Kathleen O'Malley

Reality

Thu, 06 Aug 09 14:12:35 +0200

So, yeserday I cried. The reality of what these children live with in SA make you appreciate what we have at home. Just being able to walk down the street without feeling fear, or being in danger, is a blessing we take for granted too easily.

We visited some of the other projects yeasterday and I met the most inspiring women I think I will ever meet. We went to the Tree Clinic where women and children walk for hours to meet under a tree every week to pray, sing and recieve advice and medical care. I can't even explain how amazing this was to be part of. A truely incredible and moving expereince.

Here we met the ladies from Bobbi Bear (a project for children affected by rape and sexual abuse). These ladies have dedicated their lives to rescuing children and fighting for their rights, in what seems a society that either doesn't want to know or has accepted these terrible acts. I am in awe of them and think they do the most magnificent work.

We met the street children, who are now being routinely picked up by police and driven miles away from Durban so that they can't been seen for the games in 2010. Surely, this is not a solution? Can something not be done?

It seems SA has a long long way to go to improve the lives of its citizens.

The sun is finally here!!

Tue, 04 Aug 09 14:27:55 +0200

Hi all,

So many messages - was great to hear from you all!! I miss you guys so so much!

Well today I'm having a little (actually a lot) of trouble walking as I've managed to twist my knee - so so painful, all bandaged up, and hobbling around. But did I do it as I was looking after the children? Climbimg up a mountain (and down again) in a blizzard? Hiking in the grasslands in slippery mud? Galloping in the mountains (totally amazing by the way)? No! Of course not! I injure myself getting out of the shower!!!!!!!!!

A few new children arrived this week - they looked so lost and pretty much clung to each other. So have tried to help settle them a little.

I have been helping the older children with their homework but my Zulu isn't great (although I've picked up a few words). Life is pretty chaotic for the children so you can imagine its pretty hard for hem to concentrate.

I must admit I'm getting pretty attached to the children - I've pretty much mastered the art of carrying 3 at a time!

Del - glad your wedding was lovely and wow a boy! Love the name! Enjoy your honeymoon. Oh and yes, I've seen lions, giraffes, rhinos, jackels, warthogs, cheetahs - the lot! xx

Lucy - tell Pete I have informed the RSPCA!!! And I always ignore him - ha ha. Was laughing about taking the wrong road to the airport the other day. Have a great break - buy me some fudge xx

Julie - Gutted I'm missing your birthday but have a fantastic time on the 7th (or is it the 8th?? Ha ha) and yeah we're going out when I get back - tell Tracy I'm holding her to that pint she promised xx

Everyone else - love you and miss you lots and lots xxx

PS - Read Emma's webblog as she's pretty funny and has written in more detail than me as her computer has got a keyboard from the stone ages!!

We never stop!

Fri, 24 Jul 09 13:47:35 +0200

Hello everyone!

So good to read your messages, thank you, much appreciated!

We had a 'boys' night last night, which involved taking some of the older boys back to the house and cooking with them, and just generally showing them a good time. We had so much fun. The boys are so so sweet. They are some of the most polite, well mannered people I have met. And their dancing was totally amazing!

We took some of the younger children swimming today... 11 infants in a pool...interesting!

Got so many stories to share when I get home (this maybe isn't the time or place for some of them).

xx

Arrived!

Wed, 22 Jul 09 13:50:42 +0200

Hi everyone!

I can't believe I'm finally here! It seems like it has taken forever. The journey was very long, but fine.

Meeting the other volunteers and settling in the house was good. I managed to get a much needed sleep.

The next morning we were off to Agape. We walked in to find the younger children having breakfast, which we tried to help a little. Then we met Pamela, who is great, and runs Agape. We played with the younger children that morning and helped with lunch. Some of the older girls came home early from school due to there being no water so we took them for lunch, which was a good oppurtunity to learn a little about them. (I'm really struggling learning names!)

Later all the other children came back to Agape and we chatted for a while and then I helped with some homework.

So far so good!

After the Training

Wed, 01 Apr 09 23:08:24 +0200

Well I've now been down to London to learn more about what to expect when in South Africa. I've met some of the wonderful people also volunteering and I'm more motivated than ever to raise as much funding as I can! Thanks to all that have helped so far.

Beginning the journey

Tue, 21 Oct 08 22:13:41 +0200

I've recently received my confirmation on my trip to Agape! I've been looking for an oppurtunity like this for years and I'm finally on my way with much support from the people around me. I am excited about going, but at the same time a little nervous of what to expect. Now for the fundraising...