Robbie At Rehoboth

Yikes

2008-12-19T14:56:00.002Z

So as I sit, exactly 5 months and 5 days after I arrived in this beautiful country I have but one question...where did the time go? Where did the months and weeks go? I look back at my time in this country and see that it has not been without adventure or thrill. Things have been happening left right and centre in all aspects of everything and I think time has finally caught up. My months here have been brilliant. Working with the kids again, being involved more intimately in their day to day lives. And this is not the end. I see this as but a start to a relationship between myself and the kids, the staff and friends here in south africa.

Leaving will be bittersweet. I will be loving the country I love, leaving the job and the kids I love. But where a chapter of my life closes, another will open. God will open the pathways and the doors I have to go through. I am not alone in this new chapter of my life. I am trusting in God every step of the way.

So what have I learned from my time here? Its the old cliche. you have a life changing experience and so the obvious question is what did you learn? What have you gained. Well apart from a newly found knack of the zulu language, this question is hard to answer. I guess it boils down to a new respect. Ive learned a new respect for the gifts God gives us. to often we take for granted what we have, from our shiny new cars and abundant christmas presents, to our mere mortality. We take for granted that we are alive. I did. I took for granted that I would live until 85 playing golf every week and sitting with my slippers in front of the fire. I took for granted my life and I got one heck of a kick up the backside. Viewing the pictures from my car accident, one sticks in my head. The sight of tyre tracks mere inches from a tree that if hit, might have been tickets and bucket kicking time. Life is not an obvious or freely given thing. Our lives cost dearly so we need to realise that we better use them properly. Walking from a smashed up car I realised that i had to make my life worth something. To often people live within a boundary they set for themselves, calm and secure within the limits of what they deem comfortable. Thats not what life is about. Russell W Maltby said this;

Jesus promised His disciples three things: that they would be entirely fearless, absurdly happy, and that they would get into trouble.

So that is why things are bittersweet. Yes, I am leaving when I probably would rather stay. But I know that when and wherever i go, My God will be with me, encouraging me to be entirely fearless when I get into trouble and absurdly happy when he delivers me from it.

I would like to apologise for the lack of a blog while I have been away. I dare say some may be annoyed that I havent kept you up to date with what Ive been up to. But I see it this way, we will have plenty to talk about the next time I see you.

God bless.

Robbie

Blogs and bookcases

2008-11-10T21:36:00.003Z

Hi guys. Firstly apologies for the lack of contact in recent weeks. One reason or another has made it so getting my blog done has been an almost impossible task. My internet in my room that I used last year has infuriatingly ceased to work for unknown reasons. And then the internet cafe I use to update my blog has decided to shut down. So updating has become some what of a mission.

The past month has been nothing if not eventful both personally and for Rehoboth. At Rehoboth we have just had a group from Canada leave after staying with us for a week. They were such a blessing. They came and just got completely involved in Rehoboth, helping out wherever they could. They got extremely involved in the planning for the next Rehoboth, something which really seems to be getting off the ground now. Very exciting times. My work has produced some suprises recently.

I had the task of making two bookcases for the offices. Now,one would be fine, because you can make one and it looks ok, but when someone asks you to make two exactly the same, problems arise. I am not a carpenter, let's just get that out of the way early. I can barely hammer a nail without breaking fingers or use a drill without splintering the wood. But, against all the odds, and fortunately, I have today completed the two exact same lookingbookcases. Quite an achievement I think. And they now stand in the offices and haven't fallen down yet.

The homework class has gone from strength to strength, children are making progress by the day. To see children learning to write and count really uplifts me personally. It's such a nice sight. One of my main objectives has been to try and get the kids to use their imagination. they have so much potential but are never really given the freedom at school to express how they feel. So we did an exercise where we banned the words "nice" "good" "bad" and "Ok" and they had to write anything they were thinking. The results were amazing. It really gives you insight into how the children think when you allow them to just go for it and just think freely.

My promotional work is going really well too. I have just finished a new video for our child sponsorship program, so expect to see that soon. It's very moving but really grips you and urges you to make a difference. Or I hope it does.

The children are all doing well. Sports is going well with the children,although I am strictly in watching and advising as its still a bit too sore to get involved since my accident.(After someone ran out in front of the car, but thankfully wasn't hit.)

Since my accident things have been ok, physically. My back is still the most toublesome thing. So I'm going for physiotherapy on Tuesday and have organised to see a chiropractor after getting some x-rays from the doctor. Just rather be safe than sorry.

And finally, I am coming along quite nicely in my learning of Zulu. I really started learning properly a few weeks ago and Its coming along well. So much so that some of the staff ask me to tell people what they are trying to say when they can't say it in English. I just hope I can keep it up, because it's such a nice skill to have and means you can really relate with the children as well as the staff.

If you could please keep all the children in your prayers and all the staff
and management of Rehoboth.

Thanks a lot.
Rob

Reaching out

2008-09-24T08:50:00.002+01:00

Hi Guys.

Since my last blog entry, things have been busy busy busy. After the death of Samke, Rehoboth was on a bit of a low. But we couldn't stop or rest as there is always so much work to do. Since then, I have been busy in all areas of work at Rehoboth. Manual work has seen me outside, sorting out storage rooms, filing equipment, generally tidying the place up. My promotional work has been stepped up aswell, burning new dvds and making new pamphlets on a weekly basis. I also have the joy of helping in the baby creche every day. It is so much fun being with the kids. The energy they have puts me to shame most days and they can just go on and on and on, running circles around me and talking absolute nonsense (something we have in common i think). Homework with the kids is going from strength to strength aswell. They are really starting to get to grips with the work they are doing and they are all responding really well. They are really proving themselves to be very clever children. (absoultely nothing to do with the teacher!).

I have also been trying to branck out and meet more people in the church. Over the weekend of the 11th september, myself and 24 other guys from the Norweigan Settlers Church went down the wild coast to Mkambati Nature Reserve. We spent 3 days there on a fishing weekend. I was a little apprehensive to go at first as I didn't really know anyone but they all made me feel so welcome. Wake up was at 5 and then we had coffe and started our days fishing. It was my kind of weekend as we had coffee and rusks at 5, brekkie at 10, snacks at 12ish, snacks mid afternoon, and then supper in the evening. And in between that we did some fishing. I fished quite well for my first time sea fishing. I caught 3 shad, 2 Keranteen and an Eel and won the prize for the most improved fishermen. I had a brilliant weekend. And to cap it all off, on the friday night, we had a real caveman dinner. Just a pig on a spit! My kinda weekend.

This last weekend, I also had a weekend away to a bible camp not far from Rehoboth. we spent the weekend there with 14 leaders ( me being one of them, i know, don't laugh, me a responsible adult!) and 74 children. It was an awesome weekend of music, games, fellowship and unfortunately constant rain. It was brilliant however to see kids come to Christ, see kids openly praising God and not being bothered what their friends thought. It was an amazing weekend. I look forward to hopefully being involved again.

And that brings us to today. Heritage day in South Africa means a public holiday so a day off from work. Nice time to relax and just enjoy the south coast.

Until next time.

Rob

Times are hard

2008-09-06T08:58:00.002+01:00

You may be sitting at home at work or wherever you are wondering why I have entitled this entry as times are hard. Well, yesterday, one of our school children who had been in hospital for almost a month, gave up the fight. She died at about 10 yesterday morning.
She had been in hospital diagnosed with TB. Now, this is hard on so many levels. Firstly, it was avoidable. Samke (the little girl) had her white blood cell count taken in march and in july. Both results were lost. It came back that when they were found she was critically sick. She had been susceptible to so many diseases during that time.
Secondly, Rehoboth has never had a school child pass away. I had to inform the school yesterday which broke my heart. The teacher broke down, knwoing she had lost one of her pupils.
Also, this housemother of Samke also lost another child in January. She said when she was told of Samke yesterday, "they're going to take all my children!" I have never experienced the loss of a child and I never want to but i felt the very real pain.

Despite this, we know our God reigns supreme. He took this little girl and gave her life eternal.

Death is not the end, it is the beginning of a new, vibrant story bursting with an eternity of happiness and joy.

