South Africa - The Lions on the Road: Cycling London to Cape Town - page 293

ised that they would send the honorarium to STC-Johannesburg. One of the teachers told
me later that the staff and students collected donations the next day and sent the total funds
(honorarium and collections) to STC-Johannesburg.
That afternoon, I made a quick telephone call to Lucy to let her know of the dona-
tions that were on the way from the various schools and organizations. She then gave me
some wonderful news. She explained that through my radio interviews, aside from the
donated money, office supplies, clothing, and food, she had more people volunteering in
the feeding projects and at head office. I was floored. True, the cash and materials were
extremely important for any NGO to function on a daily basis, but for me to be able to mo-
tivate complete strangers to give of their time for a cause was incredibly moving.
Thatevening,TiaanhadabirthdaypartyandImetalotofhisfriends.Oneofwhom
was Adelaide, a schoolteacher in Bloemfontein who I really clicked with.
The next morning, René, another of Reinier's housemates, escorted me to a local
repair shop called Mr. Bike. I met the owners, Adri and Jan at a previous church group
meeting and they wanted to do a free overhaul before I headed out of the city. I left my
bike with them and went with René to a go-kart cycle race at the university. We eventually
headed back home where I made her a cup of coffee and talked until it was time for me to
go to Manie Kitching's house for dinner.
Carincametopickmeup(IaskedhimpreviouslyifIcouldinviteherandhesmiled
and said of course) and we drove to his home. I had a great time with him, his family,
friends and three cats. He gave me a great souvenir, a photo book on South Africa with
personal messages written on the inside cover.