Hey Bus Driver…..MOVE THAT BUS!!!!!

What an amazing day!!  We started out the morning attending Potchefstroom Methodist Church for the 8:30 youth service.  The boys and girls attended in full school uniform which included blazers and hats for the boys.  The service was in English which made it possible for us Americans to participate.  Jordan Ridge and her friend Tiaan played drums and guitar in the praise band.   A special guest spoke from the Prosecuted Church, an organization which helps spread the gospel in countries where Christianity is banned.

After church we headed to the Mooi River Mall for a few hours of shopping.  We got souvenirs to take home and housewarming gifts for the family moving into the house we’ve been building.  Donna McFadden and Deb Boyd did a fabulous job picking out sheets, towels, comforters, books and toys for the family.

Afterwards we came back to the guest house for our last lovingly prepared meal by our favorite caterer, Riaan.   We presented him with a thank you card signed by all of us.  He shared a reading with us about a devoted husband who quit his job to care for his ailing wife.  The kicker was when he read that this gentleman felt like he didn’t HAVE to care for her….he was privileged to care for her.  Of course tears filled the room.  Sadly Riaan lost his own wife just last year.

After lunch we headed over to the job site one last time.  We met the family and had a housewarming party with the Mosiac friends and families and the Germans.  Then the moment we’ve all been waiting for all week….the presentation of the new house to the family….Marta and Mofati and their 4 children….2 boys, 2 girls, 3 of which are foster children.  Between the house and the gifts there were again, more tears of joy!   The family was sooo grateful to be receiving a real brick home for the first time with room for everyone, indoor plumbing and electricity.  They had previously been living in a one room tin shack called a Mokuku.  It was like an SA version of Extreme Makeover Home Edition.  Now I understand the amazing joy the design team and volunteers share when they yell, Hey Bus Driver…MOVE THAT BUS!!  While we were there we shared cake and juice with the family and had many photos taken of everyone.  Aunt Suzie and her husband Louie even made an appearance. 

Lastly we closed out the day and this very special time in Potch with a pizza party back at the guest house with Meyer, Louise and Carine from Mosiac.  In the morning we will present our Inn Keeper Helena with a thank you card for putting up with our crazy requests.  So sad to be leaving Potch, but looking forward to heading to Pilanesburg Game Reserve tomorrow for a real South African experience and then get ready to head home.  Miss you all!!

--Sharon Roche