Apologies for the lack of news. I will update tomorrow. But hopefully you will undertand its a bit of a tough time just now.

Please hold Rehoboth and everyone in your prayers.

Love and Blessings.

Rob

Hey Guys

2008-08-16T11:13:00.002+01:00

Well, after a month, I am finally getting sorted with my blog. Due to the problems the internet has nowadays I am having to write at an internet cafe on saturday mornings.

The first month has been nothing if not eventful. Having arrived in the middle of july, and that being the middle of winter here, I had envisaged cold weather, wind and rain but one month on and its only now we are having our first rain.

When I arrived the team were very happy to see me but work got started staight away. We have had two teams from an organisation called exodus in the UK. There was a team from Scotland and Northern Ireland. They helped decorate some houses. They were a real blessing and I got on so well with them. The last team (the Irish team) left last week but they left lots of happy memories with the kids.

My work has been hectic, trying to get all the promotional stuff together for Yvonne and Alfons's trip to Australia (they left on monday) And now I have a big list of things to do when they aren't here.

A big difference is now that I can drive. Its so good and so useful. Im really enjoying it, even the double overtaking from the taxis.

Socially, I played my first round of golf yesterday at Port Shepstone. I only played 9 holes but it was just nice to get out and get some exercise in the fresh air.

Please email me if you want. either at robert_the_hobbit87@hotmail.com or at rehoboth.info.org.za.

Thanks Guys.

God Bless

Rob

Finally Back

2008-08-09T09:59:00.002+01:00

Hi Guys.

Sorry for the late post. Between busy work schedules and internet problems. I will write about my trip so far tomorrow evening but just wanted everyone to know I am safe if not 100% sound. I am enjoying it so much here. The weather is hot and it hasn't rained more than a few drops since I've been here. Thank you for all your support and prayers. I miss you guys.

Love and God Bless.

Rob

Final Call - Mr Thomson

2008-03-11T08:45:00.000Z

And so the time has come. As Mr Sinatra once said. Except if t was my way, I'd not be writing this.

I'd thought about this for ages. Dreaded it for longer. The thought of leaving rips me apart. I have found my place. I have found my calling. I know this is the country I want to be in. The thought of exchanging this for the drunken rabble of the bigg market, sends shivers down my spine. I have no idea what I will be like when I come back to England, so for those in close proximity, I apologise if the usual bubbly guy isn't too apparent.

To me, I've only just started. I've only just started getting recognised by people I now class as friends. I've started to establish myself with people, people have come to know me. And it just annoys me that I have to leave.

I am excited to see friends and family in England (don't worry mom). I want to catch up with whats going on but there will always be a part of me lacking something.

It's that something that will bring me back in July. Its the feeling of waking in the morning and not wishing to be anywhere else. Its the feeling of walking and feeling the sea breeze kiss your neck as the sun beats down. Its the feeling of optimism of what this country has to offer and what it can be and the possiblity that you could play a part in that. Its the feeling of being part of the solution rather than merely being the one to point out the problem (isn't that maybe even more apparent closer to home at church perhaps?). Its the feeling of being at absolute peace.

That is what I will miss and what will make me come back.

I always wondered why my dad always wanted and still wants to be home in South Africa and now I know, because I am exactly the same. I want to be here more than anything. I belong here and whats more I believe God wants me here. He has opened every door for me to come back in July so I think he wants me back to continue his work.

I feel like the disciples after Jesus had ascended up to heaven. They all just wanted to stay in that moment of absolute perfection, but had the divine task of spreading the gospel to the world. They had to leave their comfort zones and doing God's work. And thats what I see myself doing. Leaving this comfort zone, this perfect moment and going out to spread what God has done and what he still intends to do through me.

I will be very busy when I get home. I have 4 months to raise the money necessary to return to Rehoboth in July, so if anybody has an ideas or ways to help please contact me. they will all be very much appreciated.

I would like to tell you all that even though I'm at home I will be continuing my blog until I return letting you all know how my preparations for July go. So stay tuned. Your comments have been brilliant and I thank God for blessing me with such avid readers who even though I stray from the point, still stay focused and support me.

God Bless.

See you soon

Rob

Pray Without Ceasing

2008-02-21T15:23:00.000Z

Firstly apologies for the lack of the blog last week. I wasn't aware it hadn't posted until someone mentioned it today that last weeks blog hadn't appeared. Well as the Guiness advert said, "Good things come to those who wait." So with that you can wait until next week.

Until Next Week

Rob

Just Joking!

"O my strength, I sing praise to You; You, O God, are my fortress, my loving God."

If you remember in a previous blog I spoke about how Mike Macpherson gave his testimony about how we shouldn't wait for something bad to happen before we make right with God. Well that week, those words saw fruition. Last Monday, I had dinner with Ryan and Reece, the management couple at Rehoboth. Tuesdsay morning, when speaking to Reece she said she felt so ill. She had pain in her side and asked me to look after her daughter so she could sleep. She went to the doctor during the day and was told that her gall bladder was inflamed. She got pills to take but had to go back last friday to have a check up. By friday she felt fine so thought that whatver had happened had worked. It hadn't. She was told she'd have to have an operation on Tuesday this week. I went to see her 6am tuesday morning as I was watching her kids. She was nervous but knew it was just a routine op and she'd be home by wednesday night. the whole day dragged badly. Time went so slowly. At 5pm I got a message from reece saying if she knew it would be this painful she would have chickened out. It put me at ease a bit as I thought she was out and just recovering. At 7.50pm we got told that Reece had been rushed back into theatre as they had found internal bleeding and her blood pressure had sunk big time. It was then I remembered Mac's words. I then prayed like there was no tomorrow. I have never prayed so much in my life. I was with Lindsay and Sophie and just prayed and prayed. Thankfully, we got told at 10 oclock that she was out and in ICU. We went to see her yesterday and she was in so much pain. But today she is in the surgical ward but is doing so much better.

Isn't it wierd that when things go ok, God is so far away, but when something goes bad, God's the first person we blame. I am number one culprit. As it was a routine op, I didn't pray nearly as much as i should have then tried to barter a deal when things went badly.

"Don't wait for something bad to happen, to make right with God." Mike Macpherson.

And to top it off, the topic of my devotions this morning - Pray without ceasing!

Until Next Week, technical problems permitting!

Rob

And last but certainly not least. Thank you so much for all your prayers and thoughts. It seems I am better and am 100% totally safe if only 10% sound. Thank you so much for your messages and everything. It makes things much easier to get through.

God Bless

Plans Can Be Changed

2008-02-05T15:30:00.000Z

Firstly I would like to apologise for the lack of a blog last week. I have been ill for 12 days now and finally went to see the doctor this morning. He told me that I had a swollen liver and that I had hepatitis. So he took my blood and sent it to the lab for testing. Not being a medical man, ( i used to think haemoglobin was a monster under my bed) I asked what would happen. He said that if my enzyme count came back and it was very high then I would have a viral hepatitis, but if my enzyme count is low then I would have just hepatitis. So that is why I was unable to write my blog last week.

For those of you reading this blog in Holland, Prudhoe, South Africa or Blaydon you may know the name Mike Macpherson. For those of you who don't know his name you will by the end of this blog.

In June last year, Mac was told he had lung cancer. In January this year Mac was told there was nothing to be done for him. He lay in a hospital bed basically waiting to die. Doctors didn't think he'd see out the week. He was basically told to sort things out because all the drugs were doing was prolonging what life he had left.

Last wednesday Mac went to the doctors again, to be told that from having both lungs full of the cancer, the left lung had almost completely cleared and the tumour had shrunk from 6cm to 4cm.

From being a man ready to die weeks before, he is now a man with hope, a chance of life. And it is all down to God.

Mac gave his testimony at church on Sunday. I sat there feeling horrendous, with tears filling up my eyes at the amazing testimony this fantastic young man had become. He knew he wasn't meant to be here. He knew he should be dead, but as he said, "God had other plans."

He spoke with conviction, love, awe and wonder at what God had done. His words can galvanise. His words can touch those having rough times. His words can change lives. Or should I say God's words through him can change lives.

From being a man ready to die, God has given him another chance. What an awesome God we serve.

