Last blog from our flagship Southern Africa Gappers!

So here it is the final blog, the final few hours together!

Since the last blog the group has kept themselves busy volunteering. Our energy went into painting walls at Sentinel, Christmas craft classes with littlies and end of year graduations where the children dressed up in white silky attires.

The group of us that worked at Sentinel were taken to Cape Point with the vice principle, a fun afternoon out-and-about exploring the coasts of Cape Town. At Ikaya La Temba as the last week of afternoon care approached cooking classes continued however tutoring and reading classes were replaced with hair braiding and soccer games with the kids.

Like Swaziland saying goodbye to the children at our placements and Ikaya La Temba was hard. We all have different memories and experiences while volunteering to share with you all. It is fair to say spending time with these kids giving our time and energy into helping them not only benefited the children but also benefited us as the volunteers.
When it came to weekends, Antipodeans all went and did various things from Long Street to Green Market in Cape Town. As money began to run dry Hout Bay Habour market and tanning by the pool was the best option for some of us.

It would be a lie if I said we’ve walked away with nothing. I think every member of the group will leave here a more mature person than before, we’ll appreciate home more, we’ll take time to see the bigger picture and we’ll take into consideration other people. I can’t imagine doing this trip with a more diverse yet wonderful group of Australian. Everyone bought something about them to the table.

You could trust Mitch to be the one who goes to the pub with you or who’ll cook up a yummy feast. A guy happy to help if you ask. Kireeti is our go to person when one was sick or had possible rabies bites, his medical wisdom was always appreciated. During our first few weeks Joni would clean all the girls dishes, it wasn’t long till we named Joni the ‘Gentleman’.

Tessa has the most contagious laugh yet when she had to she played mother hen perfectly, the kitchen and lounge were always clean if Tessa had anything to do with it (couldn’t say the same for her room). Nicole is the peaceful and easy-going member making it easy to become fabulous friends with her. Whenever in need of a good chat or a fun night our Maddy is the go to girl, when not asleep, Maddy’s bubbly personality is loved by the whole group. Katie’s positive and enthusiastic personality made her an influential member.

Although she was shy to begin with, it wasn’t long till Nicki’s amazing confidence shown through. Nicki’s good opinion and grace made her a well-respected member of the group. Emily’s inquisitive nature made for interesting conversations. Behind the quietness, all in the group loved Emily’s lively personality, which made for fun and enjoyable times in the lodge and out on the town. And finally the girl who taught us the difference from right and wrong, She is so good hearted and patient, from that alone it would be fair to say Jozie has taught us all a little something.

Shelby our in country coordinator asked us what were some on the highlights these past few months, at first I blanked but seconds later flashes of memories came back I didn’t know where to begin. Seeing Lions mate in Kruger National Park. Whale Shark snorkelling in Mozambique, swimming along side these creatures was incredible. Nights out in Swaziland at House on Fire where interesting dancing styles were seen by Jozie and Kireeti! Group workout sessions at Ludwala Lodge. Marine World in Durbin. Movie nights at the lodge in Hout Bay. All these things I wish I could go into detail about, however I am assured the Antipodeans will come home and tell you everything in more detail.

So there is it, the final blog from the first group of Antipodeans to venture out and do the Southern Africa Volunteer program. Not long till we’re all back in the arms of loved ones whether that be Coco - Tessa’s Cat, Bingo - Nicki’s dog, Leigh - Jozie’s much talked about boyfriend or our parents, we can’t wait to see you all. And to those continuing on with their travels to Europe, have fun and beware of the Euro it’s very different to the Rand. Merry Christmas everyone.

I can’t wait for our reunion… at Jozie’s wedding! Here is a little link by Nicki: http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/6re8cctTErfI5FXp

Got to go group board game in progress, Kireeti and Joni ahead with Emily and Nicole falling behind. Wish Tessa and I luck!