Day 64 - The Final Blog

Well, this is it. The end of our 9 week journey, which feels like it has passed by in a blink of an eye. A 9 week journey where we have had the opportunity to have a positive impact on the people we have met throughout our time in Zim, particularly the girls out at SJC where we have spent the majority of our time. It is these same people who have impacted each of us to a greater extent than we could ever impact them.

Playing at the babies home

Jonno, TK and some characters

Our final day in Zim began in typical African style, nothing went to plan. Curtain Wondervan was in need of repairs (yet again) so we were carless for the morning, which conflicted with our plan to finish off our last minute shopping. Instead we watched some Fringe for a change and started the dreaded job of packing our suitcases. The car never came and we were desperately wanting to get out to Willow Park to spend as much time with the girls before we had to say our final goodbyes. It turned out we had to borrow the bus off Tina to venture out to Willow Park one last time. We picked up TK and Shakes from the church and were out there by 2:30. There was something different about today though. Usually upon our arrival the girls would run up to hug us with smiles on their faces, but not today. It was obvious that the girls knew it was our last day and they were looking forward to saying goodbye as much as we were. In an attempt to cheer the girls up a bit we headed down to the babies home to say goodbye to all the little ones. We all had a good play outside, got a big group photo, said our goodbyes and then headed back up to the top where the older girls stay. Before we even made it back up to the top the tears began. I was walking with Bernice, Nokubonga and Theresa and before I could work out what was going on both Bernice and Theresa had tears strolling down their faces. These tears becoming contagious as time continued to pass all too quickly. When it came time for our group photo there were a number of girls sitting in the corridor refusing to get in the photo knowing we would have to leave after it was taken. We finally got the photo, which was only followed by the one thing we have been dreading for a couple of weeks now, the goodbyes. Tears flowed like Victoria Falls at its best and letters upon letters were given to us from the girls for either us personally or for their sponsor families at home. We said our goodbyes, gave our farewell hugs and reluctantly left the girls at SJC for the last time.

Group shot at the babies home

We headed to Des and Pete's for our 'last supper' as Alex called it. Pete and Des put together a ripper bbq dinner for us as we sat around and chatted away. Unfortunately we had to continue our goodbyes as we said goodbye to Des and Pete. A couple that have been a great support to us and two people that we have witnessed are an amazing support to Debbie and the Sandra Jones Centre. They are two amazing people who give so much and have the best stories!! We are going to miss them a lot.

Today was really hard...I mean really hard. I don't think we knew or expected how close we would become with the girls by the time we were due to leave. We were just like one big chaotic family. We did so much with these girls over our trip and we have seen that every single one of these girls have gifts, skills and abilities as well as hopes and dreams. Despite the pain and suffering these girls have had to endure they have big smiles, they have amazing voices and are simply amazing girls. I will never understand the pain and suffering that these girls have suffered. What I love most about these girls is the fact that they haven't let their past determine their future. I love that instead of blaming God for the pain they have endured, they thank Him for the provision of each day. It may not be easy but they do it. I have had a much easier life than these girls and am much more 'privileged' from a worldly perspective, but I have so much to learn from these amazing girls who have a much greater faith and attitude toward life than I do. We will miss them. Their positivity, their happiness, their enthusiasm and their grateful hearts. These girls are captivating and inspiring, which is why it was so hard to say goodbye to them today. We've been continuously asked "When are you coming back?" over the last week and I don't have a specific answer but we will be back.

L to R: Jonno, Alex, Lisa, Sam, Senzo, Andy, Shamiso

When asked at church Sunday night how God had changed us during our time in Zim I immediately knew my answer. God was calling me to be less selfish. To give until it hurts. Because if it doesn't hurt when I'm giving than it's not really a sacrifice and to be honest I can give so much more and live with so much less. Instead of comparing my giving to what others give I'll seek to give as Jesus did...Selflessly and completely.

Thank you all so much for reading our blogs, commenting and keeping us in your prayers. Our trip has been a life changing experience that we will never forget. Some of you have given money, which we were able to use to bless the people here with. Thank you for your generous donations, which have done so much.

We MAY have one finally blog from a special guest tomorrow or over the coming days so please keep an eye out for that.


Cheers

Andy