And as Mac said on Sunday, don't let something like cancer shake you into getting right with God, walk close to God, so when bad things happen you have the best coping mechanism.

Let us never forget the gift of life. Let us never forget who we should give glory to when things goes well and who we should find solace in when things go bad.

Until Next Week.

Rob

On Gains and Losses

2008-01-21T20:27:00.001Z

"Celebrate good times, Come on!" - Kool and the Gang

We celebrated this weekend. Rehoboth Children's Village has been completed, by the grace of God.We had an amazing day with over 350 people there. I car guarded then braaied all day which was so much fun. Quite Ironic too. Being told how to drive by someone who can't drive and having an Engelsman braaing for you. The day was brillaint though and the main theme that ran through was that God had made it a reality but we also had to look forwrd to what happened next.

So where to now? Do we kick back and relax? Do we move elsewhere? Is that where God wants us to be? Where would we go if we did move forward?

In 2 John: 8-9, the aged apostle pointed out two special threats to ministry; the danger of losing what we have gained and the danger of making gains that are really losses. All of us, whether it be the leaders, trustees and workers of Rehoboth or you at home need discernment and wisdom to detect the dangers and overcome them.
As to the first danger, John tells us, "Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully." Sometimes we are so anxious to move forward that we lose focus of what we have already. It wiuld be easy for us at Rehoboth to just up sticks and move to another run down area and develop a new village. But then the children we care for at the minute would suffer emotionally as our focus would be diverted.
The second danger is that of making gains that are really losses. Verse 9 reads. "Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God."
To go beyond the fundamental truths that we live by is to make gains that are really losses. We must know the truth, live the truth, defend the truth and share the truth with others. But we must never go beyond that truth.
This is why God's work is so important, and why it demands the very best that we can give it. We are on guard duty for God, staying alert to protect our gains and rejecting profits that are really losses. If you ask, "Who is equal to such a task?" (2 Corinthians 2:16), the answer is clear: "Our competence comes from God" (2 Corinthians 3:5)

As part of the celebration day on Saturday and having mentioned that I write poetry, I was asked to write a poem about a child coming to Rehoboth after being in the community. And as I wrote this poem, I felt myself in this child's position and it just reminded me how privileged to care for these children and throughout the time we care for these children we should never stray from the truth of why we are doing this work. And as the scripture says, even if we ask if we are equal to the task, we must just remember that our competence and our ability to do this work comes from God.

As I type this, the wonderful, magnificent people at Eskom (South Africa's only electricity provider) have decided to cut our electricity in what is known as load shedding, which is probably the worst idea since Abraham Lincoln decided he was bored at home and fancied a night at the theatre. For such a large country as South Africa to have to cut electricity to supply everyone is diabolical. The bright sparks at Eskom cut power to everyman and his dog in South Africa but gives power to Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique for free. Where's the logic in that?

So from the fat cats at Eskom, with their own generators, lighting cigars with R100 notes I apologise and I'll have to post the poem next week, power permitting.

Until Next Time

Rob

Rejoice! Again I Say Rejoice!

2008-01-15T15:31:00.000Z

"If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." (Romans 14:8)

Throughout the course of history galvnization has occured through loss. It is evident in war and battle. When a side suffers a loss, that side returns galvanised, united by grief but also by hope and perserverence.

Last Friday, we lost a little boy to a convulsion he suffered whilst staying at the local hospital. Having admitted this little boy earlier in the week and remembering him resting on my chest, the loss made me wish to go back to that time we were in the hospital. They say hindsight is a beautiful thing and with hindsight there are things I would have done differently. Maybe I would've tried to make him laugh more, made him feel more comfortable, play the clown and generally try and brighten up his day. But what instead happened was that he sat sleeping on my chest, probably dreading leaving familiar settings for the scary and daunting hospital bed.

The week went past with people from Rehoboth going to see him every day just to let him know we were still around and that we hadn't left him. The weekend came and his Housemother went on leave for the weekend. She left on Friday knowing this little 9 month old had the medical attention he needed, and returned on Monday to the news that he had passed away at the weekend.

Devotions yesterday were a sad and sombre occasion as everyone got told of the bad news. People had heard at the weekend but the everyone heard on Monday. We then all had the tough task of trying to organise a celebration day that is happening on Saturday. I knew that it would effect the dynamics of the workers and staff and at first I thought that it would effect them negatively as many people cried, some tried to hold it together, others didn't know what to feel and his poor Housemother sat, in tears, wiping them from her eyes, trying not to let her other kids see. How could we celebrate when this was going on?

Then this morning happened. Devotions began with a beautiful song and the words read;

"Soon and very soon we are going to see the king,
No more crying there we are going to see the king"

Then amongst the silence and murmurs of kids whispering, Thandie the housemother of the little boy who passed away, broke into song. She sang with emotion, feeling, love, despair, joy, pain all in one. The tears rolled down her cheeks as she sang so sweetly, until she broke down. As I mentioned galvanisation often occurs after loss and as Thandie sobbed into her hands, it was so uplifting and amazing to see children, workers, other mothers lend hands of care, offering support, giving what they had to comfort her.

Alfons then taught from Philippians.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus!"

It was the perfect message for the situation. It was a message we all needed to hear.

Before we left, Alfons asked for a translation of the song Thandie sang.

Mak, the Rehoboth driver responded;

"It's about the glorious and beautiful house God has built for us in Heaven. We cannot see it with our eyes but only in our hearts can we see it."

For that moment the squabbles and infighting were put to the side. Mothers sat with each other, comforted each other, worked with and for each other. Rehoboth had been galvanised in the event of this death. Yesterday I thought this might have had a negative effect on the village but now I believe we can celebrate properly. We can celebrate the blessing of life and the promise of Christ that one day we will all walk with him into that glorious and beautiful house in Heaven.

Rob

Nice to have a niche

2008-01-07T17:31:00.000Z

Charlie Chaplin once entered a Charlie Chaplin lookalike competition and came in
3rd. But more about that later.

So with the Christmas festivities at an end and relative calm restored, I returned to Rehoboth, refreshed, revitalised and ready to go. I had had 10 days of brilliant relaxation with family and had a great time with Ali Clark who came for a mid-year break.

It was of course brilliant to see the children again and it was nice for the kids to have their climbing frame returned to them. They were also ecstatic to see Ali again, as she seems to have a real way with children and they love to play and chat with her.

However as soon as I arrived I had a sense of coming home. I'm a firm believer that the best feeling in the world is coming home and getting into your own bed. And it felt so good after nearly 2 weeks of travelling and moving from here to there, to finally plonk my head down on my bed.

If I didn't feel at home after the first night in my bed, then my workload definitely made me feel like I was back. It's amazing how many things build up in the way of promotional material while you're away. I have been working non stop since last wednesday. This is all in preparation for the 19th of January when we are having a celebration day here at Rehoboth in celebration (obviuosly) of Rehoboth being completed inside 7 years. It gives us a chance to invite everyone who has supported and sponsored us in the past 7 years.

So with possibly 300 people coming and everyone needing to be accomodated, alot of the promotional work has fallen on my broad and mildly burnt shoulders. It is however fine because, due to my misspent youth computers are right up my street. It had also given me a purpose here, a purpose I was struggling to find a while ago. I seemed to do little jobs and worked on the fringes but never really headed up getting things done. And now this event came along and created a niche that is perfect for me. So I am thankful for the oppurtunity given to me not only in my work but by the fact that God placed me here for this purpose. He did however give me another talent, being big. This week has been a testament to my size. Merely hours after Ali and I stepped off the plane in Durban I was in the pool throwing the kids from here to there, something that they'd been deprived of while I was away.

