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Published: October 7th 2008
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Molo everybody,
Wow we can’t believe how fast the time has flown. We are having such a great time in Cape Town, God has been SOOO good. Just a quick catch up from our last post:
On Saturday we briefly called in on our Barcelona friends (who are becoming more like family now) had lots of cuddles etc, then we drove all the way down to Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope. It was a beautiful sun scorching day and the drive takes you along some beautiful coastline scenery. Humpback whales were frolicking in the ocean all the way down to the cape, we also stopped off at Boulders Bay to see the penguins - it was nesting time. There were some great markets too. The walk up to the Cape lighthouse was steep and ‘long’ and we were told and warned about the baboons, but had not yet seen them (we were beginning to think they were a myth). But as we were driving out from the lighthouse lo and behold three baboons came on the road (we got a bit startled) they were like overgrown hairy dogs - we were of course thrilled to bits, and then
we saw ostriches, gazelles, and another gazellish type animal - all free ranging! It was a beautiful day, and Brian was happy to be back in touch with 'nature'.
On Sunday we went to our favourite church in CapeTown 'Barcelona Baptist' in Gugulethu. There were seven visitors from New Orleans in the US. Pastor Julius asked me to share about our journey from NZ to be with them, and then after the service it was time for more cuddles with the children. The girls have been like medicene for these children (and vice versa I am convinced). Brian and I have been busy with Julius and Irene, getting to know them and building a close relationship with this awesome hardworking couple, and also meeting other locals. We feel fairly comfortable driving into Barcelona now (but are not cocky about it though), especially in a four wheel drive. Irene has cooked us a real african dinner (have photos) and the girls did really well eating it all up (though Manaaki was choking a little). We had a big dinner and spent most of the day with our Barcelona family, and got home about 5pm.
After having a brief nap we
all set off into the city for night service at the Hill Song Church - it did not disappoint at all. Heaps of young people, all the lights and bells and whistles - and people getting saved Glory to God! The girls loved it. Brian and I liked the morning service (more our pace we think - shows our age).
On Monday we went to Robben Island - wow wee, quite moving really, and definitely a highlight. I think I nearly cried a couple of times to think how much people had given up to stand for justice. We saw Nelson Mandela's cell 2.4 by 3.0 metres approx (the guard dog houses were bigger), and he spent 18 years of his 27years in prison in this particular cell, on a concrete floor with two mats and some blankets! The blacks were treated the harshest of all. Anyway it was a great learning time for all and the day was sooo gorgeous.
CapeTown is a beautiful place, filled with beautiful people, though their are some very, very sad sights to behold, and the amount of beggars on the streets is quite astounding. We are all learning how to politely
ignore them (that is, after having given away oodles of Rhands!!!). Today, one beggar looked like he was going to mug me, and Esther was following behind ready to 'jump' on him, but I think he thought I was going to give him money and he kept walking beside me (they are quite persistent, and you practically have to tell them to "GO AWAY!!!").
We went to the District Six Museum, and Brian and the girls thought not much at all about it. And I guess the information was not too clear. But I enjoyed it only because I had prior knowledge (due to endless hours researching CapeTown). From there, off we went to Canal Walk - one of the largest shopping centres in the world for last bits n pieces to take home.
Tomorrow we are going to Beautiful Gate, then to Barcelona, then home to pack our bags (I can't believe it has gone so fast!). God has been so totally amazing, and thanks so much for your prayers, KEEP PRAYING FOR US, as we have 20 hours of flying ahead of us (10 hrs from CapeTown to Malaysia, and 10 hours from Malaysia to NZ) and a 15 hour stopover in Malaysia - so it is rather long - but it will be a great time for reflecting. We will be in Auckland on Saturday lunchtime. We are all looking forward to being with our families again. Love u all.
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