Monday, 11 February 2008
Tuesday, 15 January 2008
Etafeni Project
Apart from the tourist/partying here I have also spent the last week and a half volunteering at an AIDS resource centre in Nyanga, which is a large township just outside Cape Town. Approximately 30% of the Nyanga population is infected with HIV/AIDS with approx. 70% of the population being unemployed. Hence, the conditions here are very very tough. This centre is called Etafeni and is a community based care center for AIDS-vulnerable children and their caregivers. It offers a preschool, afterschool care, nutrition program, skills training program for the youth, an income generation program, counselling, homecare visits and testing for the local community. It is truly an absolutely fabulous centre!! I have had such an amazing time working there and have been so honored to have been involved in such a wonderful project. All the staff have such a great vision for the future and the kids are really to die for! Words cannot describe how gorgeous they are! It has really inspired me and hence I am currently working with various people at the centre to establish some kind of partnership/relationship with Australian businesses and funders. 
The income generation programme is what i am particularly interested in. The centre teaches local women who are HIV+ various skills such as sewing and beading. The women are then given the resources to make different products such as clothing, jewelry, blankets, beaded craft etc and then they are sold with the profits going to the women. The programme aims to provide them with the necessary skills whereby they no longer need to rely on the centre but can set up their own little businesses and generate an income for themselves. The products that they make are brilliant and of such a high quality. They work so hard. Hence I am working with the project and marketing manager here to try and set up a market for these products back at home. They make really beautiful and unique stuff, with ALL profits going to the women involved. This is so vital as I think a lot of people now are hesitant to donate or support the big charity organisations as they are not certain whether the money is actually getting to where they want. But with this project I am planning on fundraising to pay for shipment, then will sell these products hopefully through local businesses and at the markets and then ALL profits will go to the women involved. Etafeni centre is a non-profit organisation and I will be doing this voluntarily and hence can therefore ensure that the money goes exactly where its supposed to. I am very excited about this project and I have huge faith in the local communities at home in offering their support. Once i get home i plan to make a catalogue of their stuff to show people and assess interest and then I can start placing orders. If anyone is interested before hand though please go to their website http://www.etafenitrust.org/. There are a few pictures on there but that is 
not a full list of products that they make. I will be updating this. These women are taught a huge variety of skills and are very talented and hence can almost make anything to order. Everything is made my hand and they put a lot of work into their products. For example, hand made, personalised beaded lanyards which are perfect for conferences/businesses/universities/ even just one with your name on it, takes a whole day to make one. They are really really cool and can be make in any colours and they cost about $13. Can you imagine working a whole day for $13???
As i said I am so excited about this project and really cant wait to get it up and running. Please check out their website or email me if you are interested.
Ill try keep a little more updated on here from now on.
Lots of love from Africa
God Bless xoxoxo
The income generation programme is what i am particularly interested in. The centre teaches local women who are HIV+ various skills such as sewing and beading. The women are then given the resources to make different products such as clothing, jewelry, blankets, beaded craft etc and then they are sold with the profits going to the women. The programme aims to provide them with the necessary skills whereby they no longer need to rely on the centre but can set up their own little businesses and generate an income for themselves. The products that they make are brilliant and of such a high quality. They work so hard. Hence I am working with the project and marketing manager here to try and set up a market for these products back at home. They make really beautiful and unique stuff, with ALL profits going to the women involved. This is so vital as I think a lot of people now are hesitant to donate or support the big charity organisations as they are not certain whether the money is actually getting to where they want. But with this project I am planning on fundraising to pay for shipment, then will sell these products hopefully through local businesses and at the markets and then ALL profits will go to the women involved. Etafeni centre is a non-profit organisation and I will be doing this voluntarily and hence can therefore ensure that the money goes exactly where its supposed to. I am very excited about this project and I have huge faith in the local communities at home in offering their support. Once i get home i plan to make a catalogue of their stuff to show people and assess interest and then I can start placing orders. If anyone is interested before hand though please go to their website http://www.etafenitrust.org/. There are a few pictures on there but that is 
not a full list of products that they make. I will be updating this. These women are taught a huge variety of skills and are very talented and hence can almost make anything to order. Everything is made my hand and they put a lot of work into their products. For example, hand made, personalised beaded lanyards which are perfect for conferences/businesses/universities/ even just one with your name on it, takes a whole day to make one. They are really really cool and can be make in any colours and they cost about $13. Can you imagine working a whole day for $13???As i said I am so excited about this project and really cant wait to get it up and running. Please check out their website or email me if you are interested.
Ill try keep a little more updated on here from now on.
Lots of love from Africa
God Bless xoxoxo
Sunday, 13 January 2008
Cape Town Adventures!
Once again I have left it too long between posts, but there has just been too much fun being had! I had a beautiful Christmas and Boxing Day in Gordons Bay and then have been in the amazing city of Cape Town since!! It is such a wonderful city with the most beautiful scenery, mixture of people, things to do and places to see. Have been doing all the touristy things:
* Took the cable car up and had breakfast on Table Mountain which was absolutely stunning.
