Friday, February 23, 2018

Durban, Day Five!

Today was our last day in Durban! Whew, that went fast! Kinda. ;) Today was a built-in free day so that the staff could get all of their shopping done (things in South Africa are much cheaper than in Zambia! Hildah's backpack is filled with lotion, cosmetics, and earrings!!) That meant a free day for us as well (translate = I hid so nobody could ask me to change money!) Unfortunately, on our ONE day to sleep late, I was awake at 6am!

I enjoyed our last breakfast with a view!

We can't get enough of the Durban beachfront view - I love this little town! (of 3 million people..but it seems small where we are!)

We cashed in our kids' airline miles that expire in March for $150 at a VERY nice spa and got couple's massages! 9th floor overlooking the Indian Ocean!

Pretty sure heaven will have a tub like this...

We then hopped in a taxi to head up to the Village Walk market for some shopping for our kids. I told Blu I"m an easy wife - 15 minutes and we were done and at a cafe for lunch!

Fish & chips and a chicken halloumi wrap!

We had just a little time left in our afternoon to hit the beach one last time!

Before supper, Blu took some of our staff to the beach - they'd been too busy shopping to enjoy it!

Mama Catherine

Mama Loveness

Melvin

Don't get those boots wet, Melvin!

Melvin helping Mama Loveness back up - I love this picture!

We all had our own supper at a local mall, so we opted for some shrimp and steak and calamari at John Dory's with Mark & Sheila! Yum!

When we got back, there were still a couple who hadn't been to the ocean, so Blu did a late night trip for Mama Zelly and Cecilia!

Cecilia was convinced that rubbing salt water on her arm would help her pain!

Love the smile on Mama Zelly's face! Blu said they were like little kids jumping back as soon as the water came near them, yelling, "It will sweep you away!"

Those of you who donate to New Day - thank you. You made this once in a lifetime trip possible for our staff. Every single one of them will tell you that their favorite part of this trip was the teaching we received during the retreat sessions. It blessed us all, and we are returning to New Day refreshed and ready to do the work God has called us to...with a few funny stories to share! ;)

Thursday, February 22, 2018

Durban, Day Four!

Day 4 was a great day in Durban! We are having gorgeous weather, and although it's humid, it hasn't stormed or poured and it has been beautiful! We started Thursday with another great breakfast on the 11th floor overlooking the ocean (so similar to a cruise ship!) We then had our last retreat session. It was a great time of worship, study of the 23rd Psalm, and then a time of Communion together. We were SO blessed by Mark & Sheila Bagwell. (Promo for their ministry, ShadeTree Ministries - a place of retreat in South Carolina for those in ministry! Check it out!)

We had a light lunch at Cafe Jiran on the bottom floor of our hotel!

For the afternoon, we booked 10 ladies for pedicures at our hotel spa! I think Mama Catherine enjoyed her first pedicure!

Mama Loveness

Mama Tembo

Meanwhile, I stayed busy working on the evening's dinner orders..

But took a break for my own pedi!

Hard to complain about good internet and this view!

Meanwhile, the guys (plus Liz and Mirriam) headed to the Moses Mabhida Stadium for a tour! It was a HUGE hit!

The vuvuzelas - harder than it looks to blow!

South Africa!

Elizabeth

Mirriam & Mulenga

They LOVED the locker room!

They had a race around the field - winner gets ice cream! (Melvin won!)

Meanwhile, I was all dressed up and ready for supper!

Wondering if Blu and the soccer crew were going to make it back in time....

4 taxis to supper at the Cargo Hold Restaurant!

All dressed up for supper!

The restaurant is in an old ship and has a shark tank from floor to ceiling that you sit in front of - so fun!

And the food's not bad either... :) Fillet of beef!

We found some interesting things on the walk back to the taxi line!

Aubrey was nearly eaten!

Mama Cecilia

Mama Zelly

Hildah... of course!

Oh no!!