Also on Monday, one of our little boys got admitted to the local hospital. Yvonne has ben certain since he arrived that he had not only TB but meninigitis and everytime was told to get antibiotics and see what happens. So we went back on Monday, Yvonne and myself and this 9 month old baby and was told that he did indeed have TB and meningitis. So after 2 and a half hours and a sore head from trying to understand the Zulu nurses Yvonne finally got admission forms. All the while this little boy, struggling to breathe, having spasms every 30 seconds, cuddled into my chest, or what my grandmother lovingly calls puppy fat or what my brother not so nicely calls, "man boobs". Anyway, this made me think that if I was skinny and boney, his wait with me wouldn't have been half as comfortable. That leads me on nicely to Charlie Chaplin.
When I heard of this tale, I just thought they didn't recognise him in the lineup and passed him by. And as this week has progressed it made me think that they never saw what was in front of them. The same can be said for us. We search far and wide for something that is actually right in front of us. We search for talents we want and can't see what we have. I hadn't seen my size as much of a benefit until I came here. I didn't think my computer skills would be much use, I hadn't recognised what was right in front of me. So the message I want to leave with you this week is, don't hurt your eyes. Don't look too far for something that is more often than not right in front of you.

At time of writing the little boy is still in hospital and isn't doing too well. Please keep him in your prayers.

Until Next Week

Rob

Showing my face.

2008-01-01T09:52:00.000Z

As some of you may know, I have spent Christmas and New Year away from Rehoboth and have spent the time with my family in Johannesburg. The festive time was a really nice time of relaxation and just a time to chill out and put my feet up. I have missed being at Rehoboth and on Christmas day I was thinking how excited the kids would have been opening their presents and playing with their toys.

I feel like the George from "It's a wonderful life" getting to see things at Christmas as if I weren't there only this time everyone is happy and not sad.

On top of the Christmas with the family, I spent 5 days at the Kruger National Park with Ali who came out for a mid-school year holiday. We had a great time, seeing lots of animals but the elusive leopard still wasn't found. It was nice to catch up with stories from home and share stories of Rehoboth.

We return tomorrow and then it's back to the hard work for me and time for Ali to see the kids again. Its also time to get things sorted after a break at just the right time.

I hope you have all had a wonderful time of celebration. And I pray you all have a blessed and prosperous new year.

Until next time.

Robbie

Season's Greetings

2007-12-26T08:55:00.000Z

To all those people at Prudhoe, Montrose, Blaydon, South Africa and anywhere else this blog is being read, I would like to say, I hope you had a very nice christmas and wish you all the best for the new year.

I hope you have had nice times with family and friends and I hope everyone ate much more than they should have.

Until next time

Robbie

Pride Goeth Before A Fall

2007-12-18T18:56:00.000Z

"What most commonly leads a tragic hero to his downfall is nothing other than pride." Aristotle

In my devotions this week I was looking at the story of Samson. He was the strong oke with the big muscles who klapped all the Philsitines. There were many times Delilah tried to subdue the great man before she finally won. If it was me I would've become sick of the woman and put her out on her ear, but it was Samson's pride that stopped him doing this. We all know how the story ends. Samson, blind and bound brings the temple down on the Philistines, killing more at his death than he had in his whole life. Samson's tragic fall led to the end of his freedom. He was a prisoner to the Philistines, a sorry figure used for entertainment. So goes the great hero.

After reading this story it reminded me of the times I've put what I've done before what God has done. Whether it be building the fence or archiving videos, my pride put my achievements before the achievements of the one who gave me the knowledge with which to carry the tasks out. I was so proud of everything I've done and still am but need to remian humble, knowing that no matter how much I do, God has done so much more.

I sorted videos and stored them - God sorted the stars in space and stored them
I created a fence in 3 weeks - God created the world and everything in it, in 6 days.
I made a music library for the mothers - God made the ears that hear the music and the hands with which to play it.

As you can see there really is no comparison. I'm not trying to compare myself and God, I'm merely pointing out how futile it is putting self pride before honouring God.

I'm not saying pride is wrong either. Pride is what made things what they are. British football fans wouldn't be half as passionate without the staunch, churchill-uesqe, bulldog pride. I feel pride when I hear of Britains green and pleasant lands rising out of the dark satanic fields. I'm proud of being Scottish. I'm proud of my South African heritage. I'm proud to be a Christian. I'm proud of the children here. I'm proud of the way a little boy here hugs and consoles his crying friends. I'm proud of the way a child, brought to Rehoboth in a wheelchair with a twisted spine is now the best dancer, here, drawing children from the older classes at school to his class, just to watch him dance or the child who is now starting to walk of his own free will and ability.

There is nothing wrong with pride so long as it doesn't replace the honour of God.

Aristotle used the Greek word Catharsis meaning cleansing. Having seen a great person fall, people should be cleansed of their own pride.

I'm not sure whether you know it, but at the minute the ANC party in South Africa is electing a new leader. It's a tight run affair between Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma. If you had asked me 6 months ago, Thabo Mbeki would have been my number one choice by a hundred miles. And even though he is still my number one (purely because I'd rather have Hannibal Lecter than Jacob Zuma), the margin is much closer as I ask myself what happened to this once promising President. Ear-marked by Madiba himself, Mbeki had the chance to make South Africa strong and stable, but as his pride pushed the country's objectives further aside, so the country slid down the rocky slope. Pride forced the former exile to deny the link between HIV and AIDs therefore denying millions of South Africans the right to ARVs and proper medication. A man who aligns himself with the tyrant Mugabe and would rather jet all over keeping face with politicians of the world than sort the problems on his own doorstep.

If this is what can happen to a President and in the case of Samson, a great fighter and leader, it stands to show what a destrcutive force pride can be.

So I ask you to pray for the minds of the men that run this country. May they not seek personal agendas and look to line their pockets with money needed by the poor, but push their pride aside and admit there is a problem and that the country needs help.

For as the old saying goes; "Pride goeth before a fall!"

More Pictures

2007-12-10T18:59:00.001Z

Photobucket Album

His Love Endures Forever.

2007-12-10T15:53:00.000Z

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His faithful love endures forever." - 1 Chronicles 16:34

Last Tuesday I went to the Port Shepstone Office of home affairs. I had my application to extend my visa until the middle of April denied. I was told that if I didn't make change my flight home to before 14th March (6 months since arriving here) I'd be going home in time for Christmas. In medical terms this was like a kick in the teeth. I'd planned to stay until the middle of April and holiday after my stay at Rehoboth, but instead I'm now coming home on the 15th March. Now, people have told me how gutted I must feel at this news. However, when weighed against the possibility of returning before Christmas, I look at the extension of the 2 extra months as a blessing rather than a curse for missing 2 weeks.

God obviously has a plan for me, or else I wouldn't be returning in March. I just have to be patient and see where he guides me. I'm not stressed, I'm not gutted, I'm not downbeat. I'm positive, I'm seizing the day, I'm not worrying.
I read the Bible verse at the top on Sunday morning at church and just had to smile. I just flicked to the page and it just jumped out. and I had to ask myself the question,

"What do I have to complain about?"

And after much embarrasment and searching the answer was, "Absolutely nothing!".

So, I'm going home 2 weeks early. My initial disappointment had distracted me from the important fact. God has been so fantastic to me. He has blessed my life more ways than I can count. Wherever I look I see the evidence of his hand guiding me and watching over me.
I'm alive, I'm not dying, I am happy, I have friends, I have a loving family, I am in a beautiful country, I am surrounded by beautiful children every day, I am enveloped with God everyday, I go to a brilliant church with people hungry for the word of God, rather than a church hungry for the roast after church. I have absolutely no reason to feel down, and every reason to rejoice in the Lord.

That is why I intend in everything I do, to give thanks to the Lord for he is good. And that's why you should.

Forget the fact that you haven't got all your presents for Christmas sorted and remind yourself of the fact that you're blessed enough to have people to give gifts to. Forget the fact that the next door neighbours light's are better than yours and rejoice in the fact that you have a place to put the lights. God sees and provides and that has never been more evident than here at Rehoboth. We need money for something and the money comes in. We pray and God provides. This alone is evidence enough of how God's faithful love endures forever but coupled with my personal experiences and blessings, my heart rejoices in the goodness of God and how he guides the lives of everyone, whether it be here at Rehoboth or you at home reading this.

That is why I'm not downbeat about the visa. When I look back at the blessings I've received, how can I be downbeat? I am instead upbeat at where God's faithful love will lead me next.

