Day 16 - The Unexpected

Well today we intended to spend the whole day out at the village with the girls...but I'm sure as you've read our blog over the last couple of weeks plans always change in Africa. 

Camp started with dancing and singing

Well, we finally made it out to the village just after 10am and arrived to find none of the older girls around. It turns out they were down at the YFC campsite joining in a camp for teenage girls from the school we went out to last wednesday. So, we decided to go visit the toddlers for an hour or so where Alex and I threw A LOT of frisbies and Jonno shared his sunglasses around for all the kids to wear. 

Sudza and cabbage for lunch

Come lunchtime the girls had a break from camp so we caught up with them for some interesting ndelebe lessons. They pleaded with us to join them at camp for the rest of the day and we resisted. We kept telling the girls it was a girl camp and we were guys. Just when they were about to give up, two male friends of ours (Ifram and Jo) showed up and invited us to be a part of camp for the rest of the day. The girls laughed a lot and we were out of excuses. They had won our little argument. Something that all females seem to thrive on. So, our plans changed and we joined the girls at camp for the rest of the day. Camp firstly consisted of a good 40 minute talk in Ndebele, which Ifram continued to translate for us throughout. We were then granted a lunch break where we enjoyed sudza and cabbage with the girls. After lunch some girls went for a swim and somehow...Alex, Jonno and myself ended up in yet another water fight against a constantly growing number of SJC girls. I think we won though...

The girls enjoying a swim

After we all cooled off we had another camp talk. This one went for well over an hour but was well worth it. The speaker was from the Aids Council and spoke at length about the reality of HIV Aids and taught the girls and guys about important measures they needed to put in place to best deal with both the prevention and detection of HIV Aids. 

When the day was finally over we once again became a taxi service and dropped a few faithful servants of the camp into town before we got home. On our way home we witnessed two amazing things. The first being an African sunset, probably the best we have seen yet. In all seriousness it's probably one of the most breathtaking scenes that God has provided us with. The second thing we saw was a police officer on nearly EVERY street corner of town on our way home. Along with a couple of road blocks I think we saw more police officers today than I ever wish to see again in my entire life. 

African sunset

We finally got home at around 7ish to a super meal that Deb had prepared for us, which was a super way to end the day. 

The other day driving back from the village I got pulled over and nearly fined because no one in the backseats had their seat belts on (which has never been a problem or an offence in the past). Somehow, I talked my way out of it and was let go. The laws seem to change everyday...or change depending on how happy or angry the police officer that you are dealing with is. It's a crazy place. A minute hand isn't needed on a watch and the only road rule that seems to apply SOMETIMES is giveway to your right. But in the midst of the chaos and complete confusion, there is something about this country that captivates you. It's the people. Their smiles blow you away, especially the smiles that come from those who have been hurt so badly. They are welcoming, generous and so positive considering everything that the nation and people have been through. It's the people that make Africa, Africa. 

We have a pretty big day tomorrow so stay tuned! Thanks again for your support and prayers. A special shout out to my amazing sister who has trusted God during an incredibly difficult time! I'm so proud of you! 

Andy