East London is a contrast from J'burg and far more relaxed down by the coast. The weather is still gorgeous and sunny, even though we're still in the middle of winter. Kim's mum took us to see the Sunday School children for the first time last Sunday. This was the first time we drove through 'real Africa' in a township, which is a shanty town with rows upon rows of corrugated iron roofs and people gathering on the streets, playing loud music and chilling out together. This is where the divide between the rich and poor became extremely apparent. And yet the upbeat vibe in this area didn't reflect the deprivation they lived in.
We were greeted by lots of excitable children aged from 6 months to 15 years old, extremely excited to see another 'white' face in their town. They sang lots of songs and we were given a card that they had made saying that we were welcome to their town. The night before Kim, Lynne and I had a production line going on in the kitchen and we made 8 loaves of sandwiches for the children along with a massive treat - Chocolate Cake!! The kids all tucked in to their sandwiches as if they'd never eaten before. All of the older children would help the younger children without any fuss, and the whole experience was very humbling. I was commented as looking like a barbie doll, ha ha and that was meant to be viewed as a compliment. Gosh if I had been wearing make up and jewellery I wouldn't like to think what they would have called me!!
The rest of the time we have been relaxing, reading, eating and drinking wine. On Thursday we are going to Morgan Bay where Kim's family have been going on holiday for over 100 years and his grandfather used to get there by horse back and a wagon! I think we will just take the car!
Speak to you all soon, Take Care
Nat and Kim xx
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