Thursday and the Missionaries

Thursday was quite a tame day - nothing very exciting to report. Me and Elle went to the Pharmacist to help count pills (I love doing that, its so relaxing). Charmain is doing okay, she's getting out of bed for a bit at least and is able to sit in the garden. But told one of the other volunteers that she was left in the bath for an hour the other day so thats not good. The other patients are okay too. A few even seem to be getting better. There is one lady - Cindy - who has had her hair done and just seems a bit brighter. So towards the end of this week its been a bit more positive. I spent the afternoon yesterday playing cards with some of the guys on the 5th floor. I might go up again soon so they can teach me a very confusing game. I really have no idea how to play it, but I'll try!
In the evening yesterday we had quite an eye opening experience. Some of the missionaries that some times help out here invited us to a reachout group that they do on thursday evenings. So we went along to see what it was like. We all went with one team leader to various shelters and projects in Durban. We went to a homeless shelter called the Nest. We only had about an hour and a half there so we barely had time to speak to anyone and it was MASSIVE. There must have been at least 100 beds all in this one big room. There was a kitchen and a smoking room off to the side as well. We spoke to a few people and one lady was really cool. She was really feisty and was telling us all about how you can't take crap off men! There was one lady though who didn't seem too keen on us. The missionaries goal is to convert people (which they openly told us at the beginning of the evening) so this lady starting saying very loudly how we don't help, all we do is talk about religion. Maybe they do offer practical help some times, but certainly our experience last night did seem like a bit of a waste of time. I was a bit offended as well when the guy who drove us to the shelter played us a song about who does and does not get into heaven and it was very extreme and I found it quite offensive and it is certainly not in line with my religious beliefs. But each to their own I guess. 
Today so far has been quite good. We went over to SASSA to escort some patients getting benefit forms, then we helped out the pharmacist again, then we hung out with Charmain for a bit outside. It was ROASTING but she still kept saying she was cold. Not a good sign. But she just seems brighter being out of bed, but is still in a terrible amount of pain. I can't remember if I told you I got her a hat. But I did, a nice plain baby pink one, it suits her actually and she keeps wearing it which is good. She must like it! Anyway, last weekend now...can't believe it. I wish I wasn't leaving. This time next week, I'll be packing up! Boo.  

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