End of week 1

Day #06

Sunday morning and off to church. The church I was going to was Bruce and Louise's church in Capricorn. Capricorn community church which is mainly aimed for the local township. 

It was a real experience. 

It's hard to describe it. The experience was something completely different to me. It was powerful. The passion of the worship was amazing as they understood worship is a gift not to be taken for granted. 

Something challenged me once I was here and I've seen it a lot during my time here so far. Challenge: The most thankful people are those who have the least. It really challenged me today that we who have so much in comparison (well I'm talking on behalf of myself anyway) are no were near as thankful as we should be. 

Because I've grown up on the comfy cushion of society, all I know is the cushion, so we take it for granted that we are not on the cold hard chair. (Just a picture in my head) I pray this trip really challenges me to be more thankful to God for the countless blessing he has blessed me with. 

Anyway back to the day, 

After getting to know a few of the local boys in the church through the international language of piggy in the middle I headed home. 

For lunch I enjoyed the South African equivalent of a Sunday Roast, a large piece of chicken on the bone with some roasted veg. Just like home! 

In the afternoon, myself Bruce and Louise took a trip to Kirstenbosch National Gardens. These gardens were incredible, more like a small national park. They sat at the bottom of Table Mountain and offered walks up to the top. They also had a great view over the city. 

After that I went for a run up to Rhodes Memorial. The climb up was tough, I mean tough, but was a great place to take a pit stop and look over once again this amazing city. (And have a poo).

My first week in Cape Town has been a good start, an amazing start. I have a strong connection to this great city and look forward to my next 11 weeks here. 

God bless. 

Typical Tourist

Day #05

A new morning and the day was mine to explore. 

The journey to start the day was good. The sun was shining and I could see all of the large ports and skyscrapers as I drove into the big city. 

Today was tourist day. 

As an Englishman I felt obliged to fulfil my national duty and travel on the tourist sightseeing hop on hop off bus.

With the sun still shining I thought it would be the perfect chance for me to get a feel of Cape Town and see it in all it's glory. However the sun didn't last and before long the rain started meaning me and my fellow tourists had to dash for cover. 

Yet, despite the rain, it was still an interesting trip and I got to see and hear about (through the audio guide) a lot about Cape Town. The sun did eventually put his hat back on near the end of the tour as well. 

Next, lunch. And where better to go than the large food market which contain lots of different stalls serving lots of different food from lots of different cultures. (Just to let you know, the general rule is the food in Cape Town is incredible). 

So after a taste of Africa in the form

of South African Kebabs I headed into the city centre itself for the first time. Again I didn't really have a clue where to go so just wandered around finding a few cool spots including Greenmarket Square, a large market containing traditional South African stalls selling local gifts. 

After that, back to the food market to refuel and another wander round the waterfront. The waterfront is the place to be. It has a really great atmosphere! The mixture of blue waters, big boats, markets, street performers, different museums and shops makes it my favourite place (so far).

By this point the sun was out and skies clear blue except for the layer of cloud on Table Mountain. This is normal hear and they call the cloud the 'tablecloth'. 

Really felt like the South African weather had arrived at last! 

Late afternoon/ early evening was my favourite part of the day. I decided to take myself and The Tazz up signal hill (a large hill next to table mountain- and yes The Tazz did make it up). 

The sun was setting with blue skies and for the first time I saw Cape Town in all it's glory! The views from the top were incredible... 

Green point stadium and the waterfront...

Table Mountain and the city below... 

Robben Island... 

The perfect way to end the day- watching the setting sun on Signal Hill (now my new favourite place)

The drive back down was pretty exciting as well :) 

Waterfront wanderer

Day #04

6.45am. Alarm. 

Up early this morning; was heading to Chris' for 8 and wanted to be prepared for the rush hour traffic. 

I can safely say I've experienced the South African rush hour traffic, the predicted 20mins trip took a good 50mins even with my early wake up thanks to lots of cars heading for the big city centre! 

Chris lives close to Table View. Table View is an area on the outskirts of the main city but has a great view... 

Today was suppose to be my first day of training with Chris, he's planning to train me to develop and grow as a football missionary. Chris planned to teach me how to grow in my football ability, my Christian walk and my fitness. Our motto; be prepared to do anything and go anywhere!  

However due to the unforeseen bad weather we spent our time searching for possible training facilities and places for future football development projects in the local communities. We visited various primary and secondary schools in the local area and township.

Today I saw the great need for projects like Football development, bringing kids from the local community to teach them

Life skills through sport and tell them about the Good News of Jesus. Not many of the schools, particularly in the Townships, offer such chances for young people to enjoy these types of projects and benefit from them. 

Later in the afternoon/early evening I headed for Cape Town centre to wander around and explore the amazing waterfront. 

And to my delight the rain had passed and I could finally enjoy the last bit of sunlight.

Made friends with some of the locals as well! Spot the difference...

(Should of seen some of the faces of the people watching me take this photo; some funny looks for sure!!)

I'm really enjoying my time here in South Africa and beginning to love this incredible city! 

Say hello to my little friend

Well the Sun had long gone by this morning- back to big dark clouds. But that's not a problem! 

