May 1 – 2, 2009
We drove to a small community in a region that is very much like Spokane and the Palouse area of Washington State. Rolling wheat fields, punctuated by small forests, and actually not completely like Washington because we pulled over to take a photograph of two elephants in the middle of a field.
The Rotary Club of Swellendam hosted us at the presidents, Paula, home for a wonderful meal and visited with the good people of this Rotary Club. I cannot say thank you enough for all the fun we had in Hermanus. It was a difficult time for some of the team – all of us actually – we really never get use to seeing people that are so very ill, poor, hungry and desperate. Being poor in Africa (and South America) is not like being poor in the US. It breaks your heart to see the pain.
Anne sent a note to me and a copy to one of our teammates stating that the purpose of the exchange is to experience the pain, feel the hurt and then to do something about it. Our job - at least mine - is to convince others to want to help – to use the foundation to improve the lives of others in Africa. Granted it becomes overwhelming – because we will not be able to save all of them – maybe none of them – but more likely a few and then a few more and then a few more. It is really like the shell fish story – it matters to the one we save.
After lunch with the Swellendam Club we traveled to George. We are now at our new homes. I am being hosted by Peter ands Collean Gibbs. They are a very nice couple that are active in the Rotary Club of George. We had a pleasant evening at their home last night. What a beautiful home! They live in a huge home with several acres of manicured lawns (garden in South Africa), gardens and appealing views. The first night at a stranger’s home is always awkward. But we cut through the discomfort by discussing difficulties in both of our countries with drugs, alcoholism, immigration, race relations, and politics. Peter and Collean have flown to the US on numerous occasions and they actually purchased an airplane in the states several years ago.
Today we went to a small town called Mossel Bay with Jacob van Reenen. We visited the Da Gama museum that educated us about the history of the Afrikaans settling in this area. It was very much like a museum you might see regarding the Mormons trek across the US. Clothing, wagons, attitude and tenacity seemed very familiar. Later we visited the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex in Mossel Bay. This museum is dedicated to Dias whom was the Portuguese explorer that found this area. For dinner we met with Ian and Ferdi Rowan at the Fancourt Country Club for a very nice Italian dinner. B.J. is staying with the Rowan’s and joined us as well.
Today was a relaxing day – so will tomorrow be relaxing. We are traveling to Knysna and will be hosted by the Knysna Club in visiting this very picturesque town.
It is interesting we have not had a lot of time to be together as a team. We have bonded very well and would like more time together rather than less time.
Governor Tom sent an e-mail to me this evening congratulating us on our efforts. We have received many congratulatory statements from people as we travel regarding our “professional” presentation. The latest was from a PDG in Hermanus that wrote in his newsletter to his club a note saying that our presentation was the best he had ever seen by a GSE team. What a great compliment – thank you so much, PDG Tony!
I will go to bed now – and again – I will write in the blog when I have a chance. Regards to everyone back home and those of you following us on this journey around Southwest South Africa.
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