Garden Route

Days #78-82 (Mon-Fri)

Monday

Early pick up from Hotspots2C and then we were off! A total of 9 of us in the group; couple from Washington, one from Italy, Switzerland, Canada, Netherlands, Morroco, Tunisia and me the Scouser. Our tour guide was Paul who is born and raised in Cape Town! He had some amazing stories especially as he was once apart of Nelson Mandela's private security team in Cape Town but you'll have to ask me to find out more. 

We set off for Oudtshoorn and first stop was the Cango Wildlife Centre. The centre is a part of a breeding programme and gene pool strengthen for certain threatened species! 

We had a tour around the complex seeing lots of amazing animals such as Crocodiles, Hippo, Cheetah, Leopard, White Tigers and my new Favourite the White Lion. First animal to make me just say 'wow'. 

To support the breeding program they offer close encounters. Money raised from these goes directly to supporting the various programms. I got the chance to say hello to this Cheetah. Just like cinder he loved behind the ears. 

Tuesday

Early wake up and once again we were on the road. First stop was a private game reserve to experience one of natures biggest and cleverest animals; the elephant. We got the chance to ride them around the reserve and feed them and one big hug to say goodbye. 

Then we headed to the Cango Caves. No photos in hear as we were on the adventure tour which I loved as it would never be allowed in England in a million years. We had one guide, she had been on the job 3 months, there was over 20 of us. We had no helmets and the tunnels and holes we crawled through were very extreme. Is you weren't a fan of small place this wasn't for you. 

Next for lunch we went to the ostrich ranch. We enjoyed a tour around the ranch then the opportunity to ride these crazy animals. Only two of us were brave enough. It's like a rodeo. The first guy fell off but I am the ostrich whisperer and I could of stayed on all day but had to hop off. 

The podium. 

 

Wednesday

This was a very early start leaving at 6am to head for the Addo Elephant park. This is home to the densest population of elephants in the world. Had a 2 hour 4x4 safari then we drive round in the minibus. We saw A LOT of elephants! A buffalo, Zebra, Warthogs... 

In the afternoon we shopped in the huge surfing factory shops! There was billabong, rip curl, quicksilver... All the big brands and super cheap prices! Got myself a T Shirt and a Hoody! 

Thursday 

First stop was Zip-Lining in Tsitsikamma just to get us warmed up! Great fun, really enjoyed it!

 

Then we went for a walk just to calm down the adrenaline levels in Tsitsikamma national reserve. It was a costal walk to the famous hanging bridge. 

Now was the moment of the week. 

 

The worlds highest bridge Bungy jump! Yes this happened! We made our way to the bridge and got pumped up by the loud dance music! Then we waited until our names were called; like lambs waiting for the slaughter! I was surprisingly very confident. Even on the edge I was looking down and proper excited. 

It was only untill that split moment when you first jump off, that first second, when all you can think is "Oh Crap!" Such a bizarrely amazing feeling that I know no words to describe it except indescribable (like what I did there). 

Also got the chance to go the toilet in the most extreme and dangerous place I'll ever go. You walk down on a wire untill the point where the bridges curve is at it's streepest then you do your business. Unsurprisingly I was the only one to go! 

Friday

Chilled morning. Nice canoe through the wilderness. 

Then we had another crazy experience; a lion walk! 

After a long drive finally got home. But headed straight out back into the city to experience Madela's memorial in Cape Town. 

This picture sums it up. Memorial outside the place were Madela did his famous speech once he was released. Flags throughout South Africa were all half flying. Throughout the city were flags and banners saying "Madiba" "Father". Then kneeling at the memorial lighting there candles are a couple; one White one black. If it weren't for Madela these two individuals would never be together. 

Long week very tired. 

God Bless.  

Opposite Way

Days #75-77 (Fri-Sun)

This extended weekend was Urban Voice's youth group, Summit's, Summer Camp! And it promised to be a good one!

I love a good youth camp and glad i got the chance to enjoy one South African style... There's a few differences which just wouldn't happen back home, one especially was how the leaders shared rooms with the campers, especially after having lots of child protection meetings with Christians in Sport for a whole weekend it was a surprise but a good surprise! It was needed as well especially with the Boys who come from the townships, they get up to all sorts!

The evening worship sessions and talks, like any youth camp, were extra special! Especially the worship, the volume was intense and there was lots of clapping, singing and lots of dancing which was good to see! I was the equivalent of Tecky Boy for the weekend so I was in charge of the computer side which was great fun!