* Been down to the V&A Waterfront various times to listen to live music, look around the shops and the harbour.
* Had a massive Braai and then watched the New years Eve fireworks at the Waterfront before hitting the clubs in Long Street for an enormous New year celebration.
* Did a tour of the Cape Peninsula. Well actually just jumped into a hire care with two other Aussie guys i met in our dorm. We had a map but its only functional use was as a fan for my face. We did get lost, well we called it 'detouring' various times but saw everything we wanted to see and even had time to stop off at a pub for a few drinks.
* Visited the gorgeous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and Stellenbosch for coffee and lunch and had my face painted in traditional Xhosa way.
* Lazed on the beautiful beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton. Didnt swim because the water is flippin freeeeezing!! There are seals and penguins in the water, thats how cold it is.
* Took walks through the gorgeous city and danced to the beat of street performers drums.
* watched the Cape Minstrel parade through the city.
* Climbed Lions head and had drinks and nibbleys at the top and walked down as the sun set.
But apart from all the touristy things I have had some of the best nights/days out of my life!! The party scene in CApe Town and especially Long Street is constant and ever pumping!! I have been staying with numerous other people that i have met on my travels down the coast so there has always been a big bunch of us keen to hit the town. Plus i have met so many amazing locals who are always rearing to show me the places to go! The backpackers i have been staying at is right in Long Street with the balcony that looks out over the street. Thus the party starts there and then you can wonder down and stumble home very easily! The music at the clubs here in Africa is sooooooooo gooooood!!! The best music and dancing i have ever seen. I am totally in my element! Haha. Have been to various different scenes- irish bars, niteclubs, reggae bars, trance parties, hiphop clubs and the ever-pumping house. So much fun! My Cape Town experience has been so so so much fun. Have been with the best people and met the best people from all over the world as well as wonderful locals. I am going to miss Africa sooooo much. I am definately coming back....various times.....even to live! Hahah we will see....
* Took the cable car up and had breakfast on Table Mountain which was absolutely stunning.
* Been down to the V&A Waterfront various times to listen to live music, look around the shops and the harbour.
* Had a massive Braai and then watched the New years Eve fireworks at the Waterfront before hitting the clubs in Long Street for an enormous New year celebration.
* Did a tour of the Cape Peninsula. Well actually just jumped into a hire care with two other Aussie guys i met in our dorm. We had a map but its only functional use was as a fan for my face. We did get lost, well we called it 'detouring' various times but saw everything we wanted to see and even had time to stop off at a pub for a few drinks.
* Visited the gorgeous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and Stellenbosch for coffee and lunch and had my face painted in traditional Xhosa way.
* Lazed on the beautiful beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton. Didnt swim because the water is flippin freeeeezing!! There are seals and penguins in the water, thats how cold it is.
* Took walks through the gorgeous city and danced to the beat of street performers drums.
* Bargained my way through all the amazing African craft markets
* Had various Braai's (South African BBQ's)* watched the Cape Minstrel parade through the city.
* Climbed Lions head and had drinks and nibbleys at the top and walked down as the sun set.
But apart from all the touristy things I have had some of the best nights/days out of my life!! The party scene in CApe Town and especially Long Street is constant and ever pumping!! I have been staying with numerous other people that i have met on my travels down the coast so there has always been a big bunch of us keen to hit the town. Plus i have met so many amazing locals who are always rearing to show me the places to go! The backpackers i have been staying at is right in Long Street with the balcony that looks out over the street. Thus the party starts there and then you can wonder down and stumble home very easily! The music at the clubs here in Africa is sooooooooo gooooood!!! The best music and dancing i have ever seen. I am totally in my element! Haha. Have been to various different scenes- irish bars, niteclubs, reggae bars, trance parties, hiphop clubs and the ever-pumping house. So much fun! My Cape Town experience has been so so so much fun. Have been with the best people and met the best people from all over the world as well as wonderful locals. I am going to miss Africa sooooo much. I am definately coming back....various times.....even to live! Hahah we will see....
Monday, 24 December 2007
Travelling around South Africa!
Eish i havent updated this in sooo long. So much has happened!!
Travelling around South Africa has been sooooooooooooooooooooooooo much fun. Whilst in theory i am travelling by myself there has only been half a day where i was actually alone (which was needed to give me voice a rest! haha). I have met the most amazing people from all over the world. Staying at Backpackers is the best! Not too good for the liver though...
