The final stretch

So my time here seems to be disappearing fast which is sad. That said, I have been so thankful for all of God's goodness to me over these last few months in leading me to South Africa and sustaining me out here too. I have made many friends and feel like I have made a difference in the childrens' lives especially. My hope and prayer is that some of what I have started and continued will be fruitful in the months and years to come.

This week just gone was especially busy and I imagine my last week will be too. Tying up the loose ends and starting some new projects kept me busy but as always it was very enjoyable. Many of the other volunteers have now gone which leaves a quieter house with only 3 of us left; I have made 4 trips to the airport in the last 4 days!

Last week I had the priviledge of spending an evening at Mzo's house in Redhill. I was primarily pleased to have more than just a few minutes with him and we talked for some hours about the various benefits and drawbacks of living in Cape Town, especially the diverse cultures living on the peninsula. Later on, as expected, it got pretty cold so, although my mini sleeping bag was reasonable, the uneven floor and blowing wind prooved a little much in terms of decent sleep. Definitely an eye-opener and I am so glad we were able to spend the time together seeing as his evenings are very quiet. This little trip also gave us an idea, that good as it is for Mzo to generously give away some of his belongings to others who have less even than him, we wanted to get him some items for his house. Consequently Kendra, Hannah and I went shopping for him and bought a new sofa, chair, table, plates, bowls, glasses, mugs, slippers, cutlery and a bargain heater. Having done a mini makeover when he was out of his house we brought him back to our gifts and watched him smile like never before as he walked through the door. This along with the house we recently made really demonstrated for me how easily we rely on the many many things we own and take them for granted. The little English boys, aged 4 and 2, that we know take plates and water for granted and yet Mzo, 32, was ecstatic to receive them. Praise God we had the opportunity to do something for him!

So it seems I will be seeing most of you quite soon which will be good. Its a shame I have to leave next Saturday but good timing too. I look forward to hearing about what you have been up to....

Muchos love

Stuart