The last day at Ludlati Carepoint on Monday, Sept 13th was a wonderful day. It was a blessing to see many of the faces with smiles that did not have smiles at the beginning of the week. There were still a few tough holdouts, but not many. The pictures tell the story well of our last few hours of hanging out, singing, and dancing together.
Some “thankyou” notes went back and forth between the team, kids and Bomage. The Bomage wrote two thankyou letters to the team and our supporters expressing their gratitude for the blessings that were poured out on them during our visit.
We received a “thankyou” note from one of the young ladies at Ludlati on behalf of all the kids, and it has a lovely colored picture on the note. She thanked us for visiting, and for all that was done for them during the week.
As a team we wrote a note in return thanking her for her gratitude, directed the thankfulness to God, and encouraged her to continue showing kindness.
Ludlati Kids Sing from KnownToMe on Vimeo.
Ludlati Kids Song with Moves from KnownToMe on Vimeo.
Make Matsebula (the lady in the straw hat who started the carepoint) is often right in with the kids singing, dancing and encouraging them to do the same.
Ludlati Kids Dance from KnownToMe on Vimeo.
Then the time came to say our goodbyes. Everyone was emotional about the good times we shared, and we could all feel the bonds we have developed together. It was difficult to say goodbye to our new friends.
Each of the team members said goodbye to the kids. No one got through without tears as each expressed gratitude and love for the kids, and that it was difficult for us to leave. That we would miss being with all of them.
Dumsile says thanks and goodbye to the team on behalf of all the kids.
Thanks Given By Ludlati Kids from KnownToMe on Vimeo.
Dumsile’s words from the video:
“Thanks very much for the wonderful time we had with you.
It has been a great time we have spent together.
It is also very painful to us that you have to leave.
Every single day to us it was like Christmas Day.
We were very excited, and we just look forward to that day.
So we will continue praying for you, and we also pray the Lord be with you that He will protect you in your various places, and help you and prosper you in whatever you do.”
After we closed with a prayer, we gave the kids one more gift of candy as they exited the room. Then the team started giving hugs to the D-team members who helped us work with the kids all week. Their names are Bheki (Beggy) and Londiwe (lahn-dee-way).
Saving the best for last, we finally said goodbye and gave hugs to Make Matsabule.
More goodbyes with friends as we make our way to the van.
As we left the carepoint, it was very difficult to leave the kids behind. The tears could not be held back as we drove off. Tears of sadness at leaving our friends behind, tears of joy for a wonderful week, tears of concern for the kids and their concerns for safety. We pray the Lord keeps them safe and draws the kids to Himself through the love we shared over the past week, continued financial support, letter writing and future visits. Lord, please bring positive changes to the Ludlati carepoint and surrounding community according to your plans.
At the hotel, we said our final goodbyes to our driver on the left, and two D-team members: Bheki (the driver), Londiwe, and Bheki. They were a blessing to work with and get to know as friends and brothers and sisters in Christ.
Posted by Don at 10:44 PM. Filed under: Travels • Ludlati Visit 2010 •
