The Show Must Go On!

We've had to batten down the hatches over the past few days because the protests over service delivery in Grabouw have descended into riots. The kids can't go to school because the schools are shut, we are struggling to get supplies because the shops are shut, the local hospital is shut making access to medication difficult and the main routes in and out of town have been closed. To top it all off, our House Moms, who live in the community amid the violent protests, are being threatened with death if they attempt to come to go to work. They are extremely scared and have had to witness some terrible things. It is horrendous and tough.

With our wonderful House Moms unable to come in to fulfil their duties it was up to us (the Dream Team as we like to call ourselves: Barbara, Emma, myself, Johan (our trusty maintenance man) and Nigel the gardener) to pick up the baton and keep the unit going.

Yesterday was quite hilarious as we tried to continue the usual routines that the House Moms make out to be simple! - Clothing, washing and nappy changing 13 kids, keeping them entertained and fed and happy. It was slightly chaotic but a lot of fun too and the children were very kind to us!!

We were very relieved when back up arrived in the form of Monica (our MD) and other wonderful Thembalitsha staff from Somerset West  - Who had to drive the long route around to get here safely. I don't know what we would have done if we'd had to cover the night shift too! Thanks guys!!

Yesterday afternoon we had a party because one of the little girls turned two. It was nice to have a bit of normality and a brief respite from thinking about all the tensions that were happening in town.

We are very fortunate to be mostly out of the way of the hot spots and thankful for all the prayers and thoughts that are being sent our way. We have definitely felt a sense of peace and protection about the place.

Please continue to pray for all the Thembalitsha staff and people we know who live in the centre of town and are still in the thick of it. Today seems calmer and the roads have opened again - although there is still a heavy police presence. Heavy rain has also arrived which should help to deter the protesters.

Please also keep praying for resolution - there is a lot of anger and frustration on both sides and no simple solutions.

Thanks

Emily