I feel like the psalmist at the time of writing psalm 34;

"I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth"

Until next week,

Rob

Construction In Progress

2007-12-02T19:35:00.000Z

"For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." - 2 Peter 1:8

There is an old saying that says, " A man don't know nothing he hasn't learned."

In other words, we all start at the same level and build. Even genius relies on the data given it. Shakespeare used play books, Mozart used overtures from previous pieces of music. This does not diminish what they have achieved but points out that they have built on the work of someone/something else.

This was what I read on Monday morning in my devotions and for some reason it just stayed with me. I didn't know why to start with but then I started work. On Monday I was archiving photos and videos from the past 5 years. Burning them to disks, then deleting them from the computers. Alfons, the director of Rehoboth starting talking about me carrying on from where their previous "archiver" had left it.

And then it clicked.

My work here at Rehoboth, whatever it is, is carrying on the good work started by someone before. My archiving of the photos was started by someone else and now the baton has fallen to me to carry it on. Like the devotional reading said, it doesn't diminish from what I am doing, but rather just acknowledges those who started it. On Tuesday, Nicholas ( a Rehoboth worker) and myself started lashing steel together for the foundations of a building. What we were doing wasn't anything new. It's something that has been done on every building of Rehoboth. We weren't doing anything that hasn't been done before but rather carrying on the building work that others set into motion.

I shared my epiphany with Nicholas who was only to happy to listen and only to obliging to tell me his thoughts. He told me that it didn't matter for him that it wasn't anything new. He was happy to have work and he made the very shrewd point that if we weren't continuing where others left off, would we know what to do? Would we know where we were going wrong or where we should be going?

The same can be said for the early church. The disciples, charged with the task of taking the word of God to the four corners of the world were carrying on what Jesus had started. Paul, so instrumental in taking the word of God to many people, was doing the work that Jesus had begun. And so it carried on. Through characters such as Martin Luther nailing his 95 theses to the door in Wittenburg, or Charles Wesley getting saddlesore taking Methodism across England. These people were not doing anything brand new, never before seen. They were simply carrying on the commision of Christ. And that is what we are called to do as Christians. We need to be taking the baton willingly for the next leg of the journey. We will die and someone else will take over from us and do the work we were doing. Our work isn't useless or not needed, far from it. We are important in being here for this leg of the journey.

In my interaction with the kids I think the same. I am here, carrying on the work of someone else, e.g. looking after and caring for the kids, but the fact that I'm carrying it on is so important. One instance that comes to mind is from last year. Sally Leat and Steve Carrick both became extremely attached to one girl who was very ill here at Rehoboth. In the two weeks we were here with the church, Sally and Steve spent so much time with this girl, playing with her, trying to make her smile, make her happy. And looking back I see my work here as carrying on the work they were doing, as now it is my job to make the kids happy, make them smile. I'm simply building on what they did.

Until Next Week

Rob

"Brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall"

Todays Brilliant Technology

2007-11-26T19:10:00.000Z

Due to problems with my blogging website I am unable to publish pictures. However because I am of the computer using, time wasting generation I have been able to publish my pictures on a different webiste. So just click on the picture and it will take you to my pictures.

Rob

Finally Some Pictures

2007-11-26T19:06:00.001Z

Photobucket Album

Be Someone's Shoulder

2007-11-26T18:35:00.000Z

"Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." - Romans 12:15

Whilst reading my devotions yesterday morning, I was praying about what to write on my blog this week. I always get an idea and then try and see if there have been any examples of it during my work at Rehoboth in the past week. As I flicked to my page in my devotions, I stumbled across the Bible passage from Romans and things began to slot into place, the rabbit working the controls in my head started turning the cogs and my ideas started flowing. Happy Reading.

I remember reading a story from America not so long ago about a minister who had to tell the parents of a twelve year old boy that he had drowned at a church outing. Some while later the parents told about the moment he told of their son's fate.
"Rev. Allen didn't preach to us or tell us to be brave. He broke into tears and wept with us. We will always love him for that." This was the spirit Paul captured when he admonished believers to "rejoice with them that rejoice and weep with them that weep."

We live in a world today where so many of us are afraid to show sentiment. We hold back from the comforting arm around the shoulder as we are bothered about what people will think. We would rather be the priest who walks past on the other side of the road than the samaritan that stops and cares. Maybe it's our stiff upper lip, "we'll fight them on the beaches" british reservation to show empathy. Maybe it's down to our upbringing, our schooling, our surroundings or maybe it's our self image. We'd rather stand back and let someone cry alone, than swallow our pride and be the reassuring hand.

Yet if we look at the Bible there are countless occurences of great men being moved to tears. David is the most vivid example, and even Christ wept over the city of Jerusalem. We say we live by the example of Jesus but yet we do not live by his caring example.

I had this problem. I used to put self image before the betterment of others. At work I would see people obviously distressed and carry on, not willing to take the time to see their situation and what their problem is. If you note, I used the word 'had' this problem because being here, you simply can't live with that attitude. By coming here you volunteer to be like an extra body part to these children. You go through what they go through. You laugh when they laugh. You cry when they cry. Blow the reservations or the self image.

A perfect example of this was last wednesday. Some of the children were booked in for check-ups at the hospital. A lot of the children suffer from ear problems, so we went to the hospital with 7 children to let the doctor see them. The youngest boy there, was a 2 year old, that I had in my arms. This was a boy that lived in the hospital the first six months of his life. He has been to the hospital more times than anyone cares to remember. The doctor saw the other children first then called for the 2 year old. As soon as I moved to stand up, he gripped my shirt and buried his face in my chest. The fear of this child was so evident it was scary. We went into the booth and he sat on my lap as the doctor started checking his ears. At first he was ok, but then started the whimpers. I looked in the reflective glass in front of us and saw his eyes fill up as his bottom lip quivered. Almost instantly, I felt my throat tighten up and my lip started to shake. The doctor carried on despite the whimpers and completed the check-up. I sat there, tears beading down my face, as this little 2 year old boy sat sobbing on my lap.

It was wednesday night after cell and I sat in my room thinking about what had happened that day. I turned to my Bible and the marker in was in at Psalm 126:5,6.

"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."

This is why I am challenging us all to resolve to show our sentiment today, as the oppurtunity arises. With those who have been most fortunate and are basking in the joy of recent accomplishments or blessings may we sincerely rejoice and thank God. With those whose hearts have been broken may we share their grief, feeling deeply for them and reaching out ot them in love.

Have a great week,

Rob

I would like to take this oppurtunity to offer my condolences to the Taylor family who lost their Granma this week.

James 4:8 - "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you."

Start Acting Up

2007-11-19T19:54:00.000Z

"Preach the gospel to the whole World and if necessary use words" - St. Francis of Assisi

I think too much emphasis is put on the importance of words. Words have the ability to destroy things, break-up relationships or lead people in the wrong direction. So why do we use words if they have such a destructive nature? Of course, words can also be good an bring about happiness, joy and smiles, but a person's wrong words are remembered more than a persons right words.
For Example. Michael Fish can give a thousand weather reports and people will still remember when he said there wouldn't be a hurricane. And I'm sure the Newcastle fans will remember Kevin Keegan uttering those famous words, " I would love it..." with those exaggerated ear phones and typical eighties hairstyle, Or an emotionally charged boom town rat telling the world what to do with their money at Live Aid in 1985. It's our human nature to remember the wrong things people have said or done. Whether it be Tony Blair's 45 minute Armageddon countdown or Donald Rumsfeld not knowing what hes saying about known unknowns and unknown unknowns.

Proverbs 10:19 "When words are many, sin is not absent, be he who holds his tongue is wise."

That is why I prefer to place importance in actions. During my stay here at Rehoboth, there have been so many examples of things I've seen that words can't do justice. Like a possibly destructive, angry, irritable young boy taking his 2 year old "brother" in his arms and rocking him to sleep. The words don't do it any justice. Or seeing a little 3 year old boy standing on a box and giving his aunty a hand with the dishes.

The actions of the children here prove the point I'm trying to make. They acted and their actions made someones day. It's about time we moved away from just words and started acting. Actions are the things that are going to change things. Politicians that sit and squabble all day don't change the world, it's the 3 year olds washing dishes and the angry boy that cares that do it.