After leaving Jo'burg I went to Swaziland and had a brilliant 5 days. Was only supposed to stay for 3 but found the best hostel and met a great group of people so stayed longer. Swaziland is the most beautiful little country with extraordinary mountains and landscape. I highly recommend anyone going to Swazi to stay at Sonzela in the Mlilwane Nature reserve. It is about 3km off the main road but is in the best location. The hostel looks out onto vast grasslands and mountains where zebra, buffalo, impala, kudu and various other wild animals roam freely [including the resident pumba's (warthogs) and ostrich]. Went on a great hike up the mountains, visited waterfalls, traditional villages, spent about an hour in the Sangoma's hut (traditional medicine man) talking and learning about his natural medicine and did little trips into the cute city of Mbabane. Went up into the mountains for the day to visit a rural village. The local children danced for us and we sat and ate a traditional meal cooked my the ladies in the huts. We played games with the kids and watched numerous songs and dancing. Our visit was as a fundraiser for them to build another hut to make a classroom for the preschool kiddies. It was such an amazing day and with our money going to a well deserved cause. Met such a great group of people and i dont think i stopped laughing for about 4 days straight. After Swazi I caught the Baz Bus to Durban and had a brief overnight stop over there before heading into the Drakensburg the next morning. I stayed in an 'interesting' hostel in Durban. Right in the city, above a possible redlight district with some unusual fellow backpackers, however the guy who worked there was from Limpopo so he spoke Sepedi and we got chatting so all was fine. Had 3 days in the Northern Drakensburg. Again i got talking to another great bunch of people also staying at the same place in the Berg. We went for a hike up the massive mountains that border Lesotho to the highest waterfall in Africa, the second highest waterfall in the world!! At one stage we were standing on this ledge that was approx 3100m above sea level. Yo! it was awesome! Watched the sunset over the mountains and had a fun night at the bar giving the pool table and our livers a hiding and chatting to people from all over the world. At one stage i was in a conversation with 2 guys from germany, one guy from the czech republic, 2 girls from london, 2 girls from ireland, one guy from america,and one girl crazily enough from alstonville!! After leaving the Berg had another overnight stopover in Durban then flew out the next morning at 9:30am to Port Elizabeth. I just dont have time to see everything so i had to skip that stretch of coast but Im certain in the future ill b back. Had a great 2 nights in P.E. Very relaxed and beautiful city. Lungile Backpackers was brilliant. Gorgeous place, in an awesome location and run by a really great group of guys. Relaxed at the beach and went for a stroll with Suzy (great friend from England). The locals are soo lovely. we were lying on the beach and this young guy came up to us and introduced himself and asked to be our friend. So polite and sweet. We got chatting, played in the surf and built sandcastles for ages. If only more people had such an open and gentle nature, we would all have so much more fun and certainly more friends!! Had an awesome night with Suzy, Lyle, Olly, Leigh and the guys playing pool etc. Didnt sleep until 4am and then got on the bus at 6:30am. The driver let me put my CD on so we sang and danced most of the way to Jeffreys bay. Picked up 3 of the craziest people i have ever met! Instant friends...Garry, Emma and Sarah from England. They were also still drunk from the night before so joined the party on the bus. It was Gaz's birthday so before we had even got our bags into our rooms at Island Vibe in J Bay we were hitting the bar for Garry's "birthday breakfast". I never thought i would be lining up shots at 10am but what i keep telling myself is.....'when in Rome!!!'. hahaha. That pretty much sums up the next 3 days in J Bay. Such a funky and crazy backpackers. Everyone was definately feeling festive! Checked out the surf factory outlets and lazed on the beach but most of the time was spent dancing with the Hat Club! ...long story and shouldnt really be posted to such a wide audience. This side of South Africa is very different to what i have been experiencing over the past 5 months. It is very much the tourist route and feels a lot like Australia or the Western world. The 'tourist route' as such doesnt extend into Limpopo and therefore a lot of people miss out on what i believe is a very special and inspiring side of South Africa. Thats why i feel so blessed and lucky to have been immersed in that culture and the rural side of South Africa. It has certainly left a much deeper and more profound impact on my life. Dont get me wrong, i am totally loving this side of South Africa as well but i if only more people got to experience the truly rural areas as well I think they would have a much greater understanding and appreciation for the country.
I am currently in a beautiful little area called Gordons Bay staying with the most amazing woman i have ever met! Val is seriously my role model. Having Christmas with her and her family and then will be in Cape town for New Years eve. I am soo soo grateful to have such beautiful people to spend Christmas with. God is truly watching over me!
My experiences in this country have been nothing but positive. A lot of what is projected in the media can give people the wrong impression about this country. Whilst the aids and crime and certain situations here are terrible there is so much more to South Africa than that! Unless you have experienced it yourself it is really hard to explain but I am going to try and do all i can to
paint a much more realistic and positive picture of this amazing country! I think I am totally addicted to the culture, vibe and beat of Africa!! I was warned that it was very contagious and that is certainly true!
Well as u can see all is still great here in S.A! I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope Santa finds you and all ur wishes come true. Christmas for me is all about family and whilst I am missing being at home with my immediate family, I have been adopted into so many families overhere that this years Christmas is certainly still going to be a special one.
Lots and lots and lots of love and God Bless
xoxxooxoxoxox
Travelling around South Africa has been sooooooooooooooooooooooooo much fun. Whilst in theory i am travelling by myself there has only been half a day where i was actually alone (which was needed to give me voice a rest! haha). I have met the most amazing people from all over the world. Staying at Backpackers is the best! Not too good for the liver though...
