It’s strange to think that we have already spent a week in South Africa; it feels as if we have only just arrived. There have been so many amazing experiences just like today, from the beautiful scenery to the life impacting interaction with the South African people.
Our seventh day was packed with activity. After another early wake- up call we awoke with the intentions of seeing one of the most beautiful places we have yet to see in South Africa. The drive was just under an hour and arrived at Cape Point, with another twenty minutes of vigorous hiking to the peek. Half way up the trail we began to feel the burn in our legs and the one thing that kept us going was the gorgeous oceanic views we were promised at the top. Once there, we were rewarded with one of the most beautiful sights I have witnessed in my life. With the ocean surrounding us on three sides, and the view of bay from a distance we stood there with our breath taken… literally! Once we saw the beautiful sight there wasn’t a hand without a camera. After the many photo-ops we started to make our trek down to get some much needed food in our hungry bellies. Before arriving at the clinic we stopped at Boulder Beach, which is made-up entirely of boulders with many penguin inhabitants. With the excitement of getting our feet wet in the ocean (which was absolutely freezing by the way!) we saw Jackie “train” a penguin to stick its neck out and follow the movement of her foot. Personally I think we were all waiting for it to attack her. After some more pictures we reluctantly left once again on our way to the clinic.
We were off to our next destination and the energy level in the van was very much depleted. It’s amazing how short a trip can be when you sleep 90% of the way. Within fifteen minutes everyone was asleep. I guess all we needed was some fresh air and a good hike to wear us out. When we arrived at the clinic we were very surprised to find that there were 150 children waiting for us. We were under the impression that we would only be demonstrating drills for coaches. We were pleasantly surprised and excited to be able to work with the children once again. After a quick reorganization we, the players, split up individually and demonstrated a different fundamental to twelve different groups of eight or more children. It was harder to work with the children here simply because of the language barrier, but with some magivering and some translation from the coaches we were able to teach the children the fundamentals of basketball. We ended the clinic with a short four on four scrimmage; I can say that this crowd was the loudest cheering section that I have ever heard. Lead by the couches the children began to cheer traditional South African athletic chants. After the scrimmage we shared some of our own. After demonstrating our Luther “L-U” cheer we said began the long process of saying goodbye to the children and coaches. Before we left we talked with the Hoops 4 Hope director and we learned that we, Luther College Women’s Basketball, are the first women’s basketball team to ever come to South Africa and teach. As a group we are honored and completely taken aback to have the opportunity of being the first. While leaving we said goodbye to the children again and while walking in the parking lot some of us got the chance to dance to the music coming from one of the children’s vans. We loaded up our van and we were off to our way back to the manor to shower and find some more grub.
While at dinner we shared our experiences from the day and ate delicious pizza and pasta. Along with our pizza we received three small bowls, one of which was filled with minced garlic. Now most of you know Jackie, you know that she is quiet the dare-devil and will not back down from a challenge. After being dared by Camille and bribed by Martin, Jackie preceded to eat two heaping spoon fulls of the garlic. Sadly to say Sam, Camille, Marci and Michelle were all sitting around her and got some very potent burps in their direction. Let’s just say we are all avoiding Jackie for the next two days… or at least until she does not smell anymore.
Taylor & Sam Laventure
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On Our Way...
The girls were excited to load the bus and start their adventure to South Africa!
It is great to hear all the fun you gals are having over there. Usually the first time I read the blog, there are no pictures up so I have to try & paint these images in my head. But when I check the next day there are pictures up & they just add so much more to the story. Safe travels home.
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