That is why my challenge to you this week is to act rather than speak. In the words of a Nike advertisement, Just do it. Help one another, show that you love someone rather than telling them.

Let people know that you are of God by the actions they see you do.

Until Next Week

God Bless, Rob

P.s. Jesus came into this world, with a heart full of love for each and every one of us and died out of love for each and every one of us. We know Jesus' love by his actions. Not once did Jesus say "I Love You". He rather let his actions do the talking, a lesson that we can all learn from.

Progression at a Standstill!

2007-11-12T20:06:00.000Z

This week was very much one of progress and standing still perfectly balanced, all in one week.
In terms of progress, things came along brilliantly. The Sandpit got finished. 12 tonnes of sand sieved, planks nailed in place, plastic laid down and finally all 12 tonnes of sand mixed with 450 kg of salt = one very nice sandpit. Progress was made in baby creche with certain children saying first words, others realising shapes and recognising colours. However for the others, my face still resembled a jungle gym and my nose a punch bag, however I've become used to it now. I guess that's why God made me thick skulled...I mean skinned.
On the other side of the coin, however, the thoughtful state of standing still was very apparent in me. Usually my brain works at a mile a minute. Granted, that alot of the stuff that whirls in my head is rubbish but I at least there's something there, something to think about, ponder or work out. Even if it is only ideas like printing newspapers on sugar paper to reduce pollution and littering.
But this week I just took the time to stand back and marvel at what can happen through faith. It's said that with the faith of a mustard seed you can move mountains and it's true. Just looking back over pictures of 3/4 years ago, it's amazing to see what God has done at Rehoboth. He's moved everything, And I guess that's why I was in this intellectual limbo all week. I was meant to just look at what had been achieved and look at what was still to be achieved.
With so much talk of a 2nd Rehoboth being built hopefully, I assumed that everything here was finished and done, but then it struck me like a 3 year old's foot in the nose. After all the building is finished and everything is looking nice, there is still the massive responsilbilty of looking after these kids. It's something that goes on under the surface. Everyone sees the aesthetic things like the buildings and the brilliant hand made, perfectly constructed fences, but it's the care these kids receive that is paramount here. Throughout this week of making these aesthetic things, that fact has hit home that little bit more. Especially when a child in baby creche, usually so full of beans, lively and so awake and alert began to droop, become weary and look so distant all the time. And it hit me like a two year old's finger in the eye. The materialistic things here count for nothing. Sure, they look nice and make the place a nice place to be, but the kids come first every time. Which is the way it should be. That is why I had my mental block this week. To ensure that I never forgot that fact.

James 1:27 "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this; to look after orphans in distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

A Perspective of Power

2007-11-04T18:48:00.000Z

Firstly I would like to express my deep sense of gratitude to everyone who took part in the Geordie Night on Wednesday. From all accounts it was a fantastic evening. I would like to thank all those who attended and gave money. As Francis of Assisi said, "for it is in givng that we receive".

Thanks a lot.

Oscar Wilde once wrote, "In this world there are only two tragedies. One is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it." This is evident if you look at the story of Solomon. In 1 Kings 8:23, Solomon prays a prayer of complete dedication to God, but after getting every materialistic thing he wanted, he started to depend less on God and more on the props around him.

This week we had a massive power cut. It happened on Monday night and we didn't regain power until wednesday night. In that time, everything went down. Phones, laptops, ovens, lights and T.V's. And all the time I sat there by torchlight praying that the power would come back. Everytime I prayed, it didn't come back, time and time again, it stayed dark. Then wednesday night came and the lights came back on.
At first I thought it was brilliant, but then with the lights came everything else. For that brief spell of 2 nights without power, I read my bible more, I prayed, I had time with God to think and work out what I needed to do, and it was brilliant. With no films or programmes to distract me, God became my number 1 choice again instead of Bad Boys 2 or The Matrix. It was in this quiet time that I read the story of Solomon and it felt like a mirror image. Obviously I'm not a king and I don't have hoards of cedar and pine and gold like he did, but I had begun to put material things ahead of God and began to depend on them. Comfort came before commitment.
During the time of the power cut, the kids aswell as myself had a lot of time to read, play with one another and play outside, something that in the long run I believe is more beneficial for them than watching videos in creche or at home.
Work was hard without the power with alot of the hard yards being done by hand rather than by machine, again possibly a blessing in disguise? God blessed the land with rainfall again, not only in the storm that caused the power cut but also regularly in the evenings, maybe just a reminder to us all of who is in charge and who calls the shots around here. This week we also had a visit from an American team, who are friends of Robin Nash the Creche teacher. There were 7 of them and they worked so hard sifting sand for sand pits and painting planks. To me it seemed that, they, like the power cut were a blessing. We couldn't do any machine work so God provided us with enough man power to get the job done nevertheless.

As I mentioned the power returned in time for work on thursday and friday, however the rain did not cease meaning that the work done this week had been kept to a minimum. Was this just purely a coincidence or was it a sign? Could God have meant for the power cut, to bring us out of our ways of materialistic dependency? Was the rain a way of God demonstrating who we should put at the centre of everything? When the Lord appeared to Solomon he said that because "they have embraced other gods...the Lord brought all this disaster on them." Let us not put other things before God. If the power dies, so what? We have the main power source with us all the time. If my laptop runs out of battery, so what? It allows me to spend more time with God.
To answer a question I posed before, "Could God have meant for the power cut, to bring us out of our ways of materialistic dependency?" I have reason to believe the answer to be "yes". Having asked on Wednesday night how all the farms surrounding Rehoboth would cope without power, I was told that everyone else had electricity. The lightning had struck only Rehoboth's circuit box, meaning we were the only ones without power. To me this is more than coinicidence. However I will let you draw your own conclusions.

Until Next Week.

Rob.

Thanks and Hope It Goes Well

2007-10-31T15:16:00.001Z

Just a quick message to all those attending and taking part in tonights Geordie Night. Thank you for all your dedication and commitment. I hope it goes well and that you have a great evening of fun and fellowship.

Gan Canny!

Rob

Progression

2007-10-28T21:20:00.000Z

Matthew 6:34 - "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own"

The fourth week at Rehoboth marked me being here for a month. On one hand it's great that I still have 5 months of work left ahead of me and I've already done, seen and experienced so much. However, it's gone over in the blink of an eye. Which, having worked every hour God sent this year, is a shame. Every day I thank God for bringing me here. I wake up every morning and smile knowing I'm here, doing work for such a fantastic cause.

I read this passage shortly before writing my entry for my blog tonight and realised it pretty much encapsulates all of what has happened this week. All this week, today has been a big enough day to deal with, let alone sorting out what tomorrow will bring.

