BIG NEWS

I am in the middle of my second week living at the Rainbow House. I am loving every minute of it. I have been quite busy since the last time I wrote and internet is not as accessible as before so sorry for the delay in updating this blog. As always I will just get you all caught up on what I've been doing.

I have been to see two shows here. 3 Tons of Fun - which is 3 large black African women singing and moving/dancing on stage. I went with Keith and Joy and Michael and Avril from South Point. It was at this little place called "Off Broadway" or maybe "On Broadway." They serve a meal and then the show is after dinner. 3 Tons of Fun sings all sorts of songs American and South African. It was TONS of fun! The next night (Friday, 24 August) I went to see a show Bravo with a friend Kirsty. This so was fantastic. It is 4 guys that were formed to do an Ill Divo tribute. They traveled through Spain last year performing. They put a somewhat classical twist to songs - they do Elvis, Queen, Michael Bubley (I know I spelled that wrong) and Josh Grobin. The show was at a place called the Barnyard. It's really neat - you sit at "pic nic" style tables and can bring in your own food. Our table was in the very front - they even sang to me a few times.

Christmas in July is a big thing here. It has an "English/British" background. Because obviously it's cold in England in December - but in South Africa it's hot in December. A lot of people have Christmas in July parties in July in South Africa because it's cold. I have been to 2. One of the parties I went to was collecting children's toys. When I told everyone the work I was doing with Rainbow House - they gave me ALL of the presents. I couldn't believe it. Alison at the house was so greatful.

So like I said I'm in the middle of my second week at Rainbow House. I moved in on Monday, 27 July. I am staying in the back little volunteer quarters. It is a small room with 2 beds and cupboards and a bathroom. Very adequate. The first week I did mostly overnight shifts with the babies so Alison could get a full nights sleep. I have a new love - his name is Martin David - he is a new baby we got on Thursday, 30 July. He was born Sunday 26 July. He is so cute. I absolutely adore him. I'm not sure if he's black or colored - Alison says he's black. His mother had him at the hospital and then did not want him. She already had another child, lives in a shelter in a poor area or town and suffers from depression and other mental illnesses. I think he might suffer from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or addiction to medications his mother was taking during the pregnancy. At times he will just shake uncontrollably. I have really enjoyed taking care of him and calming him during his shakes. I think I have a magic touch - if I do say so myself.

Friday 31 July Rainbow House had a Christmas in July Fundraiser. I was going to stay to take care of the babies - but then Alison had 2 extra tickets to the event and invited me to go. Another international volunteer stayed with the children. It was such a treat to get to be a part of the fundraiser. I even got to help out a little during the raffles and was even put on the spot and shared how I became involved with Rainbow House. I also had the privilege of sitting next to the guest speaker - Consul General Alberta Mayberry. She is from the United States - Houston, Texas actually. She is here on a 3 year assignment. It was very fascinating getting to speak with her.

This week I am doing day shits with the babies. I am with them from a little before 8 am - 2 pm or so and then I help Alison with them from about 8 to midnight. I got to do something neat yesterday. I went on a radio interview with Alison. It was at the UCT (University of Cape Town) radio station 104.5. It's a good station. The interview was about women - it's Women's Month or something. We were interviewed all about the Rainbow House. I didn't talk as much as Alison but I was able to answer a few questions. It was such a treat.

So if you can't tell I'm absolutely LOVING my time here. I actually started crying the other night thinking about leaving. Oh speaking of leaving - I'm thinking of extending my trip until 18 Sept. I am scheduled to leave 3 Sept but won't be "kicked out" of the country until 21 Sept. I am praying I can change my flight without too much cost involved. Also - since the cat's out of the bag I will go ahead and share with you all that I'm seriously considering coming back. If you are praying for me - this is something you can pray about. I am thinking that my calling is to children in South Africa. There are opportunities to work with Rainbow of Hope - opening up other homes. I think I've found my passion. My idea is to go into "full time children's ministry." I'm thinking of spending the 6 months after I return to the USA to raise full time long term support and applying for a 3 year visa to return to South Africa March/April of next year! Whoa - I know. Please pray that God will show me the path and that His will will be done!

Okay - I hope you've enjoyed catching up. Remember you can email me cape.town.katie@gmail.com

Have a great WEDNESDAY! Love you all!