Arrived safely, thunderstorms and different perspectives

Hi friends

I have arrived in sunny South Afrrica! After a long overnight flight I was ready for a shower and sleep which was much welcomed, and to be greeted at the airport by an amazing friend Encasn who not only is my host for the next few days but is also driving me to my final destination of Bulembu on Thursday. So very grateful to this amazing young woman. After much needed sleep on Tuesday, we went out to celebrate Encasn's birthday and met some lovely people. There has been 2 thunder storms in the evenings, wow! lightening galore! And the rain? now I know I'm in Africa!
Being driven around different places almost feels familiar like ive been here for a while,  however due to crazy driving over here I cannot see myself behind the wheel! I was reminded yesterday of the difference between here and the uk, the house I am staying has a housekeeper/cleaner who comes once a week ( as do many households in South Africa) to assist with any chores around the house.  I was struck by the fact that she travels 3-4 hours each way on a bus to get to work as there is no work available where she lives. She has to get up at 3am in order to leave her house to get to work for 7.30am.  I mean 3am?. I  remember how sometimes I would complain about getting up at 6am to be at work for the same time. It certainly makes you think! The fact that people have to travel for miles just to get any chance of a job. It puts a lot of things into perspective.
Off to do some final shopping today before heading on our road trip tomorrow to Bulembu. As much as I love spending time in Pretoria and with friends here I'm now ready to get to Bulembu so I can  settle in, unpack and get into a new routine. Sorry no photos in this post but will post pic in my next blog. Signing off for now. Thanks again for joining me in my adventures join me again soon.

8 days to go!

Hi all, its now only 8 days till I head off to Bulembu, time is going by so quickly now. Its been good to catch up with friends and family, but the closer it gets the harder the goodbyes become. Reality of what I'm about to do is setting in, the enormity that I'm about to move thousands of miles away from home, wow! what on earth am I doing? I know for certain this is the right thing for me to do but I didn't appreciate just how hard it would be to say goodbye. I'm so excited for what lies ahead though.  My house has finally sold after months of phone calls and emails and lots of prayers. I am now completely debt free!!!! wahoo! I ventured into town today to get some last minute bits for my case including sunglasses. Who would have thought it would be such an ordeal finding sunglasses? well I guess it is still winter here! Now all I need to do is pack my case (after unpacking and repacking 5 times!). I will write again soon, much love to you all and thanks for following my journey.

First post

Sanibonani!

Welcome to all who are joining me on this exciting journey of travelling half way around the world to help care for some of the worlds most vulnerable people. Its 25 days till I leave the uk for warmer climates and I cant wait to get there. Ive never written a blog before so I hope I'm able to keep you informed and entertained by all that I'm getting up to in Bulembu. Its a charity that is very dear to my heart and I know that without the amazing work that they do, there are many children that would have died if it wasnt for them being rescued by Bulembu Ministries, giving them food, education, healthcare and a place to call home. The first time you go there you are overwhelmed by the sense of Gods love and presence in everything that goes on in the small town. Restore a town transform a nation, one of their slogans, is such a huge vision and I'm excited to play a small part in this vision.