We can learn a lot from trees. They are always grounded but never stop reaching for the heavens.
This morning we were picked up by our individual hosts for the next 4 nights and headed southwest from Johannesburg to a small city about the size of Nanaimo called Vanderbiljpark. Along the way we stopped to visit a home for severely disabled people aged 0-99. Yes 0-99. These children (mostly) primary suffer from cerebral palsy. I say 0-99 as most of them come as infants abandoned by their mothers because of the disability and will spend all of their lives here at this home. This facility is run by a charitable organization and rely pretty much on the donations of generous patrons. Very small stipend provided by the government for food. The place is a clean, bright happy place, well staffed with dedicated people. In honour of visit today we planted two fruit trees, one pomegranate and one pear.
Back on the road again after our tour and a lunch of “ funeral sandwiches “ we arrived at our host’s home for a brief rest then off to a special 80th party for a longtime member of the RC of Vanderbiljpark, Rita Bebecke. Rita is a very important business person in the country and owns a number of restaurants hotels and inns. 150 people joined at the Old Valtonian’s Sports club for a special birthday day dinner and we were very honoured to be included. Now we are back at the home of our guests, ready for bed to wake energized for another exciting day tomorrow. A cruise on the Vall River in the offing. Goeie nag sorted drome ( check Google translate under Afrikaans)