish with the kids’ Xmas.party.This would have left me with a few days to go into Lesotho ,before moving on to Johannesburg for my flight on the 29th.But the girls with whom I am getting a lift, have to leave early on Xmas.Day. So I will be saying my last goodbyes to the kids  on Monday/ Tuesday.
It might be for the better that way. I want to slip away quietly, without a fuss.To my mind ,the kids are better without regular,  emotional upheavals as each volunteer leaves. In fairness, I am in a minority of one in thinking  this way!
This will most likely be my last blog before Xmas.,before leaving Thamsanqa. As you breathe a sigh of relief, please accept my very best  wishes for a wonderful Xmas.!
A mis amigos espanoles, lo siento que no he podido escribir en Castellano tambien.
Feliz Navidad!
Eric.
 
Note on Lesotho.
Called the Roof of Africa,it is the only country in the world that is entirely above 1000m. Not even Nepal can claim that.It is very backward indeed,and not easily accessible.
Itinerary.
25th. Travel 10 hours by car to Sani Pass Backpackers’ Lodge.
26th. Day tour/hike to see Bushmans’ paintings.                                                     27    4x4 through Sani Pass to experience Sani way of life..
28     Self hiking.
Full board, and lodging in dormitory, plus 2 tours = 60 pounds.
29   6am Underberg Express to Pietermaritzberg.
       10am Intercape to Johannesburg                                                                                           
       20.30 Etihad Airways to Abi Dhabi-Manchester.
30  Thown off plane.
 
Photos.
  1 Waiting for the party.
  2 Zolani;no words needed
  3 Andiswa (5)
  4 Sinazo (5)
  5 Hungry mouths .
  6 Children,the same everywhere.
  7 Bonke (1).
  8 Andiswa quickly got braver.
  9 Thamsanqa family.
  10 Bye!

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