Summer finally hit the Eastern Cape.  The locals have complained that summer was never going to come.  It has been in the mid 90’s for a week now.  Some days it is the humidity that is draining me and not so much the temperature.  So bath time for babies becomes play time.  

And then of course there is the trip to the beach for water fun.  The wind surfer entertained us a lot.  

I hope they will have a warm fall.  March is when fall begins here.  Day length is really starting to shorten here.  The sun is rising so much further to the north these days. 

In looking through some of my pictures I noticed I never sent you a picture of the last minute Valentines Party we created here at Open Arms.  Here is a picture.  

It is hard to see the one ply paper towels used as crepe paper streamers, a beach ball for the disco ball, and balloons hung with left over quilting edges.  It was amazing what we pulled together and without a trip to the store to pull this off.  The children and youth really got into it.  The older girls spent time on make-up, (a little heavy, however, they have absolutely nowhere to practice as make-up is not allowed in the schools).  Some of the boys actually found some sport coats and dressed up for the event. 

The fire department came out this week and gave a demonstration and talk.  The children loved it.  They were considerate, asked questions, and interacted with the firewomen and men.  

Another woman, Anina from the local garden club came and gave a garden demonstration and then we planted some loquat trees.  

Loquat trees are fast growing and produce heavily.  The fruit is larger than apricots with one or two pits.  When the flesh turns yellow it is sweet and very juicy.  The evergreen leaves are large and leathery. 

The next opportunity came as a surprise.  Every child at Komga Jr., Kindegarten through 7^th grade, has to participate in track and field.  I was a high jump assistant and judge for an all-day track and field event.  All ages have to participate in running events.  Stating in third grade, then you participate in high jump, long jump, and shot put.  The school is divided into two houses and they compete against each other.  Out of 249 children and youth, there were only three over weight individuals.  Here is an action shot from the high jump. 

I close with a picture from one of my home school PE classes.  This excited boy and I are on the same team in this relay.

I am leaving Open Arms and heading for Cape Town to spend a week with Doug.  I will send one more blog with final pictures from Open Arms.