It's 6.36am on Tuesday. We have all had very interesting weekends, ranging from a wedding, accommodation in township areas, a youth Council, a 2 hour meeting all in Setswana (Chenda was rescued from that by Chris!), and Sunday School, to lounging by the pool, drink in hand (Clare and I!).

Sunday we drove to near Pilanesburg, and had supper with Fr Tom, the NSM at Koster and his family and friends. Then yesterday we went to Pilanesburg and had a very - some might say 'too' - close encounter with some elephants. Scenery was fantastic, giraffes, zebra wildebeest, antelope and birds (for Chris) a plenty. A whole new perspective on our Creator God, and the land of Africa. The day ended with a farewell Braai.

After Sunday, there are reports coming back of teachers meeting to plan future Sunday School times, using what we have taught them; of a priest who was at the training, telling her congregation that Sunday School is going to be completely different in future; and of songs we taught them being used on Sunday. It all augurs well for the future.

This has been time when not only have the Matlosane teachers grown, but so too have we. We have all been operating out of our comfort zones: we have learned more of the very different life, education, opportunities and resources available to people here. We have learned much of the joy of worship. We have supported one another through thick and thin, and come out much the stronger - both as individuals and as a team. The hospitality and generosity of everyone we have met has been overwhelming, and there are not enough words to express our gratitiude to +Steve and Brenda for all they have done for us. Also the others who have given us accommodation, in Klerksdorp - where they have hardly seen us, except as we rolled in very tired at night and left bleery eyed next morning - and in the places we stayed over the weekend. Yes, we have had some dark times, but as I said before, every single one of us would come again.

More personally, I was able to hand over almost R18,000 to the Dean at the Cathedral on Sunday from my own congregation. We have been raising money through Lent to fund the completion of the building of a church in a very poor area called Matlwang. He was almost speechless, but managed to say that he felt very humbled by what we had done - and very, very grateful, sentiments echoed by the church warden. I have photos to prove I handed the money over!! So thank you St James'.

It was trying to post photos that caused all the problems on Friday and why there was a blank 'post'. In a very un-African way, we have been dashing around all over the place and there has never been enough time to do the extras. (When we were lounging by the pool, I didn't have my computer with me!!) So photos will have to wait till we get home!

No doubt everyone will be putting up posts when we get home and I look forward to reading them. Please excuse mistakes in this blog - it's early and I have't got my glasses on!!

So now, I really am signing off from South Africa. God has been faithful; God has been gracious; thanks be to God. Alleluia!