BRULE Camp 2013 - What a refreshing experience! (Day 1)

I thought I would not talk about about my camp experience, but nah, I just cannot do that.

My decision to go to camp was a spontaneous one.  I saw Nokuthula Nkabinde always post about this adventurous camp and I took the decision to make an impulsive payment, and I must say, it was my best decision for 2013.

BRULE for those who like me did not understand the meaning is, as defined by Naledi Leotlela "Brule is an acronym for Business, relationships, unemployment, leadership and economy.  Brule is the name for the youth ministry of Charisma, its set to cater for young adults as far as the five areas are concerned."

Day 1 - The Arrival:

I arrived at the departure point, I saw a few familiar faces: Kabelo Moroka, Nokuthula Nkabinde, Mpumi Jiyane (now Mrs Mpumi Moroka), Doctor and Neo (my only friend).  This made my anxiety drop a little, but then the thought that I did not know them well, was still an issue.  Going into the bus was even more daunting, smiling at people I had never seen before hoping they dont think I am odd, for having this huge smile fixated on my face...  Either way, they were very welcoming and friendly, instantly I knew, I would be fine.

Neo (my only friend at the time), was very accommodating, constantly checking up on me, checking if I am okay.  Then Claudia, Nyakallo (lady) and Nthabiseng came to introduce themselves and we had occasional small talk throughout the trip either way.  We then got to Joburg to fetch more campers, Dzamn those girls were very beautiful.  I particularly remember how Kgothatso came to say hi and told me how beautiful I was.  That was very sweet of her, and I thank her for a minor boost to my ego, hehehe...

On the Bus in Joburg

We then left for Pretoria at about 1pm, as we drove through the N1, I was on whatsapp with my friends at home.  Telling them how excited I was, and how I wish they had joined me.  We arrived at Pretoria and waited just a little while (5 min) before the campers arrived with their baggage.  The Pretorians, looked rather trendy and I dont know if maybe this is based on the fact that I too was excited, but I could sense their excitement as well.  They came in and as normal many said hi, and others walked passed.  But I remember two people in particular at that point.  Nyakallo (guy), came to introduce himself and kept telling me about a dog he will summon to me, lol.  Then Lwandle who came to introduce himself and say hi... Sweet.  Shortly after we left on our way to Magaliesburg.  I couldn't wait to arrive so that I can know the people better.

In the bus.

Now leaving PTA, awaiting our arrival in Magaliesburg

I woke up about five minutes before we arrived to Cyara Lodge (camp site), and it had been raining.  Gosh I was dead asleep as my window had been closed by someone for me (another sweet gesture).  The arrival at Cyara Lodge was a hasty one.  We had to move our baggage from the bus to the hall...  My poor bag wheels were covered in mud during that little trip, lol.  Then I sat patiently waiting for Trust (our camp master - i shall refer to him) to instruct further.  To cut a long story short, we had a few introductions and welcomes (in no particular order):

In the hall as we arrived.

1. The owner of the camp site
2. Lihle (member of the camp organising committee)
3. Nokuthula
4. Pastor Trust

We were then summoned into our teams.  I was in a team filled with beautiful, energetic individuals, I couldnt wait to get started.  The first task was a treasure hunt (to find the yellow team bandannas), that was very fun.  I found 2 yellow and 2 purple.  Pity our team HAD BEEN CHEATED as we had collected all bandannas before everyone, except for one, where we later found out, was actually missing/ stolen.  Fortunately due to the purple bandannas that we found, we gained bonus points (Yay).  

After this challenge we were sent to our rooms, to settle in for a bit, and then left for supper at 6pm.  This is where I saw that I am truly blessed to have thee best room mates a girl can ask for.

1. Naledi - very intellingent, beautiful, principled and with an amazing voice.  I've learned to pursue principle through her.
2. Thandeka - very mature, smart lady (brains with beauty) that knows what she wants.  I have learned that you can have it all, through her.
3. Busi - Petit, fragile, beautiful yet very driven.  I have learned integrity through her, and that I should never give up.
4. Mpopi - confident, gorgeous, classic look, yet very wise young lady.  She looks shy, but wow, she taught me never to judge a book by its cover.
5. Nthabiseng - The most amazing smile and eyes I have seen, ever heard of the saying "beauty that grows on you", that best describes her.  Very playful, but composed.  I've learned to relax and just be, through her.
6. Mpho (Bff) - an unreadable but extremely intelligent being.  This girl can reason, love her mind.  Love her body.  Love her sense of humor.  I have learned that "special" people still exist ngaye...  Like who is allergic to onions...Lol.  Just joking, but she is a special somebody, I dont know what it is, but I am fond of her.

The Swallow ladies (from left to right): Mpho, Naledi, Thandeka, Busi and Myself.  Mpopi is missing.

After settling in, we dashed off to supper, I must say the food at the site was not bad at all.  A filling meal everyday and desert.  So my dream of losing weight at the camp was not fulfilled, lol.

Dining time (from left to right): Mpho, Neo (back), Mpopi, Thandeka (front)

After supper we got into our teams to create a flag and war cry for our team.  This was at first a very argumentative session as we had strong personalities in our team, but thanks to Mpho (my camp bff), we agreed on the name "Swallow", we used the image of Pacman (yeah the tv game character) swallowing the blue, red and orange parasites on our flag.  It was a simple flag, yet the message was loud and clear.  Then we started practicing our war cry, the one war cry that was easy to remember and so fun to make and do...  We picked the red (Arrows) as our rivals, and the games were ON!!!

Team Swallow

Later that evening we had our church service, where Kamogelo (A Swallow member) delivered the word.  He was passionate about what he was talking about and then I thought, I want to be like that!  Which is my goal for 2014, get closer to God!

After church some went to sleep, but nna, I went to watch the movie organised for us called "Now you see me." I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, but could see it was Illuminati, based on the symbolism it showed throughout the movie.  Either way, it was a great movie.  Very original, and the ending really caught me by surprise.

At about 12/ 1am my bff and I decided to go to sleep.  Shem, me and the ladies in my room talked for hours, about everything, I decided to shut eye at about 3:30, knowing we are supposed to be up by 5am.  And before I knew it, Thandeka was telling us to wake up... It was 5am.