We’re down to our last final days and we our very busy putting the final touches to the toilet block and centre. There are mix feelings of excitement and sadness as we near the end of our trip. We are so aware of the many people who have impacted us on this trip. Elizabeth is an elderly lady, living beside the Xabiso centre, run by FII. This is one woman we won’t forget, in spite of her meagre living conditions, which was described by one person as a stable, she has found a way to be happy and at peace with her situation. Her deep sense of faith has acted as a humbling and inspiring force for us all. As a group of young adult’s we have been reminded to be more appreciative of what we’ve been blessed with at home.  At the same time we can all see through Elizabeth’s example how comforting God’s presences can be in all our lives.  On a totally different note, our trip to the beach in Port St John provided us with all with a dip into the Indian Ocean. Witnessing the beautiful landscape that passed us by, on our slow if not a little tedious drive, is another one of the many things that will remain with us. Work is now finishing up at Xabiso centre and Dakhile School where we spend the last two weeks.  We, as a group, have learned so much from the culture of South Africa, things take time and no one is rushing. Although it proved challenging at times, we all agree that the work we have accomplished has left the area a little better then we found it.  That’s it for our last blog entered on behalf of the Crescent Students, Limerick.

SA Group 3 – David

After 6 weeks, MI with the ongoing support of FII, have complete the work set out, way back in January 2011. For 4 weeks I have had the privilege of  working alongside the young adults. We have received nothing but kindness and hospitality. I would like to thank all who made this programme possible for 2011, especially our young adult leaders, who tirelessly did so much work behind the scenes. I have no doubt that God’s has ‘called’ us here, to give, yes, but without a doubt to LEARN and to be challenged in our attitudes. This has been the feedback from many of the young adults and as they say themselves ‘I’ll be back’!

So until next year 2012- ENKOSI (Thank You)

May we continue to grow in awarness and to find God in our things!

Blessings,

Debbie

Tired and pleased with our first week’s work, the group had planned on spending the weekend at the beach, but typical South African weather- cold and rain – prohibited us. In a few hours it can change from sunny to cold and rain. So instead we went to Kokstad, a small urban town about an hour’s drive. We had our rewarding sleep in, however no showers at the moment, but a nice big bowl of porridge a waited us for breakfast.  We had invited our new friend Pumza to come with us, she works in the administration block and spoke to us during the week about her experiences of growing up in Lusikisiki, the next big town to Flagstaff. She was so happy and a little daunted by the attention she was getting. The group treated her to a meal in ‘Spur’ a steak house. It was her first time in this restaurant and it was humbling to see how appreciative she was.  Tired and cold we headed home to rest.

 Sunday we went to the parish church in Flagstaff, where we were greeted by Fr Valintio.  The girls dressed in longs skirts and colourful scarves and one had a beautiful African dress. There, we sang a version of ‘O happy days’ to the congregation delighted. Mass was great experiences and the music and singing was beautiful. Some of the group found it too hard to follow– the collection at MAss is received by people walking to the altar and placing money into a plate and returning back to their seat. One of the group thought it was communion time and proceeded to walk to the altar with empty pockets and place her hand into the plate, thinking it was communion. Realising her mistake, she gave a big smile and returned down the aisle sheepishly .   After mass a small group went onto to an outstation mass in the small rural village of Kwakhanyayo. After driving on the dirt road for 30 kilometres we were met with singing and dancing by the small group of locals.  Afterward they insisted on giving us dinner- chicken, samp (local food) and cabbage. How privilege we were and how humbling to share  food with them.  The remaing group headed home to relax and chill out. We’re all looking forward to starting work again. However, Tuesday 9^th Aug is ‘Women’s day’ a public holiday, so no work. Let’s hope we will have sun and try again to head to the beach.

SAC  2, Olivia.

It’s almost the end of Group 3‘s first week and they are playing a blinder. The roof is almost up on the toilet block and the painting of the outside of Xabiso centre almost finished.  They are full of energy and every afternoon after a hard day’s work, we play football with the local children, the numbers are increasing as the word spreads. Weather wise we are enjoying the sun, that is until today where once again we will ‘enjoy’ the rain – awful! However, I don’t think it will stop us from traveling to Port St John – our African beach – More later.

Sunday the 31^st of July and St Ignatius’s day, saw the 3 and final group arrive safe and well. We made the long drive to Emfundisweni, having waited 2 hours for our transport to arrive. However, this was rewarded with a stop at Margate beach, were many of the group toe dipped there feet into the Indian Ocean. We were met by our friends in Emfundisweni with a warm meal and lots of greetings and smiles.

Today (Tuesday) the sun is shining, which makes a difference, it also means that materials can be transported to the projects and the plan is to finish the toilet block before departure.  We are heading into the town of Flagstaff this afternoon to stock up on water and some other bits and bobs. The showers are not working at present, but should be sorted soon.

 We woke up to thunder and rain this morning, but everyone was in good form as we headed off to say goodbye to our new friends. There was sadness and tears as we were greed by song and dance from the children in Dakhile School. Our all most finished toilet block looked well and the third group will finish its plastering and painting. Weather this week, has not allowed us access to road or for materials to be delivered, although we did enjoy an adventure ride in our friend’s Lulamile’s red van.  After three hours we went on to say good bye to the Lxiblso centre, run by FII. Last night a number of staff came and spoke about their amazing work in the community.   On the way home we came upon a bad crash, thank god no one was killed, but unlike Ireland, Ambulances take a long time to arrive in this rural area.  I was so proud of the young adults who assisted by giving their hats, scarfs, jumpers, jackets to the injured, there was  silence on the way home and I guess a sense of God’s presence’s, in that, we were safe and in a small way able to assist the people we have come to know and love. Tomorrow, the group leave at 7am for their flight home to Dublin. I will miss them as it had been a privilege and great fun to have work so close with so many of them . One thing for sure, many of them will be back and I hope I am with them when they return.  Have a safe journey guys. And welcome Group three – Limerick.

Blessings,

Debbie