Thursday 25th July 2024

By Charles Guyett

Stargazed tonight. I don't think I've ever seen so many stars, they were all in random clusters and pairs, the sky was beautiful. We slept on the field just looking up.

Woke up at 6am for the sunrise. We went to coach the children at 7:30, arrived at 7:45 and did 2 hours of hard work, we went to the nursing home to help paint and clean new and old buildings.

Happy Birthday Bailey and Esme. After the nursing home, we went to camp and our bus broke down. Afterwards, we had sausages and rice for dinner which reminded me of home. Today was great and I can't wait for tomorrow.

By Oscar Fordyce

I woke up at around 6:30 after a night of stargazing with most of the group in our sleeping bags, I had a warm shower before breakfast, which was porridge and eggs on toast which was pretty good. My coaching group and I set off around 8:30 on the minibus for the last training session before the tournament.

On arrival the kids all seemed delighted to see us. We set out the pitch and got the kids warm before me and Sophie taught the kids office which they seemed to enjoy. After the coaching we got a tour of the school and to say hi to lots of happy children. Their smiles helped me to realise how the I'm doing has a positive impact on so many people.

We got on the coach and headed to lunch at the elderly home which was very good then we got started on some work on a building by plastering the walls. Our groups left the home for the last time and we got back to camp and I headed straight for the shower because of the cement in my hair. The rest of the evening was very relaxed, I started to pack a bit and played frisbee.

Dinner was 7:30pm and it was pork sausages with rice which was very enjoyable. Everyone sat by the fire for out last night and played games and talked. Today I got to hand out with new people which was exciting and now I have created new bonds  with new people. This trip definitely helps me to understand how I take a lot for granted and has helped me to become more independent.

Happy Birthday Bailey have a good day, I hope everyone is okay at home and you are all having great times despite work. Can't wait to see you next week. xxxx

By Amelie Hall

It was our last day coaching today, also our last day at Sizinda Camp. For the first time I tried their porridge and it was surprisingly good. Heading of to coach around 8:20, groups one and two left camp, my group (group 2), ended up back at the same school doing some more training to prepare them for the tournament. Also introducing some games to keep the kids entertained. We were also fortunate to look around the school - the children were so cute and excited.

Lunch was at the old people's home again and the food was devoured in seconds - later on many of us continued with our painting. Emma and I finished off our blossom tree, we added some butterflies and painted on a pink Esher High logo. A lot of us decorated our tops with multi-coloured hand prints and writing Zambia 2024 as well - taking multiple pictures.

Arriving back at camp we all showered and packed ready to leave for tomorrow. Dinner was delicious and Juliana treated us with her singing - as soon as she started, everyone went dead silent and gave her a big round of applause when she finished.

To my mum and sister, I hope you are having fun away. To my dad and Winston, I hope you are enjoying the quiet. Love you - Amelie xx

Comments

  1. Sarah Fordyce25 July 2024 at 15:34

    Wow stargazing, how special. It sounds like you are all having an amazing experience, learning new skills along the way and working hard. We miss you lots Oscar, can't wait to hear about your stories when you get back. Enjoy your last week! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  2. Tracey Hall26 July 2024 at 09:15

    So lovely to read your blog Amelie. It sounds like you are having a great time and I'm sure making such a difference to lots of people over there. The painting sounds amazing and lovely that this will remain as a wonderful memory of you all from Esher High for such a long time after you all leave. I'm sure the T shirt too!!
    I hope you managed to do the star gazing like the boys? The sky on a clear night is phenomenal in Africa, so if you haven't yet had chance, do try to fit it in one evening (lying on the floor for half hour)!
    Looks like the tournaments are coming to an end, so do enjoy and have a fantastic last week!
    I hope you have some money left for the trip to the market?! I think Sophia is hoping for a present!
    Love you heaps and cannot wait to see you in less than a week.
    Mum, Dad, Sophia and Winston xx

    ReplyDelete
  3. Tracey Hall26 July 2024 at 09:26

    Hello Amelie, this is Sophia messaging you from mums account. I hope you are having a nice time. Me and mum got back from Valencia yesterday, and we brought back this funky, but nice drink called Aquarius, although you are only able to get it in Spain, hopefully there will be a bit left for you by the time you get back. Whilst we were there we managed to do shopping every single day, and on one of the days mum made me walk up a tower with 207 steps, it was a nice view but I personally wouldn't do it again. We felt a bit bad that you weren't with us, so we got you some new clothes that you hopefully like, and some chocolate, and maybe some sweets if there are any left. Today me and mum went down to a nail salon, so that i could get my nails done, i paid for myself but it was definitely worth it, i can't wait to show you them when your back. from Sophia xx

    ReplyDelete
  4. ifordyce27 July 2024 at 15:06

    Hi Oscar. Absolutely loved reading your words. It sounds like you're having an amazing time - really special stargazing out in the open. Good to see you're picking up some new skills as well!
    Bailey had a lovey birthday and had a bit of a party with Mini and Bramble - you can imagine the chaos...
    We're really missing you and can't wait to see you on Friday! Make sure you take loads of photos. Lots of love, Dad.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Gemma Guyett28 July 2024 at 13:26

    Sorry for the slow response! Took me so long to read your lengthy blog Charlie 🤣🤦🏼‍♀️ Every day sounds like memories in the making for you all! Stargazing, river cruise and final tournaments, even some dancing! Loved seeing the videos! Hope Pops camera is still working Charlie and you are taking lots of photos to share with us when you get home. Can't wait to hear all about your trip! Enjoy the last few days guys! See you at Heathrow on Thursday Xxxx

    ReplyDelete

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