Our partner Katie left for Cape Town at the end of February to volunteer at Durbanville Children's Home. It was sad to say goodbye and our bedroom is looking a lot emptier now, but she is enjoying herself more now, so we're all happy for her.
Here's us all + Blackster the cat in the kitchen
At the end of February I decided that I was going to stop volunteering at Reichenau primary school. In my last blog post, I described what working there involves. I was finding it very difficult to volunteer there for various reasons, but I am very glad I had the chance to do it for a little while. I am very glad I tried it out. It was an experience I will never forget.
Last weekend Jess, Megan and I went on a little day trip around Underberg. We went to the Cheesery and Kenmo Lake. It was a lovely day! I bought some cheese called 'Underberg cheese'. How original! Tastes good.
As you all know, a few weeks ago was Valentines Day. Underberg Primary School (and I think the rest of South Africa) celebrate it big time. To raise money for the Hostel, there was a Valentines pool party for the senior primary. Katie and I made love heart decorations for the event. The kitchen also made love heart chocolates to sell at school and the art department went crazy on paper love hearts! I think it's nice to not just think about Valentines day as a day that you spend with a boyfriend or partner. (Or to be depressed that you don't have one). It's a day to love your family and friends too, to celebrate love! That's what I love about being here. The Hostel children are so loving and they all genuinely care about each other.
The other night the junior primary had a barn dance. When the kids came back after it, I heard kids running down the passage to the girls dorm. Khaye had been chasing Janine down the hallway demanding a goodnight kiss from her!! Khaye's been in love with Janine ever since I arrived, at the age of 9 and three quarters. It's only been quite recently that he's started to openly express himself to her. (I think she secretly likes him too, but she won't admit it).
I've really started to enjoy being here in South Africa, more so than I had before. It's nice for life here to just flow easily and not have to be stressed or upset about anything. I've set myself some goals for the last few months and a happier attitude and mindset really helps. Beth and I have recently started up a drama club on Wednesdays which we are really enjoying.
Whilst being here, I have discovered that I really do have a Gluten Intolerance. For the past few weeks I have taken wheat and gluten out of my diet. Last week I had a bit of bread and a small muffin. On Friday I definitely paid for it.. Won't go into detail, but it was the most horrifically painful thing I think I have ever experienced!
I have decided to go home a little earlier than August. Main reasons being that I decided, whilst in South Africa to go to University this September instead of in 2015. So, I'd like to go home just that little bit earlier so I can save some money and finish getting my drivers license. It will be hard to leave earlier than planned but I know it will benefit me in the long run. Looking forward to my departure date will enable me to push myself and have the best last few months.
Last Monday Jess and I accompanied the grade 5's to their teachers farm for the night. On the farm there are guest 'hut' summer houses that we were going to sleep in for the night. Jess and I got our own seperate hut with en-suite bathroom. It was like a mini holiday for us! On Monday we went to Marutswa Forest Reserve. We walked through the forest in hope of sighting some parrots or other wildlife. We didn't see much but the view on the other side was beautiful! As we were walking back the sky was getting darker and darker... and then it chucked it down! The heaviest rain I have seen is in South Africa.. It's actually pretty amazing to watch it (in shelter). In the evening we played Bingo. The first two rounds the same card won twice!! How strange! Thankfully the card had been swapped with someone else so someone else could win, haha. The next day everyone got the chance to milk a cow. I, myself, was quite the expert I must say. Here, the farmers don't have machines to milk the cows so it's all done by hand. A much better way to do it I think! Gives people jobs.
Here is the view of us sitting by the pool soaking up the sun and a picture of the sun peeking through the trees.
I am reading a book just now which I'm sure most of you will have heard of called Eat, Pray, Love. It was made into a film a few years ago. The lady in the book is on a voyage of 'self discovery' as she travels around Italy, India and Indonesia. I feel enlightened, inspired and joyful reading this book. When she is in India, she chants while meditating; 'Om Namah Shivaya' which translates into 'I honor the divinity that resides within me'. Thought this was really special and uplifting and is making me think more about the importance of self love and meditation.
I've recently started horse riding!!! So happy to get back on the saddle.
Until my next blog
Live, laugh, love
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