After leaving Jo'burg I went to Swaziland and had a brilliant 5 days. Was only supposed to stay for 3 but found the best hostel and met a great group of people so stayed longer. Swaziland is the most beautiful little country with extraordinary mountains and landscape. I highly recommend anyone going to Swazi to stay at Sonzela in the Mlilwane Nature reserve. It is about 3km off the main road but is in the best location. The hostel looks out onto vast grasslands and mountains where zebra, buffalo, impala, kudu and various other wild animals roam freely [including the resident pumba's (warthogs) and ostrich]. Went on a great hike up the mountains, visited waterfalls, traditional villages, spent about an hour in the Sangoma's hut (traditional medicine man) talking and learning about his natural medicine and did little trips into the cute city of Mbabane. Went up into the mountains for the day to visit a rural village. The local children danced for us and we sat and ate a traditional meal cooked my the ladies in the huts. We played games with the kids and watched numerous songs and dancing. Our visit was as a fundraiser for them to build another hut to make a classroom for the preschool kiddies. It was such an amazing day and with our money going to a well deserved cause. Met such a great group of people and i dont think i stopped laughing for about 4 days straight. After Swazi I caught the Baz Bus to Durban and had a brief overnight stop over there before heading into the Drakensburg the next morning. I stayed in an 'interesting' hostel in Durban. Right in the city, above a possible redlight district with some unusual fellow backpackers, however the guy who worked there was from Limpopo so he spoke Sepedi and we got chatting so all was fine. Had 3 days in the Northern Drakensburg. Again i got talking to another great bunch of people also staying at the same place in the Berg. We went for a hike up the massive mountains that border Lesotho to the highest waterfall in Africa, the second highest waterfall in the world!! At one stage we were standing on this ledge that was approx 3100m above sea level. Yo! it was awesome! Watched the sunset over the mountains and had a fun night at the bar giving the pool table and our livers a hiding and chatting to people from all over the world. At one stage i was in a conversation with 2 guys from germany, one guy from the czech republic, 2 girls from london, 2 girls from ireland, one guy from america,and one girl crazily enough from alstonville!! After leaving the Berg had another overnight stopover in Durban then flew out the next morning at 9:30am to Port Elizabeth. I just dont have time to see everything so i had to skip that stretch of coast but Im certain in the future ill b back. Had a great 2 nights in P.E. Very relaxed and beautiful city. Lungile Backpackers was brilliant. Gorgeous place, in an awesome location and run by a really great group of guys. Relaxed at the beach and went for a stroll with Suzy (great friend from England). The locals are soo lovely. we were lying on the beach and this young guy came up to us and introduced himself and asked to be our friend. So polite and sweet. We got chatting, played in the surf and built sandcastles for ages. If only more people had such an open and gentle nature, we would all have so much more fun and certainly more friends!! Had an awesome night with Suzy, Lyle, Olly, Leigh and the guys playing pool etc. Didnt sleep until 4am and then got on the bus at 6:30am. The driver let me put my CD on so we sang and danced most of the way to Jeffreys bay. Picked up 3 of the craziest people i have ever met! Instant friends...Garry, Emma and Sarah from England. They were also still drunk from the night before so joined the party on the bus. It was Gaz's birthday so before we had even got our bags into our rooms at Island Vibe in J Bay we were hitting the bar for Garry's "birthday breakfast". I never thought i would be lining up shots at 10am but what i keep telling myself is.....'when in Rome!!!'. hahaha. That pretty much sums up the next 3 days in J Bay. Such a funky and crazy backpackers. Everyone was definately feeling festive! Checked out the surf factory outlets and lazed on the beach but most of the time was spent dancing with the Hat Club! ...long story and shouldnt really be posted to such a wide audience. This side of South Africa is very different to what i have been experiencing over the past 5 months. It is very much the tourist route and feels a lot like Australia or the Western world. The 'tourist route' as such doesnt extend into Limpopo and therefore a lot of people miss out on what i believe is a very special and inspiring side of South Africa. Thats why i feel so blessed and lucky to have been immersed in that culture and the rural side of South Africa. It has certainly left a much deeper and more profound impact on my life. Dont get me wrong, i am totally loving this side of South Africa as well but i if only more people got to experience the truly rural areas as well I think they would have a much greater understanding and appreciation for the country.
I am currently in a beautiful little area called Gordons Bay staying with the most amazing woman i have ever met! Val is seriously my role model. Having Christmas with her and her family and then will be in Cape town for New Years eve. I am soo soo grateful to have such beautiful people to spend Christmas with. God is truly watching over me!
My experiences in this country have been nothing but positive. A lot of what is projected in the media can give people the wrong impression about this country. Whilst the aids and crime and certain situations here are terrible there is so much more to South Africa than that! Unless you have experienced it yourself it is really hard to explain but I am going to try and do all i can to
paint a much more realistic and positive picture of this amazing country! I think I am totally addicted to the culture, vibe and beat of Africa!! I was warned that it was very contagious and that is certainly true!
