A Journey of Goodbyes

Lawrence was right. This is to be a journey of goodbyes. Lawrence and Tricia have been our hosts whilst in Welkom and they have made us very welcome indeed. Lawrence is a thoroughly likeable fellow who is amongst other things a poet, artist, metal and wood worker, political pundit and generally all round nice chap! Tricia is the energetic hostess, the motherly type who makes sure you're well looked after! If you're reading this we just want to say a huge thanks to you both!

We're going to miss everyone at Morning Star and the friends we have made here in Welkom. It has been such an experience - so much more than can be put into words. Just being with the children at Morning Star has been a real priviledge. We might not know their language but just being with them and enjoying fun and laughter together is more than words. I suppose the main thing we have seen at Morning Star, that has impressed us most, is the love and dedication of the people there.

We have also seen shocking examples of those brought to the centre who have neglected their children. It's impossible to understand why and it makes you angry that someone can be so cruel to their own child or that of a close relative. One lad, a 12 year old boy, came to the centre in a wheelchair. He was a breathing corpse. There was no muscle or fat on his body, his dry skin stretched over a meagre frame. His face was skeletal and spoke more than the whisper of words he could muster. He should have been laughing and playing like the other children but neglect had left him verging on death. Yet this is something that Morning Star has to try and deal with.

But when you see the joy and zeal for life in the eyes of children who have come to the centre and have had an opportunity to know love and care you realise just how worthwhile the work is, even though you appreciate this work is just a drop in the ocean.

Well, Beth and I have had a week heading south towards the Eastern Cape. We've visisted Phillipolis in the west of the Free State on the way to Morgans Bay (stunning coast there) before heading on to Bulungula, a Xhosa village on the coast about 2 hours drive from the nearest tarmac (some names for you Google Earth addicts!). The ride down to this place was exciting! We drove half the way in our Yaris hire car (respect to the Yaris - and the driver) and then were picked up by the 'shuttle'. This is a 4x4 off roader that looks a bit like a Monster Truck on steroids. Unlike my circumspect driving, our driver thought nothing of hammering it along at 120km/h, testing the suspension on a few tricky 4' potholes. The result was plenty of dust and some green looking tourists who were desperatley checking their life insurance and downing as many travel sickness tabs as possible! Awesome! I loved it (don't worry Mum - we're fine!)

Bulungula is an amazing place. If you get the chance to go I'd recommend it. The only downside to the week was Beth having some sort of flu which meant she has been in bed pretty much the whole time. But she is on the mend - just in time for us to travel to India.

Sorry folks that there aren't any pictures. The internet cafe here in Singapore has the computers locked away under the desk and I can't work the lock!!! We'll get some pictures up as soon as we can! Talking of Singapore, Jennie, you're right - the place is worth visiting just for the airport. Very nice indeed.

Not sure of the internet situation in the middle of the Punjab, so until next time - sala hantle!