Saturday promised to be an even better day! Morning started with the loved early wake up and leaders meeting, i then took our dorm through a bible study to start the day, then off course the most important meal of the day... Breakfast!

The morning we had various sessions. The whole weekend was called "Opposite Way" how as young people we need to be pushing to live in an Opposite way to which the world lives! Some really challenging talks and messages, especially from a couple who came to deliver a talk on sexual purity.

Afternoon was our time to shine as the Helderberg Academy with our Activities. All the activities I sorted out had to follow the theme of Romans 5:3-4

³ Not only so, but we^[a] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope.


The Activities;
Ultimate Frisbee... This is just a classic game and great fun! We pushed to make the games more intense so it was tough for the young people and they had to persevere and push on!
Tug Tug... This firstly involved a Tug of War competition going with the idea how the world is trying to pull us one way but we need to strive to go the Opposite Way and with any Tug of War its tough, there's times we want to pack it all in but we must endure and this will develop character! Then just to make it interesting we then moved on to pulling cars! Had to make a bit more extreme! The other team would all pile in to the car then the other team were against the clock to pull the car a considerable distance in the fastest time!
River Dash... First up the Teams had to build a river crossing, a way of getting from one side to the other. Then they were both shown the bible verse for 60s each. Each team was then handed the verse all cut up into single words. It was then a relay to get the words across the river to the other side. Once all the words were across it was time to get the words in the right order (see how much attention they were paying).
River Dash... First up the Teams had to build a river crossing, a way of getting from one side to the other. Then they were both shown the bible verse for 60s each. Each team was then handed the verse all cut up into single words. It was then a relay to get the words across the river to the other side. Once all the words were across it was time to get the words in the right order (see how much attention they were paying).
Obstacle Course... This was the event I was running and as always I have to take it to the next level. There was a narrow trail running through the woods with bridges and logs (think it was a mountain biking trail or something). Before the camp i went to the farm i stayed at and got all the rope i could get my hands on. This rope made up lots and lots of spider webs between the trees! Also, got a few logs and fallen trees and made various obstacles. We also had the classic cargo net and they had to do the obstacle course dressed up. It was a great activity to take part in and watch! Idea about this one is simple, through the course and in life there are things which try to trip us up and slow us down, things which get in our way. Also, it tough! It was a long course and it was very tiring! This is the same in life, through the pain, through the hardships, past the obstacle we must continue to push on and persevere! 
Rest of the weekend was just a fantastic camp! Had great time with the young people! There was lots of laughs and just a general energetic buzz for camp! Saturday night ended with a huge party/disco which I was allocated responsibility over... So the disco music was AMAZING we had Ben Howard, Jack Johnson, John Mayer... All the legends! Haha joking I left those guys behind and got some good songs going! The favourite had to be South Africa's own Waka Waka, it was sooo loud as they all sang along and danced there socks off (African Style!).
Great weekend, challenging for me a leader as well!
Hope to get some photos of the camp soon :)
God Bless.




The idea behind this activity is taking God’s word (the bible verse) overseas (across the stream) to different cultures and societies. It’s tough, there are obstacles and you may have to keep going back and forth until the message is understood. It requires perseverance, patience and determination. Also, once you are over there with the word it’s not easy to get across the message clearly to people who have never heard of Jesus before. Emphasis on taking Jesus’ word overseas. And emphasis on the bible verse and how it applies to this activity.

I'm Free!

Day #74

Thursday

Today was back to the prison for my last time with the boys. Today, Ben Marais the Director of Ambassadors for Cape Town joined us and also Justin from kenya, the Director of Ambassadors for the whole of Africa came to have a look round as well.

Today we couldn't try even the score from Tuesdays defeat but instead we had a bible session and a chance to share and just chat. I was really encouraged by the session! the boys were open and willing to chat. Interesting to talk with two of the boys who are being released this January!

Great session. Great last moments. Hope to see them again.

God Bless.

Lwandle vs Eerste River

Days #70-73 (Mon-Wed)

Back to prison for another action packed day.

Monday and Tuesday followed a similar theme back in the prison. We had two big matches; first match ended up 1-1 so we carried it over to tuesday to finish off with a big final... sadly our team lost but it was a great competition and an exciting game!

