Hello Everyone!
Hope this post finds you all well! Here the weather is
getting very hot and the children are still being their amazing selves so I
cannot complain. School is almost finished and most of the older children are
writing exams, which means they get to come back to Saint Anthony’s early
(around 11 am). Although the care workers may not be too happy about this, I
definitely am because it means I get to spend more time with them. With
Christmas holidays just around the corner, I am making the most of their
company before they go to their relatives or foster families for 6 weeks.
A few weeks ago, the children were also invited to Mr
Theron’s annual Christmas Party. Mr Theron is the owner of a chain of big lodges
dotted around South Africa and one of these is situated in Newcastle. Every
year he invites the whole of Saint Anthony’s, including the staff to come to
his lodge for a big feast. Every child received a big bag of presents as well
as lots and lots of sweets. The staff also received a goodie bag J the kids were so happy
(and super hyper!). Even Winnie the Pooh and Hello Kitty were able to attend!
Teenage girls dolled up for their Christmas Party
Winnie the Pooh and Hello Kitty with some of the girls
Children's desert buffer #1
Children's desert buffer #1
The staff loved them too ;)
We are all big kids at heart!
Over the last few weeks, I have been helping Slindo (oldest
girl) a lot as she is currently sitting her Matrics (or as we know them, A
Levels). She only has four exams left now and in general she seems very pleased
with them which is a good sign. She also braided my hair and it took her a
whole hour ! It was quite painful especially when it came to sleeping but I got
used to it after a couple of days. I can’t believe this is what basically all
women go through here when they get their braided or when they have weaves put
in which is all the time!
Slindo hard at work!
One hour later :)
Slindo has also started backing her things because she
will leaving the Home for good in December. I am sad to see her go as I get on
so so well with her, she always looks out for me. However I am also happy for
her because she gets to be with her sisters and have her independence.
Nevertheless, I am going to miss her.
I also had my first visitor last weekend (14th
– 17th November)! Christoph (my boyfriend), who is currently working in Cape Town,
came to the Home for a long weekend. We played football with the older girls
and spent some time with the toddlers who all called him “Malume” (uncle). They
really warmed to him which was great to see J
He was also put on the spot on Sunday at mass when he was asked to stand in
front of the whole congregation (approximately 200 people) and introduce
himself! I have a feeling all visitors from overseas have to do this so I
better warn my mum who is visiting for two weeks on Tuesday (26th
November).
On a much sadder note, the toddlers were all playing
outside yesterday (Wednesday 20th November) when one of them,
Nqobani, fell backwards and hit his head on some bricks. I was right next to
him and saw what happened so I ran to him and picked him up to make sure he was
ok. He cried for a few seconds but then he started fitting. His whole body was
stiff including his head and eyes but he was shaking at the same time. His
breathing was very heavy and he was foaming at the mouth. I ran back into the
cottage where the care workers were. We laid him down on the bed where he then
started to calm down but he was still very stiff. He only started to regain
consciousness when Phendile (the care worker) put some water on his face. It
took him a while for him to be able to hold himself up. This all happened in
the space of 10 minutes. We then took him to hospital where he spent the night
so that they could observe him. I really hope he gets to come home today (21st
November). I will let you know how he is in my next post.
Remember if you have any questions or comments about my
experiences, Saint Anthony’s or South Africa in general, please do not hesitate
to write them in the comment box below!
I have now had over 2000 views so thank you all very much
for reading! It really means a lot...
Isabel x
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