Well as u can see all is still great here in S.A! I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope Santa finds you and all ur wishes come true. Christmas for me is all about family and whilst I am missing being at home with my immediate family, I have been adopted into so many families overhere that this years Christmas is certainly still going to be a special one.
Lots and lots and lots of love and God Bless
xoxxooxoxoxox
Monday, 3 December 2007
Travels!!
Finished up at St Marks for the year. It was very sad leaving 
everyone but exciting because i know that ill be back there in January! It was a very busy end to the year with a lot of stuff to do but still very enjoyable. Last Tuesday i went to visit the Princess after whom I received my praise name. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. My Mma took me to get a traditional Pedi outfit made by a local lady and she dressed me with the headdress, beads and everything and we went to the Chief's place. Meeting Princess Mosopyadi was such an honour. I had bought her a blanket and presented her with that and greeted her in Sepedi. She was surprised at how I spoke her language. She made me a shawl out of this most beautiful material, and gave Mma some beads and pins to put on me. I was blown away. I cant take the necklace off!!! It is so beautiful and i just cant get over the fact that they were given to me by an African Princess!!!! They are having a feast in January and she has invited me to come back and visit, so i am really looking forward to that!!
I've headed off now on my travels around South Africa. I don't really have plans set in stone, just going to cruise around i think. I had a few days in Polokwane with Maureen and caught up with some friends there, then caught a bus to Johannesburg and am currently staying with the Westoby family for a few days. They have been so amazingly kind and are really helping me with my travel plans. Im then heading to Swaziland around the 5th and then down that side to Pietermaritzburg, the Draakensburg and Durban. Probably then get a small flight to Port Elizabeth and make my way along the coast there to Gordons Bay for Christmas and CApe Town for New Years!!! That is the basic plan but we will see who i meet along the way and where that leads me. Looking forward to seeing South Africa and all the new experiences coming my way. It will definately be a challenge backpacking by myself but i am positive that there will be numerous new friends and travel buddies met along the way!
xoxox Mosopyadi
everyone but exciting because i know that ill be back there in January! It was a very busy end to the year with a lot of stuff to do but still very enjoyable. Last Tuesday i went to visit the Princess after whom I received my praise name. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. My Mma took me to get a traditional Pedi outfit made by a local lady and she dressed me with the headdress, beads and everything and we went to the Chief's place. Meeting Princess Mosopyadi was such an honour. I had bought her a blanket and presented her with that and greeted her in Sepedi. She was surprised at how I spoke her language. She made me a shawl out of this most beautiful material, and gave Mma some beads and pins to put on me. I was blown away. I cant take the necklace off!!! It is so beautiful and i just cant get over the fact that they were given to me by an African Princess!!!! They are having a feast in January and she has invited me to come back and visit, so i am really looking forward to that!!I've headed off now on my travels around South Africa. I don't really have plans set in stone, just going to cruise around i think. I had a few days in Polokwane with Maureen and caught up with some friends there, then caught a bus to Johannesburg and am currently staying with the Westoby family for a few days. They have been so amazingly kind and are really helping me with my travel plans. Im then heading to Swaziland around the 5th and then down that side to Pietermaritzburg, the Draakensburg and Durban. Probably then get a small flight to Port Elizabeth and make my way along the coast there to Gordons Bay for Christmas and CApe Town for New Years!!! That is the basic plan but we will see who i meet along the way and where that leads me. Looking forward to seeing South Africa and all the new experiences coming my way. It will definately be a challenge backpacking by myself but i am positive that there will be numerous new friends and travel buddies met along the way!
xoxox Mosopyadi
Saturday, 3 November 2007
Re a leboga!
Dumelang! Le kae??
Greetings all! How are you?
Everything is still going great here at St Marks. The grade 12's are busy with their Matric Exams (finals) and the rest of the school are busy studying and preparing for their exams which start tomorrow. Can't believe how quickly time has gone. It's nearly been a year since I was writing my HSC exams. It has really put the pressure of exams and life into perspective neh. My dream of coming to Africa that Ive had since the age of 6 is being fulfilled and yet almost over. However.... I have some great news!! I have totally fallen head over heals for this country and want to stay longer. Thus I have extended my visa for another couple of months! Therefore I will be staying most probably until early March. There is so much more that I want to do for the school and community and because I am not recommencing my studies until second semester next year I am going to make the most of the time I have here. I will still be travelling around the country and what what in Dec and Jan, but then will return to St Marks around the end of Jan and work for another month and a bit. I'm so excited.
Anyhoo, to all those doing their HSC at home my thoughts and prayers are with you. I know that whilst your writing it feels like they are never going to end and for some it feels like the end of the world. But seriously trust me, once you've done your best and they are over, they become just a memory of a challenge that you have overcome. You will be finished very soon and equipped with the tools that school has given you, you will be ready to chase those dreams you've had in the back of your mind over the last few years.
