Rewinding: Leaving Canzibe, Transkei, early on the morning of 18 February, in an over packed 'bakkie' type taxi, seemed as normal and innocent as any other morning.... But what came next was yet more proof that nothing in Global Challenge is ever as it seems, least of all normal or 'innocent'! Divided into teams of 5-6 people, each person received R200 in cash and a note that read 'Transkei Challenge', and what happened after that was as unpredictable as predicting the weather!
Our group of 6 people starts our challenge without any clear clue of what to do. All we knew was that we had to get to Jeffrey's Bay as soon as possible, as cheap as possible, whilst doing some truly African tasks on our way. First on our list - buy chicken to travel with us back to J-Bay, and have her feature in all our photos! It didn't take us very long to find ourselves a feathered friend - Ultra Chick! Words cannot describe the weird looks we got as we walked the streets of Mthata, trying to complete tasks whilst trying to also find transport. Seriously, six 'tourists' with a chicken under one's arm, and puzzled expressions on our faces....who wouldn't find it a bit strange?
We quickly found some traditional clothing to try on (as part of our tasks), visited some women who taught us how to weave with grass, and even shared the gospel as we went along.
We then decided to try and find transport back, the idea being to try and arrive in one of the cities on our way before nightfall. By God's grace we found a taxi willing to take us all the way to Port Elizabeth, and just in the nick of time as rain started to come down. Off we went, heading back to J-Bay. But we soon realized that our taxi was more like a 'hired car', since our driver got out of the driving seat and went to sit in the back of the car, giving the wheel and responsibility of driving over to me!
We stopped over in East London for some milkshake at Friesland, a dairy shop in East London. It was without a doubt the best chocolate milkshake I had ever had in my life....accompanied by a few slices of unbuttered bread. A meager lunch, but filling. Being in control of the taxi has its perks, and as we drove out of East London, it soon became evident that this was part of God's provision for our challenge. We even found a free range piggery next to the road, a golden opportunity for us to catch a few pigs, pose with the pigs (and our chicken), and in the proses completing another task!
We arrived in Port Elizabeth that same day, just after 17:00. Chicken under the arm, we started to hitch hike the last 80 or so kilos to the finish line. It didn't take very long for a good Samaritan to cross our path and pick us up. Little did we know that this same Samaritan would later also be the provider of some much needed food for supper. He dropped us at the UCSA campsites gate, where we of course ran to the organizers, very impressed that we were the first team back home!
Our gladness was soon to be turned into frowns as we realized we still had task to do, and that the campsite was off limits for the night, or until we finish our tasks. Somewhat dismayed we started walking the streets of J-bay, trying to figure out our next step d food and lodging. Our Samaritan blessed us with Steers meals, and after walking around like lost children, we eventually settled down in the ATM cubicle of one of the local banks. 6 people, one chicken, a few pillows and a sleeping bag....at least we had a roof over our heads and protection from the wind outside.
We woke early the Sunday morning, feeling kind off, maybe, but not really, refreshed. We left for the informal settlement in J-Bay where we helped a family carry some water to their house, bought and some chicken feat and heads d appropriately called ' Walky Talkies'- and dropped off our dear feathered friend at local church member. Being able to bless a family with a fresh chicken for lunch made the whole 2 days the worthwhile. We ended off our journey by attending a local Church service, posting a blog about our journey, and checked in as the second team across the finish line!
Back to the present day. Today we leave South African soil, heading to our first country – incredible India, staying there for one whole month! There is three things that I would like to ask the readers off this blog:
I ask anyone who reads this blog to please pray for us and everything that we are going to do and experience, not only in India, but the rest of our journey.
Also, we are all leaving loved ones behind, and it would mean a great deal to me, as well as the rest of the Northbound team (and other teams), if you would also pray for our families and loved ones back home! May God keep you, protect you, and comfort you.
Lastly, this is a journey of faith, which also includes my finances. I still need some financial support
to be able to complete this year and all it brings. If God lays it on your heart, I ask with all humbleness from you to please donate and support me on my journey. This can be done via the Give and Gain link on this website, or via the banking details at the end off this blog.
May God bless you and keep you!
International Bank Details:
Bank: ABSA
Account Name: GCX One Year
Account Number: 9206958383
Branch Details: 31 Da Gamma Road, Jeffreys Bay, 6330, South Africa
Branch Code: 334515
SWIFT Code: ABSAZAJJ (For International Payments)
PLEASE MAKE SURE TO INDICATE REFERENCE: MARIUS COMBRINCK
Please also email a proof of payment to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.