Mondays at Rehoboth mean one thing...meetings. After the management meeting in the morning, the volunteers sort out their rosters for the week and sort out where they will be at what time. Me, being the optimist assumed it would be a fairly calm week weather-wise, with it being spring and not really hitting the heat yet. How wrong I was. 2 hours later, sweat pouring from my head, drinking my bottle of warm water and wondering why there wasn't a breath of wind. And to top it all off, in the 2 hours, I'd managed to ground only 8 poles from the 36 needed for the fence outside Rehoboth. The heat was like a wall. Hitting you in the face and then making your water hot to top it off. The Lord showed his mercy in the afternoon. As i sat eating lunch, I beamed with a huge smile as I saw a massive black cloud hover overhead. It was quite nice aswell as it reminded me of home!
Progress was the name of the game on Tuesday. All 36 poles grounded, compacted and ready to go. All of this after a morning picking plastecine out of my nose. Having spent the morning in baby creche, where the progress started. For the last month, we have had a little girl showing absolutely no signs of life, communication, reaction or emotion. Everything I tried resulted in blank stares. Every time I tried playing peek-a-boo or pulled a funny face or spun her round (which the other kids find brilliant), there was nothing. It became a serious point of prayer for us all. All we wanted was a smile, or at least some show of emotion and this week it happened. From nowhere, this child exploded with life and in the space of 4 days, she is attempting crawling, laughing, playing, having fun and generally doing what kids are meant to do. It just proves - Nothing is impossible for God!
My pizza making skills were tested again on Tuesday night as we invited Ryan and Reece Sullivan the site managers down for supper. Like last time, everyone had a great time. The pizzas were very nice if I may say so myself. I guess I didn't work 70 hours a week for nothing!
On wednesday, God wanted to make me feel at home, so it was cloudy. But the blanket of grey provided the perfect cover to get the fence on the road finished. With a lot of help from Ryan, I completed the fence, hammering horizontal poles in between the vertical ones, making it strong and sturdy. However, we have not tested it yet, we are still waiting for a willing volunteer.
After a hard day of work, cell was a nice way to unwind and finsih off the day. It is so nice to leave the village for the evening. Living at Rehoboth somehow puts you in a bubble. You could quite easily not leave the premises for a week and not have a problem but it's always nice to meet together for fellowship and fun with each other. There was the obvious gloating done for the Rugby final last week, good job I was excempt from it.
Having finished the fence construction on wednesday, I was able to spend the morning in baby creche again, which seemed to have overnight turned into a camp for grouchy and moody babies. One minute it was someone getting hit with a toy, the next it was one of them throwing puzzle pieces and they seemed to take it in turn to cry. I guess this doesn't really paint a pretty picture of me one day being a dad, but then I suppose I'm not going to have 17 babies at once...I hope.
Next on the list for me, construction-wise, was a bannister for the volunteer accomodation. That was started on thursday lunchtime and come friday morning, done and dusted. How's that for progression. It was however all Ryan's work. I stood there, lumbered the poles around and varnished the poles, but a done job is another to be ticked off the list. It was however interrupted during these 2 days by 3 new arrivals at Rehoboth. The first boy of 3 months old came in on thursday, wrapped in a blanket and absolutely petrified. Which was exactly the same look as the other two new arrivals, a 6 year old girl and a 12 month old baby, the sibling of the 3 month old. It is totally understandable that these kids would be terrified. They are being plucked from a completely black community and placed in something totally alien to them. However at time of writing this blog, all 3 are happy and well. Again a brilliant example of not only what fantastic work Rehoboth is doing but also a reminder of what a fantastic God we serve. He holds every persons future in his hand and everyone of them is special and precious to him.
It is brilliant to look back on this week and see all the progression God has made come about in this village. May your prayers for Rehoboth and the work it does continue.

Until Next Week

God Bless,

Rob.

(Look out next week - Lots of pictures)

I Cut Myself Shaving - The Blood Was Green!

2007-10-21T16:31:00.000+01:00

Hie Komme Bokke!!

My Third Week at Rehoboth began as the last week ended, wet and windy, however I am happy to say that as the third week of my stay draws to a close the sun is shining and not a breath of wind is around.
For those English rugby fans reading this, I'll not torment or tease you, I just want to say one word, "Shame!". Last night was a night of jubilation, celebration and relief. Like 12 years ago, everyone is on a natural high and it's a pleasure to be part of it. In fact the first words that the church pastor said this morning were, "Good Morning World Champions". We were the best team there and this is the perfect note to the politicians of this fantastic country. Let's choose talent over tone!
As I mentioned though, the week started less bright and cheerfully. With the weather being as bad as it was, outdoor work was put on hold and making new CDs and Videos for the kid's toy library was the order of the day. Monday night, was for me a time to just relax, after a strenuous night of rugby watching against Argentina on Sunday night, monday night involved sleep, sleep and more sleep. Tuesday saw yet again more rain and high winds so my morning involved spending time with the kids in the creche. It was brilliant to see for the first time a 1 1/2 year old girl smile for the first time. She has serious issues at the moment so everyone is making a concerted effort to see her advance and improve in her condition. The creche has 17 children in it, all of them under 3 years old so it is seriously hard work making sure none of them cry, fall over or hit each other, but I and any other volunteer in the creche is working with Olivia and Busisiwe, two fantastic women with such patience and control over the kids. Tuesday night saw the end of the deliverance course at the Gates of Praise church in Margate. It was an extended session which saw us there until nearly midnight. A whole 5 hours of teaching, prayer and advice. It's been fantastic to attend the sessions that give me more knowledge and insight into my faith. It has also been a fantastic oppurtunity to meet new people and share experiences and opinions.
Wednesday started with a brilliant sight, Sun! With this brilliant weather, I grabbed my shovel and spike and set about making holes on the side of the road going into Rehoboth. With the clearance of the trees it is now very apparent just how steep the hill is, so I have been charged with the task of building a fence to stop cars taking the scenic route. After lots of hours of hard work and sweat and some cuts and bruises later, the holes are set for the poles to go in. It's fantastic to see something I'm doing come to fruition. It's something to be proud of, but I also know that it's not me doing the work, I'm merely the vessel that gets God's work done. And to me that is an amazing privilege. In the evening we went to cell and carried on our DVD series by Rob Bell. Its brilliant to share in fellowship with people my age, with similar interests and opinions.
Thursday decided not to follow Wednesday's example and reverted back to wet and windy. However, I still went out and firmed up the holes making sure they hadn't collapsed or the poles hadn't gone walkabouts down the hill. The rest of the day was focused around finishing off the CD library for the mothers. In the evening we joined Yvonne and Alfons for a meal at the Spur, a nationwide Steakhouse chain. It was brilliant to talk socially with essentially my employers over a very nice steak and chips. Friday came and the weather was again quite bleak, so I quickly checked the holes and went to creche where the kids were only too delighted to use me as a human climbing frame. I guess that's why God made me big and bulky! After the kids returned from school, I thought I'd introduce them to a rugby ball. The first lesson was all about passing and catching. (Don't worry, they won't be tackling each other, however, they may try to collectively try and take down me).
The kids didnt have long though as Friday night was the start of the kids dancing performances at the local twon hall. 50 or so local kids took part and the 3 perfomances had taken weeks of practice and preparation.
My turn to go was Saturday night (I know the night of the final). However I was happy to realise that not only were our kids in the first half but due to medicinal requirements and purely because they were so shattered, we left at half time and arrived back at Rehoboth to clench the badge and sing the anthem.
Church this morning was an experience in itself with everyone beaming ear to ear (except Lindsay). It was fantastic aswell to see people, less than 12 hours after the match, put it to one side and worship God and remember that he is more important than any sporting event.

Until Next Week

God Bless

Rob

Wet

2007-10-14T22:52:00.000+01:00

The Second week of my stay at Rehoboth could be described in one word...wet! Having being ridiculed by friends and family for bringing four long sleeved jumpers to South Africa in Summer, my decision seemed more than justified as the rain and wind continued. This led me away from any outdoor work planned for the week. My plan had been to finish the guttering around the houses and move onto the securing of the road into Rehoboth with a barrier and cemented beams. Instead I started up a music library that takes effect in 2 weeks. The idea is to have 10 CD cases with 5 CDs in. Then once a week the house mothers can borrow a case and have music to listen to for the week. This meant that someone had to find lots of music to put into these CDs. And seeing as the weather had set in, that became my task.
The bad weather also allowed me to spend a lot of time in the baby creche. The baby creche ranges from babies (funnily enough) all the way to 3 year olds. I love being in baby creche. The kids just want to play and have fun. Even if it does involve scooping plastecine from their mouths and trying to explain why we shouldn't paint our faces purple. We have such good fun, just reading, playing and generally being with the kids.
The incessant rain also let me spend time with the older children that the group from church spent so much time with last year. It's a very humbling experience to sit with only 2 or 3 kids and begin reading a story. And as the story progresses more and more children come around, not necessarily to understand the story but just to be with their friends, laughing at the pictures and at the way the portly, geordie narrator goes over the top with the storytelling.
A big talking point of the week has been the Lake Eland bike race this Sunday (14th). Alfons and Ryan are taking part and so many trips have been taken in the rain preparing for the 45km race. Obviously with my athletic build, i would have jumped at the chance, but some things aren't meant to be.
Evenings at Rehoboth, scarcely equal quiet time. With such a wide range of people and characters there is always something new to do, somewhere new to go. Monday night was spent at the van der Galien household (yvonne and alfons) after a trip to the local KFC. Tuesday was another chance to go to the deliverance course at the Margate church, Gates of Praise. The leader of the course Steve, a man involved in deliverance for 17 years pulls no punches in his sometimes aggressive and boisterous seminars. His topic is not for the faint of hearted either. His focus is on what people need deliverance from, whether it be greed, jealousy, anger or other things. Now, having attended last week, leaving the church my head was in such a state I couldn't agree on the colour of grass, so intense the seminar was. So this week i came armed with a pen and paper and made notes of what he said and what he meant. Having re-read the notes it seems to make more and more sense. The final session is on Tuesday where we can ask questions and have open discussions. If anyone else is like me and has reams of questions, I think a sleeping bag might be in order. Wednesday night was cell night. It was very much a depleted number compared to the first week I went, but the discussion topic was nevertheless very insightful. It was about God's image of the church. Would God look at the church today and shake his head? Would God endorse the squabbling that occurs in almost every church? What can we do to get our churches back on to the right path? Answers on the back of a postcard please. Thursday night was a lovely evening where Ryan and Reece invited me for supper at their house. It was lovely spending the evening with such lovely, God-filled people. The food and fellowship left me in no doubt that I was meant to be here.
The weather did pick up at the weekend with temperatures reaching 36c on Saturday and higher on Sunday. Summer is well and truly on its way.
The weekend has, however been about one thing and one thing only...rugby! With the talk of 1995 on the lips of every South African, the dreams of millions hanging in the balance, the country has been completely enveloped in the possibility that South Africa might win the Rugby World Cup, 12 years after Joel Stransky gave it a good old lick at Ellis Park in front of Madiba! At the time of writing this entry South Africa are in the final and playing England, and sorry to those of you that thought I would support the men in white, my blood runs green and gold!

