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Published: August 2nd 2015
Sunday dawned bright and clear. After breakfast we held an optional chapel service for any who wanted to come--and everyone turned up! One of the surprising things about this trip has been how much the team has wanted to pray together. At evening meeting, nearly all the children join in when we close in prayer and those times have become longer! Everyone seemed to enjoy the peace of the chapel with its window spaces letting in the light and birdsong.
After that we headed off promptly to the famous Sudwala Caves, which are near here. They are magnificent--far larger than any in Britain--and our amusing guide took us playfully through colossal chambers (one being used as a concert hall--I recorded our girls trying out the acoustics with 'Lead me, Lord') and a narrow passage to a reflective pool. The stalagmites, columns and stalactites are immense, having taken millions of years to form. Cameras were clicking again.
After an ice cream break we headed off to Nelspruit (Mbombela) to visit the National Botanical Gardens. Lush vegetation grows to great sizes along the banks of the Crocodile River, and after crossing it past a splendid waterfall we threaded our way on
raised walkways through the rain forest. The only disappointments in all this were Charlie's discovery that he had unintentionally deleted many of his photos (we hope they may be recoverable with specialised software for the purpose) and Josh's that he had got splinters from the bark of a tree. Mrs Reeves has administered medical aid to him again!
We had a long wait for our lunch in the restaurant there but the children were amazingly patient and when it came, they enjoyed good food again, and milkshakes which drew superlatives from them. Our drive back was quite short. In free time, some children used the pool again with Mr Mabbett and some went for a long walk with Mrs Davis, while Mrs Reeves and I turned our attention to mundane matters of petty cash and budgeting!
After supper the children put on a very entertaining talent show in the Conference Room here. We staff had to act as judges. Mr Mabbett threw himself into the role of David Walliams with the skill of a fine impersonator, and Mrs Davis entertained us with a poem by Maya Angelou. Others mostly sang and danced. In the case of 'The Potatoes'
The Crocodile River in Nelspruit
Hard to believe this scene, and the rain forest around it, is so close to a city centre(Holly and Rosa) it was a mixture of dancing and acting they called 'dacting'. Josh and Will were Ant and Dec. In the end the unanimous verdict was given to the man who did the advertising breaks--Robert. We have seen him develop his performing confidence during the trip and tonight he stole the show!
The children gave feedback on the whole trip at evening meeting and their comments were noted for the benefit of any future teams, if we are able to run further trips. They ended with games and packing ready for the road tomorrow, after signing a card for our hosts, who have gone the second mile (pardon the unintentional pun on their name, Miles) in caring for us.
This is the final blog from South Africa, but there should be one or two more follow-ups once we are back in the UK, with further news and requests! We are sad this unique time is coming to an end, but very much looking forward to seeing our families again on Tuesday morning around 0800 or shortly thereafter at Terminal 5, God willing. Then we can hand over our charges. We shall miss them... they are a
The girls awaiting lunch
They don't look bored even after nearly an hour! very special bunch.
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Louise
non-member comment
Thank you
Whilst really looking forward to having Angela home and hearing more about the trip from her, I will really miss the blog. Mr Hudson you write so well, and given us a real window into the Grace Team experience. Travel safely all. See you tomorrow! xxx Louise