The Citizen, 2003-07-30, Page 3FROM BLYTH
Teen
writes
from
S. Africa
By Rose Wood
Hello from South Africa!
Living in Africa has been an
interesting experience. Everyday is
full of new and exciting surprises
whether it’s swimming in the Indian
Ocean, playing with baby lions,
climbing a mountain, or simply
doing laundry with the nationals.
This trip has been life changing.
Staying at a game reserve makes
every day a safari. Hopping in our
safari truck and treking up the
mountain to our chalet is always a
challenge, not only dodging zebra
and wildebeest but desperately
trying to avoid breakdown during
the steep climb.
For a break from the cold weather
of Harrismith, we journey out on our
free days. Travelling to Durban, the
Hawaii of South Africa, was
delightful with its sandy beaches,
palm trees and authentic African
markets stretching as far as the eye
can see. I expanded my food variety
at the carnivore restaurant, as we
were served exotic foods like
crocodile, ostrich, giraffe and
antelope (and believe me, they
didn’t taste like chicken!)
My average day consists of
facilitating the hundreds of teens
who travel here from North
America, through the villages of
Intabaswe and Qwa Qwa. The
summer staff take care of all the
details to make their trip run
smoothly, as well as running a
program called lifeline. We deliver
food to the families of 10 local street
boys in exchange for their promise
of staying in school and off the
streets. We also go hands on within
the homes of the nationals and assist
them in anything they need help
with.
It is extremely poor here, but the
people are amazingly accepting and
joyful. Over 70 per cent are dying
from AIDS and even more are
suffering from malnutrition and
extreme hunger. It breaks my heart.
As each new day passes 1 find
myself falling deeper in love with
the culture and its people. My desire
to help and serve has not only grown
but I am also learning humility and
gratefulness for how fortunate I
really am.
Editor’s note: Rose Wood is a Blyth
teen currently doing mission work in
South Africa. She promised to keep
us up to date on her experience.
THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2003. PAGE 3.
Receiving a donation
Bev Blair, left, and Donna Longman representing the Blyth 125th birthday committee
presented Todd MacDonald of the Blyth and District Community Centre’s Heart and Soul
campaign was a cheque for $12,000, the remainder of the proceeds from last summer’s event.
(Janice Becker photo)
Sympathy is extended to Glen
McLachlan and to Grace McNichol
and family in the death of Sandra
(McNichol) McLachlan on
Wednesday, July 23.
Mac Brooks is glad to be home
from hospital after having surgery.
We wish him a speedy recovery.
Happy sixth birthday to Kelsey
Kerr on July 28 and happy
anniversary to Shirley and Dick
Chalmers on Aug. 2.
Happy birthday to Doug Craig of
Atwood on July 30.
Many friends, 8th-line neighbours
and relatives gathered at the home of
John and Ann Nesbit to help Ann
celebrate her 50th birthday. The
afternoon was spent talking and
playing games. A potluck supper,
then a campfire ended the night.
Gratefully accepted
Todd MacDonald of the Blyth and District Community
Centre’s Heart and Soul campaign accepted a donation of
$2,000 from Don Scrimgeour. The money was raised during
the Scrimgeours’ customer appreciation night, July 15, in
celebration of the store’s 30th anniversary. The winner of
the grand prize was Rick Van Wyk. (Janice Becker photo)
JJituifa. to all out f1.
{■m a gaod seaso-tt.
We will be closed for the month of August
and re-open September 2 with mums,
perennials & other neat fall stuff.
523-9456
What a good time was had by all.
Happy birthday Ann.
Glad to hear that Margaret Nesbit
is enjoying her new place of
residence. Drop in to see her at
Seaforth Manor. A visit and chat are
always welcome.
Congratulations to Darryl
Shannon and Julie Ritchie on their
marriage on Saturday, July 26.
Visiting with Don and Marilyn
Craig on Sunday, July 27 were Don’s
sister Joye and her husband Murray
Kane from Fullarton. They also
visited with Bodie and Ollie Craig.
Have a good holiday everyone and
we will be back Aug. 13.
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-Trust the Professionals -
Gold medallist
Meagan Campbell, a 16-year-
old Blyth resident, recently
competed in the Ontario
Legion Championships in
London in the 17-and-under
category. Campbell won first
place in triple jump with a leap
of 11 feet, 44 inches. This win
moves her on to compete in
the nationals as part of the
Ontario provincial team from
Aug. 7 - 14 in Kitchener.
Campbell will compete in triple
jump, high jump and long
jump. (Sarah Mann photo)
PIE
CHERRIES
& RASPBERRIES
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ORCHARDS
1 mile west of Blyth
on County Rd. #25
Phone for details
523-9338 482-9371