Hey All –

Prepare the tissues folks, today was our last day at Bethany Home and boy did it get emotional…

We began our day the usual way for the final time – breakfast was rationed and the devotion was led by Emma and Meetal. The two of us were hastily rushing to finish our mural before we went on our walk to have the buses pointed out to us every lap and leaves pulled from trees, for the last time.

Last morning walk

Then came the time for our final aerobics sessions led by Jorja, Izzy and Meetal where Mr Roberts caved to the idea that dabbing was adequate exercise (You’re welcome, Bree).

For Bree

After our aerobics, we exchanged gifts and cards with the staff and students while Reverend Eliezer thanked us for our time there. Shout-out to Asher who gave a moving thank you speech that brought tears to our eyes; followed by an impromptu goodbye song from the students that really opened the flood gates. After receiving thank you cards from every classroom (many of which we had helped craft), we reluctantly boarded the bus and waved goodbye to Bethany one last time.

I’m not crying, you are

Posing with our masterpiece

On the way to KL we visited a small fishing town by the name of Sungai Besar, that houses many of the families of the children who attend Bethany Home. We visited the homes of two ex-Bethany students; the first who left Bethany five years ago but is looking to return next year to regain his confidence in his language, and the second of which whom now has a job working with his father breeding crickets (more successfully than Miss Prosser’s uni project, might I add). The town is committed to fundraising for Bethany and were very proud to show us their homes. We were hosted a fabulous lunch of pizza, KFC, locally caught fish and traditional desserts.

Sungai Besar

Back on the bus to KL, we arrived back at our hotel (experienced a bit of deja vu) and this is when the weight of the day truly sunk in. It’s been a privilege to have been surrounded by the amazing people of Bethany Home and even though we wish we could have stayed longer, the memories and friendships we’ve made together will stay with us forever.

We ended the day with Nando’s and the Chinese night markets (where we tested our bargaining skills and Jorja was tempted by a very authentic looking “Conrad Kleinia” fanny pack – Calvin Klein’s cousin?).

We now are enjoying our comfy beds, awesome showers and lack of bug spray. Looking forward to our sightseeing tour tomorrow.

Thank you for tuning into the second last instalment of Keeping Up With the Bethany Gals. See you tomorrow for the finale.

Lots of love,

Jorja and Caitlin

xoxo