Anyhoo enough of my blabbering, I wish to dedicate this post to all the beautiful people in Australia who generously contributed to my fundraising earlier this year. Whilst on one hand, this money goes so far, on the other hand i wish i could have raised more because there is still so much more i would love to do for the school. Anyhoo, with some of the money from the blessed families, friends and local businesses I bought a sports uniform for the girls netball team and a boys soccer/basketball team. They turned out so beautifully and everyone is soo excited. Hence, both personally and on behalf of the kids and school, RE A LEBOGA!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I got a small Australian logo printed on the shirts, with a little kangaroo and Southern Cross so that they will always rememeber where the generosity came from.
The soccer team has since played various games against outside teams and they look so smart in their new uniforms! Similarly the girls look really beautiful in their new tops and skirts.
I have started an afternoon mixed netball competition at the school. It is sooooooo entertaining!! I seriously laugh the whole time! None of the boys have played before and its absolutely hilarious. It can get quite rough but they love it! Its a mixture of basketball, rugby and then netball! They've all learnt most of the rules now and stepping and shooting is particularly interesting....squashing the spider and shooting only on one leg!! hahaha. The grade 12 team (mainly big talented basketball guys) played the grade 8 team (mainly tiny girls) played each other last week. It was sooo great to watch. Played in such good spirit and they had a great time. It was so nice to see.
Thanks again! Lots of love
Mosopyadi
Greetings all! How are you?
Everything is still going great here at St Marks. The grade 12's are busy with their Matric Exams (finals) and the rest of the school are busy studying and preparing for their exams which start tomorrow. Can't believe how quickly time has gone. It's nearly been a year since I was writing my HSC exams. It has really put the pressure of exams and life into perspective neh. My dream of coming to Africa that Ive had since the age of 6 is being fulfilled and yet almost over. However.... I have some great news!! I have totally fallen head over heals for this country and want to stay longer. Thus I have extended my visa for another couple of months! Therefore I will be staying most probably until early March. There is so much more that I want to do for the school and community and because I am not recommencing my studies until second semester next year I am going to make the most of the time I have here. I will still be travelling around the country and what what in Dec and Jan, but then will return to St Marks around the end of Jan and work for another month and a bit. I'm so excited.
Anyhoo, to all those doing their HSC at home my thoughts and prayers are with you. I know that whilst your writing it feels like they are never going to end and for some it feels like the end of the world. But seriously trust me, once you've done your best and they are over, they become just a memory of a challenge that you have overcome. You will be finished very soon and equipped with the tools that school has given you, you will be ready to chase those dreams you've had in the back of your mind over the last few years.
Anyhoo enough of my blabbering, I wish to dedicate this post to all the beautiful people in Australia who generously contributed to my fundraising earlier this year. Whilst on one hand, this money goes so far, on the other hand i wish i could have raised more because there is still so much more i would love to do for the school. Anyhoo, with some of the money from the blessed families, friends and local businesses I bought a sports uniform for the girls netball team and a boys soccer/basketball team. They turned out so beautifully and everyone is soo excited. Hence, both personally and on behalf of the kids and school, RE A LEBOGA!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I got a small Australian logo printed on the shirts, with a little kangaroo and Southern Cross so that they will always rememeber where the generosity came from.
The soccer team has since played various games against outside teams and they look so smart in their new uniforms! Similarly the girls look really beautiful in their new tops and skirts.
I have started an afternoon mixed netball competition at the school. It is sooooooo entertaining!! I seriously laugh the whole time! None of the boys have played before and its absolutely hilarious. It can get quite rough but they love it! Its a mixture of basketball, rugby and then netball! They've all learnt most of the rules now and stepping and shooting is particularly interesting....squashing the spider and shooting only on one leg!! hahaha. The grade 12 team (mainly big talented basketball guys) played the grade 8 team (mainly tiny girls) played each other last week. It was sooo great to watch. Played in such good spirit and they had a great time. It was so nice to see.
Thanks again! Lots of love
Mosopyadi
Monday, 1 October 2007
Mozambique!!
Ola!!
Last week we were lucky enough to have a week off and go to Mozambique. It was such an amazing experience with many memorable moments. We left school on Friday morning and caught a taxi to Nelspruit, a city near the Mozambique border. We had booked our bus tickets to leave Saturday at 12:30pm, only to find out that afternoon that you had to get your visa beforehand because the bus doesnt wait for you at the border. We rushed into town but the embassy was shut and wasnt reopening until Tuesday. We didnt know what to do, we certainly didnt want to turn around and go home. AFter speaking to just about every person who worked with the bus company, we just decided to try our luck and just get on the bus. Whilst travelling we met another 11 american students who also werent informed about the visas and who also needed to get them at the border. As soon as we arrived all of us ran for our lives to try and get to the front of the queue. It was soooo hot and muggy and we were all sweating like crazy, both from the heat and stress. The man at customs told us our visas were going to take about 3 hours but the bus was only waiting for another 20 mins. WE tried everything to try and make it possible to be done faster but he wasnt going to budge (or take bribes!). If the bus left without us it was another 45 minutes to Maputo and we would have been stuck there. AFter much negotiation and begging we managed to squeeze another 25 minutes out of the driver and we were so lucky that 11 of our visas were done. I was one of the lucky ones and was able to make the bus but he left without 5 of the others. By now it was dark and they had to catch public taxis into the city. It turned out that their visas were completed only 5 mintues after we left but there was no way the driver was waiting any longer. we were so blessed that he even waited that long for us. It was such a crazy experience, running around feeling like illegal immigrants; totally hilarious in hindsight though!
