Less than 2 weeks till we leave Melusi. Nic and Sam arrive on Friday 8th April and we leave with them after church on Sunday. We have booked accommodation in the Drakensberg mountains for 4 days where we hope to walk, swim, let Sam cycle while we visit local crafts and rest! Then we move to the coast and a game park before leaving Durban on Monday 18th. We stay in an hotel at first and I am worried about the contrast we will find after being here, eating mission food, working with the poor and then being served 3 courses and staying in a nice hotel. We have beautiful surroundings here and the house we are staying in has all mod cons, but we live simply. And some of the people in the townships have very little, how will I react?

I have had a heavy week. If I could keep my mouth shut and stop volunteering for extra duties it would be good. I have spent lots of time (27 hours!) in a very hot kitchen this week. Tonight I am so tired but cannot sleep (so am writing this at midnight). Last night it was 12.30 before I slept. Graham just drops off. Ugh!

After 2 months I am beginning to understand more about Melusi, South Africa and mission. Some things are quietly driving me mad and I am growing in grace! Some things make me sad. Some things make me respect and admire the team here. Some things I will miss very much including the children in the creche at Kwasithole. (I will not miss the creeping things in the kitchen!)

The residents call me wagtail or Busy Lizzie so that tells you something? I made them pudding today, something they don’t often get, and they were happy .One left this week after stealing from another resident.

Father God has been teaching me much about living in harmony with everybody and accepting others as they are. For me it’s a hard lesson. I would like sort some people out but what about the plank in my eye? (anyway I hate confrontation).

It won’t be too long before we are home. Tonight I could do with some hugs, but tomorrow Father God will give me strength again.

Thank you for your prayers.
With much love.
Marion