This trip was prepared and organized by Tanya Rossouw. I called it an advanced trip, because it is not for the faint-hearted.
I will add more photos and updates as I receive pics and info.
Our Special Forces Reindeer carried the following elves (large elves) along with Father Xmas:
1x1200 GSA - Johann (JR) & Tanya Rossouw
1x1200 GS - HD Rossouw & Brandon
1x1150 GSA - Father Xmas aka Andyman
1x1150 GS - Danie Malan (Geelkameel) & Carle
1x750 Africa Twin – Wouter & Annelie
1xF650GS – Annie
3xBakkies Bearing Gifts and Party Food:
1xBakkie – Chris (Padlangs) & Greta Frylinck
1xBakkie – John & Belinda
1xBakkie – Nico (Tanya’s dad) & Elzaan & Luan
The day started early with clear skies and strong south-easterly winds, although WeatherSA had predicted rain for this day. We all met just opposite the Firlands Shell Garage just outside Gordon’s Bay on the N2. We left the spot at 7.30am and were buffeted over the Sir Lowry’s Pass by the wind, which calmed down as we neared Grabouw. We passed through Grabouw and stopped for a lovely breakfast sponsored (yes, ''sponsored'') by Houwhoek Farmstall.
During breakfast we heard of Tanya’s sleepless night, worrying about the weather and whether she had forgotten anything. My goodness, please let us know who helped you pack and wrap and sponsor all those gifts, and prepared the hamburgers, colddrinks etc, Tanya. ''Please'' don’t tell me you did it all by yourself!
JR, Nico & HD waiting for breakfast
At one stage someone opened their mouth during breakfast that they were worried that meeting the Elim children was going to reduce them to tears. This appeared to be on everyone’s minds, and there was some serious discussion about this.
Breakfast group welcomes COFFEE
We had a group photo taken of the Farmstall staff and our riders after breakfast and continued our journey at about 9am over the Houwhoek pass, slipping off left towards Hermanus, where the winds were pretty strong again. Some breathtaking views and scenery. A roadblock in Stanford allowed us through, obviously observing that this was no ordinary convoy. In Gansbaai we stopped to re-fuel and regroup, while Santa had a quick nap.
Father Xmas napping on his reindeer
We all sipped the fresh ginger-beer Danie bought at the little Pancake and Ginger-beer stall.
And soon we were on our way again, turning left towards Elim onto the dirt for about 20 to 30 kms.
Just outside Elim we stopped to allow Santa (Andyman) to don his Red Riding outfit over his riding gear – this was no mean feat as the temperature was probably about 28°C!
Stop outside Elim
It was a beautiful day
Beard goes on: Luan & Greta look on
A last Tummy-Tuck
Santa saddles up!
Ready to go
By now Elim got wind of the convoy, and some excited children and parents stood on their stoeps to watch us pass by.
Entrance to Elim Main Road
All the Houses are similar: Danie took photos from someone's stoep!
We arrived at the Elim home for Disabled persons just after 11am. We carefully parked our bikes and bakkies and started off-loading Santa’s gifts and goodies.
Bikes are parked carefully
Offloading begins
The children were very excited in varying degrees and forms – most of them have movement disabilities, cannot walk, and limbs contort themselves spasmodically. But if you are not used to this, it hits you with a shockwave which reduced quite a few of us to tears.
Children of our world
Children of our world
More children & teens in prams
Tanya bravely led the way and the festivities continued.
Tanya leads the way
I think this was more a big thank you and recognition for the staff who look after the children 24/7.
Santa chats to the staff
Of the 49 children and adults, only 3 don’t wear nappies. 4 wear crash helmets because of head-banging on walls. Most cannot speak, and about 70% were transported in prams. The sad fact is that 75% of them are the result of FAS (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome). The rest have normal retardation, cerebral palsy and one 6year old is there with severe brain damage after falling out of a jungle jim. They also have a doctor and physiotherapist who help with movement stimulation and other ailments. About 95% have no family visiting them.
Day staff: I counted about 15 staff on duty
We helped Tanya dish out colddrinks, hamburgers and Purity. This involved helping them drink and eat as well. Afterwards each person, including the staff, received a gift from Father Xmas, who had a hard job maintaining a straight face.
Maintaining a straight face
We left in a very somber mood and were welcomed a short while later at the Mispah School. Most notable was that we were “bang” on time for everything.
Enrico had prepared some Welcome Banners. He has a natural gift for art and space perception.
Mispah welcomes us
Enrico's bike drawings: Are amazing for someone with learning disabilities.
Bike drawing
Everyone settles down
Now these children have varying forms of learning disabilities, and most of them were extremely over-excited to see Father Xmas. One little boy only had eyes for Santa. The principal and head of the committee gave a little speech, where we learned that 37 staff look after and teach about 70 children. This includes 2 or 3 young women who are on a 6 month evangelical programme from Germany.
The children put on 2 plays for us, starting with “This little light of mine” and then a version of the Nativity Play. The one sheep did all sorts of antics for Father Xmas. Most of the sheep had to be prompted to “maah” and Mary just sat and grinned from ear to ear.
Light act
Mary & Joseph at the manger
Mary grins, while the sheep settle for the night: Check the one sheep with eyes only for Santa
Santa then handed out many, many gifts, while the rest of us dished out colddrinks and hamburgers. The staff had kindly prepared a Breyani for us and we gratefully retired outside to eat this. We departed, wondering how anyone was going to sleep that night, including us.
Relax outside
Relaxing
We took a slow drive on the dirt via Baardskeerdersbos, feeling very sobered and humbled by the whole experience. En route we met a few farmers who were not so sobered and had tried to set up an instant toll gate to stop us and warn us of a slow tractor ploughing in the field next door! Another level of retardation I’d say.
We all peeled off on our separate ways after Hermanus and Gordon’s Bay and crashed into our lounges and kitchens. I know Tanya still had to make 100 Angels for the Sunday school before nightfall.
Thank you Tanya, Johann and Nico for your amazing energy and community spiritedness. You definitely showed us how it is done!
Tanya will let us know of all the donors who sponsored everything, including time.
'''THANK YOU!!'''