Until next week

Rob

New Surroundings - Week 1

2007-10-07T17:31:00.001+01:00

After arriving on friday the 29th, it was a surreal feeling finally going back to Rehoboth. When i left last year, things were so much different. I had kind of expected it to stay the same but reality was far from that. After dropping off my bags in my room and meeting Joan and Tamara (the other volunteers) I made a turn to the first 3 houses built to see the kids that I spent so much time with last year. They were all thrilled to see me and arrangements were made to play football the next day. Saturday was nothing but absolute madness!The shops were, how you say, eventful! I bought plenty of vegetables (There you go mum!), bread, pasta but no milk, margarine, meat or drinks. Luckily, the first week consisted of some meals at the main house with Yvonne and Alfons so my shopping blunder wasn't to evident.
At Rehoboth, they are adamant that you don't work at the weekends. This is so you can have your own time to unwind, relax and get used to culture changes.
Sunday brought the first church outing with the kids. They attend the Paddock church about 10 mins down the road. The older children all go, with one or two house mothers and the driver, Mak. The church is an old school building where the church only starts when everyone has arrived. The relaxed idea at this church extends into the service which was very refreshing. It was refreshing to be in a place where the preacher could speak for 40 mins if he wanted, or the singers could sing another song if they wanted. It was refrshing to be in a place where people's need for God made them listen and acknowledge everything being said. It was brilliant after the service to meet up with Penel and Adelaide, friends I made last year. Penel even went so far as to say I should go and make pizza for them. It's funny that I travel 6,500 miles and can't escape Pizza.
Then Monday came. The first day was an orientation day, showing me round the village and refreshing my memories of last year. I had a meeting with Yvonne and then Alfons basically telling me what my tasks were around the village. Having mentioned that I was handy with a computer, I set about assembling a computer in a house for the house mothers to use. This is so she and a friend can teach themselves (with the aid of a disk) how to manage computers, type letters and generally build up basic computer skills. In the afternoon we had a 10th birthday party for one of the boys with cake, crisps, sweets and juice. Which all went down well with not only me bu the kids aswell. Not bad for a first day.
Tuesday morning was the start of real work as I called it, my first full day. After spending the morning in the creche with the babies, I started cleaning the gutters on the office. After days of heavy rain, leakages were becoming a problem so I became chief gutter cleaner, which later turned into gutter dismantler. Tuesday night came with a deliverance course at a church in Margate. Now, I am not an expert on deliverance and don't think I ever will be! I probably didn't help joining the course half way. That coupled with the fact that I was dealing with concepts I had never thought about let alone heard of. Oh well, we'll see what next week brings.
Wednesday, after more guttering saw my first cell meeting here at Rehoboth. It was in Umtentweni, just on the coast. It was at the house of the cell group leader Mark. It was evident from my first step in his house that I would be made welcome, and I was. 3 hours later, we left after studying a very worthwhile DVD from Rob Bell an American Pastor. Like the night before I joined half way through a course but unlike the night before I got into straight away and had a really great time at my adopted cell group.
I mentioned before that I couldn't escape Pizza even in South Africa, and this became apparent again on Thursday night. I had had a hard day at baby creche in the morning and guttering in the afternoon and then i remembered we'd decided to host Yvonne and Alfons for supper, and I was making Pizza. To cut a long story short, it was a great success with everything being devoured ( and not by me either).
Friday came as a massive relief. After a long week it was nice to unwind at the end of the day. Creche had taken it out of me in the morning. The kids were so excuberant and playful which is nothing but good, but after a few too many fingers in your nose and knees in the crotch a lie down was well deserved.
The weekend is mainly a time to shop, with little time to shop during the week. However this time I was armed with my list. Everything bought, ticked off the list and still with some change.

Until next week.

Rob

Off to Rehoboth

2007-09-27T07:33:00.000+01:00

After 2 weeks of just relaxing, it's off to work tommorrow. We leave Jo'burg at 12:45. Should get into Durban at 2ish. I am looking forward to just getting stuck in and working but also looking forward to get unpacked and settled in. Living out of a case is not really my favourite thing. I'll blog again when I've arrived. Thanks for reading.

Rob

Jo'burg

2007-09-18T09:00:00.000+01:00

Hey Guys.

Robbie here. From a very warm Jo'burg. Everyday so far has been very nice, very warm and generally nice to just relax in. Just been doing the usual things, stocking up on things I thought I bought or buying things that I forgot to bring. There's talk about going down to Rehoboth this weekend and just chilling out at the coast for a week or so, but we'll have to see. It was interesting to look as we drove around yesterday at people on the side of the street begging. Now, having been here many times before, it's not something new to me, but I was speaking to my aunty who was saying that there are certain guys who walk with a blind or handicapped man, making their begging more realistic and somewhat appealing. It turns out that most of these guys are from Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Up North. They are brought to South Africa as they are told it is a better way of life. It just makes you think, that if this is better than their life up north, there must be something seriously wrong with the state of Africa. It just made me think.
Well, thats all for now. Hope everything isn't too cold in Britain. Its actually just got a bit cold here, better turn the air conditioning down abit.

Rob

In Dubai

2007-09-14T22:05:00.000+01:00

Just arrived in Dubai. Its 12:45 local time and it's a cool 31c. The airport is ok, apart from they'd rather show german football, than South African rugby. The flight was ok. A little bit cramped but then i suppose thats my fault for being the size of a house. Can't wait to get to South Africa and just get into the swing of things. Now a nice 5 hour wait until the next flight and most importantly...breakfast!

Rob

Cheers Guys

2007-09-11T11:40:00.000+01:00

To all those who came out to say goodbye last night, cheers guys! Thanks for turning up, thanks for the drinks and I'll see you when I get back.

Rob

That's My King!

2007-09-11T11:38:00.000+01:00

A Little bit of South Africa.....

2007-09-11T11:10:00.000+01:00

You Raise me up!

2007-09-09T18:04:00.000+01:00

Thank You

2007-09-08T23:45:00.000+01:00

As the time to leave gets closer I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone that has supported me in this trip to South Africa, from organising events, attending events, donating money and generally being there, chatting to me and showing interest in what I'm doing! Be sure to check my blog as I update you with my progress!

Rob

Nearly There!

2007-09-08T23:21:00.000+01:00

Well, after exactly 347 days of waiting, the time has almost come! It's taken a lot of hard work, but I know it will be worth while. Now it's just down to last minute shopping, saying goodbyes, and last minute panics from the mother!

Rob

*Robbie At Rehoboth*