Wednesday

I headed back to Somerset West and the Helderberg Academy! In the morning i was responsible for finalising plans for the youth summer camp and then in the afternoon we had out match day. Two of our communities; Lwandle and Eerste River were going head to head in an epic competition. We split the communities up into two sets of teams, seniors and juniors. The teams competed in tug of war competitions and off course football matches. It was a great day! Lots of energy, lots of enthusiasm!

God Bless.

"Table for One Please"

Days #65-69 (Wed-Sun)

Wednesday

No prison trips today so in the morning was office work which didn't involve much as there was a lot I could help with so after that in the afternoon I headed out for a walk in the amazing setting of the Stellenbosch vineyards!

It was an incredible place to explore. It was an 12km walk over hills, through lots of vineyards and around mini lakes/ponds. I was alone with my thoughts, a chance to take in God's amazing creation with the only noise being the ground beneath my feet.

Thursday

Well today the Prison went into an early lockdown which means prisoners receive there lunch at 11 then spend the rest of the day in there cells- this is due to a function going on so therefore lack of staff.

So no prison today.

However, the day was not lost as in the afternoon I drove over to Somerset West and joined the guys at Helderberg Academy with their training session in Lwandle. Have missed these guys and the boys in Lwandle. Really do enjoy the work with the Helderberg Academy.

Friday

Well friday mornings are free as there is no office work for me to do and we have no coaching in the morning so I woke up early, quick breakfast then headed for the door. I went into Stellenbosch, hired myself a bike and headed for Jonkershoek Nature Reserve.

The cycle to the reserve was fairly long and up as the reserve was apart of the surrounding mountains. But when I eventually reached the reserve it was well worth it and had a great cycle through the amazing scenery.

Friday afternoon I took another training session with the boys from Bellville.

Friday night Ully and Heide were out at friends for the evening so I decided to treat myself to a meal out. "Table for one please." I went to a well recommended grill house, best known for it's steaks and wine. As it was popular the place was full to the brim but they managed to sit me at the bar so I was happy. Great atmosphere, great service, amazing food. Started off with an incredible Italian Tomato Soup (best I've ever had) then moved on to the big daddy, a 300g Steak (Medium) with chips and some seasoned veggies. B-E-A-UTIFUL!

Saturday

Today was family day. Well in the prison it was anyway!

Myself and Ju Ju got up early and headed to Drakenstein Prison. We got there just in time...
It really did surprise me... In the fields where we usually play football there where four large tents (like circus tents) full of people. There was a lot of people, all of the prisoners from this department and all their families where there. Out of our boys only one of their families didn't turn up.

It was a great atmosphere. The sun was shinning, blue skies (little breeze but we will ignore that), the perfect day! Throughout the morning various bands of the prisoners played, there were dancers, drama acts... It really was a good day. There was also a big Braai as well so families could go and buy some food for them and there son and eat together, spend time together. It was really special to sit with these different families and just feel the joy there, there's only 1 family day a year so people were really happy. Especially our boys from the Hope Academy, it was just great to see them sit and chat to their families, eat together, drink together (soft drinks), laugh together...

The bands which played and the choir were really good, even with the wind the music delivered a great day of entertainment. I particularly enjoyed the dancers, they were good fun, everyone was laughing and rallying them on.

One moment particularly caught my attention... It was between one of the prisoners and his mum (or grandmother, hard to tell), they shared the longest hug I've ever seen. They just grasped each other and took in the moment, that hug had to last all year so they made it count (sure they do have visitors throughout the year but only one family day so they don't get to spend time like that). It really was a special moment in the midst of the business, joy and laughter to witness.

After that I headed into Stellenbosch to watch the Red Men take on the Blue Noses in the Merseyside derby. Found myself in a South Africa pub sitting next to a fellow liverpool fan. He was South african but his Granddad was originally from Liverpool so it was cool to chat with him and tell all about my travels and projects so far.

That night I drove into Somerset West for a Games Night with some of the people from the church, really was a fun evening!!

Sunday

I headed back to Somerset West and joined the church Urban Voice for their sunday service. Really do love this church, the worship is fantastic, the message clear and the people of really welcoming and friendly. Treat me like family, like i've been there for years.

After the service it was the meeting for next weekends camp which was good. I'm part of a great team so I'm really excited for the summer camp and the activities we've sorted out for the saturday!