Finally we all arrived safely at Fatima's Backpackers in Maputo (the capital of Moz). It was such a funky little place, full of tourists from all over the world. I met people from America, France, Germany, Netherlands, Brazil and South AFrica. The language spoken in Moz is Portugese so it was quite difficult communicating with most of the locals as English is not spoken widely. But we made really good friends with one of the guys who worked at the backpackers and so he was able to translate for us.
We spent our first 2 days in Maputo, lazing on the beach, watching the locals play volleyball and soccer and break dancing on the beach and visiting the local fish and food markets. The fish markets are amazing places, full of local fisherman with their freshly caught seafood. I think there was every sea creature under the sun. We bought 2 large fish (2.5 kilos worth) and took it out the back and the locals cooked it traditional style for us. It was so dam good! They were grilled whole with lemon, coriander and spices. Mmmm, jealous? haha
The food markets are awesome too! Full of every fresh fruit, vege, spice and nut you could image. We always grabbed our supplies from here for our meals.
We headed north to a little beach called Bilene to escape the city. The taxi rides were so much fun. We literally had 25 adults, 3 children and 2 chickens packed into this 15 seater combi van. Say goodbye to personal space, and to add to that, one of the chickens laid an egg whilst we were driving!!!
You could call that taxi rides, a bonding experience if you like. There were body parts squished in every direction. If we were to crash we would have been perfectly fine with our personal airbags beside us (two very large women, with extremely large..hmm..assets).
The rural areas are gorgeous. Thatched huts under huge coconut trees decorated with bright traditional artworks. The beach was beautiful. Pure white sand lined with crystal clear water and pine and palm trees, spotted with small wooden boats. However the weather was poor so we only stayed one night and headed back to Maputo where there was more to do.
Spent alot of the time just relaxing with the people at the backpackers. SO good to just chill after such a hectic term at school. I met a lovely man who lived next door and spoke very fluent english (which he taught himself from books and tv). He offered to take us and show us around Maputo. We went for walks to the local art and craft markets and through the city. Its very underdeveloped with alot of the buildings in part ruins. The people are beautiful though. It has a lot more relaxed and safe feel about it than South AFrica.
Mateus (our friend at the backpackers), offered to cook us dinner traditional Portugese style. We bought 2 kilos of massive king prawns and 1kilo of calamari from the market as well as lemons, garlic, tumeric, coriander, onions, veges and rice. We all helped prepare and i was lucky enough to get the job of peeling the 35 cloves of garlic!!! Eish! I felt sorry for those other people in our dorms after the five of us had just consumed about 7 whole cloves each! Yo! It was sooo good though. Probably the best meal i have ever had. Well a huge change from the pap, chicken, bread and soup i have been eating!
Had a really great week. Shame about the weather but anyhoo, it was still alot of fun! I highly recommend if anyone goes to Maputo to stay at Fatima's. Really cool place.
Back at Jane Furse now. Got a huge term ahead of me. The Grade 12's start their final exams next week so i've been doing alot of preparation and revision with them. Im running a 'competition for the creative' this term. Involves poetry, public speaking and graphics. The majority of the subjects are all very content based and they dont often get a chance to express their creative sides and so i wanted to do something practical with them. Starting a new mixed netball competition, which should be alot of fun.
Also i want to thank those whoi donated money. The uniforms are sooooooooo beautiful. They kids were soooo happy. I will post photos asap. Also i have decided to use some of the remaining money to fix up Lesotho Chapel. It is a little hut at the school where the students run prayer and worship sessions, talk and motivate and guide each other . It is the heart and soul of St Marks. I go there every night and we sing songs, pray and talk about God and i always leave feeling totally inspired. Their faith, understanding and spirituality is amazing!! These kids are truly the children of God!
However the thatching on the roof is breaking and the rains are coming soon. The door has come off its hinges and it needs a repaint. So i am going to use some of the money to repair this special place.
I shall post some photos soon. All the best to those writing HSC exams soon at home. I will be thinking and praying for you. Those who have put in the work will be rewarded.
