Good morning all....today is our day of rest and we are wandering into downtown Knysna to take in a coffee and see the Waterfront.
Yesterday was another amazing day. We joined the kids in the township and marched with them to the 'Lovelife Centre' to take part in a football tournament. They had made up the banners they carried aloft on the march the day before and, as you can see from the photos, they focussed on eradicating child abuse in Knysna. The kids chanted and sung for the couple of kilometres they walked and they encouraged us to join in. On arrival at the tournament the dancing continuted - Hena being the star dancer; they adore her Bangla dance !!
Then speeches - we were honoured to have the Police of Chief there and he spoke to the kids of Nelson Mandela's 'destiny in your own hands' speech and of Hector Peterson who was the first youth to take a bullet in the Soweto uprising in '76 - he was a wonderful orator and it was such stirring stuff.
The football was good too - the 'player of the tournament' and 'man of the final' were each awarded a Burnley shirt and the 'Wembley Play Off Final' banner was draped proudly behind them - see photos Sean/ Kim etc... The kids loved the shirts - and we were presented with cerificates for all the efforts we've made and donations we've given to date - Julie, you can have mine to display at Shop Direct.com; this time from Knysna to Burnley :-) Everyone then tucked into rice and veg before heading home.....
I almost forgot ! Friday night Lez and Heni tripped out with other volunteers and locals to see downtown Knysna at night - they have stories to tell there but most I've decided to censor for publication here !
Tomorrow the centre receives a visit from 'Knysna Child Welfare' to help support those kids in real need.... Also tomorrow sees the 'launch' of the new Child Care Procedure for this area of South Africa and possibly some home visits for us.
Many many thanks for your comments over the last few days.....we really do miss you all...and so wish you were here to share these special moments....being allowed to share in part of someone's life is such a privilege and almost all these kids have opened up there lives to us....and for those who struggle, Lesley and Hena's smiles go a long way to lifting their spirits.
Che caro,
Che che caro,
Che caro,
Che che caro,
My hands are high,
My knees are low,
And this is how I cheetah..... !
Lez, Gaza and Heni xxx
3 comments:
14 June 2009 at 03:50
Sender's name : karen preston
the photo's look fantastic, the children look happy around you, keep it up !
Karen
14 June 2009 at 13:40
These pictures and gary's commentary on the days events are absolutely amazing!Les has told me about you all joining in with the daily devotion setting youselves up for the day ahead and it sounds brill.This must be such a marvelous experience for you all giving those lovely children some hope and beleif.
Keep up the good work, looking forward to tomorrow's photo's and commentary already.
Take care
Sean.x
14 June 2009 at 14:18
Reading through the daily commenaries what an amazing experience to be with these children and being able to give them hope of a better life for their future. They have so little and yet all have fabulous smiles. The photo's are great, what beautiful children.
You are all doing a brilliant job.
Can't wait to read tomorrows events.
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