The ball is rolling

Sanibonani! It's another Sunday! This time, not so warm, however. Tomorrow will be the start of our 8TH week... whaaat?! The past few weeks have been good. The last week of September I met up with my family (mum's cousin and his wife) in Bushmens Nek for a few days and then we travelled up to Salt Rock for the weekend. I had a great time relaxing for 10 days. Here are some pictures of Bushmens Nek. Absolutely stunning surroundings.

In Salt Rock we went to Crocodile Creek. It was awesome!! As well as holding a baby croc, tasting croc (it was delcious I have to say) and watching them being fed (disgusting), I also saw a wolf! His name was Zeus and he was very affectionate. 

With the play finished we now have organised a structured timetable which we have up until lunchtime and then it's in the hostel doing homework until dinner. I do reading in the morning with the grade 5's and then most days after break I'm with the grade 5's again but helping in the class with Mrs Hill the teacher. She is a lovely lady and has said she'll 'teacher train' me. I have realised I prefer working with the slightly older children - grade 4,5,6's rather than the younger children. Their attention spans are too low for my patience!

 I didn't think I would, but I really enjoy going to hymn practice on Friday mornings with all the children. I got really emotional one day when they were singing this particular song... What beautiful angelic voices they have! I am going to practice some Christmas Carols on the piano in time for Christmas... I can't wait! So happy there is a piano here so I can get into it again. I did my grade 1 piano about 4 years ago.. I'd love to start it again when I go back to the UK. I might get my mum to send me some of the books over.

Keeping fit here in Underberg is fairly easy at the weekends as there is a pool and plenty of space to run about and do Pilates/Yoga but during the week it's nearly impossible as we have such a busy day and want to be in bed for 9! So, I have decided to add in some fitness to the homework with the kids. One of the grade 4 boys has poor posture and little core muscle so I have started doing sit ups with him after he's finished his homework The other boys have joined in too... It's fantastic! 

Evening activities in the hostel vary from dancing in the TV room (Tuesdays) to playing baseball outside. Most days it is sunny so we try and do things outside to drain their energy. Last week we watched the movie 'The Secret Garden'. I've not watched that movie for ages - and they all seemed to enjoy it! On Thursdays we do swimming, bikes and roller-blades with the children. As the weather is getting warmer, we can get them into the outside pool after 6 o'clock. It is so much fun. I'm also really enjoying learning Zulu. Sawbonna! Unjani? (Hello, how are you?) Geeapeela ngiyabonga, nina ninjani? (Good thanks, how are you?).

 I was walking down from Clouds of Hope the other week (there are two Project Trust volunteers there. Anna Ford and Lauren Green), and as I walked past these two Zulu girls, I said hello in Zulu to them... One of the girls... The shock on her face! Makes me want to learn Zulu more. Last week I was in the boys dorm speaking as much Zulu as I could (most common phrases), the kids are so helpful when it comes to teaching us Zulu. It's a two way system - I'm teaching them French! 

I am building a strong bond with nearly all of the hostel children now. I can have such a laugh with them and we all have so much fun. Cheesey, but I had no idea it would be as special as it is. 

It's made me think about my future and what I would like to do for my career. I'm thinking more along the lines of a primary teacher. I'll leave it on the table. 

Quote of the month: 

"I wish you were my mother" 9 year old Janine

Bless

Salani kahle

Bye!