Today was a big day. Today's the day I finally get my own transport so I can explore Cape Town for myself and become less dependant on others for lifts to projects ect... 

Say hello to my little friend... 

It's a White Toyota Tazz. Yes, Tazz!! Its a great little car. It is a workout just to turn the wheel, but it's worth it. 

Driving around in a completely new busy city is great fun and you really get to fully experience the place! I'm excited for future journeys in The Tazz! 

After that me and Chris set off in the car, first to the Petrol Station, then off to Kensington, an area of Cape Town.

In Kensington we were going to Factreton Primary School to visit the Life Zone project which is ran at the school.

The project targets young children using football to help them in their lives. The work being done there is growing, its really exciting to hear the work God has been up to. The project is bringing more kids to the school, they are now full to the brim! The pitch you see was only put in last week and they have hopes to develop more pitches, facilities and eventually a sports hall.

It was great to watch all the school children crowd to watch this 7-a-side under 11's game! The energy was amazing. Football was making a difference, it was exciting! 

Look forward to see and learn more about the amazing work God is up to in South Africa. God is good! 

Also just to say, I've tried to fix the comments for this blog so would be good to hear from you while I'm out here. So please say hello in the comments below. When it says "comment as" choose "name/URL" and leave your name. Look forward to hearing from you. 

Sunshine and Trespassing

Day #02

Sunshine. The day started with sunshine. And for the first time I could see Table Mountain in all it's glory (it's massive)! 

Just didn't seem to be real, this great mountain of rock just sitting there in the centre of this busy city. 

So to celebrate the sun me and Bruce drove straight to Table Mountain, (well a monument part way up anyway!) It was amazing to get a view and take in the enormous size of Cape Town... 

 

It was incredible! And apparently on a clearer day you can see a lot more! 

In the afternoon it was time to get myself a South African Phone and sim... I'm quite happy with my little mobile, went straight for the cheapest one and came away with a good little phone... 

After that little trip i decided to go for a wander and explore around Claremont, the area in Cape Town I'm staying. 

So off wandering I went, all I had to do is make sure I didn't get mugged or lost, simple. 

The walk was good. I wandered and wandered and wandered. Didn't have a clue where I was going but just kept on walking (doing my mum proud)! 

I did come across a lot but particularly the Cricket Ground in Newlands. I tried my best to find a gap or a small hole to try and get a photo but the ground was well protected. However I did notice that the gate for the deliveries or workers of the ground was open.

So keeping the reputation of scousers alive in Cape Town I crept in! Look left... Look right... No-one. But what I did see 

Well there was only one thing to do after getting this close... 

With Table Mountain in the background of this amazing empty stadium It was incredible! I think even I could enjoy a game of cricket with this backdrop. Class! 

Didn't get to stay too long, I didn't fancy getting caught for trespassing. 

In the end I avoided getting mugged and did eventually find my way home. Good Day, hopefully even better ones to come! 

Baphumelele

Day #01

So my first day in Cape Town...

Well the start of the day was fairly chilled. After not much sleep travelling I made the most of the comfy double bed and slept in until 9, eventually getting out of bed at 10ish...

In the morning I had the house to myself with Grace at school and Bruce and Louise out and about. 

In the afternoon I had my first trip to one of the townships with Louise... 

Louise is a Doctor who goes to various clinics and health centres to train some of the carers regarding health issues and treating patients. Today's training day was at the Baphumelele Respite Care Centre about Cardiovascular Diseases. 

The township we went to was Khayelitsha, the second largest township in Cape Town. It was such an experience to drive thorough the township and see what day to day life looks life for millions of South Africans living in townships like this one! (The clinic itself was in quite a built up area of the township, most of the township consisted of crowded metal shacks and long isles of shared toilet cubicles)

The Training Day was really good! It was interesting to watch how Louise interacted with the carers and I learnt quite a lot myself! Also, it was interesting to listen to what the carers thought about these issues.

Really enjoyed my first day in the township! 

I got a strong feeling and understanding of the background tensions between the different racial groups In South Africa!

The Township was particularly challenging today, the contrast in lifestyles between us living in Liverpool and these South Africans in the Townships was extreme! 

I'm looking forward to my next trip to a township and getting more involved with those living in these tough conditions! 

New Home for the next three weeks

I've safely arrived in Cape Town! 

After almost 24 hours of travelling it was great to finally walk out of the airport and not have to think about the next flight, passport control and what gate I've got to get to next!

I was greeted by two smiling faces in the form of Chris and his friend Sara. They were both really friendly and I got the full South African welcome! 

At first it was fairly sunny however sadly that sun didn't last long and the clouds came in! 

Well after leaving the airport we went to meet a few different people all involved with different sport projects and ministries out here in Cape Town! I got a real feel for the place and it's people. 

Then it was to meet my new family for the next three weeks! Bruce, Louise and Grace... all are really friendly and very welcoming! They are a really nice family with a great little house. 

So here's a little tour of the house...

And my room...

Got a chilled day today as we sort out what I'm going to be up to the next three weeks and some practicalities such as a South African transport and some transport.

But I'll be going out to one of the townships this afternoon with Louise who is a doctor. 

Anyway Im excited to be here and can't wait to get stuck into all the works and projects!