So Sad to Leave.......

I am writing this final update now that I am back home. I returned home almost a week ago and have had time to reflect on my experience - a process which I believe will last a lifetime.

I had been so busy preparing for my trip and my time in SA that I wasn't prepared for saying goodbye.....the hardest part. A month spent working at the project is just a drop in the ocean but it was more than enough time to grow attached to the wonderful children that I met and to appreciate the amazing work which is being carried out by the Umthombo Team.

I was fortunate enough to see a few children escape street life and secure a place of safety in a shelter so I have been able to return home knowing that some of the children I met are safe but it is impossible not to constantly wonder about the hundreds of other children and what will become of them.....cold and hungry, debilitated by glue, TB, HIV, raped, stabbed, knocked down, beaten by police, dehumanised by the public.....These are just some of the possibilities from what I witnessed and heard about whilst I was there.

If you are reading this and you want to do something to help - you can. Umthombo relies on donations to continue the work in supporting street children. Visit the Umthombo website (www.umthombo.org) and go to 'support us'. If you are reading this because you are considering volunteering, I would encourage you to take action and do it! You will have the experience of a lifetime and will learn more than you would ever believe possible from the children. It's hard to beat the feeling when one of the kids throws themselves at you and gives you a great big hug!

I would like to thank everyone at Umthombo for making my stay so memorable, everyone I know for your words of support and encouragement and a special thank you to people=positive (www.peoplepositive.com) for supporting this cause through sponsorship of my flight to SA.

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