Lots of love and God Bless
xoxoxoxo
Last week we were lucky enough to have a week off and go to Mozambique. It was such an amazing experience with many memorable moments. We left school on Friday morning and caught a taxi to Nelspruit, a city near the Mozambique border. We had booked our bus tickets to leave Saturday at 12:30pm, only to find out that afternoon that you had to get your visa beforehand because the bus doesnt wait for you at the border. We rushed into town but the embassy was shut and wasnt reopening until Tuesday. We didnt know what to do, we certainly didnt want to turn around and go home. AFter speaking to just about every person who worked with the bus company, we just decided to try our luck and just get on the bus. Whilst travelling we met another 11 american students who also werent informed about the visas and who also needed to get them at the border. As soon as we arrived all of us ran for our lives to try and get to the front of the queue. It was soooo hot and muggy and we were all sweating like crazy, both from the heat and stress. The man at customs told us our visas were going to take about 3 hours but the bus was only waiting for another 20 mins. WE tried everything to try and make it possible to be done faster but he wasnt going to budge (or take bribes!). If the bus left without us it was another 45 minutes to Maputo and we would have been stuck there. AFter much negotiation and begging we managed to squeeze another 25 minutes out of the driver and we were so lucky that 11 of our visas were done. I was one of the lucky ones and was able to make the bus but he left without 5 of the others. By now it was dark and they had to catch public taxis into the city. It turned out that their visas were completed only 5 mintues after we left but there was no way the driver was waiting any longer. we were so blessed that he even waited that long for us. It was such a crazy experience, running around feeling like illegal immigrants; totally hilarious in hindsight though!
Finally we all arrived safely at Fatima's Backpackers in Maputo (the capital of Moz). It was such a funky little place, full of tourists from all over the world. I met people from America, France, Germany, Netherlands, Brazil and South AFrica. The language spoken in Moz is Portugese so it was quite difficult communicating with most of the locals as English is not spoken widely. But we made really good friends with one of the guys who worked at the backpackers and so he was able to translate for us.
We spent our first 2 days in Maputo, lazing on the beach, watching the locals play volleyball and soccer and break dancing on the beach and visiting the local fish and food markets. The fish markets are amazing places, full of local fisherman with their freshly caught seafood. I think there was every sea creature under the sun. We bought 2 large fish (2.5 kilos worth) and took it out the back and the locals cooked it traditional style for us. It was so dam good! They were grilled whole with lemon, coriander and spices. Mmmm, jealous? haha
The food markets are awesome too! Full of every fresh fruit, vege, spice and nut you could image. We always grabbed our supplies from here for our meals.
We headed north to a little beach called Bilene to escape the city. The taxi rides were so much fun. We literally had 25 adults, 3 children and 2 chickens packed into this 15 seater combi van. Say goodbye to personal space, and to add to that, one of the chickens laid an egg whilst we were driving!!!
You could call that taxi rides, a bonding experience if you like. There were body parts squished in every direction. If we were to crash we would have been perfectly fine with our personal airbags beside us (two very large women, with extremely large..hmm..assets).
The rural areas are gorgeous. Thatched huts under huge coconut trees decorated with bright traditional artworks. The beach was beautiful. Pure white sand lined with crystal clear water and pine and palm trees, spotted with small wooden boats. However the weather was poor so we only stayed one night and headed back to Maputo where there was more to do.
Spent alot of the time just relaxing with the people at the backpackers. SO good to just chill after such a hectic term at school. I met a lovely man who lived next door and spoke very fluent english (which he taught himself from books and tv). He offered to take us and show us around Maputo. We went for walks to the local art and craft markets and through the city. Its very underdeveloped with alot of the buildings in part ruins. The people are beautiful though. It has a lot more relaxed and safe feel about it than South AFrica.
Mateus (our friend at the backpackers), offered to cook us dinner traditional Portugese style. We bought 2 kilos of massive king prawns and 1kilo of calamari from the market as well as lemons, garlic, tumeric, coriander, onions, veges and rice. We all helped prepare and i was lucky enough to get the job of peeling the 35 cloves of garlic!!! Eish! I felt sorry for those other people in our dorms after the five of us had just consumed about 7 whole cloves each! Yo! It was sooo good though. Probably the best meal i have ever had. Well a huge change from the pap, chicken, bread and soup i have been eating!
Had a really great week. Shame about the weather but anyhoo, it was still alot of fun! I highly recommend if anyone goes to Maputo to stay at Fatima's. Really cool place.
Back at Jane Furse now. Got a huge term ahead of me. The Grade 12's start their final exams next week so i've been doing alot of preparation and revision with them. Im running a 'competition for the creative' this term. Involves poetry, public speaking and graphics. The majority of the subjects are all very content based and they dont often get a chance to express their creative sides and so i wanted to do something practical with them. Starting a new mixed netball competition, which should be alot of fun.
Also i want to thank those whoi donated money. The uniforms are sooooooooo beautiful. They kids were soooo happy. I will post photos asap. Also i have decided to use some of the remaining money to fix up Lesotho Chapel. It is a little hut at the school where the students run prayer and worship sessions, talk and motivate and guide each other . It is the heart and soul of St Marks. I go there every night and we sing songs, pray and talk about God and i always leave feeling totally inspired. Their faith, understanding and spirituality is amazing!! These kids are truly the children of God!
However the thatching on the roof is breaking and the rains are coming soon. The door has come off its hinges and it needs a repaint. So i am going to use some of the money to repair this special place.
I shall post some photos soon. All the best to those writing HSC exams soon at home. I will be thinking and praying for you. Those who have put in the work will be rewarded.
Lots of love and God Bless
xoxoxoxo
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