The Last Day.

Our last day at Phedišang has arrived. We woke up to yet another delicious breakfast and the sound of crowing roosters. From 10AM-12PM, we did manual labour for the mission nuns by moving gravel with buckets and wheelbarrows (we completed 84 loads)! We then enjoyed a salad lunch under the bougainvillea with Tia’s incredible chocolate brownies. Then we left for our final visit to our centres. Most groups were surprised at how emotional and hard it was to leave the children. A few tears were shed.


Later in the afternoon, our Phedisang leaders arrived at the mission for our talent show and party. Everyone joined in on the dancing, singing and festivities. We enjoyed a delicious traditional South African Braai with boerewors and pap! Every group displayed some incredible talent from modern to African dancing.

We are sad to be leaving Phedisang and the amazing people that we have grown to love. We hope to stay in touch and we will treasure this experience forever.

Till next time,

Jade’Tot,’, Nicola ‘Nix,’ and Nel ‘Nelly’

“May all of our thoughts, words, and actions, serve to lift the hearts, lives and souls of ourselves and all other beings on this planet. From a place that I know to be divine within myself, I recognize and honour that place within each and every one of you. Namaste.”

An Emotional Rollercoaster Ride.

Wow, what a day!? We woke up, not really knowing what to expect. We knew we'd be going on home visits and later to Wendy's (the Peace Corps volunteer) house for dinner.  After yet another delicious breakfast, we parted ways to each of our centres. We all encountered different experiences and while we were expecting a lifestyle very different from our own , none of us could have imagined the amazing welcomes we got. When entering our leaders houses and meeting their families, some girls even got a vetkoek meal! A very special mother was especially proud to have 'white girls' in her house! One of the groups even got to visit a Sangoma's house. They were adorned in traditional clothing and witnessed two ladies go into a trance. It was a once in a lifetime experience.


Later that evening, we were lucky enough to have dinner at Piet's house (Wendy's host father). Piet was a diabetic man who had tragically lost both his eyesight and his leg. He is an inspiring man who is a retired teacher. The most memorable part of the evening must have been when we all gathered around his wheelchair and sang to him. A gentle smile of appreciation ended our day.

See you all later alligator. In a while crocodile.

Ayanda, Cassy and Laurie

The Longest Day.

We started the day anxiously, all worrying about what the long day ahead held in store for us. We had a later start to the day which we all apreciated immensely as we would be working in our separate centres for the whole day.  Each group seemed to enjoy their day so much and were all very successful. We bonded more with everyone, implemented our projects in more detail and enjoyed every second of the experience.


We are now exhausted after a long and fulfilling day but excited for the home visits and our last two days.

Love and happiness,

The Roedean and Phedisang Team 2010

Ally, Emma K., and Megan


-OVER AND OUT-

Out and About.

Today we visited the various centres to get an overall feel for the area. We were touched by warm welcomes that we got from the staff and the children at all of the centres. We were privilleged enough to visit the local bakery and see the behind the scenes action of the making of a loaf of bread. The responses we got from all the locals were more than welcoming and we were made to feel completely at home. Spending the afternoons at our centres was the start of an exciting project that we have ahead of us.

Georgie “G-Poppin”, Mampu “Pu,” and Emma “Coopdogg”

-OUT-

The Start of our Journey.

Dumelang! Early this morning, we left school – extremely excited yet apprehensive for what lay in store for us. We enjoyed our last 'taste of luxury' at the famous “Harries Pancakes” in Dullstrom and trekked through to Limpopo. After a long stretch of dry, boring scenery we were suddenly in the exquisite Limpopo mountains with a breathtaking view of the valleys and the Olifants River below us.

Soon after, we arrived at Phedisang and were warmly welcomed. There are two Peace Corps volunteers, Wendy and Tia, Rosina (the housekeeper), Charity (the manager), and Vusi (our indespensible 'water-warmer' and handyman).

The property is so colourful and friendly and extremely well-maintained. Sitting under the trees in the warm Limpopo sun, we got to know the community and had great fun getting familiar with the Pedi language. Fitting 15 girls into a small room proved to be our 1st challenge, yet separating the group into different rooms was out of the question!

We are so excited to see the rest of the village tomorrow and to meet the children!

Julia, Mary and Rebecca
-OUT-