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Time to go home
Posted by: Tom Luke on 28 February 2008
At last, after being down for a week and a half (typical 'African time'), the computer system at Lebone is back on line!
Last Sunday we visited the church in the Townships again, and I was asked to preach there. It was amazing talking to all the people there, and having everything you said translated into Sutho, but they seemed to enjoy it nevertheless.
Tuesday was the monthly birthday party at Lebone, where every child who has a birthday that month is given a small present, and a huge cake is baked for everyone to enjoy. Many of the kids are still bemused by it all, as they have never done anything like this until they arrived at Lebone.
In the evening we said our goodbyes to all the older children, as they will be at school when we depart on Wednesday. It was a very sad time for us all, as you don't realise what effect you have on these children until the time comes to leave them. They have experienced so little love in their lives prior to coming here, so when anyone shows an interest in them it has a profound effect on them. Some of them even wrote us short notes telling us they loved us and didn't want us to go, which brought a huge lump to the throat.
Wednesday morning we shared in devotions at Lebone, and once again were shown so much gratitude and love for our visit from everyone there. The time has flown past, and we have often felt that we haven't achieved very much, but just being there and showing an interest in people, showing you care for them, can be all that is needed.
So now we are getting ready for the return journey, preparing to leave the sunshine of South Africa for the freezing cold winds of Barrow, and we are actually looking forward to it! The trip will take about 20 hours in total, with three flights, a train journey, and various waiting times in between, but I can't wait to get back!
See you next Monday.