After the meeting I was kindly invited to head round for a Braai at a family's house who go to the lifegroup I've been going to during my time here. It was cool to just chill and chat with my new South African lifegroup (Small Group). Enjoyed some good food and had some really good talks about God's calling in our lives which is really big on my mind at the moment especially being out here and also about whats going to happen at the end of the time which I found amazing as it made me realise how little I knew about it (the whole idea about just before christ returns).

Sunday evening I tagged along with Rahel and Beth to a Discipleship conference. The event was very busy and really challenging, I enjoyed to message and looking deeper into the idea of Discipleship which is such an important area for the church and christians.

God Bless.

Locked up

Days #63-64

Prison Time. 

Monday morning I was up early and left for Stellenbosch, 30 minute drive away from the farm. Stellenbosch is where I will be staying for the next 2 weeks. It's famous for is incredible surrounding vineyards and it's university. There's a good 30,000 students here so it's know for it's student life. It's really a beautiful place. Will definitely take lots of photos to show you guys. 

After a quick breakfast and meeting with Rahel, the German assistant for Ambassadors in a sport, we headed for the prison.

The drive to the prion is again 30 minutes over the mountain into this beautiful valley. Everywhere you go are these green vineyards stretching up the slopes of the valley. 

We arrived. 

After passing the first security checkpoint we parked up and prepared to enter the main building. 

During my time in the prison I'll be going in with a South African man called Ju Ju. He's a funny guy who's in his forties. When he was younger he was just like some of the guys we are working with but didn't go to prison then he came to know Jesus and now is heavily involved with sports ministry. Seeing how he interacts with the prisoners is amazing, he's like an older brother and treats them all like family. Lots of jokes and laughing. 

So we headed in. You have to pass a few checkpoints to get in where we have to sign in, body check ect... Then we got into to wing of the prison we're involved in. 

It's like a square courtyard with grass in the middle and four dorm cells around it. The cells sleep 19 people in each one and that's where they are kept. Mine surprising thing about the prison is how there are prisoners in the smart blue uniform (our guys in this section where navy blue uniform, the older tough guys who you just wouldn't mess with where orange) walking around everywhere you go. It's actually quite a nice atmosphere he. 

So back to our wing. There are four rooms, one room for rugby guys, one for basketball, one for choir and one for the Hope Academy, football, our guys. So we head into the dorm. 

 

All the beds are sharply made and everything is in it's place. Half the room is bunk beds the other side is single beds. I really want to take photos and show you all what it's like but you can't simply walk in with a camera. 

I got to meet the guys. They are all really warm, friendly and welcoming. Each of them comes over with a strong handshake/ hug and introduces themselves. You wouldn't think these guys have done some of the things they have. 

What have they done Cal? Murder, Rape, attempted murder, armed robbery... But when you sit down and chat to these guys there just like you and me. 

The best thing about this dorm is the brotherly feel to it, these guys love each other and look out for each other. There's no anger or fighting or anything like that, they're in this together. Whereas with the older orange guys they will stab each other! Yeah I'm keeping away from them!

The guys I'm with are between 20 and 26. They are serving sentences between 8 and 20 years. One guy I was talking to came in when he was seventeen in 2005 and has served 8 out of his 20 year sentence. It's crazy to talk to them and think that they'll be in here or another 10 years or so, 10 years is a long time!!!

Anyway, we all sat and huddled round and each of them introduced themselves; their name, where they are from; length of sentence and position in football. 

Then we just got to chat for an hour, we talked about football and what team everyone supports. 

At 12 we began to make our way to the prison field. It took us 30 minutes to get through the checkpoints but we eventually made it. Ju Ju took today's session then we went into a big 11-a-side match. 

And I played. When your playing with these lads you forget who you playing with, you don't see them as what they've done but who they are and each of them is really respectful and friendly. 

Let the game begin. I didn't hold back, in my competitive nature I wasn't scared to put some big tackles into these guys. From a corner I accidentally elbowed one of the guys in the head, not the best idea to elbow this murderer/rapist but he was chilled about it and played on without a complaint. Had a great game with them. They all commented on my game at the end. 

We then left the prison at 2. I'm in the prison 3 days a week. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday. 

Later that afternoon I was with Rahel taking a girls soccer practise which was funny. You know it's girls football when they start doing handstands in the middle of the game. 

In the evening Ully (that's the man I'm staying with and his wife heider) was running a table tennis evening at the church. Ully and Heider are heavily involved with the international students in Stellenbosch and run a lot of events. Boy these students could play! I thought I was alright at table tennis but was put in my place by Ully, he's such a good player, I had no chance. Did get in the zone at the end and won a few games :)

Tuesday

Let me talk more about who I'm staying with. 

