Allison here...today was our first official day off, and we definitely took advantage of every minute. A few of us began the morning with a hike in Table Mountain led by Becky Hastings, wife of Stellenberg Community Church Pastor John Hastings, and their daughter, Leah. Having the chance to wash our faces in a fresh mountain spring, run along pine-shaded trails and witness the sun ascending over Cape Town made our 6 a.m. wakeup call well worth it.
Next, our entire group headed toward Cape Point, which is the southwesternmost point of Africa and the place where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. On the way, we stopped at a beach where penguins roam freely (yes, there are penguins in Cape Town--go figure). We also commenced what would become one of three stops at "curio" shops around town, where we purchased gifts for many of YOU!
After seeing Cape Point and taking lots of pictures, we were off to Hout Bay, where we boarded a boat and ate a delicious lunch of fish and chips. (Note to Americans--drenching your "chips" in vinegar and salt is fantastic!) The boat took us to a place called Seal Island, which is basically a series of boulders that serve as home to thousands upon thousands of seals. This is the No. 1 Great White Shark capital of the world, as the seals are to the sharks what McDonalds is to us back home--instant dinner. We didn't see a shark, but we were looking. On the boat, we met a gentleman from South Korea who started a church in Cape Town...the coolness of meeting Christians from all over the globe definitely has not lost its wonder for me.
Last, we took the scenic route home, stopping at Camp's Bay (Cape Town's answer to South Beach) for gelato and then Clifton Beach for a stroll along the sand. It was a jam-packed day but I think we all felt like we got a better sense of the city--its versatility and its beauty.
A few notes:
1) We absolutely could not have found a single place I listed above without the help of our incredible guides, Adel, Gareth and Julie (sorry if I'm butchering the spellings). These folks from Stellenberg took the day off from work just to show us around, and we are SO grateful for their time, patience and wonderful hospitality.
2) When the boat left for Seal Island, four of our team members--David, Katie R, Jodie and Julie--left with Adel to attend a meeting with Metro Kids' leaders. They had a fantastic time getting to know these special teenagers even more, and they were priveleged to witness a party the kids threw for James and Janet in recognition of their efforts over the years.
OK, off to bed...we love and miss you all. Keep praying for us...tomorrow's construction day!
Allison
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2 comments:
What an experience- I've really enjoyed reading and seeing the pictures about what all of you are doing over there. It seems like you have been able to make a real impact on alot of people. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the shout out guys. I had an awesome time showing you all the beauty of Cape Town. Hope (Americanism coming) Ya'll enjoyed yourselves.
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