Ully and Heider. They're an elderly couple originally from Germany and have lived in South Africa now for 38 years. They originally came over as missionaries and have worked all over South Africa but have been in Stellenbosch now for the last 12 years working with the students. 

They remind me very much on Nan and Graddad with lots of coffee and teas and cakes and bringing our meals out on a little tray with small plates. I had my first cup of tea ever with them so I'm starting to really like it :) They are such a nice couple who are really friendly helpful and kind. Feel right at home. 

Tuesday we were back in the prison but because of an early lockdown we couldn't take the boys to the field so we still went to say hello. Few of them all gathered round me and asked me questions while Ju Ju got one of the lads to shave his hair (he's funny Ju Ju making the most of his time there getting a free haircut). 

It's a real privelege to sit down and talk to these prisoners individually. They're are really smart and good guys when you talk with them it's crazy to think what they have done.

One thing one of then said really got to me. He said  "If I had the mind I have now before, I would never be in prison." He said that prison has given him the chance to think and see the opportunities he had before. 

Speaking to Ju Ju he has a big heart for these boys. He was saying that even after prison they are Imprisoned with a criminal record which ruins there future making it hard for them to get a job and change their ways. 

What Hope Academy is doing here is incredible work. It's opening these boys eyes to a new way of thinking and giving them hope outside of prison also a hope in Jesus. I have a lot of time for Prison work. 

In the afternoon I took a coaching session with a group of boys in Bellville. Session was good. It was a mix of white, black and coloured kids (I'm not being racist there, in South Africa it's racist to not call people coloured or black or white it's just how it works here) the white kids are from the school and pay for the coaching whereas as the black kids we let join in. 

On the way home in the heat of the traffic jam my car gave in as a pipe burst but Gods timing is perfect as it was just as I was by the entrance to a garage with a guy there who fixed it for me for R100 (£6.50)! 

Got home safely after that and enjoyed another evening with Ully and Heider. Ully spent the evening playing with the car and fixing it. I can tell he really enjoys it so I just left him to it. Then I got to Skype my beautiful family before going to bed. 

God Bless.  

All we need is a dove!

Day #62

Sun. 

Yes, sun. The sun was shining, the storm had passed. There was even a beautiful rainbow there to remind us of Gods promise never to flood the world again (on Friday night when I was in floods up to my nipples I was questioning that promise but God ALWAYS keeps his promises) so the rain had stopped and the floods went down :) all we needed was a dove and it would be pretty close to the bible story. Noah's Ark vs Bruce's Boat! 

It was my first Sunday in the Helderberg Church known as Urban Voice. I really love the church here, there is such a warm friendly family feel to the church with lots of friends and people to chat to. Again the worship was great and the message strong. 

In the afternoon, to celebrate the sunshine, we had a Braai. It was cool to gather round the Braai and chat to Bruce and two other friends staying here from Canada. 

One of them in particular was called Keith. He was an old man originally from South Africa. He is a very happy and cheerful chap who is a missionary also. His stories are powerful. Some of the things he has been through and then to see how he is soo passionate about loving Jesus and other people is challenging. 

One story really got me. When he was younger he was out fishing with his son when the boat capsized. The two of them swam to opposite sides of the river. Kieth said to his son not to try and get across but to wait there and he'll figure something out. Anyway the son decided to try and make his was across then Keith watched his son get eaten by a Crocodile. So now when he talks about his children he says I have a son here, a daughter there and a son in heaven. It was powerful. 

He's really into squash and uses it as a way of ministering to some of the young men. He has so far played with 111 different young men as a part of his project. So I had him a game. He obviously had played a lot as ha great technique and power but I showed no mercy and won 3-0 in games. 

I have really enjoyed squash here. The boys are incredible players as they play most evening and they're technique is outstanding so I have learnt a lot during my time here and feel pretty good. By the end of my two weeks I was even beating them. They have me hands down with technique but I know I can run more and I am stronger so used that to my advantage. 

In the afternoon myself and Simon headed in to a friends house to watch the Springbok vs Scotland rugby match. 28-0 to South Africa, boring game. 

Then later that evening I just enjoyed my last night with this special family. 

I have met soooooo many amazing people during my time here. People who I hope to be friends with and see in the future. 

God Bless.